Sustainable Tourism Law

626 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LAW programme of policy and action in relation to the environment and sustainable development, ‘Towards sustainability’” 15 . One of its most significant findings recognizes that, generally speaking, new environmental regulations tend not to keep up with the growing demand for transports, consumer goods or tourism. The economic globalization and the international dimension of the environmental problems are some of the obvious conclusions, which explain the leadership role of Europe when searching for common ground for action on an international level. The strategic environmental assessment is a way of guaranteeing that political representatives, interested parties and the population will receive information in a relevant and timely manner, and will be consulted in the decision-making process, which will improve the quality of the decisions at all levels. The coastal areas 16 which are subjected to higher pressure by some activities, namely tourism 17 , represent a significant part of the natural and cultural European heritage. I.2.3. Aalborg Charter (1994) As mentioned before, the Agenda 21 approved in the Rio Conference unfolds into a long list of “local Agenda 21”. It recognizes that the best way of achieving the goals for sustainable development is through local authorities, coupled with the fact that only the proximity and involvement of the populations makes it possible to identify, plan, execute and monitor the socioeconomic and environmental development. According to Chapter 28 of the Agenda 21, the promotion and achievement of the “local Agenda 21”, in order to intervene in the regional and local plans for sustainable development, is based on an inclusive and multisectoral process supported by an action plan involving the local priorities. The European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns was organized by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and sponsored by the European Union. It took place in the city of Aalborg in Denmark from 24 th to 27 th May 1994. The Charter of European Cities and Towns: Towards Sustainability , known as Charter of Aalborg , was approved in Aalborg by around 80 representatives of the 15 COM (1999) 543 final. 16 Different types of pressures, namely urbanization, resulting in the fact that 85% of the coast is at risk. 17 The marine environment is also affected by the urban, industrial, transports and tourism development.