Sustainable Tourism Law

630 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LAW The document aims to prepare local governments for the Local Agenda 21, featuring 12 points: 1. The Aalborg Charter as one of the best starting points for the Local Agenda 21 process. 2. The local authority as the leading facilitator of that agenda, providing a dynamic role on the process. 3. The involvement of the entire local authority does not depend on the dimension of the territory, whether it is a city, town or rural community. Beyond a representation at the highest level, it is essential to train the representatives and officers on sustainability concepts, besides social, economic and environmental sustainability. A cross-sectoral approach is vital to establish strategies that involve the community. 4. Cooperate and mobilize the various sectors of activity with the goal of reaching an agreement. Dialogue, as well as an open and transparent policy, are essential. 5. Implementing the principle of negotiating outwards, in other words, not to transfer the problems and imbalances of the local community to a broader dimension, for example, to regional areas or in a way liable to affect future generations. If that is not possible, negotiations must be made with the region, country or continent about the necessity of sharing opportunities and dividing responsibilities. Social, economic and ecological audits should also be performed. 6. Planning to move from analysis to action. 7. Integration of environmental aspects in the social and economic development. The sustainable impact assessment will be a part of the negotiation procedures to authorize the creation of new businesses and plants. 8. Use of advanced skills for the management of sustainability, such as the EMAS and the Environmental Budgeting. 9. Establish programmes “to raise awareness among citizens, interest groups, as well as politicians and local government officers regarding sustainability issues”. 10. Form associations with surrounding municipalities involving the government or administrative levels. 11. Build North-South and West-East alliances for sustainable development. 12. Continue following the European Sustainable Cities &Towns Campaign.