A collection is presented of NGO contributions from around the world in order to highlight dimensions of Agenda 21 implementation at the local level that might not otherwise be captured by the international dialogue. Contributors describe NGO projects and other activities focused on UN Conference of Environment and Development (UNCED) follow up, and how UNCED's new approach to sustainable development affected thinking, programmes and strategies.

An introductory paper examines NGOs and the UN system since the Rio Summit, the NGO steering Committee for the Commission on Sustainable Development. The remaining papers are split into two sections: issues, and country experiences.

Nine papers in issues examine: the implementation of Agenda 21 and indigenous peoples; sustainable development of non timber forest products; ICLEI acts in response to UNCED; less is more: synthetic chemical hazards and the rights to know; greening the consumer; the eco-volunteer concept: an alternative approach to sustainable development; the unsaid in UNCED; sustainable development and world citizenship; campaigning for local natural resource management in Africa.

Ten papers focusing on country experiences are drawn from: the Caribbean, Ghana, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Scotland (UK), Slovenia, South Pacific, and Zambia.