The Local Agenda 21 Planning Guide - Democrats Against UN ...

The Local Agenda 21 Planning Guide
priorities amongst a host of options. In the context of sustainable development planning, force field analysis can be used to facilitate
the selection of the specific action strategies that are most likely to succeed in achieving desired goals. For detailed procedures, refer
to chapter 4.
Geographic Information Systems
Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer-based data systems for the storage, easy retrieval, manipulation,
transformation, comparison, and graphic display of data. They are particularly designed for the spatial display of data. They usually
are established using pre-existing data from historical records and monitoring programs. In order to provide an ample picture of a
particular geographic condition, further intensive data gathering is often required. Due to the time required to collect, validate, and
relate different data sets to each other, and then input this data into a computer, GIS systems are costly to create and to maintain.
However, once established, they can provide an extremely user-friendly source of data that can be used and manipulated by experts
and non-experts alike. In some municipalities, GIS systems have been used by community “watch-dogs” to monitor community
environmental situations.
Mapping
Community-based mapping is a base-line information gathering and analytical tool that involves community residents in the
pictorial construction of information about their community. Community maps are constructed from local knowledge and
observation, and provide an alternative source of information to technically gathered data. During a mapping exercise, participants
are asked to draw, individually or collectively, their community or any aspect of it which they see as important. Map construction
and analysis are guided by a facilitator who has residents draw and label places, activities, or issues, and who promotes analysis by
asking questions about the relationships between activities and issues. Techniques of map construction must be tailored to local
perceptions and mediums (i.e. the use of drawing in the sand rather than using felt pen on paper). Photographs can also be used to
construct maps.
Maps are an excellent starting point for discussion about community-based problems and solutions amongst stakeholders. Maps have
been used to understand how people perceive and relate to their environment. Mapping processes have sometimes resulted in the
discovery of new information by outsiders working in communities.
Mapping processes have been used in British parishes to encourage local people to work together to identify what they value about
their community and its surroundings. This has heightened awareness of place and the desire to conserve. People rediscover the
richness of their environment and are reminded of what they value.
Within the sustainable development planning process, maps are an important tool for community issue identification, analysis, and
problem solving. These same maps can be used later by the community to monitor change related to project intervention.
Networked Assessment
Networked assessment is a technical approach in which assessment methods are executed by those parties or people who have
distinct interests and day-to-day knowledge of the different components of the issues and systems being studied. The involvement of
key stakeholders maximizes the identification and discussion of system dynamics.
Oral History
Oral history is a participatory technique for information sharing during the analysis of local issues. Oral histories can provide
information on when, why, and how problems came about. Historical accounts can be compared with the state of the community
today to generate an analysis related to underlying trends and structural problems. They can be used in educational materials to
inform residents about the history of changes and development in their communities.
Periodic Monitoring Reports
Monitoring programs is a regular element in many municipal operations, ranging from monitoring of public health, building code
compliance, transportation use, water and air quality, noise levels, soil contaminants, crime rates, etc. Systems for monitoring are
generally established to collect specific data on a periodic basis, based upon redefined standards to ensure compatibility over time.
The selection of data is often related to established regulations or professional standards. Data is used in this way to correct practices
so that they comply with regulations.
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