India played a significant role at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development organized at Rio de Janeiro in 1992.  As a nation with a tradition of frugal consumption patterns, an effective legislative and regulatory framework of environmental laws in place, and an active contemporary environmental movement, India has much to share with the international community.

            Ten years after Rio, the world is preparing to review and renew its commitment to sustainable development.  The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), scheduled for 26 August – 4 September, 2002 at Johannesburg needs to set a clear path to achieve the goals set out at Rio.  The practical difficulties of carrying out the plans and programmes set out in Agenda 21 are apparent.  The need for urgency in taking action is no less apparent.

            India recognizes in the WSSD, an opportunity to not only take stock of what we have done so far, but also to set the course for the future direction of sustainable development.  It is an opportunity not only for those closely associated with environmental issues to discuss these concerns and initiatives, but also to reach out and bring the concept of sustainable development to the consciousness of society at large.

            It was with this objective, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India, planned several initiatives such as review of policies in the background of Agenda 21, multi-stakeholder consultations; a sustained media campaign; websites to give information on India’s preparations towards the Summit, an informed debate on policy issues of relevance; and a nationwide children’s competition on themes related to sustainable development.

            This document is the outcome of the multi-stakeholder consultations organized by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), with support from the MoEF.  Seven Regional Consultations and several smaller, theme specific meetings were organized.  These consultations discussed general sustainable development concerns, and two or three specific themes of relevance to that region.  The discussions at these Consultations were distilled into a draft document, which was placed for discussion at a National Consultation held at New Delhi in May 2002.  The National consultation brought together over 150 representatives from several central Ministries, state governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.  The draft document has been widely shared-both through mailing copies to key individuals and agencies, and through a web forum.  The present document finalized based on inputs received from various cross sections of society does not necessarily reflect official views.  However, this is an attempt to bring out plurality of our society.

            The first chapter represents the thinking and perspective on sustainable development issues, and provides ‘guiding principles’ to define the path that India needs to follow in its quest for sustainable development.  The subsequent chapters look at sectoral issues and attempt to capture the views expressed at the Consultations and other processes.

            Over a thousand people representing a wide range of stakeholder groups – central and state government officials, representatives of NGOs, CBOs, industry, women’s groups, farmers, youth, academics, etc. have contributed to this document through this consultative process.  Keeping in view the spirit of the process, participants recognized and analyzed the successes and failures of the last ten years.  They made suggestions and recommendations for the future course of action.  The discussions and exchange of ideas were frank and open, generally without cynicism or suspicion. 

            This document is, therefore, significant not only a product, but also because of the highly participatory process through which it has evolved.  The process has also helped us in re-focusing our commitment to sustainable development initiatives. The learning and perspectives from India in the form of this document are expected to promote sustainable development at local, national and international levels.