The Local Agenda 21 Project, made by the cities of Klaipeda, Espoo, Kristianstad and Køge, is co-financed by the Phare/Tacis CBC Small Project Facility.

In October 1997 the Municipality of Køge invited some twin-cities for a seminar about Local Agenda 21. At the end of this seminar the participants agreed upon giving their assistance to the Local Agenda 21 work of Klaipeda.

The overall aim of the project is preparation of the Local Agenda 21 Plan for Klaipeda which then could be used as a tool and guidelines for the future environmental protection work in Klaipeda. In this way Klaipeda will become a part of the regional and global process of the sustainable development.

Klaipeda is the second Lithuanian city to have initiated its own Agenda Plan. The first project seminar showed that Klaipeda's population is not indifferent to environmental problems. With around 130 participants ranging from teachers, students, doctors, to industry representatives and NGOs, the conference contributed to introducing Klaipeda into the regional and global sustainable development and stability process. Preparation of Klaipeda Local Agenda 21 Plan with wide citizen involvement will encourage rationality in using natural resources. During the conference eight Agenda 21 groups were established which will start work on fields of energy, water protection, landscape and biodiversity, industrial enterprises, etc.

The forthcoming activities range from consultations by two Lithuanian experts, a study-tour to Viladecans in Spain (March 1999) to study the Local Agenda 21 experiences, Agenda 21 Plan preparation, meetings with foreign consultants, etc. It is expected that the final version of the Local Agenda 21 Plan will be in September-October 1999.