The starting point for mutual collaboration amongst the municipalities of the region was a meeting in 1997. 19 local municipalities committed themselves to co-operation at that stage. Since then, almost every single municipality in the province has joined the initiative.

As a follow-up of the Rio Conference, Varsinais-Suomi Province (South-West Finland) has put together a regional initiative for Local Agenda 21.

The success of the first gathering gave a promising start for mutual partnership and development of regional Local Agenda 21 activities. In a nutshell, it would seem fair to say that the key behind our progress has been the good co-ordination nurtured by active group work and the relentless involvement of our local communities. We have further strengthened our activities through adequate training and awareness programmes organised by our local managerial groups.

Part of the overall vision has been further elaborated upon by creating, every autumn, several youth based educational programmes and related activities which simultaneously promote sustainable development and eco-cultural awareness among youth. These activities have been actively promoted by our environmental teaching group.

So far, our environmental awareness group has supported regional activities through participatory programmes and competitions. The group has found it very necessary to reach out to everyone in the local communities by publishing local journals and disseminating vital information through the local radio stations. Additional incentive to promote our awareness programme is planned by the local community libraries in which our information, leaflets, pamphlet and other environmental journals, covering issues on local environmental matters, environmental permits, construction and land use plans will be displayed.

Development on traffic-related issues has so far been progressive. The "traffic and municipality structure" group has presented various ideas and strategies of combating vehicular pollution problems. Prominent amongst its programme has been the "bicycle to work" campaign organised every spring. In addition, there is an on-going discussion with the local road and traffic department about strategies for cutting pollution.