Implementation of Local Agenda 21 in Portugal: Challenges for Local Sustainability

Abstract

This article aims to analyze how the implementation of Local Agenda 21 (LA21) in Portugal is contributing to local governance based on a sustainable development model. Starting from a theoretical perspective on governance for sustainable development—focused on the analysis of its main values and challenges and on understanding the potential of LA21 for its pursuit—this article develops a critical reflection on the topic using the most relevant results obtained through the implementation of a questionnaire addressed to Portuguese municipalities. The article seeks to present some of the main potentials, limitations, and challenges of the Portuguese local reality, particularly with regard to the implementation of Local Agenda 21, and more broadly with regard to local governance aimed at models more consistent with the concept of sustainable development.