Chapter 1 - Preamble

Section 1 - Social & Economic Dimensions

Section 2 - Conservation and Management of Resources

Section 3 - Strengthening the Role of Major Groups
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32

Section 4 - Means of Implementation

Complete text of Agenda 21: Chapter 31
Chapter 31: Scientists and Technologists

It is important that everyone, from policy makers to the general public, understand the roles that science and technology have to play in achieving environmental protection and human development.

Better communication is needed, so that policy makers can get access to the best available knowledge to help them develop strategies for sustainable development. Greater dialogue would help scientists and technologists set research priorities and propose solutions for pressing problems. There is also a need for better communication between scientists and the public, so that policies will respond to public concerns.

Scientists and technologists have special responsibilities to search for knowledge, and to help protect the biosphere. This group, which includes engineers, architects, industrial designers, urban planners and other professionals, should develop codes of practice and guidelines that reconcile human needs and environmental protection. These codes should help them to value the integrity of the planet’s life support systems. To be effective and credible, the principles, codes and guidelines must be recognized by society as a whole.

Governments should:

• Decide how national scientific and technological programmes could help development to become more sustainable.
• Provide for full and open sharing of information among scientists and decision makers. There is a need for national reports that are understandable and relevant to local sustainable development needs.

Other actions could include:

• Forming national advisory groups to help scientists and society develop common values on environmental and developmental ethics.
• Putting environment and development ethics into education and research priorities.

For more information, see also Chapter 35: Science for Sustainable Development

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