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QED, Dartford's Local Agenda 21 Initiative, was launched in June 1996 with an inaugural meeting held at Leigh City Technology College. The launch document (reproduced below) described some of the initial objectives of QED: these continue to develop as more people have their say about a sustainable future for Dartford: Launch Document: Quality Environment for Dartford (June 1996) "We do not inherit the Earth from our parents; we borrow it from our children." The People of Dartford are joining together to further the aims of the Earth Summit Agreement of 1992. Local Agenda 21: This is the name that was given to the global initiative agreed in Rio de Janeiro by the Leaders of over 150 nations. Its aim is to encourage everybody to take responsibility for their own environment and to help to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and better world which will be sustainable throughout the 21st. Century and beyond. We have given our initiative the name "QED" meaning "Quality Environment for Dartford". We need you to help us to prove that all the things that matter to us in our everyday lives can be improved if we want it enough and if we all work together. The most important aspect of QED is that it is Local. The whole emphasis is on individuals doing their part, however small it may appear to be, towards achieving the goal that only collective effort can make possible. Can you afford not to take part? The QED Group has already been working very hard to make sure that Dartford is in the forefront of the battle to secure an environmentally friendly future for our children.. But the action really begins on June 8th. when we shall be holding our Launch Meeting at Leigh City Technical College. If this ambitious project is to make any progress it needs people to form community groups to begin the "hands-on" effort. The word community means not just communities of people but communities of interests. We are hoping that new groups will form in streets, neighbourhoods, communities, schools,and places of Business across the whole Borough. Many of you will produce your own ideas and projects,but the kind of areas that scream out for attention are: Pollution in all its forms, waste disposal and recycling, the natural environment, wildlife and plants, helping to meet local needs locally, food water shelter and fuel, peoples' health, access to facilities services goods and other people, security,e ducation and information, participation in decision making, culture leisure and recreation, valuing and protecting local features, and satisfying work.These are just a tiny fraction of the many facets that will go toward making a Quality Environment for Dartford. Agenda 21 says: National Governments and Local Authorities should:
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