Local Agenda 21 in Germany: An inter- and intranational comparison

More than ten years after the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, which marked the institutionalization of Agenda 21 and the beginning of Local Agenda 21 processes all over the world, it is time to summarize and evaluate the situation with respect to Local Agenda 21 in Germany. Even in Germany, which can be considered as a latecomer regarding the implementation of Local Agenda 21, the diffusion of this policy innovation seems to have reached its end. This paper starts from an international, comparative perspective and Germany’s position as a latecomer regarding Local Agenda 21 initiation; however, it focuses primarily on the intranational, comparative standpoint. We analyze the diffusion of Local Agenda 21 in four German states (Länder) (Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Thuringia). The comparisons between Germany and other countries at international level and between the Länder at national level demonstrate that the diffusion of Local Agenda 21 depends above all on three factors: (1) local authorities’ capacities for action; (2) financial and political support from national and regional governmental organizations; and (3) (trans)national and regional agenda transfer institutions which facilitate the exchange of knowledge and know-how between local authorities, and thus accelerate the diffusion of Local Agenda 21 processes. Local authorities, which have greater capacities for action, which are better supported by the particular German state (Land) where they are located, and which show a higher degree of integration into transfer networks are more active and innovative in the area of Local Agenda 21.