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A S H A R E D F U T U R E

- balanced development

t h e d a n i s h g o v e r n m e n t

a u g u s t 2 0 0 2

denmark’s national strategy for sustainable development

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The Danish Government, August 2002Denmark's National Strategy for Sustainable Development:A shared future — balanced development

ISBN 87-7972-259-8

Graphic design: Finn Hagen MadsenPrinted by: Richard Larsen GrafiskNumber Printed: 3000

The publication is available at the bookstore:MiljøbutikkenInformation and bookLæderstræde 1-3DK-1201 Copenhagen KTel. +45 33 95 40 00Fax + 45 33 92 76 90E-mail: [email protected]

The publication can be downloaded from the webserver of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency:http://www.mst.dk

Any inquiries concerning this publication may be directed to:Danish Environmental Protection AgencyDevelopment and Data DivisionStrandgade 29DK-1401 Copenhagen KTel. + 45 32 66 01 00Fax. 32 66 04 79E-mail: [email protected]

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Foreword

”A shared future – balanced development” is Den-mark’s national strategy for sustainable development.

Denmark must be among the best countries in theworld in which to work, reside and live. More welfareand expansion of the welfare society must provide allpeople with good opportunities for development.Denmark must be among the best at protecting theenvironment. Future generations should have at leastas favourable opportunities for living in clean andhealthy surroundings as we have at present.

Denmark is a society that meets economic, environ-mental and social challenges.We must ensure soundeconomic growth, socially balanced development andprotection of nature and the environment and hu-man health.

The Danish strategy for sustainable development isfounded on eight objectives and principles:

1. The welfare society must be developed and eco-nomic growth decoupled from environmental im-pacts

2. There must be a safe and healthy environment foreveryone, and we must maintain a high level ofprotection

3. We must secure a high degree of bio-diversity andprotect ecosystems

4. Resources must be used more efficiently 5. We must take action at an international level 6. Environmental concerns must be taken into acco-

unt in all sectors 7. The market must support sustainable develop-

ment 8. Sustainable development is a shared responsibil-

ity, and we must measure progress

Sustainable development presents national and global challenges.The strategy will form part of Den-mark's contribution to the World Summit on Sustain-

able Development to be held in South Africa in Au-gust-September 2002. The summit will take placeduring the Danish EU Presidency, presenting us witha unique opportunity to place sustainable develop-ment at the top of the international agenda. Denmarkwill work for the creation of a new global deal on sus-tainable development.This deal should combine thegoals of better access to markets and increased de-velopment assistance globally to developing countrieswith the requirements of good governance and animproved environment. Elements of such a dealcould be that industrialised countries undertake todecouple economic growth from environmental im-pact and support developing countries in realisinggrowth and reducing poverty.

Sustainable development is a long-term process.Therefore the strategy has a 20-year time frame inwhich objectives and visions are presented for eacharea of activity.

Challenges, objectives and initiatives for the comingyears are presented in this strategy. Our decisionsmust be based on the best possible knowledge base,so that objectives are reached in the most cost-effec-tive way. Furthermore, we must use indicators tohelp us to follow continuously progress made inachieving sustainable development in Denmark.

The visions and objectives of the strategy will be fol-lowed up by concrete initiatives within the sectorsand areas concerned.

We all have a shared responsibility to ensure sustain-able development. It is important that everyone – theDanish Government, enterprises, local and regionalauthorities, voluntary organisations and the public –participate in the implementation of the strategy.

Together we must create a shared future – balanceddevelopment.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark

Contents

introduction

1 Visions and objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Results and challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3 Contents of the strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

cross-cutting activities

4 Climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5 Biodiversity - Nature protection and public access to nature . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6 Environment and health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

6.1. Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

6.2. Environmental quality and other environmental factors . . . . . . . . . . . 24

6.3. Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6.4. Health and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

6.5. Physical indoor conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

7 Resources and resource efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

8 Denmark’s international activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

sectors

9 Food production, food safety, agriculture and fisheries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

9.1. Food safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9.2. Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

9.3. Fisheries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

10 Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

11 Industry, trade and services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

12 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

13 Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

14 Urban and housing development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

measures and implementation

15 Measures and knowledge base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

16 Public participation and Local Agenda 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

17 Implementation, monitoring of progress and follow-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

annex: List of indicators for Denmark’s

National Strategy for Sustainable Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

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Visions and objectives 1

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This is Denmark’s National Strategy for Sustain-able Development.The Strategy starts with a de-scription of how Denmark contributes to promot-ing global and national sustainable developmentthat focuses on the interests of future generationsand on nature protection.

The World Commission on Environment and De-velopment (better known as the Brundtland Com-mission) defined sustainable development as: “De-velopment that meets the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of future generations to meettheir own needs.”

It further reads: “In essence, sustainable developmentis a process of change in which the exploitation of re-sources, the direction of investments, the orientation oftechnological development and institutional changeare all in harmony and enhance both current and fu-ture potential to meet human needs and aspirations.”

The definition set out in the Brundtland Report(Our Common Future) sums up a number ofthoughts and visions relevant to us all.The defini-tion still underpins Denmark’s view of sustainabledevelopment.

Sustainable development incorporates three inter-dependent and mutually reinforcing dimensions:

• The economic dimension (economic resources,development and growth).

• The environmental dimension (natural resour-ces, protecting and exploiting nature sustain-ably, and preventing and combating pollution).

• The social dimension (social resources, solidari-ty, and combating poverty).

Sustainable development is an ongoing processthat involves improving the integration of environ-mental, economic and social considerations.

Denmark is to be a society where economicprogress can go hand in hand with an improved

environment. Necessary incentives and opportuni-ties must exist that enable individuals to contributewith their own initiatives.The population shouldenjoy a good framework for employment, livingconditions, social conditions, and quality of life.Sustainable development implies that we must faceup to economic, environmental and social chal-lenges simultaneously. Future generations shouldhave at least as favourable opportunities for a goodlife as we have at present.We must ensure soundeconomic development which is socially balanced.This development must provide for greater indi-vidual freedom of action, display respect for thelimits of nature and the environment, and have nonegative impact on people’s health.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved inone country alone. Global sustainable develop-ment envisions a world of economic progress, in-creased welfare, and better environmental protec-tion.This development is for the benefit of all, in-cluding the less powerful and less developed partsof the world.Therefore, sustainable developmentalso presupposes openness, democracy and re-spect for human rights. As an affluent country,Denmark has a special responsibility to assume aleadership role in developing a global, sustainablecommunity. Hence, Denmark will continue to beactively involved in international cooperation onthe environment and development.

Sustainable development requires global coopera-tion and international solutions. At the same time,Denmark must not relax its efforts on the homefront. In Denmark’s National Strategy for Sustain-able Development, the Government presents whatDenmark will do to ensure a society in balance.The strategy represents Denmark’s response to thechallenge presented at the 1992 Rio Conferenceand contributes to meeting international obliga-tions towards the promotion of sustainable devel-opment. Sustainable development is an overall ob-jective for European cooperation in the EU, cf. Ar-ticle 2 in the Treaty on European Union, stipulat-

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i n t r o d u c t i o n

ing that, the objective of the Union is to promoteeconomic and social progress and a high level of em-ployment and to achieve balanced and sustainable de-velopment.

The Danish vision of sustainable development isbased on eight objectives and principles:

1 The welfare society must be developed andeconomic growth must be decoupled fromenvironmental impacts.

2 There must be a safe and healthy environ-ment for everyone, and we must maintain ahigh level of protection.

3 We must secure a high degree of biodiversityand protect ecosystems.

4 Resources must be used more efficiently.

5 We must take action at an international level.

6 Environmental considerations must be takeninto account in all sectors.

7 The market must support sustainable devel-opment.

8 Sustainable development is a shared respon-sibility, and we must measure progress.

These eight objectives and principles reflect theareas where there is a special need for Denmark towork at achieving sustainable development.

1. The welfare society must be developed and economic growth must be decoupled from environmental impacts.

Welfare must be protected, strengthened and ex-tended. On the other hand, the welfare society isunder pressure. Over the next 30 years, we will seea rapid increase in the number of elderly, whileeconomically active persons will account for asteadily diminishing proportion of the population.If we maintain the government budget surplus, wecan repay a large amount of our national debt inthe years ahead.The money we are currently pay-

ing as interest can be redirected towards meetingthe rising costs of pensions, home-help schemes,old-age care, hospitals, etc. In May 2002 the Dan-ish Government submitted a broad strategy forgrowth, “Determined Growth”. “DeterminedGrowth” aims to create more jobs and greater pro-ductivity. Reforms and structural improvementswill be initiated by the Government in order tocreate a good framework for growth. Growthshould, though, also be environmentally sustain-able.

The development of the welfare society demandsthat greater focus is placed on individual opportu-nity and free initiative. By strengthening the impe-tus for new initiatives and the desire for success,Denmark can achieve the necessary economicfoundation for a welfare society. Having a job mustbe regarded as worthwhile, so that everyone capa-ble of working finds employment.This will be tothe benefit of all. It will also provide more re-sources for supporting disadvantaged groups whoare unable to support themselves. Change and de-velopment must go hand in hand with a feeling ofsecurity and social stability.

All Danes must be guaranteed a dignified and safeold age irrespective of whether they have had anopportunity to save.The state retirement pensionwill continue to play a pivotal role in the pensionssystem of tomorrow, which will be financed by theinterest expenses saved and by labour market re-forms which increase the workforce. In addition,Danish labour market pensions will expand as theratio of the elderly to the population grows.Labour market pensions and private pensions willthus supplement the state retirement pension.

We must create a more inclusive labour marketwhere more people join the workforce and wherethere is room for those who do not fully meet thehigh demands for efficiency. Conditions for mem-bers of the workforce aged 50 or over need to beimproved to reduce the number of people claimingearly-retirement pensions, disability pensions, etc.Flexible working arrangements for the disabled(flex jobs) should also be facilitated.

We must become better at using the workforce re-source represented by immigrants, at ensuring that

fewer claimants require cash benefits, and at pre-venting sickness absenteeism.

In order to ensure that as many people of workingage as possible are given the opportunity of beingan active member of the workforce, central and lo-cal government must provide daycare for childrenand care for the elderly.

Long-term sustainable development is only possi-ble in a society that solves fundamental socialproblems in relation to disadvantaged groups.TheDanish Government’s reform programme “TheCommon Responsibility” aims to strengthen ini-tiatives for helping disadvantaged groups in soci-ety.The programme consists of both an expansionof public initiatives and increased inclusion of thevoluntary sector in work in the social field.The ob-jective is to improve the quality of life for disad-vantaged groups. At the same time, preventativemeasures in situations which can typically end insocial exclusion must be strengthened. By doingso, we counteract the tendency for social problemsto become chronic and a burden on society in thefuture.This will contribute to strengthening socialsustainable development.

The welfare society must continue to develop. Infuture, the common responsibility for addressing arange of welfare tasks must be combined with in-dividual freedom to choose between different solu-tions. People should have the opportunity ofchoosing between various private and public solu-tions within a number of service areas.

An active policy must be pursued to promote sus-tainable development, and active environment pol-icy must be pursued to ensure that future genera-tions can live in a clean environment.There is in-ternational agreement on the fact that decouplingis the overall challenge in relation to ensuring sus-tainable development.This is stated in the EU’sSixth Environment Action Programme, which setsthe framework for initiatives in the next decade inthe EU.The European Council in Gothenburg un-derlined the importance of decoupling economicgrowth from use of resources. As a result of thework of the OECD on sustainable development,which was discussed at the OECD MinisterialCouncil Meeting in May 2001, decoupling was

highlighted once more as one of the main chal-lenges in relation to sustainable development.

Initiatives need to be taken in environmental poli-cy in order to meet these ambitious environmentalgoals, even though much has already beenachieved. In a number of crucial areas, it has beenpossible to decouple the connection between eco-nomic growth and increased pollution.This ap-plies to the energy area, for example. However,other areas of significance to our health, environ-ment and nature still present sweeping challenges.It is crucial that we ensure “the most cost-effectiveapproach for society when achieving environmen-tal objectives”, and that the effort is made wherethe greatest environmental benefit can be achieved- that the most efficient means are applied.

Some impacts on our health, environment, natureor resource utilisation are so critical as to demandnew solutions. For example, the impact on the cli-mate system is crucial because changes in the bal-ance of the system are expected to have seriousimplications for life on Earth.

Sustainable development implies a balance be-tween generations. Future generations should beoffered at least as favourable opportunities for agood life as we have at present.Therefore, we mustsafeguard our economic, social and environmentalresources.We must avoid critical impacts on theenvironment, nature and health, and we must pro-tect and preserve special and unique natural val-ues, which cannot be restored if they disappear.

These challenges must be met through a range ofmeasures, according to which is the most efficient.Sustainable development may be promotedthrough an increased use of market-oriented mea-sures, for example taxes, subsidies and tradeablequotas, as well as through information and dia-logue with citizens and enterprises. Research intocausal relationships and into new environmentaland societal problems influences society’s ability totake the proper, preventive decisions at an earlypoint, and thereby to achieve sustainable develop-ment.

Indicators can tell us whether society is headingfor sustainable development.These may include

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indicators measuring impacts on critical natureand environment factors and indicators showingwhether economic growth is being decoupled frompressures on the environment and nature.The“Genuine Savings” concept is an economic indi-cator for developments in the total wealth of soci-ety.This concept is used to determine the value ofeconomic, social and environmental resources.The “Genuine Savings” concept is being devel-oped and must be supplemented by analyses ofcritical impacts on health, the environment andnature. Combined with the other indicators, “Gen-uine Savings” can provide a picture of whether ornot developments can be described as sustainable.The first analysis from 1998 seems to indicate that“Genuine Savings” are positive in Denmark.

2. There must be a safe and healthy environment for everyone, and we must maintain a high level of protection.

The environmental quality in Denmark must notbe harmful to humans, animals and plant life.Steps must be taken to ensure that soil, air and wa-ter are sufficiently clean and free from harmfulcompounds and micro-organisms so as not to im-pact the health of humans, plants and animals.TheDanish Government’s objective is that Denmarkmust be one of the most efficient OECD countriesat reducing pollution.

Climate changes are among the greatest globalchallenges of this century.Therefore, we shouldstabilise the concentration of greenhouse gases at alevel that prevents harmful, man-made effects onthe climate system.To live up to the Kyoto Proto-col, Denmark has undertaken to reduce total emis-sions of greenhouse gases by 21 per cent from the1990 level in the years 2008 to 2012.

The manufacture, use and disposal of productsand goods must not be harmful to the environ-ment and human health.The Government will for-mulate a comprehensive strategy, focusing on themeasures that can be taken in relation to the healthimpact of environmental factors. Consumption ofhazardous chemicals must be reduced to a mini-mum. Industry must assume responsibility for ex-

amining the hazards of chemicals and ensure thatthey can be used without jeopardising health andthe environment.We are taking active steps againsthazardous chemicals, and in 2020 it will not be al-lowed to market or use any products containingchemicals that entail particularly undesirable ef-fects on health or the environment

Maintenance of a high level of protection for hu-mans and the environment is important.The Eu-ropean environment policy is based upon the pre-cautionary principle, the principle on preventativemeasures, the principle that interventions with re-gard to environmental damage should take placeprimarily at the source, and the polluter pays prin-ciple.

The precautionary principle will be instrumentalin securing this protection and is a principle re-cognised by treaty in the EU as well as Danish pol-icy.We must take action at the smallest hint of anyunacceptable risk or hazard.

3. We must secure a high degree of biodiversity and protect ecosystems

Nature and the ecosystems are vital to all life onEarth.The development potential of both presentand future generations depends on viable and var-ied natural resources.This is why we must en-hance the quality of nature and increase the forestarea.

International projections show that global econom-ic development over the next 20 years will endan-ger the world’s biodiversity.This means that a ran-æge of ecosystem functions such as the water cycleand decomposition of waste products are alsothreatened.That is why we must reduce physicalimpacts on nature and in particular the dischargeto nature of nutrients and environmentally harm-ful compounds. In the interests of our descen-dants, industries that are detrimental to naturemust adjust their use of natural resources and con-tribute to the development of technological solu-tions so that environmental impacts can be cur-tailed.

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Certain values inherent in cultural and naturallandscapes, special landscape types and the diver-sity of species and genetic pools are irreplaceable.We must prioritise and target the initiatives to pro-tect biodiversity by enhancing the quality of exist-ing natural areas, increasing the size of natural ar-eas and developing better cohesion between natu-ral areas.We must ensure that the population haseasy access to outdoor recreation and enjoymentof nature in forests and in the open country. Final-ly, we must - also out of consideration for tourism- safeguard our historic environment, includinghistoric traces in the landscape and the historicheritage that lives on in rural districts and coastalregions.

4. Resources must be used more efficiently

Over the coming years, we can expect a growingglobal population and increasing economic wealth- also in developing countries.We must thereforeuse the available natural resources in a sustainableway. Danish enterprises must produce their prod-ucts efficiently so that still fewer resources areused per unit produced.This will contribute to en-suring the competitiveness of Danish enterprisesin the global market, where scarcity of resourcesmust be anticipated.

We must adjust our patterns of consumption andmethods of production so that the production andconsumption of goods and services are less detri-mental to the environment and offer improved re-source utilisation. During the years ahead, re-sources must be used more efficiently to limitwaste volumes and cut down the spread of pollu-tants. Resource efficiency can contribute to im-proving competitiveness, for example due to costsavings.

In Gothenburg, the European Council underlinedthat clear and stable objectives for sustainable de-velopment will create significant economic oppor-tunities.This bears the potential of starting a newwave of technological innovation and investment,thus creating growth and employment.The Euro-pean Council encouraged the commercial sectorto participate in the development and to use more

new, environmentally friendly technology, for ex-ample in the energy and transport sectors.

The UN Secretary General has pointed tochanges in production and consumption patternsas a significant challenge towards sustainable de-velopment. In connection with this, decouplingand targets for resource efficiency improvement inthe order of a factor 4 and a factor 10 have beenidentified. As part of the Danish Government’s ef-forts to achieve sustainable development and sus-tainable production and consumption patterns, along-term target has been set to limit resourceconsumption to about 25 per cent of the currentlevel.There is a need for further specification ofinitiatives concerning the use of resources in thefuture.This should be seen against the backdropof international discussions on the formulation oftargets for resource efficiency improvement in theorder of a factor of 4 over the next two or threedecades and a factor of 10 in the longer term.Thisprocess was initiated at the UN General AssemblySpecial Session (UNGASS), held five years afterthe Rio Conference. Factor 4 means that resourceefficiency is increased by a factor of four com-pared with the present level - i.e. a 100 per cent in-crease in utility value combined with a 50 per centreduction in resource consumption.The factor 10concept implies a 50 per cent cut in global materi-al flows and an equal distribution of resource con-sumption among the global population.Thismeans that the industrialised countries will have toachieve resource efficiency improvements in theorder of factor 10.

Technological breakthroughs and innovation arenecessary.We must continue to develop new tech-nology, new materials and new solutions to redi-rect society towards sustainable development.Thewider use of existing technologies and new tech-nological breakthroughs present an opportunity todevelop more sustainable methods of production.By changing the technological bases of productionwe can in the long-term significantly reduce thedependence of society on certain resources. Newsources of energy, for instance fuel cells, will be ca-pable of reducing CO2 emissions significantly.Theuse of new types of materials can lower resourceconsumption and open up more recycling possi-bilities. Information technology and biotechnology

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may also pave the way for new environmentallyfriendly production methods and products.There-fore, it is important to provide the right frameworkand a strong platform for the development anddissemination of new environmental technologiesand for the removal of any barriers to the marketaccess of such technologies.

5. We must take action at an international level

Denmark will work actively to promote global sus-tainable development.We have a share in the re-sponsibility for improving the world around us. Inthe areas where we possess special knowledge orthat are high on the political agenda, Denmarkmay need to take the lead.

Denmark will contribute to creating a world ofpeace and stability building on democracy and re-spect for human rights. Denmark must sustain itsefforts to combat poverty and achieve growth andsocial development in the poor countries of theworld. Economic and social development in thepoor regions of the world must contribute to glob-al sustainable use of resources and conservation ofnature and the environment. Denmark’s develop-ment assistance currently accounts for significant-ly more than the UN target of 0.7 per cent ofgross national income, and Denmark is one of thecountries in the world that contributes most in rel-ative terms. Denmark will give priority to multilat-eral and bilateral assistance to developing coun-tries and Central and Eastern European countriesin partnership with governments, civil societiesand business communities in these countries, sothat we achieve the most efficient measures.Thislong-standing contribution has been instrumentalin strengthening Denmark’s international credibili-ty and goodwill.

In connection with international activities, the useof the so-called flexible mechanisms, such as “jointimplementation”, allow for CO2 reductions to beachieved in the most efficient way in relation to themeasures employed.

Many of the environmental problems we are fac-ing are global or regional.Thus, they can only be

solved through international cooperation. Den-mark is working actively to improve European andinternational environmental protection throughEU cooperation. Denmark will continue contribut-ing to the ongoing follow-up and implementationof the EU’s Sixth Environment Action Pro-gramme. Denmark will help integrate environmen-tal considerations into EU sector policies, and at-taches importance to ensuring that the EU Headsof State and Government follow these endeavours.Denmark will hold the EU presidency in the sec-ond half of 2002.This will afford a special oppor-tunity to set high-priority objectives on the agen-da. Not only in an EU context, but also in thebroader contexts where the EU plays a role. Den-mark will work for an active follow-up to theOECD’s sustainable development strategy alongthe lines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meet-ing on sustainable development held under Danishchairmanship in May 2001.

The World Summit on Sustainable Developmentwill be held in South Africa in August-September,2002. Denmark, holding the presidency of the EU,will work for the creation of a new global deal onsustainable development and global partnership.Elements of such a deal could be that the industri-alised countries undertake to decouple economicgrowth from environmental impacts and supportdeveloping countries in realising growth and re-ducing poverty. Elements could be improved mar-ket access, debt relief, investments and technologytransfer. At the same time, developing countriesmust live up to their international commitmentsand integrate environmental considerations intotheir production and administration.

6. Environmental considerations must be taken intoaccount in all sectors

The integration of environmental considerationsinto policies and decision-making processes is aprerequisite for achieving sustainable developmentwhere economic growth is decoupled from in-creasing environmental impacts and growing re-source consumption.This makes all sectors andauthorities responsible for integrating considera-tions for the environment, health and sustainable

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development into all decision-making processeswithin their respective areas.This applies at centrallevel, as well as for enterprises and citizens at locallevel.

An important model is the work within the EU tointegrate environmental considerations into sec-toral development, the so-called “Cardiff Pro-cess”.The Cardiff Process is one of the most im-portant new tools in the EU’s sustainable develop-ment policy.This process means that all sectorsare responsible for developing strategies and indi-cators for the integration of environmental consid-erations within their policy areas, with a view toachieving sustainable development.The CardiffProcess was initiated by the European Council as afollow-up to Article 6 of the Treaty establishing theEuropean Community where it is laid down thatrequirements for the protection of the environ-ment must be integrated into the definition andimplementation of Community policy and activi-ties with a view to promoting sustainable develop-ment.The Council has so far asked nine bodies todevelop strategies for integration on the back-ground of environmental considerations.

In Denmark we have worked at integrating envi-ronmental considerations in various ways and atdifferent levels. Bills and other Government pro-posals presented to the Danish Parliament are re-quired to undergo a strategic environmental im-pact assessment to ensure that environmental con-sequences form part of the decision-making basis.Similarly, the environmental impacts of large-scale, central-government engineering works haveto be assessed. For many years, environmental ac-tion plans have been drawn up in a variety of poli-cy areas.

Today, only 10 to 20 per cent of Danish compa-nies regard environmental aspects as a competitiveparameter.There is a vision that the vast majorityof Danish companies will turn the way they under-take their social responsibility into a strategic ad-vantage in the market.This goal will mainly be ac-complished by ensuring that companies integrateenvironmental considerations into their decision-making processes.

However, there is still a need for strengthening thecomprehensive and cross-sectoral approach.Theintegration of environmental considerations intosectors, policies and decisions will remain a crucialelement in Denmark’s commitment to sustainabledevelopment.

7. The market must support sustainable development

Sustainable development and economic progressare not mutually incompatible. Businesses engagedin significant environmental initiatives generally dowell in competition. Forward-looking commitmentto the environment and sustainable developmentmay stimulate competitiveness and the transitionto the knowledge economy.The development anddissemination of sustainable technologies are im-portant instruments in preparing enterprises forthe demands of the markets of the future.

It should pay to show environmental concern. Oneof the ways of achieving this is to ensure that thosewho produce, supply, dispose of or consume prod-ucts and services pay the environmental costs.Prices that reflect the actual costs to society en-courage consumers and producers to make sus-tainable choices.The polluter-pays principle mustbe followed. Market-oriented means such as envi-ronmental taxes, subsidies and tradeable quotascan be used for this purpose.The Governmentwishes to explore how the use of market-orientedinstruments can help solve environmental prob-lems in the most cost-effective manner for society.The Government will therefore examine whetherchanges in environmental taxes, amongst otherthings, allow for the possibility of achieving a morecost-effective solution for society in terms of envi-ronmental improvements.

Denmark will work towards obtaining inter-national agreement on environmental taxes. As afirst step in this process, common minimum taxrates should be set for environmental taxes in theEU.The choice between different measures de-pends on the challenge to be addressed. It will of-ten be necessary to choose a combination of mea-sures that together generate the right changes in

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behaviour.The OECD report on policies that pro-mote sustainable development contains specificallya number of recommendations to OECD coun-tries with a view to encouraging the market to sup-port sustainable development.

Therefore, the Danish Government will prepare areport on green market economy, which is to anal-yse the practical possibilities of increased use ofmarket-oriented measures to promote a better en-vironment.

Achieving a market that supports sustainable de-velopment calls for consumers and, therefore, themarket to make more demands on environmentalinitiatives by enterprises. Reliable informationabout how products affect the environment is im-portant in order to increase supply and demandfor environmentally friendly products. Incentivesand framework conditions that make it attractivefor both manufacturers and consumers to supplyand demand sustainable products are to be creat-ed.This will help ensure that market forces suc-ceed in achieving environmental objectives in anefficient manner.The Government also has theobjective that Danish enterprises and investors areable to document easily their environmental activi-ties and that consumers have clear access to infor-mation on how products are produced.

The public sector itself is an important consumerand therefore has the potential to influence themarket.

8. Sustainable development is a shared responsibili-ty, and we must measure progress.

Sustainable development is only achievable if allparties make a contribution and assume responsi-bility for integrating and promoting considerationsfor the environment and sustainable developmentin their decisions. Consumers and producers, em-ployees, society’s institutions, children and youngpeople are all key players in the achievement ofsustainable development.They must be involvedand share in the responsibility. Information, educa-tion and teaching can disseminate knowledgeabout sustainable development and therebychange attitudes and behaviour. Public participa-

tion in decisions on and the implementation of thesustainable development strategy is essential.Therefore it is important that there is broad publicsupport and confidence in the policy for sustain-able development pursued.The Aarhus Conven-tion, specifying principles about the environmentalrights of citizens, has now been introduced inDenmark.

Research and development must ensure that we al-ways have a good knowledge base. At the EU sum-mit in Barcelona in the spring of 2002 it was de-cided that the total expenditure on research anddevelopment in the EU should be increased to alevel of about three per cent of the gross nationalproduct (GDP) by 2010.This includes researchinto fundamental causal relationships and intohow activities in society have a bearing on peopleand nature.This will enable us to make the rightdecisions, prioritise activities and choose the rightmeasures. Environmental economics, environmen-tal behaviour, forecasts and scenarios for the antic-ipated development are core areas. Environmentpolicy must be knowledge-based.

The Government has established an Environmen-tal Assessment Institute.Through research at ahigh international level, the Institute must ensurethat environment targets are reached in the mostcost-effective way.The Institute must achieve ageneral view of the current and long-term environ-ment situation, both in Denmark and globally. Inrelation to this, the institute must call upon andutilise all the knowledge and competencies thathave been built up by other national and interna-tional research institutions. Furthermore, thisknowledge and insight must be disseminated to thepublic and to political decision makers.

The Government will continuously monitor andreport on the progress made in implementingDenmark’s national sustainable development strat-egy. In association with the strategy there is a set ofindicators that describe the objectives and activi-ties of the strategy.The indicators will be updatedeach year and made accessible to the public via awebsite on the Internet about sustainable develop-ment.The indicators will be updated every yearmaking it possible to keep abreast of progress inmeeting the objectives.

8


9

The Agenda 21 document from the Rio Confer-ence invites governments to formulate nationalstrategies for sustainable development.This na-tional strategy has been drawn up in response tothat invitation and will be an integral part of Den-mark’s contribution to the UN World Summit onSustainable Development in Johannesburg.

This Denmark’s Strategy for Sustainable Develop-ment should be seen in the context of the interna-tional strategies for sustainable development inwhich Denmark participates.The EU is discussingits Sixth Environment Action Programme, whichsets the framework for EU environment policy andfor the integration of environmental considerationsinto all policy areas.The Sixth Environment Ac-tion Programme points to five main areas of activi-ty for the next decade: climate; nature and biodi-versity; environment, health and quality of life;sustainable exploitation and management of natu-ral resources and waste; and international activi-ties. At the European Council in Gothenburg inJune 2001, the European Council adopted a long-term strategy for sustainable development, settingup specific objectives for health and the environ-ment.The strategy advocates that environmentalsustainable development be discussed at the EUspring summits under the Lisbon process on a parwith socially and economically sustainable devel-opment.

Under the auspices of the OECD, Denmark hasworked actively for sustainable development andthe integration of environmental considerations. InMay 2001, Denmark chaired the OECD Ministe-rial Council Meeting on sustainable development,where ministers for the environment, economyand finance all participated. At the meeting, theOECD countries adopted a strategy for sustain-able development, which sets up a framework forintegrating economic, social and environmentalobjectives and for decoupling economic develop-ment from environmental pressure. On Denmark’sinitiative, the outcome of the meeting was that theOECD will develop sustainable development indi-cators to measure progress.These indicators willbe incorporated into the OECD’s evaluation of in-dividual member countries. Denmark will strive toensure that member countries follow up theOECD’s work on sustainable development.

During the Danish presidency, the Nordic Coun-cil of Ministers completed a cross-sectoral strategyfor sustainable development, targeted at integrat-ing environmental considerations into sectors.Thiscame into effect on 1 January 2001, and in thecoming years objectives and initiatives will be con-tinuously followed up.The countries and the indi-vidual sectors within the Nordic Council of Minis-ters are responsible for the integration of environ-mental considerations within their areas. At the

Results and challenges2


Polfoto: Prteben Kirkholt

Nordic Council session in autumn 2002 theNordic Council of Ministers will give a status re-port on the implementation of the strategy in eachNordic country.

Results In the last two decades Denmark has successfullyachieved a clear stabilisation in economic develop-ment. Denmark has managed to achieve higherlevels of employment and income, mainly throughreforms of the labour market, the tax system andeducational programmes.There are surpluses onthe government budgets and the balance of pay-ments, whilst inflation is low and stable.The bigproblems Denmark had with the balance of pay-ments in the early 1980s have all been solved.Thishas been achieved without the widening of socialinequality. Although much still remains to be done,we have a strong basis for preserving and improv-ing a welfare society of a high standard and with ahigher degree of individual freedom, which is tothe benefit of all.

Denmark has followed up on the recommenda-tions from the 1992 Rio Conference. Denmarkmust continue its international initiatives for sus-tainable development.Total assistance for sustain-able development, including the development as-sistance framework and Danish environmental as-sistance, accounts for well above the UN target of0.7 per cent of gross national income. Denmarkhas been, and will remain, an active co-player inglobal negotiations on ensuring development andtrade, global conventions and EU rules in the envi-ronmental area that have a high level of protection.Denmark is the first country in the western worldto ratify and implement the Aarhus Convention onAccess to Information, Public Participation in De-cision-Making and Access to Justice in Environ-mental Matters.

For many years, Denmark has emphasised the im-portance of integrating environmental considera-tions into other policy areas and of combating andpreventing pollution and its impact on nature.Var-ious targeted action plans have strengthened theconcrete initiatives to decouple economic growthfrom adverse effects on nature and the environ-ment.

While the economy has showed a strong upswing,Denmark also managed to reduce emissions ofvarious pollutants - especially SO2, NOX, but alsoCO2 - and total energy consumption has stabil-ised.The objective of limiting the discharge of nu-trients to the aquatic environment from municipalwastewater treatment plants and industry has beenmet, and significant progress has also been record-ed in the agricultural sector. More than 200 of themost harmful pesticide products have been re-moved from the market. Over the past ten years,more than 8,000 ha of lakes, streams, meadowsand moors have been restored, and about 18,000ha have been planted with trees.

Challenges Growing international trade and the increasedpressure on the Earth’s natural resources have in-creased the interdependence among countries.Globalisation of economies means that manyproblems, including environmental ones, can onlybe solved through international cooperation. Pro-jections on the state of the global environment in-dicate that growth in the world economy, globalpopulation growth and significantly higher con-sumption levels will intensify the pressure on natu-ral resources. According to international forecasts,the world population is expected to grow to some7.5 billion over the next twenty years, and percapita consumption is expected to increase by onethird over the same period.

The new global market involves fiercer competi-tion. Moreover, the enlarged European marketopens up new business opportunities. Environ-mental aspects are becoming a competitive param-eter, and Danish companies already enjoy a verystrong position. New technology, information andcommunication technology, and the Internet willincreasingly change the day-to-day lives of compa-nies and people.This facilitates the exchange ofknowledge, but also entails steadily higher expecta-tions for openness and transparency in companiesand the public sector and for transparency in thedecision-making process.

The global knowledge economy is riding a new in-dustrial wave where scientific and industrial break-throughs in fields such as biotechnology, micro-electronics, energy technology, telecommunica-

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tions and new materials will change the world.Several of these technologies can potentially con-tribute to decoupling economic development fromenvironmental impacts and resource consumption.At the same time, technological advances may in-volve risks and uncertainty, for example in con-junction with the release of genetically modifiedorganisms into the environment.

Denmark must take active steps to meet the chal-lenges and ensure that growth in the economy andin living standards does not step up pollution andcause more damage to the natural environment.Within the past two decades, Denmark has man-aged to implement targeted initiatives that limitand reduce the environmental impact per unit pro-duced. Denmark is responsible for ensuring thatits reduction in environmental impacts does notresult from transferring polluting production toother countries. Nevertheless, at the same time wemust ensure that environmental improvements areachieved where they are most efficient.

One of the greatest challenges at global level is tomeet the threat from climate change. Climatechange will alter the basis of the natural environ-ment and, in particular, threaten the already poorcountries and small archipelagic states.Theworld’s biodiversity is under pressure from varioushuman activities. Poverty, hunger and scarcity ofbasic natural resources such as drinking water arethe causes of conflicts, which give rise to severerefugee problems in some regions.

In Denmark one environmental challenge in theyears ahead will be the large number of chemicalsfrom products, emissions, discharges and waste,which disperse to the environment through manyroutes and can affect health, the environment andnature. Other challenges will be to decouple eco-nomic growth from the impact on the environ-ment and human health in the areas where this hasnot yet been accomplished.The growing demandfor transport contributes to global climate changeand to local air pollution in cities despite vehicles’increased energy efficiency. Improved resourceutilisation and reduced waste volumes are otherchallenges for the coming years. Danish nature isexploited intensively, both in rural areas and at sea.In spite of the measures taken, species and land-

scape types are still decreasing in number.Thechallenge lies in developing and introducing moreenvironmentally friendly production methods thatprevent any deterioration in biodiversity.

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12

Denmark’s National Strategy for Sustainable De-velopment describes the objectives and activitiesrequired to enable Denmark to contribute to sus-tainable development. Sustainable development af-fects all activities in society, and in the Strategy ithas been necessary to focus on the most importantkey sectors and policy areas.The Strategy focuseson the work to integrate environmental considera-tions into seven selected sectors.The sectors areagriculture and fisheries (under the heading of“food production”), forestry, industry, trade andservices, transport, energy, and urban and housingdevelopment.

The strategy also deals with important social chal-lenges such as the threat from man-made climatechanges, the correlation between the environmentand health, more efficient resource consumptionand the protection of biodiversity.The internation-al initiatives, measures and knowledge base andpublic participation are important to all sectorsand areas and are therefore necessary elements.

The strategy covers a period of twenty years. Foreach area of activity, Denmark presents its long-term objectives and benchmarks towards 2020.Development perspectives and challenges as wellas objectives and activities in the years to come aredescribed.

The strategy is a combined framework for Den-mark’s national initiatives for sustainable develop-ment.The visions and objectives of the strategywill be followed up by action plans, programmesand concrete initiatives within the sectors and ar-eas concerned. In its present form, the strategydoes not specify expenditure for the individual ar-eas since this serves no purpose in a perspective oftwenty years. A decision about expenditure in anarea requires the preparation of a concrete deci-sion-making basis to assess the relationship be-tween the benefits and costs of a given initiative.Measures to ensure sustainable development in theform of specific initiatives, action plans, etc. will beincluded in the ongoing macroeconomic prioritisa-tion.

Indicators for sustainable development enable usto monitor how far we have come in meeting theobjectives.The Government will develop indica-tors that can follow Denmark’s progress in fulfill-ing essential objectives and activities in the strate-gy.The strategy will be adjusted as required.

Contents of the strategy3


Biofoto: Steen A

gger

14

C R O S S - C U T T I N G A C T I V I T I E S

Polfoto: Jens Dresling

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Climate change 4In the long term, the atmospheric content of greenhouse gases must be stabilised at a level suffi-

ciently low to prevent anthropogenic hazardous impacts on the climate. Unavoidable climate

change must take place at a pace that allows ecosystems to adapt and ensures that food produ-

ction is not threatened. At the same time, economic development must be maintained on a

sustainable basis.

In an international context, Denmark has a high emission of CO2 per capita, which gives us a

special responsibility. Via the agreement to reduce emissions of six greenhouse gases by 21 per

cent between 1990 and 2008-12, Denmark will make a serious contribution to the Kyoto Protocol

and thus to the prevention of global climate change. Because of the scale of the problem, there is

a great need to further reduce emissions after 2012. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Clima-

te Change has indicated that a stabilisation of climate-gas concentrations at levels which avoid

anthropogenic climate changes may require emissions to be reduced by 50–70 percent.

On the background of the IPCC’s recommendations, the objective in the EU is that the concentra-

tion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere be stabilised at a level equal to just under double the

concentrations before industrialisation. This implies a long-term target whereby, before the turn

of the next century, discharges by industrial countries are to be reduced by 10-15 per cent of di-

scharges today. Denmark, along with the other countries participating in the Climate Convention,

is expected to undertake further, significant emission reduction commitments in the budget peri-

ods after 2012. An indicative aim of a halving of CO2 emissions in Denmark within one generati-

on could be the result of continued stricter reduction targets in coming budgetary periods.

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The latest analysis from the UN Panel on ClimateChange highlights climate problems as a majorglobal environment problem, and as maybe one ofthe greatest global challenges this century.TheCO2 concentration in the atmosphere today isabout 30 per cent higher than it was before indus-trialisation.Within the next few decades, levels areexpected to double compared to pre-industrial lev-els. Mean global temperature has risen by 0,6°C inthe same period, accompanied by changes in snowand ice cover, heavy precipitation and other cli-mate events.

In its latest report, the Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change concluded that we may expectfurther increases in global temperatures of be-tween 1,4°C and 5,8°C during the next century.Climate change, a rise in sea levels of between 9and 88 centimetres, changes in the level of precipi-tation and, probably, more extreme weather condi-tions, droughts and floods will be the conse-quences.The greatest negative impacts of climatechange are expected in developing countries, notleast in the light of threatening floods and reducedscope for food production. In Denmark, climatechange may result in warmer winters, increasedprecipitation and more storms in the long term.This may impact biodiversity and sectors such asagriculture, forestry and fisheries. Low-level areasmay be flooded as a result of the rise in sea levels.

Since 1990, Denmark’s national objective to re-duce CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2005 com-pared to 1988 has formed the basis of Danish pol-icy.The Energy 21 action plan from 1996strengthened Denmark’s position as a frontrunnerin the energy field. In other sectors, such as trans-portation, agriculture, forestry and waste, thestrategies and action plans adopted also play a keyrole in limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, the partici-pants agreed that total greenhouse gas emissionsfrom the developed countries must be cut by atleast 5 per cent in 2008-12 compared to 1990. Atthe same time, there were some issues left pendingon the details of the Kyoto Protocol which were fi-nalised in Bonn in July 2001 and in Marrakech in2001.The Kyoto Protocol is the first importantstep towards implementation of the 1992 UNFramework Convention on Climate Change.The

Kyoto Protocol is expected to enter into force in2002.

Based on the conclusions of the UN Panel on Cli-mate Change, the EU ministers for the environ-ment recommend stabilisation of greenhouse gasconcentrations in the atmosphere at a level slightlyunder twice that of pre-industrialisation concen-trations and that the global temperature increaseshould not exceed 2°C compared with pre-indus-trialisation levels. If this recommendation is to bemet, by the end of this century the developedcountries will probably have to reduce their emis-sions of greenhouse gases to a level correspondingto 10-15 per cent of today’s emissions.This callsfor considerable cuts in greenhouse gas emissions- between 2 and 2.5 per cent per year.

This presupposes a drastic reduction in resourceconsumption. Considerable technological progressis needed, as is a change in consumption and pro-duction patterns in the developed countries. At thesame time, significant restraints in the long termmust clearly be implemented in the developingcountries, which can expect continued populationgrowth and major economic development.

Despite such reductions, it is a fact that climatechange cannot be averted completely; it can onlybe lessened.The effects of climate change mayalso be mitigated through provident adjustment.To achieve sustainable development, research andknowledge are needed, not only on reduction po-tentials, but also on future climate change and itseffects, as well as the options for adjustment.Thisis paramount in being able to meet national andinternational challenges, especially in the longterm.

Objectives and activities in the future In 2005, the aim is to cut Danish CO2 emissionsfrom energy consumption by 20 per cent com-pared to the 1988 level. Pursuant to EU agree-ments on distribution of EU emission reductionsunder the Kyoto Protocol, Denmark must reducetotal greenhouse gas emissions by 21 per cent in2008-12 compared to 1990. In March 2002, Den-mark agreed to reduce emissions by 21 per centcompared to the unadjusted base year 1990, whenDanish emissions of CO2 were extraordinarily lowdue to large imports of electricity from Norway

c r o s s - c u t t i n g a c t i v i t i e s

and Sweden. In addition, the target is to halve thegreenhouse gas emissions of the industrialised coun-tries by 2030. If, in the long term, greenhouse gasconcentrations in the atmosphere are to be reducedfurther, international goals must be set for muchbigger reductions after the expiry of the first budgetperiod of the Kyoto Protocol in 2008-12.

The Government regularly monitors progress andwhether we are ensuring “the most cost-effectiveapproach for society when achieving environmentalobjectives”. In order to live up to the objectives ofthe Kyoto Protocol all sectors of society must con-tribute to the reduction of emissions, for example, asdescribed in the EU’s Sixth Environment ActionProgramme. For example, this applies to energyproduction, transport, agriculture, forestry, industryand households.

In terms of energy production, a possible extension ofthe CO2 quota scheme within the field of electricitygeneration will probably result in increased use ofrenewable energy and natural gas.

The transport sector must contribute to achievingDenmark’s commitment of reducing CO2 emissionsby 21 per cent in 2008-12 compared to 1990.TheDanish Government will consider possible measuresfor reducing CO2 emissions as a background for thesetting of targets for the transport sector’s CO2

emissions up to the first budget period of 2008-12and in the long-term.

Agriculture will also contribute considerably to thereduction of climate gases such as methane and ni-trous oxide (laughing gas).The action plan for am-monia provides an initiative which contributes to areduction in agriculture’s climate-gas emissions. Butinitiatives such as expanded biogas plants can alsocontribute to limiting emissions.

With respect to forestry, the increase in woodland ar-eas will lead to absorption of CO2 during the gener-ation of new forests, increasing the scope forbiomass use.This is one reason why the Govern-ment aims at increasing woodland areas within onetree generation (80 to 100 years).

It is necessary to reduce emissions of strong indus-trial greenhouse gases such as HFCs, PFCs and SF6.

The Danish Energy Savings Act of 2000 provides forenhanced planning, coordination and prioritisationof overall energy-savings initiatives.

Further initiatives will be required of all sectors ofsociety in the coming years in order to achieve ob-jectives for the reduction of emissions by 21 percent in 2008-12 compared to 1990.

At international level, Denmark is working actively tomake the Convention on Climate Change and theKyoto Protocol efficient instruments in the fightagainst climate change.The Danish Governmentwill use the flexible mechanisms in the Kyoto Proto-col by initiating projects that contribute to the re-duction of CO2 emissions abroad, so that CO2 re-ductions in other countries financed with Danishmoney are included in Denmark’s CO2 budget andmeeting international CO2 obligations.This initia-tive may also contribute to transferring environmen-tally friendly technologies and to enabling the part-ner countries to better evaluate the sustainability ofvarious projects.

Denmark also supports the Global Environment Fa-cility (GEF), which since 1991 has donated morethan USD 1.2 billion to developing countries andcountries in Central and Eastern Europe for climateissues. Denmark also supports the UNEP’s Collabo-ration Centre on Energy and the Environment at theRisø National Laboratory in Denmark.

Denmark reports to the Convention on ClimateChange regarding emissions and uptake of green-house gases, the prevention of climate change, ex-pected results of climate change, compliance mea-sures, research and monitoring initiatives and Den-mark’s activities with regard to technology transferand capacity building in developing countries.

It is an undeniable fact that climate change cannotbe averted completely, only lessened. Based on themost recent report of the Intergovernmental Panelon Climate Change, the Government will conductan analysis of possible climate effects in Denmark anddraw up potential scenarios to establish a foundationfor the necessary emergency measures.We musttherefore also carry out research on the conse-quences of climate change. Increased focus onknowledge will aid important political decisions.

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18


Biodiversity

- Nature protection and

public access to nature

5Denmark is a beautiful country with many lovely natural areas and a good environment, and this must

remain so. Sustainable development means that we must safeguard nature’s scope for development.

Therefore, it is important to have prioritised and targeted preservation of species, habitat types, ecosy-

stems and genetic diversity. Relative to other countries, Denmark has a small natural area compared to

total land area. Amongst other factors, this is because the natural characteristics of the Danish landsca-

pe are well-suited to agriculture, and because society has encouraged this development. At the same

time, we must increase areas with nature and forest and limit discharges of nutrients and compounds

dangerous for the environment. Finally, biodiversity considerations must be integrated into the activities

of the sectors involved.

Public awareness must be increased for people to understand that certain natural assets associated with

natural and cultural landscapes, habitats and the diversity of species and gene pools are unique and irre-

placeable. Denmark must utilise nature in a way that allows future generations access to natural resour-

ces to at least the same extent as today.

Outdoor recreation and nature experiences are important to people’s well being and quality of life. It is

important that there is general public support for a sustainable nature and environment policy. Therefore

the public must have good access to nature, forests and the open countryside. Since the 1992 Rio Confe-

rence, Denmark has increased its efforts to prevent the decline in nature and to strengthen biodiversity.

The biodiversity strategy of 1995 forms the basis of this intensified activity. The objective of the EU’s Sixth

Environment Action Programme is to stop the loss of biodiversity by the year 2010 at the latest.

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Under the Danish Nature Protection Act, vulnera-ble habitats corresponding to 9 per cent of Den-mark’s area are protected and 4.5 per cent of thisarea is preserved. During the last 10 years, morethan 14,000 hectares of new natural areas, forestsand outdoor recreational areas have been createdin the agroenvironment sector. 194 internationalnature reserves have been established as part ofthe implementation of the EEC directive on theconservation of natural habitats and of wild faunaand flora (the Habitats Directive). Furthermore,proposals have been submitted for a further 56habitat areas and 35 expansions of existing areas.Since 1994, nature and wildlife reserves have beendoubled and they now cover 330,000 hectares.The combination of such efforts has halted the de-crease in the size of Denmark’s natural areas.

The state of the environment has most recentlybeen elucidated by the so-called Wilhjelm Com-mittee, which has laid down a knowledge-and-re-search-based foundation for future efforts towardsbiodiversity. Despite the great efforts of, amongstothers, the agricultural sectorto reduce impacts on the envi-ronment and nature, the quali-ty of nature in agricultural ar-eas, in the sea and in naturepreservation areas is still con-tinuously deteriorating.The1997 Red List of extinct, en-dangered, vulnerable and rareplants and animals states thatin Denmark, about 30 per centof species are “acutely endan-gered and vulnerable”. 1,500species are experiencing such adecline that their continued ex-istence in Denmark is underthreat. Denmark has also regis-tered a negative development

in the case of several ordinary species and naturalhabitats given priority in the EEC Habitats Direc-tive. Nevertheless, improvements have occurredfor some species which Denmark has an interna-tional obligation to protect, for example waterfowl.

Habitats and biodiversity are exposed to harmfulimpacts from, for example, nutrients and other en-vironmentally harmful compounds or physical im-pacts. A major challenge is to ensure that these im-pacts are considerably reduced.To achieve thisaim, all sectors affecting nature - agriculture,forestry, fisheries, households, transport and ener-gy - must be responsible for integrating natureconsiderations into their sectoral activities. Strate-gies and production methods, including new tech-nology, taking increased account of nature must bedeveloped, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.

Still, nature has too little space and many areas ofnature and forest are too small.To avoid the loss ofmore species and habitats, we must therefore re-store semi-cultural areas and support many

Ecosystem restoration has led to the return ofrare gallinaceous birds

In 1998, an ecosystem restoration project in the Varde river val-ley and the water-meadows of the bay of Ho in Jutland com-menced on the private initiative of the farming community inthe hope that the rare land-rail would return.Today, the call ofthe land-rail can once again be heard in the Varde river valley.

The project has established a green network of water-meadowsin the river valley. Extensive grazing increases the dynamics andvariation of the area while safeguarding a high degree of biodi-versity.Today, large parts of the river valley form a mosaic ofopen, wet, non-fertilised meadows and areas with increased veg-etation.The Danish Forest and Nature Agency together with theEU (LIFE-nature) has contributed almost DKK 9.5 million tothis ecosystem restoration. Great efforts have also been made lo-cally, and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries hascontributed with the implementation of land allocation and bythe entering into agreements with farmers on land consolidationand environmentally sound agricultural measures in order toachieve this objective.


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species and nature types, including those in con-nected nature areas through nature administrationand increased protection in green networks. Agrowing challenge is the existence of geneticallymodified organisms and the introduction of non-native species on land, in lakes, watercourses andat sea. Furthermore, man-made climate changewill have a growing impact on the development offlora and fauna in the years to come.

Authentic nature and culture experiences are animportant part of welfare in modern society.Tomaintain a large degree of awareness of historicenvironments, local culture and identity must be-come more visible.Villages, burial grounds andchurches from the Middle Ages are examples ofimportant elements of identity in local and nation-al history. Historic environments may be the foun-dation of uniting local communities and touristneeds, and may also contribute to maintaining anddeveloping viable local communities.The balancebetween conservation and utilisation must bemaintained.

Objectives and activities in the futureEfforts must be made to protect and restore habi-tats for indigenous animals and plants in order tohave large viable populations on land and in fresh-water and marine environments.The efforts willinclude areas where nature is allowed to developfreely with no significant degree of human influ-ence.

In 2003 the Danish Government will present acollated action plan for the preservation of bio-diversity, so that Denmark can live up to the re-quirements and expectations of the UN climateconvention on biodiversity and within the EU onthe nature area.The conclusion from the Euro-pean Council summit in Gothenburg in June 2001states specifically that the deterioration of biodi-versity must be halted by 2010.

The action plan will lay the framework for futureinitiatives to secure and target activities to safe-guard biodiversity and protection of nature. Oneway of achieving this objective is to ensure that ac-tivities in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and othersectors are carried out on a sustainable basis in ac-cordance with this Strategy’s eight objectives and

principles, and thus that full integration with re-gard to biodiversity is included in the relevant sec-tors.The action plan will work with different op-portunities to make the current initiatives moretargeted.This will include ensuring that existing ar-eas with a high quality of nature are protectedagainst deterioration, and by developing a cohesivenetwork of protected natural areas. At the sametime the plan will continue to protect species andgenetic diversity, and support preventive initiativesagainst imports of foreign species into nature. Fur-thermore, the plan will ensure that objectives fornature are achieved as economically as possible.Voluntary agreements with landowners, targetedsubsidy schemes and local initiatives are importanttools.

Research and monitoring nature will be developedwith knowledge about how we preserve and utilisenature sustainably. Overall nature and environmentmonitoring will provide information regarding theextent to which we achieve the objectives agreed.Collection of knowledge by nature organisationsand voluntary help is an important contribution tonature monitoring and nature administration.Thisshould be promoted.The knowledge base regard-ing economic analysis will be enhanced. Furthertargeting of initiatives for nature can be broughtabout through nature-quality planning.

An important element in future initiatives for na-ture will be to enhance local participation and in-volvement. Municipalities will be more involvedand dialogue between the public and the authori-ties will be a vital prerequisite for future initiatives.The Ministry of the Environment will contributeto welfare and health policy as part of the adminis-tration of national forest and nature areas.

The Danish Government will promote sustainabledevelopment in the Wadden Sea region in coopera-tion with the regional and local authorities, as wellas the local people.This will take place throughwork in the Wadden Sea Forum which will exam-ine the possibilities for promoting sustainable utili-sation of the trilateral Wadden Sea area withoutcompromising protection of nature in the area.Teaching and other transfers of knowledge aboutbiodiversity and nature will be promoted as thebasis for increased popular commitment to nature

protection and to restore confidence between thepublic and the central environmental authorities.

Outdoor recreation provides better health, qualityof life, experiences of nature and a greater aware-ness of natural and cultural environments.Thepublic should have good opportunities for enjoy-ing nature.The aim is to create good opportunitiesfor enjoying the countryside and the forests.Therules for access to nature have been discussed inthe so-called Access Committee which indicated anumber of changes in the rules.The Danish Gov-ernment considers that the existing rules for publicaccess to nature are generally satisfactory, and itwelcomes voluntary implementation of the pro-posals from the Access Committee. Coherent net-works of paths and the establishment of newforests near old country towns and major citieshave special value. Rangers and nature schools,etc., are to contribute to increasing children’sknowledge about nature. Information on thewww.naturnet.dk website is to include easily acces-sible information about options for outdoor recre-ation.

Denmark played an important role in the prepara-tion of the Convention on Biodiversity, and Den-mark will continue its active role in internationalcooperation on biodiversity through contributingto binding decision-making in the implementationof the Convention. Denmark considers it extreme-ly important that work within the very wide-reach-ing Convention becomes more targeted and strate-gic, and that better synergy is created betweenwork within the various international agreementsconcerned with administration of natural resour-ces. Denmark also considers it important that theCartagena Protocol on biosafety that regulatestransfers of gene-modified organisms betweencountries enters into force as soon as possible.

At EU level, Denmark will contribute actively tofulfilment of the objectives from the Gothenburgmeeting in 2001 on curbing reductions in biodi-versity before 2010.This is to take place throughimplementation of the Habitat Directive, the SixthEnvironment Action Programme, and the foursector action plans for biodiversity regarding agri-culture, fisheries, development cooperation andconservation of natural resources.There will also

be work on a Danish contribution to creating anoverall EU strategy for protection of the marineenvironment.

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Today, the mean life expectancy of Danes isamong the lowest in the European Union, andduring the last 30 years it has only risen by twoyears.The primary reason for our low life ex-pectancy is our lifestyle. In order to reverse thistrend and improve public health, a number ofhealth policy objectives for prevention and healthpromotion were presented in 1999, and these areto be taken further in the forthcoming health pro-gramme for 2002-2010.The quality of the envi-ronment also affects health. Chemicals, micro-or-ganisms and physical environmental factors maybe harmful to the health of people and animals,and to the environment.The quality of the envi-ronment is important in a sustainable society.

Objectives and activities in the future Denmark must reduce harmful impacts on humanhealth and on the environment to the greatest pos-sible extent, no matter what the source.The Gov-ernment plans to formulate a strategy for the con-nection between environmental factors and health,which is to clarify and prioritise measures againstharmful impacts on health from, for example, en-vironmental factors, chemicals in products andgoods, food, working environment, physical indoorconditions and traffic.

6.1. ChemicalsChemicals used in society must not have any undesir-able impact, such as carcinogenic effects, reproduction

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Environment and health

Chemicals, environmental pollution, food, physical

working environment and physical indoor conditions6Denmark should be a country where pollution from products, food, working environ-

ment, traffic and physical indoor conditions affecting the population’s quality of life

and health is constantly falling. Harm to animals and plants from pollution should

also be limited. The protection level must take account of especially sensitive groups

of people - such as children, pregnant women, people who suffer from allergies or

from chronic illness - and of particularly vulnerable ecosystems.

Polfoto: André B

rutman

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toxicity, mutagenicity or effects on vulnerable ecosy-stems. By 2020, no products or goods on the marketmay contain chemicals or have highly problematic effe-cts on health and the environment.

While chemicals provide many advantages in amodern society, they also entail a number of disad-vantages.We do not know enough about the ef-fects on health and the environment of mostchemicals today.While needing to expand ourknowledge, we must also meet the objective of car-rying out fewer animal tests. Computer modelsand other alternative test methods accommodateboth aims.

International, active and future-oriented initiativesin the chemicals field are imperative, becausechemicals disperse across borders - primarilythrough trade in goods but also via the environ-ment. Denmark must be active in the EuropeanUnion and contribute to ensuring that binding in-ternational agreements and conventions addressmajor global environmental problems.

One objective of the Nordic strategy on sustain-able development is that dispersions of chemicalsthat pose a threat to the environment and healthare to cease within a generation.

The precautionary principle is an important politi-cal instrument, and the Government will endeav-our to ensure that this principle contributes to asufficient and high protection level for approval ofpesticides and for the use of other chemicals. Pes-ticides are approved on the basis of a risk assess-ment. Pesticides must be prohibited if their use hasunacceptable effects on the environment or humanhealth.

Another important instrument to protect peopleand the environment against the harmful effects ofchemicals is the substitution principle. Substitu-tion means that harmful compounds, products orprocesses are substituted by other less harmfulcompounds, products or processes with the samefunction. Compounds and products with the leastimpact on the environment and health must beused as substitutes.The substitution principle ishighlighted in the EU’s Sixth Environment ActionProgramme as a vital element in initiatives to pro-

tect people and the environment against harmfulimpacts from chemicals.

We must focus particularly on the protection ofspecially sensitive and vulnerable groups of peo-ple, especially children and pregnant women. Spe-cial attention is being paid to endocrine disrupters.

Objectives and activities in the futureManufacturers, importers and authorities alikemust make sure that chemicals, pesticides and bio-cides can be used in a way that is safe for humanhealth and the environment.

Denmark must take active measures with respectto chemicals by phasing out hazardous chemicalsby 2020 that, on the basis of new knowledge,prove to have harmful effects on human healthand the environment.This is also a target in theEU’s Sixth Environment Action Programme.

In the next few years we must focus on the mosthazardous chemicals. In the EU, Denmark willwork for the implementation of the EU chemicalsstrategy. Highest priority for Denmark in the strat-egy is registration of all chemicals as soon as possi-ble, and increased knowledge about the effects ofall chemicals, at least in a set of basic data. Screen-ing using alternative assessment methods such ascomputer models could be applied. In the EU,Denmark will work for a ban on marketing com-pounds where no industrial data are availablewithin fixed deadlines.

The use of chemicals must be limited, and when-ever relevant any chemicals with harmful effectson human and animal health and on nature mustbe prohibited.We must avoid unnecessary testsand experiments on animals, including repetitionof experiments that have already been carried out.At the same time, we must ensure that the testscarried out entail as little suffering as possible tothe animals.

Chemicals manufacturers must be responsible forexamining all chemicals before they are marketedand for providing easily comprehensible informa-tion on how to handle products without risk to theuser or the environment.


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It is important to retain a high level of protectionin assessments of the effects of pesticides and bio-cides on health and the environment. Biocide con-sumption must be reduced as much as possible orsubstituted by less harmful compounds.The Gov-ernment will endeavour to use the substitutionprinciple in pesticide assessments.With a view toreducing consumption, pesticide taxes have beenintroduced, and a number of initiatives have beentaken as a follow-up to the Action Plan on Pesti-cides II to reduce the over-consumption of pesti-cides in Danish agricultural production. In thelong term, the use of pesticides must be reduced tothe greatest possible extent. Pesticides must beprohibited if their use has unacceptable effects onthe environment or human health.

Nationally and internationally, the Governmentwill endeavour to ensure that children, pregnantwomen and other vulnerable groups of people arenot exposed to hazardous amounts of endocrinedisrupters. Dioxin is suspected of being an en-docrine disrupter. Dioxin emissions from knownsources must be minimised, and knowledge con-cerning previously unknown sources must be in-creased.

6.2. Environmental quality and other environmental factors

The environment must be of high quality in Denmarkto avoid the impact of pollution on human health, ani-mals or plants. Contaminated soil must not threatendrinking water or human health. By 2020, there mustbe no emissions to air, soil, or water which are harmfulto human health or the environment. By 2020, patho-genic micro-organisms must be reduced to a level thatdoes not pose a threat to human health. The Govern-ment s objective is for Denmark to be one of the mosteffective OECD countries in reducing pollution.

The quality of the Danish environment has im-proved over the last two decades. However, a num-ber of areas remain where the environment is sopolluted that it may affect human health or havenegative consequences for nature and animals.

One cause of air pollution is suspended particlesfrom diesel vehicles. Recent surveys indicate that

suspended particles have an impact on health.Thescope of this impact is uncertain.The existing par-ticle level is considered to aggravate conditions,particularly for people with respiratory diseases,and to increase mortality rates.The particle level isconsidered to have a negative impact on the popu-lation’s mean life expectancy, but it is uncertain byhow much. Much can be achieved through cleanertechnology, diesel and petrol quality requirements,filters on diesel-driven vehicles and trains, and re-quirements concerning cleaning the smoke fromincineration plants. At the same time there is aneed for more knowledge about the health impactof the various particle sizes and the population’sexposure to suspended particles.

Ground-level ozone may cause respiratory prob-lems and damage trees and crops.The yield lossdue to ozone is estimated at approximately 10 percent.The greater part of ozone in the air aboveDenmark is transported here from the south.Ground-level ozone must be limited by reducingNOx and VOC emissions in the countries south ofDenmark.

Many people are exposed to noise nuisance.Traf-fic is the most important source of noise with roadtraffic being the largest contributor. According torecent estimates, more than 500,000 dwellings areexposed to noise of more than 55 dB from roadtraffic, the recommended limit value for new hous-ing areas. For approximately 145,000 of these, ex-posure exceeds 65 dB.The vast majority ofdwellings exposed to road traffic noise are in bigtowns, and more than half are in the greaterCopenhagen area.Thanks to the ongoing initia-tives of the Danish National Railway Agency, forexample setting up sound barriers, the number ofdwellings exposed to more than 65 dB from traintraffic has fallen to about 7,000. Due to the phas-ing out of the noisiest aircraft, the number ofdwellings exposed to more than 65 dB from airtraffic has dropped to about 1,500. In addition, anestimated 75,000 to 100,000 dwellings are ex-posed to noise exceeding the recommended limitvalues from companies and noisy leisure activities,such as shooting ranges and racetracks.

The ozone layer, high up in the atmosphere, mustbe preserved. It protects the Earth from hazardous

ultra-violet radiation from the sun, which in exces-sive doses increases the risk of skin cancer in hu-mans and impedes plant growth.The greenhouseeffect accelerates ozone depletion. In comingyears, the thin ozone layer will aggravate the dam-age.

Industrial waste and air pollution have led to soilcontamination - especially in old urban areas.Lead and tarry compounds in the soil are a healthproblem in particular to children living or playingin these areas. Other compounds cause problemsbecause they disperse to the groundwater. Pesti-cide residues, chlorinated solvents, the MTBEpetrol additive and oil and petrol may pose athreat to clean groundwater.

Denmark is one of the few countries in Europe toextract almost all drinking water from groundwa-ter that requires very little treatment at water treat-ment plants. Clean drinking water has always beena high priority as it is a vital resource, and its qual-ity is of great importance for human health and forindustry. Groundwater and drinking water moni-toring shows, however, that in some areas ground-water quality is under threat. In rural areas,groundwater is threatened because of the use ofpesticides in agriculture, and nitrogen handling insome parts of Denmark constitutes a major prob-lem. Pesticide use in urban areas also causes pollu-tion of the groundwater. Contaminated soil threat-ens the groundwater because of the inappropriatehandling of chemicals in the past.

Discharges to the aquatic environment of metalsand xenobiotic compounds may affect animalsand plants in the short as well as the long term.Many compounds accumulate in the food chainsand are thus transferred to humans through thefood we catch at sea.

Micro-organisms are everywhere. Some are vital,others may be pathogenic.We have knowledge ofsome micro-organisms from, for example, beachwater, but risks may also come from waste, sludgeand sewage.

Objectives and activities in the futureThe content of suspended particles in the air mustbe so low as to have no negative impact on the

quality of the life and health of the Danish popula-tion or the environment. Denmark must focus onreducing the content of suspended particles in theair. First, we must get a precise overview of the ex-tent of the problem in Denmark. At the same timewe must increase our knowledge about the effectsof various measures and technological solutions asa basis for future measures. In the EU, limit valueshave been established for emissions of particlesfrom new lorries and buses.

Denmark must reduce acidification, eutrophica-tion and ground-level ozone. Effective implemen-tation of international regulations on the emissionof SO2, NOX,VOC and NH3 in Denmark by2010 has top priority. In the long term, it will benecessary to set new goals and launch new initia-tives to ensure that these environmental problemsare solved completely.

In 2003, the Government will present a strategyfor reduced noise from road traffic.This strategywill include information regarding the feasibility ofachieving a significant reduction in the number ofdwellings severely affected by road noise. In addi-tion, the strategy will assess the macro-economiccosts. All dwellings exposed to train traffic noiseexceeding 65 dB are expected to be offered noiseprotection by 2010. Noise is an important param-eter for environmental approval of heavily pollut-ing enterprises. Companies requiring environmen-tal authorisation often draw up action plans fornoise reduction.

Ozone depletion must be halted to reduce thenumber of skin cancer cases in humans and im-prove the growing conditions of plants. Denmarkwill continue its international efforts to phase outozone-depleting compounds.

It is important to continue our measures againstsoil contamination.We must make sure that soilcontamination in urban areas and pollution thatmay threaten the current or future supply ofdrinking water does not give rise to health prob-lems.

Clean drinking water remains a high priority.Theban on pesticides endangering the groundwatermust remain in force.Work has commenced on as-

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sessing whether areas especially sensitive to leach-ing of pesticides can be designated. On this basis,assessments of the need to regulate application ofpesticides in these areas will be carried out. Re-gional and local authorities and water utility com-panies must now implement the groundwatermapping framework and groundwater protectingmeasures to secure clean groundwater in the longterm. Denmark must continue its efforts to min-imise the threat to groundwater posed by theMTBE petrol additive, preferably by permanentlyphasing out this compound. Groundwater moni-toring must continue to evaluate whether the mea-sures taken to protect the groundwater are effec-tive and to track new problems. Standards must beset for the approval of materials used to distributedrinking water.

Finally, the Water Framework Directive must beimplemented in Danish legislation.The WaterFramework Directive implies further protection ofthe aquatic environment. A new system must beestablished to define specific environmental objec-tives for ecological conditions in water districts.Concrete initiatives must be implemented basedon the nature of and the human impact on indi-vidual aquatic areas. Finally, a water plan must bedrawn up which has regard to planning and moni-toring results.

It is important to limit emissions to the aquatic en-vironment of metals and xenobiotic compoundsaccumulating in the food chain. By 2020, emis-sions of environmentally harmful compoundsmust be stopped (the generation objective).Waste-water treatment in the open country must be im-proved.This will also further improve beach-waterquality. Finally, the risk of known pathogenic mi-cro-organisms must be assessed. Pathogenic mi-cro-organisms must not be dispersed in the envi-ronment to a damaging extent.

6.3. FoodFood must be safe and healthy and of high quality.Food safety must be absolute and the presence of che-mical pollutants must be minimised. Denmark mustbe able to assess risks and effectively control the presen-ce of hazardous compounds.

The variety of food has increased and changedover the last decades, for example because of tradeand food technology developments.There is in-creased focus on food quality and safety.The envi-ronmental effects on food include inadvertent oc-currences of hazardous compounds. Recent yearshave witnessed increased focus on pollutants infood, for example dioxins, hazardous metalliccompounds,TBT (tributyltin) and residues frompackaging and pesticides.

Residues of pesticides in food products must beminimised. Food must not contain unacceptablepesticide or pharmaceuticals residues.

To safeguard the population against unacceptableresidues of xenobiotic compounds and pathogenicmicro-organisms, the authorities lay down rules inthis field and implement monitoring programmes.

The common EU limit value for dioxin, in bothanimal feed and food must secure people againstfood with high levels of dioxin.

For the subject of food safety, please see chapter 9.

Objectives and activities in the futureAn absolutely high level of food safety continues.Food-borne illnesses must be combated.The useof additives must be limited as much as possible,and limit values must be established for concentra-tions of undesirable residues in food.

Limit values for environmental pollution must beestablished having regard to the precautionaryprinciple.They must be as low as possible. Limitvalues must be adapted in parallel with newknowledge, and safety assessments, risk analysesand control of chemical pollutants and chemicalsin production will be continued.

EU efforts to establish common limit values forpesticides should be given a higher priority, asthere are still several hundred compounds withoutcommon limit values. In this connection, the Gov-ernment will emphasise restrictive regulation ofchemical pest control in agricultural production.

Levels exceeding the new EU limit values for diox-in must be followed up so that the sources of pol-lution are located and restricted.


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Food labelling must be improved and misleadinginformation avoided.

6.4. Health and safetyAll Danish workplaces should form a safe and healthybasis for creativity, quality and productivity. In 2020 noone will be exposed to harmful impacts from chemicalsubstances at work, especially carcinogenic compounds,organic solvents, and heavy metals.

The Action Programme for a Clean Working Envi-ronment 2005 focuses on intensified preventivehealth and safety measures.The objective is toprovide health and safety conditions to avoid com-pletely or minimise fatal accidents, impacts of car-cinogenic chemicals and brain injury due to or-ganic solvents or heavy metals. At the same time,we must avoid injury to children and young peoplefrom heavy lifting and monotonous repetitivework, health injury caused by psycho-social riskfactors and diseases or serious nuisances due topoor physical working conditions.

Chemical substances are often used in high con-centrations in workplaces and may affect thehealth of employees. Employees therefore run therisk of serious health problems, such as carcino-genic effects, reproduction toxicity, brain damageor development of allergies.The hazardous com-pounds may also develop during the work process.

Measures of individual companies must contributeto creating safe, healthy and developing work-places. An important element of sustainable devel-opment in companies is collaboration betweenmanagement and employees on the environmentand health and safety.This cooperation should bestrengthened further.

Objectives and activities in the futureIn coming years, health and safety measures mustalso concentrate on implementing the seven vi-sions of the Action Programme for a Clean Work-ing Environment 2005.Within the Action Pro-gramme there will be renewed priorities so that themost serious health and safety problems are solvedfirst. Health and safety must be improved throughdialogue and cooperation between employees, en-terprises, the social partners, and the Government.The use of chemicals at workplaces must be min-

imised.Work-related injuries caused by exposureto carcinogenic compounds and organic solventsor heavy metals must be avoided by using the leasthazardous compounds or materials (the substitu-tion principle).

Companies must receive clear directions for usefrom manufacturers. Health and safety conditionsmust be included at the planning stage. Suppliersmust be motivated to develop products that takehealth and safety into account.The social partnersmust support initiatives to phase out problematiccompounds.

6.5. Physical indoor conditionsPhysical indoor conditions in dwellings must not consti-tute a nuisance to residents. Construction and housingmaterials should be of a quality that neither emits nordevelops harmful compounds.

We spend a great deal of time in our homes.Wemust therefore focus on good daylight conditions,suitable temperature levels, good air quality andgood acoustic conditions in our buildings. Buildingproducts and materials must be healthy and mustnot emit compounds or vapours that may beharmful to health. Possible health effects areheadaches, respiratory difficulties and allergies.

In recent years, Denmark has developed a schemefor physical indoor conditions with respect to con-struction products. Extensive measures have beenintroduced against problems of mould fungus andincreasing numbers of people who are allergic tohouse dust mites. Requirements concerning in-door climate and ventilation in building regula-tions have been tightened significantly and infor-mation has been provided on suitable measures re-garding humidity and ventilation in housing.

Objectives and activities in the futureFurther development and increased demand forthe Danish indoor climate labelling scheme is to beencouraged.

Instruments to document the effects of buildingproducts on the environment and indoor climatemust be developed.


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Resources and

resource efficiency7It is necessary to utilise the resources of nature. They are used as production and

consumption input. Resources form the basis of increased welfare. Sustainable de-

velopment implies that increased welfare takes account of the Earth’s ecosystems

and the amount of renewable and non-renewable natural resources.

A long-term aim is to increase resource efficiency significantly during the course of

one generation. First of all, we must limit the use of natural resources that are

particularly scarce or vulnerable, or particularly harmful to the environment when

used. The UN Secretary General has pointed to changes in production and con-

sumption patterns as a significant challenge towards sustainable development. In

this connection, he indicated decoupling and more efficient use of resources by a

factor of 4 and 10 as goals. As part of the Danish Government’s efforts to achieve

sustainable development and sustainable production and consumption patterns, a

long-term target has been set to limit resource consumption to about 25 per cent

of the current level. There is a need for further specification of initiatives concer-

ning the use of resources in the future.

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The use of natural resources affects the environ-ment. It is important that resource consumptionand environmental impacts are seen in an interna-tional perspective. It is important to take accountof both national and international resource con-sumption, as well as the associated environmentalimpacts. It is imperative to give high priority tonatural resources and to use them prudently. Con-sumption must increasingly be based on renewableresources and recyclable materials. But renewableresources must be used at a pace that allows forregeneration.The use of non-renewable resourcesmust take into account total volumes and possibili-ties of replacing the resources with other materials.

In areas where use of resources presents specialproblems for people and the environment theremust be determined efforts to change the techno-logical basis for production andconsumption in order to reducesignificantly society’s dependencyon these resources.

Natural resources are utilised formany activities in society. Energyis used in industry and house-holds, for transport and heating.Raw materials are used to manu-facture products. Soil is a naturalresource on which houses androads are built and crops andforests grown.Water is also a re-source used for people and ani-mals as drinking water, produc-tion input or as habitat for fish,animals, plants, etc.The sea rep-resents a great food resource.

Denmark has already made much progressthrough targeted initiatives. For example, totalDanish energy consumption remained fairly con-stant during the 1990s despite economic growth.Many companies have introduced environmentalmanagement, cleaner technology and work withcleaner products, thus reducing total resource con-sumption and environmental impact. Because ofmeasures taken in the chemicals field, more com-pounds harmful to the environment will be re-moved from waste in the future. Finally, waterconsumption has dropped considerably over thelast decade. However, more drastic steps are need-ed to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

In Denmark, land is a scarce resource, to be usedwith care. Intensification of agriculture and con-sideration for the environment and recreational in-

Despite increased activity, a Danish company hasreduced waste amounts.The company is an international market leader.The compa-ny’s environmental management includes mapping and sort-ing waste and scrap to achieve the greatest possible degree ofrecycling and reuse. 80 per cent of the company’s waste isscrap metal and 20 per cent is other waste.The amount ofscrap has been reduced; partly by reducing production wasteto under 1 per cent through “operator self-control”, and part-ly by utilising steel rolls 10 per cent better in a new advancedmachine.The scrap metal is sorted and sold for recyclingpurposes outside the company.

Other waste, one-third of which is chemical waste, has beensignificantly reduced.This has been achieved primarilythrough reducing the number of chemicals used from 1,365to just under 600 different chemicals.The amount of chemi-cal waste dropped by 37 per cent from 1997 to 1999, result-ing in waste disposal savings of DKK 340,000 per year.

These results were achieved thanks mainly to strong manage-ment support and through staff involvement in the environ-mental work in autonomous production groups.

All the company’s production units around the world are ISO14001 certified, and the European companies are also EMASregistered.


terests have increased competition for land.Themost acute needs must therefore be given priority.Raw materials must be extracted in a careful man-ner to allow subsequent use of the area for otherpurposes.

Resource consumption in the construction sectoris vital to society’s total resource consumption andenvironmental impact. Construction and operationof buildings account for half of Denmark’s energyconsumption, while consumption of constructionmaterials constitutes the major part of raw materi-als consumption in Denmark. Construction gener-ates large amounts of waste, but the greater part isrecycled. In 1999, 90 per cent of waste was recy-cled.

Over a ten-year period the total amount of wastein Denmark has increased. After a stabilisation in1996-99, mainly due to a reduction in waste fromenergy production, total waste amounts in Den-mark have risen again in 2000.Waste amountsfrom a number of sectors have risen continuously.We must all contribute to minimising waste gener-ation and to increasing recycling, but we must pri-oritise individual material flows. Not all materialsare equally attractive ingredients in waste and, firstof all, measures must be targeted at materials thatcause the most serious environmental impact orthe largest resource consumption.

Unavoidable waste must be recycled to the great-est possible extent to retain resources in the cycle.Denmark has a long tradition of recycling a largepart of all waste. In 2000, recycling amounted to65 per cent of total waste amounts. But we mustdo even better. New treatment technologies will beneeded to ensure the efficient utilisation of re-sources and the elimination of problems of envi-ronmentally harmful compounds. However, whenwe decide on the form of treatment, we must bal-ance environmental, energy and resource consid-erations against economic considerations.

Objectives and activities in the futureResource consumption must be reduced. Today, Dan-ish environmental policy aims primarily at pro-moting a balanced use of resources. In the future,measures will, for example, focus on finding dataand developing methods to assess the overall re-

source consumption and environmental impact ofproducts and materials, including hidden materialstreams. Specifically, it is a question of finding thebest combination of measures.The Governmentwill investigate whether the goals of more resourceefficiency and waste minimisation are bestachieved using targeted market-based measures.Investigations will include whether revision of theexisting economic measures, including taxes onraw materials, etc. could be appropriate. Productprices should fully reflect the resource consump-tion and environmental impact of products.Taxeson resources should be agreed at international lev-el, for example through joint minimum rates forenvironmental taxes in the EU.

Product-oriented environmental initiatives areimportant. Companies are therefore encouraged todevelop and market more clean and environmen-tally friendly products.We must focus on cleanerproducts to replace products with high resourceconsumption or high environmental impact. Newtechnology will undoubtedly play an increasinglyimportant role in the development of cleanerproducts.

It should also be easy and attractive for consumersto choose green products. Consumers must havesufficient and relevant information on the impactof products and goods on the environment.

All stakeholders must enter into binding coopera-tion on preventing waste. In 2003 the Governmentwill present a strategy aimed at preventing this lossof resources and the environmental pressure asso-ciated with waste. Production, marketing and con-sumption of environmentally friendly and less re-source-intensive products and services are priori-ties in this strategy.

By recycling waste we save virgin resources.Theobjective of the waste plan, Waste 21, is to recycle64 per cent of waste amounts by 2004 and to re-duce landfilled waste amounts to 12 per cent.Theplan focuses on quality in waste treatment by util-ising waste resources and limiting problems of en-vironmentally harmful compounds.

In Denmark, sustainable use of raw materialsmust be achieved by developing new technologies,

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increased coordination of the extraction of rawmaterials, and increased knowledge concerning to-tal remaining raw material reserves. Recycling anduse of substitution materials for non-renewableraw materials remain priorities.

Oil and gas production must take maximum ac-count of health, the environment as well as floraand fauna.This should be achieved in collabora-tion with the North Sea countries through targetedmanagement of compounds discharged into thesea.This applies not only to local discharges intothe marine environment, but also to transbound-ary pollution through the air or via the food chain.In its effort to substitute scarce oil and gas re-sources, the Government aims at developing re-newable energy sources, etc.

Increased competition for the scarce Danish landresources makes heavy demands on planning.Vari-ous considerations must be combined to minimiseconflicts between different uses of the same pieceof land. Outside urban areas, diversified land usemust be promoted.

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Denmark s international activities8Denmark’s vision for regional and global sustainable development foresees a

Europe and a world enjoying economic progress, increased welfare and better

environmental protection. It encompasses a world market with free trade, based on

high environmental and social standards coupled with respect for human rights,

democratisation, openness and administrative accountability.

Through both its foreign and environment policy, Denmark will work actively to

promote international endeavours. Danish international assistance is well in excess

of the UN target of 0.7 per cent of GNI. Denmark considers it important to mainta-

in coherence between development, environment, and trade policy.

Denmark favours a strong global structure aimed at promoting all the elements of

global sustainable development, including a structure that furthers international

environmental cooperation and regulation. Denmark will work towards a global

deal on sustainable development and global partnership.


Biofoto: K

. Boldt

Activities aimed at promoting sustainable develop-ment nationally are closely linked to the globalchallenges for sustainable development - and viceversa. Growing trade and international capitalflows, conflicts and refugee flows together with theincreasing pressure on natural resources havemade individual countries progressively more de-pendent on the surrounding world. Consequently,Denmark has a major interest in contributing tosustainable development through national activi-ties, through the EU, the OECD, the UN, theWTO and the international financial institutionsincluding the World Bank and the InternationalMonetary Fund.

We are facing a multiplicity of regional and globalchallenges. Half the population of the world live ator below the subsistence minimum. For example,one fifth of the world’s population live without ac-cess to clean water and sanitation, a state of affairsparticularly affecting women, children, indigenouspeoples and other particularly vulnerable popula-tion groups.The struggle for scarce natural re-sources has frequently given rise to violent con-flicts which cause severe refugee problems, partic-ularly in developing countries. Analyses from theUN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changeshow that climate changes are very likely already areality.The greatest negative consequences of cli-mate change are expected in developing countries.Biodiversity is under mounting pressure, and nat-ural resources are often exploited on a non-sus-tainable basis.The use of hazardous chemicals is agrowing problem for human health as well as floraand fauna.

Poverty and environmental problems are often in-terlinked.The poorest people are generally hardesthit by environmental degradation. At the sametime, poverty limits the possibilities of exploitingnatural resources in a sustainable manner becausethe resources available for investment in environ-mental protection are limited. Poverty contributes,for instance, to impoverishment of the soil and de-sertification in Africa. In contrast, uncontrolledeconomic growth in developing countries, andmore developed countries in the East and Southoften leads to increased use of natural resourcesand pressure on the environment.

In all its international activities for global sustain-able development, Denmark emphasises the needfor integrating and balancing the economic dimen-sion (poverty-oriented growth), the social dimen-sion (development of social sectors such as educa-tion and health) and the environmental dimension(environmental protection).

Through EU cooperation Denmark has participat-ed actively in improving European environmentalprotection. In a number of areas, EU environmen-tal control measures have made Europe a worldleader in the field of environment, and examplesabound to demonstrate how EU regulations havereinforced Denmark’s environmental protection.With the adoption of the Amsterdam Treaty, sus-tainable development became an overall objectivefor the EU, and it became mandatory to integrateenvironmental considerations into EU sector poli-cies. EU economic-political guidelines contain aspecial section on sustainable development.

Denmark has - primarily through the EU - advo-cated binding and effective controls of internation-al environmental problems through regional andglobal environmental conventions.This applies tothe conventions concerning biodiversity, climateand desertification, as well as to the Basel Conven-tion on the Control of Transboundary Movementsof Hazardous Wastes and to conventions on chem-icals, for instance the Stockholm Convention onPersistent Organic Pollutants and the IMO Con-vention on anti-fouling paint. Denmark has cam-paigned in favour of coordinating and enforcingthe conventions efficiently and of giving the pre-cautionary principle a pivotal role in the regula-tions.

Denmark has led the way to making means avail-able for environmental initiatives in developingcountries and Central and Eastern Europe. Den-mark has achieved this partly by raising its officialdevelopment assistance, with the primary objectiveof combating poverty in developing countries, andpartly through the establishment of the Environ-ment, Peace and Stability Fund (MIFRESTA) as aresponse to the 1992 Rio conference. Since 1993,MIFRESTA has spent considerable funds on envi-ronmental efforts in developing countries, EasternEurope, and the Arctic. MIFRESTA also includes

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activities for refugees and conflict prevention.Denmark is working actively to encourage themany countries - also EU countries – that provideless development assistance than the UN goal of0.7 percent of GNI, to increase their contribu-tions.

In Central and Eastern Europe, environmental as-sistance is targeted at solving urgent environmen-tal problems and implementing the EU’s environ-mental regulations in the candidate countries.Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, a wide range ofconcrete environmental projects have been realisedthat in many ways improve the environment inDenmark’s neighbouring areas. In the developingcountries, assistance to the poorest countries istargeted at alleviating poverty-associated pressureon nature and the environment. In the richer de-veloping countries with increasing economic activ-ity, assistance is aimed at helping countries to pro-

tect nature and the environment, primarily bystrengthening the capacity of the countries them-selves to solve the problems and by raising envi-ronmental awareness. In the Arctic regions, trans-boundary pollution is monitored as an indicator ofregional and global pollution because the polararea is extremely environmentally fragile. Finally, arange of environmental projects is being imple-mented in Greenland.

Environmental assistance is primarily granted bi-laterally - from Denmark directly to another coun-try. However, Denmark also provides multilateralsupport through, for instance, the Global Environ-ment Facility (GEF), the UN Environment Pro-gramme (UNEP) and the Multilateral Fund underthe Montreal Protocol aimed at financing phasing-out ozone-depleting compounds by developingcountries. Bilateral assistance under MIFRESTAhas so far been provided to Central and Eastern

Europe, the Arctic, and to anumber of developing countriesthrough separate schemes.

Denmark also supports the useof sustainable energy throughtrust-fund contributions to theWorld Bank and the Asian De-velopment Bank.Through pri-vate sector development pro-grammes involving Danishcompanies and companies indeveloping countries, Denmarkcontributes to promoting envi-ronmental improvement incompanies. Denmark hasgranted significant support tobuilding up effective environ-mental management in a rangeof countries. Danish develop-ment cooperation is primarilyfunded through official devel-opment assistance (DKK 12.6billion in 2002).The overall ob-

The Global Environment Facility

At the Rio Conference on Environment and Development in1992 agreement was reached to establish the Global Environ-ment Facility (GEF).The GEF is the global financing mecha-nism particularly geared towards helping developing countriesand Central and Eastern Europe to promote the global environ-ment.The GEF supports:• capacity building in developing countries and Central andEastern Europe to provide greater capacity for implementing international environment agreements and contribute to meet-ing the global objectives in the agreements,

• projects in developing countries and Central and Eastern Eu-rope by financing the extra costs necessary to ensure that na-tional projects also advance global environment objectives. For instance in order to consider the preservation of an especially vulnerable ecosystem or by utilising more climate-friendly but more costly technology for electricity generation.

Since its launch, the GEF has channelled more than DKK 50billion in financing towards protecting the global environmentand attaining global sustainable development in projects to-talling more than DKK 100 billion. GEF resources must in-crease in the coming years to help solve the significant environ-mental problems facing the world.


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jective is to promote sustainable developmentthrough poverty-oriented growth. Equal participa-tion by women and men in the development pro-cess and consideration for the environment anddemocratisation are crucial in combating povertyand are therefore incorporated in all aspects of as-sistance. Denmark has thus designed its develop-ment policy to contribute to global sustainable de-velopment. As a result, Denmark has been award-ed top marks in the OECD’s periodic reviews ofassistance, most recently in 1999.

In close and binding cooperation with the recipi-ent countries, Denmark is contributing with signif-icant support in areas relevant to sustainable de-velopment. Specifically, Denmark’s activities ad-dress the issue of water, helping to secure millionsof poor people access to water and working to pro-tect water sources - for example by planting treesand by accumulating capacity for sustainable man-agement. In the area of energy,Denmark supports sustainableenergy supply in rural districts,where, for example, poor womenreceive help to plant firewood,providing them with an incomewhile also protecting the environ-ment. In the field of natural re-sources, Denmark is working toreinforce sustainable manage-ment and production to preventthe impoverishment of soil anddesertification.

Denmark’s contribution to sus-tainable development also in-cludes considerable assistance tointernational organisations, notleast the UN system; where all thecountries of the world participateon an equal footing. In this con-text, Denmark is working activelyfor rationalisation of the UN toimprove the distribution of work

between the organisations and avoid overlapping.In the field of the environment, Denmark is work-ing to reinforce the Global Environment Facilityfinancially and organisationally. Similarly, Den-mark will continue its significant support to theUN Environment Programme, UNEP. Denmark isalso striving to strengthen the UN Commission onSustainable Development, the CSD.

Objectives and activities in the futureDenmark supports the overall objective of globalsustainable development by:

• ensuring decoupling, i.e. breaking the link between economic growth, resource consump-tion and degradation of nature,

• integrating environmental considerations into policies and decisions,

• ensuring continuous progress in the global environmental agenda,

User-administered forestry in Cambodia

A large part of the rural population in Cambodia supplementtheir incomes by using forest products in and around villages.Exploitation of forest products will continue and is expectedto grow in step with population growth and fiercer competi-tion for natural resources. At the moment there is limited ac-cess to using the forests, and local communities have no legalclaim to forest products.

Denmark is supporting local user groups to get access to for-est products and helping establish a legal framework to bene-fit local communities. Support includes developing proce-dures for user participation in monitoring sustainable admin-istration of the resources. Members of the local communitiesare being trained in sustainable village-based forestry, includ-ing knowledge-building regarding regulations and legal con-ditions with regard to administration of forests. Danish sup-port also includes research and collection of forest data whichwill be used in the preparation of new legislation.

• promoting economic cooperation and partner-ship for development, including combating global poverty and regulating trade and invest-ment,

• contributing to international peace and stability and working to promote democracy and humanrights,

• working towards continuous development and democratisation of international cooperation with the emphasis on openness and participa-tion, including participation of the weakest groups,

• developing an environment policy that pro-motes realistic international cooperation on reducing pollution in the most cost-effective manner,

• promoting mutually binding partnerships with the private sector.

In the EU, Denmark will continue efforts to fosterintegration of environmental considerations intoall policy areas with a view to achieving sustain-able development. Denmark will strive to ensurethat the EU Heads of State and Government as-sess the outcome of this work regularly.

At with the European Council in Gothenburg inJune 2001, the Heads of State and Governmentadopted a long-term Strategy for SustainableDevelopment, setting up specific objectives forhealth and the environment.The Strategy recom-mends that the spring summits of the EuropeanCouncil address environmental sustainable devel-opment and social and economic sustainable de-velopment as an integrated part of the Lisbon pro-cess on employment, economic reform and socialcohesion.The strategy primarily deals with poli-cies within the EU. However, it is to be followed bya second phase dealing with the EU’s global rela-tions.The strategy will closely correspond to thetargets in the EU Sixth Environment Action Pro-gramme.The Environment Action Programmesets the framework for EU environment policy andfor the integration of environmental considerationsinto all policy areas for the next ten years. Den-mark is striving to make environmental teachingabout the environment and the development ofgreater environmental awareness - not least amongthe young - an aspect of EU work on sustainabledevelopment.

The EU will remain a pivot for Denmark’s inter-national environmental activities and work for sus-tainable development. In this connection, Den-mark seeks to strengthen EU environmental regu-lation, one reason being that only a unified EU canachieve satisfactory results in negotiations with theother regions of the world.Therefore, EU cooper-ation will remain an integral part of Denmark’s re-gional and global activities. The Danish EU Pres-idency in the autumn of 2002 will offer Denmarkspecial opportunities for including high-prioritygoals on the agenda - not only within the EU butalso in the broader international context in whichthe EU plays a part.

An important goal for Denmark is for candidatecountries to be admitted to the EU without longtransition periods. In addition to enabling consid-erable progress in health and the environment inthe candidate countries, speedy and full accessionwill pave the way for economic progress and polit-ical stability in the region. By lifting the candidatecountries to the environmental level of the currentEU Member States, we will also strengthen the EUin international environmental negotiations.

Under the auspices of the OECD, Denmark hasworked for sustainable development and the inte-gration of environmental considerations. In May2001, an OECD Ministerial Council Meeting onsustainable development was held in Paris, whereministers for the environment, economy and fi-nance all participated. At the Meeting, the OECDcountries adopted a strategy for sustainable devel-opment which establishes a framework for integra-tion of economic, social and environmental objec-tives and for decoupling economic developmentfrom environmental impacts.The outcome of theMinisterial Council Meeting was that the OECDwill develop sustainable development indicators tomeasure progress, and the indicators will be incor-porated in the OECD’s evaluation of membercountries. Denmark will work actively to ensurethat the OECD’s work on sustainable developmentand the integration of environmental considera-tions is followed up.

Through its development cooperation and long-term binding partnerships with selected develop-ing countries, Denmark helps combat poverty in

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the world.The partnerships are aimed at enhanc-ing the possibilities of the developing countries tocreate economically, socially and environmentallysustainable development processes that favour thepoor. Development assistance also aids the envi-ronmental dimension of sustainable developmentby integrating environmental considerations intoall aspects of development activities. Denmarksupports the efforts of developing countries toconsider the environment in their developmentprocesses by building up capacity among the au-thorities, among local associations, in civil society,and in the private sector.The activities must takeinto account the situation of developing countries,their needs and priorities, their abilities and capac-ity, and their economic and social development.Similarly any environment initiatives by otherdonors should be included.

In the multilateral context, Denmark will alsocontinue calling on international associations to in-tegrate environmental considerations into their de-velopment work. Finally, Denmark will ensure ef-fective exploitation of opportunities for interactionbetween bilateral and multilateral initiatives. Envi-ronment assistance for the developing countries isexplicitly targeted at ensuring environmentallysustainable use of natural resources and conserva-tion of nature; at preventing and limiting air andwater pollution and soil contamination; and at pro-moting sustainable energy use. Denmark shares aninterest with the partnership countries in limitingglobal environmental problems and in supportingdeveloping countries in their efforts to achievegreater wealth and welfare while also protectingthe environment.

The Danish Government has prepared a newstrategy that includes environmental assistance toCentral and Eastern Europe in 2002-2003.Thestrategy implies that Danish efforts until the ex-pected enlargement of the EU in 2004 are to con-centrate on preparing candidate countries for ac-cession to the EU, including assisting with devel-oping the required administrative capacity and im-plementing the necessary environmental invest-ments. Countries outside the group of applicants,primarily Russia, will also receive support. Follow-ing the expected EU enlargement, bilateral assis-tance to the new Member States will be replaced

by assistance through the European StructuralFunds, etc.The main areas for environmental as-sistance up to 2004 will be water, waste, and thenuclear area, as well as institutional development.In future, as far as possible, Danish environmentalsupport will be through “joint implementation” inclose cooperation with the Central and EasternEuropean countries.

Denmark’s environmental support for the Arcticregion will allow us to continue monitoring the en-vironmental impact on the area to provide docu-mentation of developments in regional and globalenvironmental impacts. In addition, Denmark sup-ports the implementation of a range of concretesolutions to unresolved problems in the fields ofnature and the environment in cooperation withthe Greenland Home Rule.The overall objective isto limit pollution of the environment and ensureconservation of nature in the Arctic, includingsupport for implementation of the internationalArctic Environmental Protection Strategy, andhelp to ensure environmental sustainable develop-ment with special emphasis on sustainable utilisa-tion of natural resources in the Arctic.

In Denmark’s environmental assistance, attentionwill focus on a range of areas that promote sus-tainable development. One such area is the intro-duction of cleaner technology in energy produc-tion.This also applies to agricultural technologythat improves the yield of agricultural land and re-duces the utilisation of pesticides and inappropri-ate fertilisers, thus also reducing the need for agri-cultural land and protecting the biodiversity ofvulnerable ecosystems.The assistance will also gotowards bolstering activities aimed at persuadingrecipient countries to comply with internationalenvironmental agreements.

Denmark will continue working actively to ensurethat regional and global environment conventionsprovide for an increasingly effective regulation of arange of international environmental problems.Denmark will speak in favour of employing effec-tive mechanisms for negotiating, enforcing and fi-nancing international environmental agreements,so that developing and Central and Eastern Euro-pean countries are in a better position to complywith the agreements.The flexible mechanisms un-

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der the Kyoto Protocol form an essential part ofthe efforts targeted at ensuring that the goals forsustainable development are achieved more effi-ciently. A major challenge lies ahead in translatingthe Kyoto Protocol into effective provisions andensuring its ratification and entry into force inter-nationally.Together with the other EU countries,Denmark has ratified the Kyoto Protocol, beforethe World Summit on Sustainable Development inAugust-September 2002. Another Danish key is-sue calls for encouraging the international processtowards sustainable production and use of chemi-cals by adopting a new initiative on mercury andother heavy metals.

In November 2001 the WTO Conference of Min-isters in Doha ended with the adoption of a decla-ration whereby a new round of negotiations wasto commence that, for the first time, will be basedon a “Development Agenda”.The Agenda coverscommencement of negotiations on clarification ofthe relationship between WTO rules and the traderegulations in multilateral environment agreementsas well as liberalisation of trade in environmentalgoods and services. Moreover there are to be ne-gotiations on improving the background for WTOdisciplines on fisheries subsidies so that their envi-ronmental effects are better taken into account.

In addition, agreement was reached in Doha toprepare for the next WTO Conference of Minis-ters in 2003 to decide on whether to enter intosubstantive negotiations; on the effects of environ-mental provisions on developing countries’ accessto markets in industrialised countries; on liberali-sation of trade for simultaneous benefit to trade,environment and development; on environmentalprovisions in the WTO Agreement on Trade-Re-lated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights; andon eco-labelling provisions.

In all the above environmental areas, ministers de-cided that particular consideration should be givento the needs of developing countries. Similarly,ministers committed themselves to aiming atgranting the least developed countries duty andquota free access to markets.The EU decisionfrom February 2001 on granting duty and quotafree access to EU markets for all products, withthe exception of weapons and ammunition, from

the least developed countries represents a signifi-cant step in this direction.

In the ongoing WTO negotiations we should makesure that trade plays a full and efficient role in fos-tering sustainable development.The negotiationsshould ensure that developing countries - especial-ly the least developed countries - will be able totake full advantage of the liberalisation of trade,and that international trade policy and internation-al environment policy are mutually supportive.

During the round of negotiations due to end inearly 2005, Denmark will work for effective globalefforts to promote sustainable development for thebenefit of all parties, not least developing coun-tries.

Special allowance should be made for trade-relat-ed problems shared by indigenous peoples/popula-tions that depend on the sustainable exploitationof marine or other natural resources.

The World Summit on Sustainable Developmentin South Africa in 2002 offers another opportunityfor placing sustainable development high on theinternational political agenda. Denmark will play acentral role and hold a major responsibility at theWorld Summit which is to be held in August-September 2002 during the Danish EU Presiden-cy.

Denmark will work actively to involve businessand the civil society in the preparations for theWorld Summit through close cooperation withNGOs and trade and industry in Denmark, and bysupporting involvement of NGOs from develop-ing countries. It is also hoped that the Summit willbring about the launch of initiatives to strengthenpublic access to environmental information andparticipation in accordance with Principle 10 ofthe Rio Declaration from 1992.

The Government is striving, in accordance withthe resolution of the Folketing (Danish Parlia-ment), to ensure that the World Summit results ina global deal on sustainable development and aglobal partnership.The agreement should bebased on common, but differentiated responsibili-ties and must:

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• contain specific concessions by the rich part of the world in the form of decoupling economic growth from environmental impact and increased resource consumption - not least in the areas of energy, waste, use of chemicals, andbiodiversity;

• accommodate the need of developing countriesfor growth and poverty reduction, maintain objectives on development assistance, increase market access for the products of the poorest countries in particular, include debt relief, and lead to increased investments in and the transferof sustainable technology,

• lead to a strengthening of the global organisa-tion of sustainable development and of public access to information and participation in environmental matters

• involve implementation by all countries of multilateral environmental agreements; and

• ensure that trade policy as a result of the WTO’s ongoing round of negotiations to a higher extent involves and respects considera-tions concerning the environment and sustain-able development.

These objectives will also be incorporated inpreparations for the next meeting of the “Environ-ment for Europe process” in Kiev in 2003, and inthis connection, in efforts to achieve a “RegionalDeal”.The Government places priority on theagreement ensuring that poor countries are assist-ed in their endeavours to embark on sustainabledevelopment, and that they are committed to in-troducing society models built on freedom, demo-cracy, and respect for human rights.

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40

S E C T O R S

Polfo

to: O

le S

teen

Food production

– food safety, agriculture

and fisheries

9

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The development of Denmark’s food productionis characterised by fewer, bigger and more efficientproducers.This development has greatly improvedefficiency, bringing prices down to levels that havecut the proportion of total private consumptionspent on food from about 35 per cent to about 10per cent over the last fifty years.Within the field offood, Denmark does significant volumes of tradewith other countries. Imports are on the rise whileDenmark is - per capita - the largest net exporterof food in the world. Food production is very im-portant to the Danish economy in relation to jobsand export earnings.

The production methods in the food industry areof great significance for food safety and impactson the environment and nature. Healthy and safefood is important for improving people’s healthand preventing illness. Healthy food and sustain-able management of our natural and environmen-tal resources requires that legislation provides aframework for production methods, that techno-logical possibilities are used and developed, andthat constructive cooperation is established be-tween the authorities, the industry, and con-sumers.This is the only viable method for avoid-ing food that contains, for example, salmonella,dioxin or pesticide residues.The legislative frame-work also covers requirements limiting the impactof food production on the environment and na-ture. For example, runoffs of pesticides and nutri-

ents from agriculture to the aquatic environmentand unintentional by-catches and discards fromthe fisheries sector.

Finally, international conditions are crucial forfood production.Within the EU, the provisions inthe Cardiff Process on integrating environmentalconsiderations in all sector policies, and the provi-sions in the Amsterdam Treaty on sustainable de-velopment are highly significant for the CommonAgricultural Policy and the Common FisheriesPolicy. Denmark participates actively in this work.In general, there should be more integration of en-vironmental and nature considerations in agricul-ture and horticulture in order to promote the envi-ronmental and nature effects of agriculturalschemes. At the same time, the level of subsidies toagriculture should be reduced.

There are several examples of the fact that prob-lems with the environment and food safety aretrans-national. BSE and dioxin are examples ofthis. International commitment is needed if solu-tions are to be found.The EU controls many as-pects of production by harmonising regulation,and goals within environmental and nature policyare set up within the EU and globally.The EUmust be better at solving cross-border problems.In the EU, the accession of new Central and East-ern European countries will influence food, agri-cultural and fisheries policies in the future.The

Denmark’s objective for food production is to ensure that the food produced and sold to consu-

mers is healthy and of high quality and that the level of information on food is high. Production

methods that preserve the resource basis of the agricultural and fisheries sectors and secure the

environment, nature, animal welfare and good working conditions must be promoted. Simultane-

ously, cost-effective production and marketing should be promoted in the food-producing sectors.

Sustainable development of food production requires the right legislative framework, visionary

utilisation and development of technological possibilities, and constructive interplay between the

authorities, industry, and the public.

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forthcoming WTO negotiations will lead to needsfor further reforms of the Common AgriculturalPolicy in order to ensure uninhibited global tradeon food.

Objectives and activities in the futureSustainable food production requires balanced in-teraction between producers, processors, retailers,consumers, and the authorities.The Danish Gov-ernment will ensure sustainable development byregularly updating environmental initiatives so thatfuture generations can also live in a clean environ-ment. As a starting point, impacts should never ex-ceed the level critical to nature and the environ-ment.

Healthy, high quality food must be ensured, forexample through a long-term strategy for the im-provement of animal welfare, clear guidelines oncontrol of food, and clearer and comprehensiblelabelling of products.

These goals will be achieved through prioritisedinitiatives and using in the most cost-effectivemethods.

9.1. Food safetyConsumers have the right to safe food. In situationswhere science finds cause for suspicion, but where a sci-entific basis for validating or invalidating that suspicionis insufficient, the Government considers it importantto base assessments on safety and risks related to foodson the precautionary principle.

Food safety is an important parameter in competi-tion between producers in the market, both na-tionally and internationally. Confidence in the reg-ulations and control benefits the industry and is aprerequisite for further development. Internation-ally, there is great focus on food safety. In January2000, the Commission presented a white paper onfuture policy to promote food safety in the EU.The Danish Government agrees with the Com-mission that an important goal is to reestablish andmaintain consumer confidence in legislation andcontrol of food.

Clear and unambiguous rules, understandable byproducers, control authorities, and consumers arerequired for a high degree of food safety.Working

towards a high degree of food safety has a highpriority, and work to simplify and modernise theregulations will continue over the next few years.

Simple rules provide clarity about requirementsand responsibilities for producers and the authori-ties. Clear responsibilities provide a basis for intro-duction by producers of their own control andcheck procedures, and organisation by the authori-ties of effective and targeted inspection and con-trol initiatives.

Self inspection and control must ensure that anenterprise’s procedures regarding control of pro-duction, etc. work properly. Similarly, public con-trol and inspection, and guidance for enterprisesinclude prevention as an important element in selfinspection and control.There is an increasing needfor documentation and traceability of the individu-al raw materials, partly to assist in clarificationwork when defective goods are distributed, andpartly because a number of parameters cannot bemeasured through analyses, but must be checkedby, for example inspecting paperwork. As a resultof this, there are increasing requirements for thesemeasures to be included in enterprises’ own con-trol procedures.

Full openness on the regulations and control arealso required to maintain consumer confidencethat both food producers and the authorities aremeeting their responsibilities.

The Government attaches great emphasis to thedebate on food policy.This is the only way of mak-ing politically lasting decisions that benefit thepopulation and the food-producing sectors.

Objectives and activities in the futureA crucial objective is to achieve an unconditional-ly high level of food safety by continuing thefight against diseases caused by food. Denmarkneeds very efficient controls of chemical pollutionand undesirable residues, and food manufacturersmust assume unequivocal responsibility for thesafety of their food products.

In the EU, Denmark will advocate that the controlof pesticide residues in food be based on the pre-cautionary principle, so that any doubts aboutunacceptable environmental and health risks will

s e c t o r s

yield to the consumers’ advantage.

The Government’s aim is to reduce the use of ad-ditives as much as possible. In the EU, the DanishGovernment is recommending that additives be al-lowed only if they pose no health hazard, if theiruse does not mislead consumers, and if additivesconstitute a technological need.

Furthermore, Denmark is still working to amendEU regulations on the additives nitrites, nitratesand sulphites.This effort focuses on Denmark’scase at the European Court of Justice against theEU Commission and on the negotiations on anamendment to the directive on food additives oth-er than colours and sweeteners.

Denmark must launch a conscious consumer poli-cy for the food industry through the implementa-tion of clear regulations, targeted control, andopenness and transparency in relation to regula-tions and control. Results from control activitiesmust be made available to consumers in a compre-hensive and accessible form.

In addition, the conscious consumer policy for thefood industry should comprise improved labellingregulations, protection against deception and bet-ter general information.

Consumers need comprehensive information sothat they can make qualified and fair choices be-tween different products, as well as reject food thathas been subject to a specific treatment or process,or select food on the basis of organic, ethical, nu-tritional, quality, or animal-welfare principles.

Rules regarding labelling of food are laid downwithin the framework of the EU cooperation, andthe Danish Government will work for:• requirements for full labelling of ingredients,• revision of the rules on quantitative labelling as

the Government believes that consumers want more detailed quantitative labelling than required by the EU rules,

• enhancement of labelling rules regarding the origin of food in the same way as currently required for beef and fish,

• compulsory labelling on goods of the production and packaging date,

• compulsory labelling of nutrition information so

that consumers can see fat, protein and carbohydrate contents,

• a list of allergenic compounds to be included onlabels if they are contained in a product,

• better labelling of aromatics in food so that consumers are not misled regarding the nature of an additive and the reason for an additive.

Information in labelling is particularly importantwith regard to food which has been subject to aspecific treatment or process.This may include ge-netically modified food (GM) and other newfoods, as well as products for special and often ex-posed groups of people. Problems related to healthlabelling, misinformation, and the dangers of ex-ploitation of anxieties are particularly relevant.

An efficient effort in the nutrition field is the goalto improve the population’s health and prevent ill-nesses. Some illnesses arise because of better livingconditions.The health costs of obesity, smokingand lack of exercise are clear. For example, the in-cidences of cardiovascular disease, allergies, type 2diabetes, and osteoporosis are increasing. Com-mon for all these illnesses is that a large proportionof the Danish population can be affected.This iswhy the Government is launching special strategyplans for these illnesses.

Food safety for animal products begins with safeanimal feed.The animal feed area is to be con-trolled more efficiently, and openness concerningthe content of animal feed mixtures must be a re-quirement.The Danish Government supports thecurrent EU initiatives for animal feeds and want tosee tighter rules for additives in feed.The Govern-ment will advocate a faster adoption of stricter EUregulations on animal feed control and require-ments for labelling of animal feed containing ge-netically modified organisms.

The position of the food sector must be consoli-dated by further innovation, research, dissemina-tion of knowledge, product development and cor-porate flexibility. As a consequence, Denmarkmust provide optimal opportunities for exploitingresearch results in the area. As part of the Govern-ment’s overall growth strategy, “DeterminedGrowth”, it will initiate an analysis of innovativepossibilities to promote growth in all parts of thefood sector.

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s e c t o r s

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In the spring of 2001, the Danish Innovation Actfor the food sector came into force.The Act pri-oritises a range of specific areas that have gainedgreater importance in society in recent years. Safe-guarding the environment and the resource basewill join food safety, traceability, organic farmingand animal welfare as significant key fields of ac-tion. One objective of the act is to subsidise andthus promote enterprising projects in the priori-tised areas.Thus, the Act will constitute a majortool in efforts targeted at ensuring environmentallysustainable and competitive food production.

In an international context, Denmark will safe-guard its interests by upholding the requirementsfor a high level of food safety, environmental pro-tection and animal welfare in the EU, the WTOand other influential forums. At the same time,Denmark will maintain the demand for liberalisa-tion of trade in food products; i.e. the removal oftrade barriers coupled with the phasing out andremoval of subsidies distorting competition.

9.2. AgricultureAgricultural production must contribute to sustainabledevelopment and life in rural areas. This means cleanwater, soil, and air must be ensured. At the same timeterrestrial and marine biodiversity must be ensured. Ag-ricultural development must be a balanced interplaybetween the environment, nature, and the local com-munity. Technological opportunities should be exploitedand developed. Finally, agricultural plant and animalgenetic resources must be preserved.

About 66 per cent of the area of Denmark is usedfor agriculture, and agricultural production thusinfluences nature and the environment to a highdegree. Agricultural areas are important to thepopulation because they carry cultural-historicalvalues and the opportunities for enjoyment oflandscape and nature.

Since the 1992 Rio Conference, the Governmenthas implemented a range of measures to ensurethat agricultural production takes nature and theenvironment into consideration. Some of thebenchmarks in these activities were detailed in the1994 ten-point program for clean water, Action

Plans I and II to promote organic food productionfrom 1995 and 1999, the Action Plan for theAquatic Environment II from 1998 and the Pesti-cides Reduction Action Plans I and II from 1986and 2000.The objective of the 1986 Pesticides Re-duction Plan I was to halve the total use of pesti-cides and to encourage the use of less hazardouscompounds.

Since 1994, over 200 pesticides associated withunacceptable risks to human health, the environ-ment or groundwater have been banned. It hasbeen sufficient to limit the use of certain pesti-cides. Also in the future, pesticides threateninggroundwater will be completely prohibited. In1999, the Danish Bichel Committee presentedeconomic analyses showing that the use of pesti-cides can be lowered by 30-40 per cent within aperiod of 5 to 10 years without significant costs tothe agricultural sector.The cost of reducing pesti-cide use by 80 per cent and a complete ban werealso analysed.

The 1998 Action Plan for the Aquatic Environ-ment II aims to ensure the original objectives ofthe first Action Plan for the Aquatic Environmentfrom 1987, i.e. to reduce nitrogen runoffs fromagriculture and horticulture by 100,000 tonnes ofnitrogen annually by 2003. After the mid-termevaluation, adjustments were made to the plan toensure that the objectives could be met. In meetingthe objectives, Denmark will also fulfil the EU Ni-trate Directive, due to be implemented no laterthan 2003.The tools include a detailed regulationof agricultural fertiliser handling coupled with in-creased afforestation, the use of environmentallyfriendly production methods and the reestablish-ment of wetlands, which serve a dual purpose: toimprove nature and limit nitrogen runoffs. Den-mark is one of the few EU countries to haveachieved Commission approval of its national ac-tion programmes implementing the Nitrate Direc-tive.

With full implementation of the Second ActionPlan for the Aquatic Environment, Denmark ex-pects to fulfil its international obligations regardingreductions of ammonia evaporation, cf. the EUAcidification Strategy and the Geneva Conventionon cross-border air pollution. In the near future,

s e c t o r s

the Government will commence a number of ini-tiatives to reduce further ammonia evaporationfrom agriculture.

To some extent, the agricultural efficiency im-provements have, until the end of the 1980s, comeabout through increasing the use of pesticides andnutrients. Since the early 1990s, however, effectivi-sation has taken place at the same time as a dropin the consumption of pesticides and fertilizers.Runoffs of nitrogen fell by 32 per cent from 1990-1999 and phosphor surpluses on fields have fallenby over 30 per cent since 1985.The scale and in-tensity of farming leave limited room for diversityin animal and plant life, also affecting flora andfauna in streams, lakes and small biotopes. Despitegreat efforts from enterprises and authorities, bio-diversity has suffered a setback.Thus, the scope ofenvironmental, natural and health effects needsfurther study and research and there is a need fortechnological innovations that support an agricul-tural production which is more friendly towardsnature and the environment.

Structural developments and concentration ofproduction demonstrate how specialisation andeconomies of scale have enhanced efficiency. In1970 Denmark had about 140,000 farms, while in2000 the figure was 52,700. About 90 per cent ofagricultural production comes from approximately23,400 full-time farms.

Sustainable agricultural production poses a rangeof dilemmas. At the same time as taking account ofprofitable production, the environment, biodiversi-ty, health and safety, animal welfare, landscape val-ues and rural development must also be consid-ered.These concerns may well be conflicting. Incooperation with the industry, development mustbe ensured that, as far as possible, unites theseconsiderations in a cost-effective manner for theindividual farmer and for society as a whole.

Objectives and activities in the futureIn the view of the Danish Government, it is imper-ative for continued economic growth to occurwithout a corresponding growth in environmentalimpact and in harmony with nature and the en-vironment. Initiatives for sustainable agriculturalproduction will be developed, based on objectives

for food safety, animal welfare, the environment,nature, and life in rural districts. In this connec-tion, all relevant factors to the long-term develop-ment of a sustainable food and agricultural policywill be involved in accordance with future con-sumers’ needs and social priorities in relation tothe economy, welfare, the environment, and na-ture. Environmental and nature goals will beachieved in the most cost-effective way. The pol-luter-pays principle is one means of promotingcleaner production and products on reasonable,competitive terms.

The Government will continue its efforts toachieve sustainable production through the follow-ing specific objectives and activities:

The basis for economically, socially and environ-mentally sustainable rural districts must be en-sured.The Government wants to support develop-ment that can maintain and develop agricultureand promote varied and differentiated life in ruraldistricts. Agriculture can no longer be the only ba-sis for varied social, and economic life in rural dis-tricts.The Government will therefore make therules for use and extension of redundant agricul-tural buildings more flexible.The Governmentalso wants to allow the owners of agriculturalproperty better opportunities to erect housing aspart of a generation change or for the use of em-ployees. Furthermore, the Government wants toallow better opportunities to erect slurry contain-ers on fields. Such development must be in har-mony with the surrounding local community.TheGovernment will therefore introduce new rules oninformation for neighbours before issuing permitsto build in rural zones.

Agriculture has an increasingly multifunctionalrole in rural areas.The Government will strive toadapt the EU subsidy schemes, including schemesunder the Rural Development Programme, to amore holistic approach, that supports sustainabledevelopment.These initiatives are to relieve gener-ation changes and promote nature and environ-ment considerations, food safety, health and safetyat work, the cultural environment, animal welfare,regional development, and rural employment.Subsidy schemes not supporting these objectivesmust be phased out.

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Regulation of agricultural environmental impactsfrom nutrients is a central element in the Govern-ment’s efforts to secure a clean environment forfuture generations. Agricultural loss of nitrate,phosphorus and ammonia must therefore bebrought down to a level that represents no nui-sance to people, that safeguards the aquatic envi-ronment and vulnerable types of nature, and thatpromotes a rich animal and plant life.The ActionPlan for the Aquatic Environment II, which hasbeen evaluated at midterm in December 2000, isexpected to ensure that agricultural nitrogenrunoffs are reduced by 100,000 tonnes annuallybefore the end of 2003. Focus areas are dividedinto area-related activities, improved feed utilisa-tion and fertiliser-related activity areas.

The Government will invite parliamentary partiesto negotiate an Action Plan on the Aquatic Envi-ronment III (VMP III).The Action Plan on theAquatic Environment III will outline the frame-work for agricultural production in harmony withnature and the environment.The plan will containan overall approach to reducing agricultural dis-charges of nutrients, and it will simplify and makemore effective regulation of agricultural impactson the environment. In preparation for the ActionPlan for the Aquatic Environment III, and as thebasis for continued efforts to limit agricultural en-vironmental impacts, Denmark will launch activi-ties which will not only focus on nitrogen, but alsoon the possibilities of limiting agricultural phos-phorus emissions and discharges.This will involvean assessment of the economic and environmentaleffectiveness of current measures.

The aquatic environment will also be the pivotalpoint when the EU Water Framework Directive isdue to be implemented in Danish legislation nolater than December 2003. Regional protection ofthe aquatic environment will be enhanced as partof the implementation of the Water FrameworkDirective by establishing environmental goals forsurface water and the groundwater. A basis willalso be developed to enable preparation of regionalprogrammes which can establish more targeted re-quirements for agriculture in the uplands nearwetlands where environmental goals are not beingmet.These programmes will assess general anthro-pogenic impacts and establish the relative effect of

agriculture.The Water Framework Directive is fur-ther discussed in chapter 6, Environment andHealth.

Loss of ammonia was reduced by 33 per cent inthe course of the 1990s. However, concerns fornature, the environment, and odour nuisancemean that there remains a need to reduce agricul-tural emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gasesinto the air. This will happen on the basis of,amongst other things, the climate strategy, Climate2012, and implementation of a number of initia-tives to further reduce ammonia evaporation fromagriculture.

Agricultural pressure on the environment and na-ture varies from area to area as a consequence ofthe different types of agricultural production andthe varying natural basis. In the coming years,livestock farming must be evaluated locally andregionally in the context of the sensitivity of natureand the environment.

Many consumers demand organic food and theDanish organic sector is one of the largest in Eu-rope. As part of sustainable food production, theGovernment wants to see further development ofthe organic sector on the basis of consumer de-mand and common EU rules. An important partof this development will be the possibility tostrengthen sales of Danish organic products in ex-port markets. It is important that export initiativesare secured with stakeholders well versed in pro-duction and sale of organic produce.The OrganicFood Council has therefore been encouraged toprepare an export strategy.The Council has ac-cepted the challenge and will deliver the strategy atthe end of June 2002.

The use of pesticides can be reduced and still al-low a profitable operation.The Government ishopeful that pesticide use can be minimised withinthe next few years.The Pesticides Reduction PlanII calls for application frequency on fields of lessthan two before the end of 2002. In 2000, applica-tion frequency was two as a result of constructiveinterplay between the industry and the authorities.After 2002, a new objective will be established toreduce application frequency even further. Den-mark’s long-term goal is to develop cultivation

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strategies that reduce the agricultural sector’s de-pendency on pesticides enabling their use to bephased out to the widest extent possible. Interna-tionally, the Government wishes to focus on over-use of pesticides, and pesticides will undergo re-strictive assessments, both nationally and interna-tionally out of considerations for the environment,nature and public health.

Agriculture and the individual farmer have an im-portant role to play in nature management. Na-ture must be protected and biodiversity ensured.Vulnerable types of nature and nature in agricul-tural land must be protected through the preserva-tion, re-establishment and strengthening of mead-ows and dry grassland as well as small biotopessuch as water holes and hedgerows. Dispersioncorridors in the open country must also be safe-guarded, since they improve the conditions forwild animals and plants. More extensive coopera-tion between farmers, consultants, and the author-ities, as well as voluntary agreements on environ-mentally friendly agricultural production, includ-ing green accounting, are important instrumentsin this connection. In order to expand the natureaspect in operations, dissemination of nature plansin agriculture will be promoted, and the natureand environment content in the education andtraining of farmers will be considered. Please seechapter 5, Biodiversity.

Cleaner technology must be developed and used.This provides development opportunities for theindustry and also limits impacts on nature and theenvironment. For primary agriculture, a specialanalysis will be carried out of the opportunities forpromoting growth and development.

Development, maintenance, and expansion of in-ternationally competitive food research requirescontinual concentration on innovation and re-search with strategic relevance for Denmark’s fu-ture leading position within the food sector.FØTEK - The Danish Research and DevelopmentProgramme for Food Technology will promote re-search projects with commercial perspectives thatare carried out in cooperation with agriculturaloperations, enterprises, sector organisations, andresearch institutions.The objective is to contributeto developing the position of the Danish food in-

dustry in export markets and the possibilities forthe industry to increase growth through adaptationto market demands, including consideration of en-vironmental sustainability in production.

Biotechnology involves both opportunity and risk.The approval of genetically modified organisms(GMOs) should be assessed on the basis of con-crete environmental, health and agricultural as-sessments governed by the precautionary principlein all respects. Furthermore, the assessment caninvolve ethical aspects.When gene technology isused, the consumer must be informed throughproduct labelling. Commercial cultivation ofGMO crops in Denmark can become a realitywhen approval procedures for marketing GMOplants are resumed. Utilisation of GMO cropsmust be carried out in co-existence with existingtypes of production and cultivation.Therefore, theGovernment will prepare a national strategy forcultivation of conventional, organic, and GMOcrops. Amongst other things, the strategy will out-line measures to ensure coexistence and regulationpossibilities.

The genetic resources of agriculture must be pre-served both nationally and globally. Modern agri-culture has rendered a relatively small number ofbreeds and species dominant in each of the indi-vidual livestock groups and plant types.The Gov-ernment will expand the existing livestock genebank and draw up a national strategy plan for agri-cultural plant-genetic resources. In 2002, the Dan-ish Government will sign the FAO InternationalTreaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food andAgriculture.The Treaty lays down a global frame-work for sustainable preservation of plant geneticresources for food and agriculture.

Denmark will work to change EU agriculturalpolicy towards a more market-oriented directionin the midterm evaluation in 2002/2003 and withthe expiry of Agenda 2000 in 2006. Agriculturalsubsidies must be gradually phased out. On theother hand, domestic costs must be reduced.Moreover, there must be efforts to ensure thatbudgets for EU agricultural policy increasingly re-flect Danish priorities on the transfer of budgetfunds from direct support to initiatives in ruraldistricts, including for environmental and nature

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purposes, and food safety.This will create thefoundations for sustainable development of ruraldistricts and improvements in food safety, animalwelfare, nature, and the environment.

The above focus areas, concerning the require-ments for sustainable agricultural production, arepart of the Government’s objectives, both nation-ally and at EU level.

9.3. FisheriesThe fisheries sector depends on fish stocks remaining arenewable natural resource. Sustainable fishing that sa-feguards marine fish populations and ecosystems willalso contribute to the sector s future development. Thehighest possible level of knowledge about fisheries andother pressures on marine resources is crucial to ensuresustainable management of fisheries and to be able togain sufficient and healthy food from the ocean.

Fish stocks, fishermen’s access to them, and otherenvironmental impacts on the marine ecosystemare essentially cross-border. Most of the Danishfisheries sector and its access to fish populationsdepends not only on Danish efforts for sustainable

exploitation of living marine resources, but also onthose of other countries. Consequently, an effec-tive policy should be based on targeted interna-tional cooperation.

Based on, amongst other things, the 1992 RioConference, a significant element of the DanishGovernment’s policy has been to maintain and de-velop the environmental profile of the EU’s ownfisheries policy as well as of relations to othercountries and international organisations. An im-proved basis for the annual EU decisions on thetotal allowable catches (TAC) remains a key as-pect of these activities.The advice of marine biolo-gists plays a crucial role, and the precautionaryprinciple governs the guidance which has been ex-tended to comprise all the stocks essential to fish-eries.

A range of international agreements, including theconclusion of the North Sea ministers’ interminis-terial meeting on fisheries and the environment(the Bergen Declaration 1997), conclude, that ac-tivities must be targeted, nationally and in the EUCommon Fisheries Policy, to increase the integra-tion between fisheries and the environment by ap-plying an ecosystem approach including, for in-

stance, the development of a mul-ti-species approach as the firststep. Additionally, the regulationof fisheries must to a greater ex-tent be governed by the precau-tionary principle as defined by theInternational Council for the Ex-ploration of the Sea in 1998.TheEU Council of Ministers first ap-plied the principle in 1999 in es-tablishing the quotas for a num-ber of stocks.The EuropeanCommission confirmed the pri-oritisation of the measures in theGreen Paper on the Future Com-mon Fisheries Policy, and this wasfurther endorsed when the Coun-cil of Ministers integrated (April2001) environmental considera-tions and sustainable developmentinto the Common Fisheries Poli-cy. Both aspects are part of the re-vision of the Common FisheriesPolicy in 2002.

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By-catches of harbour porpoiseIn 2000, the use of acoustic deterrents - “pingers” - in partsof the commercial Danish net fisheries in the North Sea firstbecame mandatory, to prevent harbour porpoise from beingcaught in nets. Pingers represent an efficient solution, but re-search is still needed into the way in which continued use willaffect the harbour porpoises and the marine environment.

Activities also focus on development of net types that har-bour porpoise can detect and avoid.The activities enter intothe Action Plan for reduction of unintended by-catches ofharbour porpoise, adopted in 1998 by the Minister for Food,Agriculture and Fisheries and the Minister for Environmentand Energy.

The work on reducing by-catches of harbour porpoise mustbe followed-up in other Danish waters. International researchcooperation should procure new knowledge on the size anddispersion of harbour porpoise populations.

As part of the national implementation of fisheriespolicy, several initiatives aimed at fisheries activi-ties have been launched or expanded.To lower thepressure from fishing, measures have been imple-mented to limit where and when fishing can beperformed and with which types of tackle and en-gine power. A ban on the discard of commercialcatches that can be landed legally has been intro-duced. Finally, the total capacity of the Danishfisheries fleet has been reduced significantly, whichhas made fisheries more profitable for the remain-ing fishermen in the sector.The Government findsit important that capacity is continuously adapted.

Some of the main challenges we face are the veryheavy fisheries pressure to which many economi-cally important fish stocks are constantly subjectedand the overfishing of several of the stocks centralto Denmark’s fisheries sector.This is why fisheriesactivities should be limited as soon as possible andadjusted to the volume that the fish stocks can sus-tain. Fish discards must be limited further, and insome types of fisheries, unintentional by-catches -including of harbour porpoise - are too high.

Understanding of the marine ecological balance isstill incomplete, also in terms of the many man-made factors compared to the natural factors im-pacting the development of fish resources. Suchfactors comprise pollution, climate change, activi-ties related to oil exploration, etc. In some instan-ces, pollution has impacted the food safety of fish.

Finally, the aquaculture sector offers potential fordevelopment that should be exploited on the con-dition that the necessary environmental considera-tions are taken into account.

Objectives and activities in the futureIn the coming years, the Government will continueits work to promote the integration of environ-mental and sustainability considerations in thefisheries sector, nationally, in the EU, and interna-tionally. In this connection, importance is attachedto following up regional agreements and actionplans in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea aimed atmaking fisheries more sustainable.The establish-ment of an efficient partnership charged withrestoring the North Sea cod stocks is one specificgoal.

In 2001, the Danish Parliament adopted (V 117) arange of central objectives for the development ofa national fisheries policy in the years to come.One objective calls for the modernisation, renewaland simultaneous reduction of the fisheries fleet.The objective is to ensure a long-term, stable andsustainable fisheries sector in relation to the fish-eries possibilities and a continued local fisheriessector with a wide geographic basis.Within thisframework, adjustments to the national manage-ment of fisheries quotas will be realised, one aim isto develop coastal fisheries and promote the quali-ty of landings. In relation to the activities aimed atfisheries, the Government will give high priority todeveloping selective and gentle fisheries tackle, sothat unintended by-catches and undesired pres-sure on the sea bed, its natural animal and plantlife, and the overall ecosystem can more easily beavoided.

Research and data collection are to enhance theunderstanding of marine ecosystems and their in-terrelationship with human impacts. Enhancedknowledge about these matters should help im-prove the decision-making basis for advisory ser-vices and ensure sustainability in fisheries manage-ment. Activities are also targeted at establishing asuperior knowledge base that will enable us to bet-ter target our relevant nature protection considera-tions in relation to fish management in marine ar-eas.

Under the Ministry for Food, Agriculture andFisheries a committee on environmental impactand fisheries resources has been set up. Before Oc-tober 2002, the Committee is to report on man-made and natural factors other than fishing thatimpact the conditions and development of fishstocks, or that impact fish as a food reserve.

To ensure sustainable development in the aqua-culture sector, two committees on inland fishfarms and marine farms, respectively, have beenset up.The committees are expected to make pro-posals for promoting continued exploitation of theproduction potential in the aquaculture sector,having in mind the minimisation of the environ-mental impact.

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Previously, forests were primarily meant to pro-duce wood and serve as shelter.Today, they playmultiple roles for our welfare - especially in termsof recreation. Danish forestry policy must bebased on sustainability and multiple roles, and it isin line with the concept of sustainability which,since Rio, has become the cornerstone of day-to-day forestry – both internationally and nationallyand on the individual property.

Ensuring sustainable forestry, based on near-natu-ral management and natural processes, presents acentral challenge.This will lead to more sustain-able forests based on tree species adapted to the

location (particularly domestic species) and in-creased continuity in the forest cover.There willbe more space for nature, and the forests will beable to adapt more easily to an uncertain future,for example with regard to climate change, socialdevelopments, etc.

The long-term perspectives of forestry call forpersistence and continuity in forest management.These are very difficult goals, as coniferous treeproduction is dominant in Denmark, and largevolumes of coniferous trees from our neighbour-ing countries put pressure on prices.

Forestry10Forests and woodland areas should be used and managed in such a

way as to allow them to play a part in fulfilling Denmark’s nature,

environmental, financial, and social needs, now and in the future. We

should bolster the role of forests as one of society’s welfare assets.

Forests should provide opportunities for outdoor activities, protect

biodiversity and contribute to a varying landscape. Forests should

produce wood products and help protect the environment, including

both the groundwater and through absorption of CO2.

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Polfoto: Morten Langkilde

Objectives and activities in the futureThe policy for new and old forests will be speci-fied in a new National Forest Programme, ex-pected to be finalised in 2002 after public hearingin the spring.The Programme will constitute anoverall plan, presenting concrete objectives andmeans.The Programme will build on a compre-hensive technical foundation, and objectives willbe laid down in close dialogue with parties in-volved in forestry.The basic elements of the forestpolicy are outlined below.

The forested area of Denmark must be increasedso forest landscapes cover 20 - 25 percent of theDanish area in the course of one tree generation(80-100 years).Work should aim at having natureand biological diversity as the primary operationalobjective in 10% of the total forest area.

The new forested areas should meet our needs fordiversified forests. Urban forests give more oppor-tunities for outdoor recreation, and forests protectwater catchment areas and lend character to thelandscape. New forests can create the frameworkfor biodiversity and ensure cohesion between ex-isting nature and forest areas in open country.Theforest programme is to ensure that all these targetsare met. One special objective calls for the replant-ing of 15,000 hectares of healthy, resilient foreststo replace the fallen trees that occurred in thestorm of 1999.This objective is now within reachthrough subsidies under the “windfall scheme” torestore forests, and coupling with a new insurancescheme against losses incurred in future storms.

The Government will promote near to natureand environmentally friendly forest managementand protect the natural assets in forests.This en-tails more deciduous trees and more mixed stands.Adaptation to locations, in particular, domesticspecies will become more visible in Danish forests.

For environmental reasons, the use of pesticideswill be phased out in state forests, and be limitedin private forests through knowledge developmentand information. At the same time, the ability offorests to protect the environment should be betterpromoted and exploited.This applies in particularto protection of the groundwater, and storage ofCO2 in trees and soil as part of fulfilling Den-mark’s commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.

Through a legislative revision, the Governmentwill ensure more flexible forestry legislation allow-ing forest administration a greater degree of free-dom to work with near-natural forestry and alsoensuring continued area utilisation for forests andforest resources.The framework for the amend-ment to the Forestry Act will be outlined in theNational Forestry Programme.

Dialogue, confidence, information, guidance, andvoluntary agreements are key aspects of the futureforestry policy.The Danish Government wants topromote the development of the forestry industryon the basis of voluntary agreements and confi-dence in the individual, thus allowing room forboth nature and economic considerations.Thisplaces great demands on knowledge building and

dissemination.

The Government will promotevoluntary environmental certifica-tion for forests as a tool in this

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Sustainable forestry

A new set of guidelines for sustainable forestry at propertylevel serves as a topical example of how Denmark is opera-tionalising the concept of sustainability.The Danish Forestand Nature Agency and eighteen stakeholder associationshave jointly established thirteen voluntary operational princi-ples.The principles aim at forestry that supports nature’secosystems, while also making allowances for and combininga range of social, ecological and economic considerations.

connection so that sustainable forestry can compli-ment enhanced marketing.

The population should be more involved in deci-sions concerning forests.This could be throughpublic debate about forestry policy, and with re-gard to state forests through the user councils inthe state forest districts.The importance of foreststo outdoor recreation should also be emphasisedand developed.

The forestry sector must enhance its earning ca-pacity. High-quality forestry and wood productsmust constantly be developed, with seed and plantmaterial suited to the location.The Governmentwill support a stable, market-oriented basis forsupplying wood chip for energy purposes. It is im-portant to provide information about the consider-ation rendered to nature and the environment inDanish forestry production. Increased use of woodand wood products may reduce the consumptionof more environmentally harmful raw materialsand contribute to financing the forest as a welfarebenefit. A more liberal framework for forestrythrough more flexible forestry legislation is expect-ed to promote forest administrators’ opportunitiesto manage their finances.

Targeted research and an improved data situationare important ancillary tools for forest-related ac-tivities. Forest research should improve our knowl-edge of sustainable forestry methods.The healthof forests is already monitored, and in 2002 amore extensive nationwide forest monitoring pro-gramme was initiated that will also provide a num-ber of data about the nature content in forests,CO2 absorption (“sink” properties) and other en-vironmental and social services.

Denmark will continue its efforts aimed at gradu-ally more binding international cooperation onforests through international agreements and con-ventions. Denmark will follow up internationalagreements, promote sustainable forestry andmake experience gained available to others. Dan-ish environment and development assistanceshould assist recipient countries in implementinginternational conventions, agreements and recom-mendations on nature and forests. Furthermore,we must make sure that in our use of importedwood, we favour the products that are producedsustainably and legally.This goal is to be accom-plished by, among other things, reinforcing mea-sures on certification.

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Industry, trade and services11Initiatives for a sustainable society and initiatives for future welfare must go hand in hand. Funding

the welfare society of the future will require that private production will grow and create more we-

alth. Sustainable development requires that production and consumption is developed so that re-

source consumption is optimised and adverse environmental and health effects are reduced appre-

ciably. We can achieve this reduction by making it attractive to incorporate environmental con-

siderations not only into company business procedures, but also into every link of the chain from

production to consumption and disposal. Companies are playing a key role in bolstering the utilisa-

tion and development of environmentally friendly technologies.

Authorities, businesses and consumers have a common interest in working together to create a

market where consideration of the environment is central for competition between enterprises, and

for consumption of goods and services. Combined with new market-based instruments and volun-

tary initiatives, market forces will motivate the corporate sector and consumers to participate active-

ly in this development. Regulations in the EU and in Denmark will continue to make up part of the

foundation for enterprises’ environmental initiatives.

Another objective of the Government is that Danish enterprises and investors can easily document

their environmental initiatives and that consumers are allowed easy access to information on envi-

ronmental impacts from manufacturing processes.

Polfoto: Kim

Nielsen

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One of the greatest challenges of the 21st centurywill be to decouple economic growth from envi-ronmental impacts.To minimise the adverse envi-ronmental effects of production and consumptionsystematically, we must ensure that companiesconsider the environment in making their day-to-day decisions. Production, recycling and disposalmust develop through advances in environmental-ly friendly technology, innovation and competencebuilding. Research and development of more envi-ronmentally friendly technologies must bestrengthened through improved cooperation be-tween enterprises and public research institutions,for example via greater inter-disciplinary researchgroups, centre contracts, commercial researchers,regional growth environments, and other jointpublic-private development programmes.We mustalso consider every aspect of the process from“cradle to grave”.We must increase cooperationacross industries and sectors and find new solu-tions that reduce environmental pressure and usefewer resources. Another challenge lies in integrat-ing the competitiveness of companies with envi-ronmental, social and ethical considerations.

An important task is to maintain our efforts topersuade companies and consumers to give envi-ronmental issues higher priority when making de-cisions on the production and consumption ofgoods and services. At the same time, globalisa-tion, growing trade and information technologydevelopments are setting a new agenda for envi-ronmental policy and the global division of labour.

In this respect, agreements on trading conditionsand market regulation under EU auspices are keysto producing, marketing and stimulating demandfor cleaner products and services in an open Dan-ish market, a single European market, and a globalmarket. Since Danish companies form part of in-ternational supply chains, both EU and interna-tional regulations must incorporate environmentalconsiderations. Chapter 8 describes Denmark’s in-ternational efforts in this respect.

Households can limit their adverse effects on theenvironment. Individual consumers can contributeto this process by choosing environmentallyfriendly products and by using and disposing ofproducts in an appropriate manner. Informationfrom authorities and manufacturers must empow-

er consumers to make choices on the basis of envi-ronmental and other considerations, thus makingrespect for the environment a natural part of ev-eryday life.

First and foremost, companies can help by boost-ing initiatives to develop technologies capable ofintroducing processes and products that are moreenvironmentally friendly than today. As part of thepreparation of an action plan to promote environ-mentally friendly technologies, the EuropeanCommission has indicated a number of economicand institutional barriers to spreading environ-mentally friendly technologies in markets. Utilisingresources more efficiently, avoiding the use ofharmful compounds and minimising emissionsand discharges into water, air and soil as well as re-cycling more and limiting waste volumes must beattractive to companies. Equally important, com-panies should make more information available, al-lowing environmental information to follow prod-ucts to consumers and to those who recycle or dis-pose of products.We must take advantage of thegrowing role information technology plays in to-day’s service society to create and market environ-mentally friendly products. Innovation must bepromoted through better functioning, environ-mentally aware markets.

The period following the Rio conference has seenthe launch of many initiatives to reduce the envi-ronmental impacts caused by companies. Market-oriented instruments have been introduced: envi-ronmental taxes, eco-labels and voluntary agree-ments aimed at reducing environmental impactsand encouraging the use of cleaner products andenvironmental competencies.

In a number of areas, Danish enterprises have ahead start regarding the environment. All pollu-tion-intensive companies in the EU are now sub-ject to general regulations based on “best availabletechniques”, which Danish companies are alreadyrequired to live up to.This gives Danish compa-nies excellent opportunities to benefit from main-taining a high environmental profile and thus gaina competitive edge.

From 1995 onwards, a number of industrial com-panies have been under the obligation to publishgreen accounts containing information about envi-

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ronmental impacts and describing environmentalaspects. According to a survey, about 40 per centof all companies have achieved environmental im-provements, while about 50 per cent have profitedfinancially from saving resources.The advantagesof green accounts can still be expanded to includethe world outside of companies.The question ofhow enterprises can and must report on environ-mental aspects and social and ethical considera-tions is increasingly becoming part of the interna-tional agenda.This applies for both enterprises,who see reporting as a competitive parameter, andpolitical decision-makers.

The Government will help enterprises and author-ities to establish environmental management anddevelop environmental competences.This will fa-cilitate environmental control and integrate envi-ronmental aspects into decision-making processesand day-to-day activities.Today, more than 500Danish companies have been certified under theinternational environmental standard, ISO 14001,while about 180 have been registered under the

Community Eco-Managementand Audit Scheme, EMAS.Moreover, 21 sector-orientedenvironmental managementtools have been developed incooperation with relevant sec-tor associations to help individ-ual enterprises. A good exam-ple is the tourism sector.Theeconomic upturn of recentyears has spurred a global in-crease in travel, also for touristpurposes. International tourismdecreases the chances ofachieving global sustainable

development, because it increases the volume ofair traffic and adversely affects nature in touristdestination areas. During the past ten years, theDanish tourist industry has increasingly focusedon offering nature and environmentally-orientedattractions and activities. A number of schemes -such as the Green Key - have been introduced,awarding eco-labels to overnight accommodationfacilities. Another scheme, Destination 21, has alsobeen introduced for tourist destinations pursuingsustainable development.The scheme covers theoverall production chain for the destination. At thesame time, the Blue Flag campaign has drawnpublic attention to clean and safe facilities atbeaches and in marinas.

Denmark has succeeded in decoupling economicgrowth from environmental impact in a number ofareas. During the past ten years, industrial dis-charges of nutrient salts into aquatic environmentshave fallen by 60-75 per cent while output hasrisen by 20 per cent. Industrial consumption ofenergy has increased by 12 per cent, whereas CO2

Green requirements for suppliers

In 1995, 24 Danish enterprises had introduced certified envi-ronmental management systems. In 2001, the number was morethan 600 and exceeded 10,000 on a global scale. Environmentalconsiderations are increasingly being incorporated into enter-prise strategies and are becoming a competitive parameter inthe market. But enterprises doing trade with each other are un-accustomed to incorporating environmental issues when devel-oping or demanding environmentally friendly products.The re-quirements that larger enterprises impose on smaller suppliersare an important impetus for green industrial development.

The car industry is one example of a sector desiring to create agreen image. Some sectors of this industry are beginning toconsider the environment a key success criterion. One car man-ufacturer has been integrating environmental considerationsinto its product development since 1996 and has also intro-duced environmental requirements for its suppliers.This alsoapplies for a number of Danish enterprises acting as sub-con-tractors for the global car manufacturers. All its subcontractorsmust introduce environment management systems by 2002.

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emissions have only risen by 2 per cent. Althoughimprovements have been made, pollution and con-tamination in some specific fields are mounting instep with economic growth and higher consump-tion. As a result, the past ten years have seen wastevolumes increase as the economy grows, just ascompanies have been unable to reduce the use ofenvironmentally hazardous and health-impairingchemicals to the extent technically feasible and de-sirable in relation to the environment and health.

Cleaner technology has contributed to reducingwaste volumes and the environmentally adverse ef-fects associated with the production and con-sumption of goods. Denmark’s “Product-OrientedEnvironmental Initiative” is based on the principlethat environmental considerations must be incor-porated into every decision involving goods andservices from “cradle to grave”.This applies toany aspect from design and choice of materials toproduction, transportation, supply, marketing, de-mand, use and any subsequent handling of waste.Environmental considerations must figure in alllinks of the value chain, domestic and foreign.Product panels made up of stakeholders have beenestablished as “think tanks” for new, general mar-ket initiatives.

The Government wishes to promote the interplaybetween enterprise policy and environmental poli-cy aimed at making the environment a competitiveparameter for many sectors of Danish trade andindustry. A key objective is to encourage corporateself-action in the environmental area.

Up to autumn 2002 the Government will work ona report on the “Green Market Economy”.Thereport will analyse the possibilities of using mar-ket-oriented measures to promote a better envi-ronment.The report will also study opportunitiesfor the development and market distribution of en-vironmentally friendly technologies.

The goal is to enable Danish trade and industry tosupply goods and services that satisfy our needs,create increased welfare and individual quality oflife, while at the same time safeguarding the envi-ronment.The development of environmentallyfriendly markets with environmental considera-tions as an important competitive parameter will

represent a pivotal part of this. Increased use ofmarket forces to the benefit of the environmentwill be cost-effective for both enterprises and forsociety.

The challenge is to create incentives for enterpris-es as well as society as a whole, to consider the en-vironment, for example through environmentalstrategies and environmentally friendly innovation.Environmentally conscious enterprises must standto gain strategic as well as competitive advantages.

Environmentally friendly market development re-quires, among other things, clear market informa-tion, achieved with eco-labels, environmentalproduct declarations and consumer information.Denmark has joined the EU eco-label scheme (theFlower) and the Nordic eco-label scheme (theSwan).This environmental information supportsconsumers in choosing environmentally friendlyproducts.The goal is for consumers to recogniseeco-labels as easily as they recognise the Danish“Ø” label for organic products. Furthermore, con-sumer confidence in eco-labels must be main-tained at the currently high level.

For several years, an objective has been for thepublic to take the lead and stimulate demand formore environmentally friendly products.This in-volves the State, counties, and municipalities inte-grating environmental parameters into their pro-curement policies. Sustainable development canonly be achieved if enterprises are willing to takeresponsibility. It is imperative that framework con-ditions make that responsibility attractive.

Objectives and activities in the futureThe Government intends to cooperate with mar-ket players to establish an environmentally friendlymarket.This requires the introduction of frame-work conditions motivating enterprises to makeenvironmental efforts on a voluntary basis, whilealso boosting their competitiveness. Economic andfiscal control measures will be relevant to achievethis goal. One example is to have prices reflect theactual environmental costs.

The polluter-pays principle is one means of pro-moting cleaner production and products on rea-sonable, competitive terms.

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Another important tool is environmentally friendlypublic procurement.This can lead to significantdemand and by creating volume in the market itcan help reduce the prices of environmentallyfriendly products. In this process, more eco-la-belled products on the market and adequate infor-mation motivate consumers to change their habits.

Denmark is to be among the industrialised coun-tries in the forefront of reducing pollution, and im-pacts on the environment from enterprises muststill be limited. Legislation and instruments mustbe adapted and developed in line with technologi-cal advances and market trends, persuading enter-prises to increase environmental protection volun-tarily.

The Government believes that it is necessary to setminimum requirements for a number of healthand environmental issues.The manufacturing in-dustry must be responsible for ensuring that thechemicals used are assessed in relation to their en-vironmental and health impacts. Substances thatmay be detrimental to the environment or to hu-man health must be eliminated from products andproduction processes. Substances particularly dan-gerous to the environment or to health must bephased out completely or partially, while limit val-ues should be raised to reduce adverse dischargesand emissions into air, water or soil.This applies tosubstances such as dioxin and solvents. It will alsobe necessary to map and reduce volumes of smallparticles suspended in the air.

There is also a need in other areas to look at howregulation can help sustainable development. Forexample, this applies to tourism where the inter-play between physical planning by counties, andregional and national strategies on tourism mustbe enhanced, for example through cooperation be-tween the Danish Tourist Board and the DanishMinistry of the Environment.We must safeguardand improve recreational opportunities fortourists, local inhabitants and disabled people, forexample by improving access to natural areas fromhousing and holiday areas.

A life-cycle-based product liability for products’pollution and resource consumption contributes tomaking enterprises, severally and jointly, assume

liability for a product “from cradle to grave”. In-ternational guidelines for environmental informa-tion about enterprises and products should exist toinspire such efforts across national borders.

Apart from eco-labels, environmental informationincludes environmental product declarations, envi-ronmental guidelines for public buyers, environ-mental reports, green accounts and informationsystems about the environmental conditions of theindustrial sector.The public must have better andeasier access to information about environmentaland ethical aspects of production, goods and ser-vices.

The development and use of know-how, productand process data as well as tools to assess the envi-ronmental impacts of products and productionprocesses contribute to increasing enterprises’ op-portunities to integrate environmental considera-tions into strategies, development activities andday-to-day decisions. Building enterprise and staffcompetence and incorporating environmentalknow-how into training and education should fuelthis development and lay the groundwork for amarket for environmentally sustainable products.

Cleaner technology and products must be devel-oped and made more widespread.We must devel-op and advocate the use of cleaner technology andproducts and provide room for new solutions,radical innovations, and technological advance-ment. In addition, products must be made moredurable and easier to repair, upgrade or recyclethan at present.The Government will work tomake it possible to include environmental consid-erations in EU tenders and procedures, and fortheir incorporation into international standardisa-tion work.

Environmentally friendly corporate developmentrequires strong innovation capacity if green com-mercial opportunities are to be fully exploited andthus enhance the competitiveness of environmen-tally aware enterprises.The Government has initi-ated a technological “think tank” to encourage en-vironmental innovation in Denmark with partici-pants from a number of large Danish businesses,universities and other knowledge institutions, non-government organisations (NGO’s) and investors.

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There must be efforts to make corporate self-ac-tion more widespread. Use and development ofmethods that bring environmental considerationsinto corporate decision-making must be strength-ened to increase the number of Danish enterprisesusing environmental management and recognisedenvironmental management systems. Initiativesshould be aimed at ensuring that enterprises ac-tively use, develop and spread “best available tech-niques”.

As all market players have an important role insustainable development, it is vital that they be-come part of this development. Green industrialdevelopment also depends, however, on distribu-tors and other enterprises in the product chainthat do not in themselves affect the environment toany noticeable degree, especially in a country suchas Denmark with a large international trade. Re-tailers have an important role as messengers of en-vironment demands from customers to suppliersand producers, and they can also play an activerole by marketing environmentally friendly prod-ucts and being at the leading edge in satisfyingcustomer demands of suppliers.The financial ser-vices sector can also develop programmes de-signed to give general credit ratings and loansmore environmental weight. Efficient environmen-tally conscious markets, as well as adherence to thepolluter-pays principle, will also boost this devel-opment. At the same time, the more widespreaduse of green and ethical accounting will also facili-tate the process.

The basis for sustainable development must bestrengthened internationally.We must encouragethe EU and international organisations to supportrecognised guidelines for corporate communica-tion of environmental, ethical, social, and econom-ic aspects. For example, Denmark will work to en-hance the EU Flower in European markets. Inter-nationally, environmental regulation should beimproved through EU provisions such as the di-rective on pollution-intensive companies (IPPC)and through EU requirements pertaining to “bestavailable techniques”.The concept of life cycleand products, and a market-oriented approachmust be disseminated on an international scale.

During the Danish EU Presidency in 2002, theCommission is expected to submit a White Paperon a common EU product-oriented strategy.TheWhite Paper is expected to establish a frameworkfor continued EU work in promoting demand andsupply of cleaner products based on market-eco-nomic measures. One element of this is expectedto be a framework for a cohesive information sys-tem for environment information about products.Moreover, the new EU Strategy for Integration ofthe Environment and Sustainable Development inthe Single Market will have an impact. Internation-al Danish environmental assistance can helpstrengthen regulation, enforce legislation andtransfer cleaner technologies. Assistance can alsoprovide Danish expertise to reduce environmentalimpacts and develop local environmental compe-tence.

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The public expects to have safe, flexible and swiftaccess to workplaces, shops, recreational activitiesand holidays. An efficient, modern transport sys-tem offering high traffic flow is necessary to pro-vide the mobility required for meeting these de-mands. Accessibility and efficient mobility are wel-fare benefits that must also be secured and de-veloped for future generations through Denmark’stransport policy.

At the same time, traffic in a modern society hasseveral negative consequences for human health

and the environment that reduce the overall wel-fare of society. Concerns for public health, the en-vironment and the future of successive generationsthus determine the framework of a modern trans-port system.This does not entail restrictions in ac-cessibility and mobility but means that forms oftransport must be found that create less traffic,fewer accidents and less pollution, and housing aswell as enterprises should be sited in places wherethe least possible motorised traffic is necessary.For the past decade, an integrated transport policyhas also embraced environmental considerations,

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Transport12To achieve sustainable development in the field of transport, the Government primarily intends to deco-

uple growth in the impacts of transport on the environment and health from economic growth.

Health, environmental and safety considerations must be integrated into transport policy. The Govern-

ment’s long-term benchmarks call for the transport sector to make its fair contribution to reducing nati-

onal emissions of greenhouse gases and to ensuring that air pollution from traffic constitutes no

health hazard to the population. Traffic noise must be reduced to a level which ensures that nobody is

exposed to significant negative health impacts. Transport must be safe for everybody. The negative im-

pact of the transport system on the natural habitats of animals and plants must be curbed.

The transport system must ensure that the population has access to work, shops, public services and

leisure-time activities, and all citizens must be ensured efficient mobility through public and private

transport solutions. Denmark must offer trade and industry excellent transport links to the surrounding

world, and traffic congestion should only occur during peak periods. High traffic flow should be ensu-

red for public and private transport, including cycle and pedestrian traffic.

Polfoto: Niels Jacobsen

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at both EU level and in Denmark, and this mustcontinue. Denmark has set a range of objectivescovering such issues as CO2 emissions, noise, andair pollution from transport. Activities in relationto these objectives will be further developed on thebasis of new knowledge concerning the interactionof transport with the environment and health. Atthe same time, a broader perspective is required -towards international cooperation and cooperationwith other sectors, regional and local authoritiesand other central players - to find long-term solu-tions to the challenges facing the transport sector.

Many transport problems and their solutions areclosely linked with international developments,which means that Denmark cannot implement thenecessary initiatives through national instrumentsalone.The development of new technologies andinternational transport taxes are just two examples.At the same time, opportunities for sustainabletransport can only be realised through consideringtransport issues with other sector policies.This isespecially true for industrial policy, economic poli-cy, localisation policy, and fiscal policy.

We need to be aware of these prerequisites sincemost transport ultimately serves purposes otherthan traffic as such. Considering environmentaland macro-economic factors, the various measuresshould also be used where they will be of greatestbenefit.

Danish and international experience indicates thattechnological progress is often the most efficientway of developing a more environmentally friendlytransport sector. In its work to enhance sustainabletransport, the Government has therefore accordedhigh priority to promoting technological develop-ment. However, technological development cannotsolve all of the problems in the transport sector.Therefore, technological development will be inte-grated into a broad strategy together with physicalplanning, information and dialogue on transporthabits, combined with market-oriented instru-ments and other elements.

In 1987, the UN World Commission published thereport “Our Common Future”. In 1990, the Gov-ernment at that time adopted a Transport ActionPlan for the environment and development whichaddressed the new challenges. Since then, Den-

mark has prepared a number of strategies and ac-tion plans for sustainable transport, and these havegiven rise to great public debate. In addition,several concrete initiatives have been launchedwith the aim of increasing sustainability in thetransport sector. At EU level, Denmark contri-buted to shaping the EU Transport Council’s 1999strategy for integrating environmental concernsand sustainable development into Communitytransport policy.

In Denmark, the transport sector’s health and en-vironmental impact from air pollution and acci-dents has fallen since the Rio Conference.This isparticularly due to targeted efforts for better mo-tor technology, fuel quality, and road safety. In theEU, agreements with the automobile industry andsteadily more stringent standards for vehicle emis-sions of pollutants have resulted in considerableprogress in this area.

Denmark’s system of taxes to encourage thechoice of less polluting vehicles and fuels has beenquite successful. Differential taxes on lead and sul-phur-containing fuels have contributed to thetransition to cleaner fuels that took place duringthe 1980s and 1990s.The system of taxes has alsobeen used to promote the use of more energy-effi-cient vehicles. One example of this is the conver-sion of the vehicle excise duty into the “greenowner tax” on passenger cars. Moreover, electriccars are exempt from vehicle registration tax and,similarly, the most energy-efficient car models aresubject to a lower vehicle registration tax.

According to national and international calcula-tions, demand for transport will continue to risefor many years. Economic growth in society is ex-pected to remain a central cause of growth intransport demand. Globalisation, urban growth,increasing car ownership and changed travelhabits are other contributory factors.The increasein traffic volumes will result in higher emissions ofgreenhouse gases, crowding, consumption of re-sources, and more pressure on natural and resi-dential areas. A broad strategy taking into accountthe various reasons for traffic growth and techno-logical development will make it possible to limitenvironmental impacts from transport. In thatmanner, we can prevent traffic growth from un-dermining the Government’s objectives for traffic

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flow, the environment and health concerns.According to existing knowledge, the greatest traf-fic-related health risk stems from accidents and airpollution, including fine particles from vehicles.Excessive noise levels have also been shown to im-pact human health.

Objectives and activities in the futureCO2.The transport sector must contribute to ful-filling Danish obligations to reduce CO2 emissionsby 21 per cent from 1990 to 2008-12.The DanishGovernment will consider possible measures tolimit CO2 emissions as a basis for stipulatingbenchmarks for the transport sector’s CO2 emis-sions up to the first budget period 2008-12 and inthe longer term.This will halt the steady increasein CO2 emissions from the transport sector.Thetransport sector’s contribution to the total Danishclimate efforts will be assessed in relation to where“the most cost-effective solution for society whenachieving environmental objectives” can beachieved.The Danish Government has set up acommittee to examine possibilities for effective so-lutions to reduce climate-gas emissions, includingfrom transport.The Danish Government’s long-term target for 2030 is reduction in transport-sec-tor CO2 emissions by 25 percent, compared to1988 levels.This ambitious target assumes thateconomic growth is decoupled from developmentsin CO2 emissions from the transport sector.

Air pollution and the urban environment. Aspecial effort has been made in urban areas tominimise the effects of traffic on city and town en-vironments. By the year 2010, the Governmentaims to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides andhydrocarbons by 60% compared to the 1988 leveland to halve emissions of particles from urbantraffic during the same period. Air pollution fromtraffic is a special problem for the urban environ-ment and leads to health problems. Air pollution inthe form of fine particles gives rise to particularproblems.The Government will consider ways ofpromoting the retrofitting of effective particulatefilters in lorries and buses.The technology for theinstallation of filters has yet to be fully developedfor diesel-fuelled vans and passenger cars, whichaccount for some 60 per cent of particulate emis-sions. However, some new car models are beingmarketed with filters.The Government will con-sider how market-oriented measures can promote

the sale of these models. Diesel cars are more en-ergy efficient than petrol-powered cars and, there-fore, cause lower CO2 emissions. On the otherhand, diesel cars cause higher emissions of nitro-gen oxides ( NOX), and particles. Municipalitiescan utilise the possibilities in the Road Traffic Actto strengthen local initiatives for a better urban en-vironment.The Road Traffic Act provides exam-ples of possible pilot projects involving environ-mental zones and other initiatives.

Road safety. The goal of the Danish Road SafetyCommission’s Action Plan for 2000 is to reduceroad casualties (fatal and serious injuries) by 40%by the end of 2012.The Government intends torealise this goal through measures to constraintraffic speeds in particularly dangerous and ex-posed places, and encourage the wearing of seatbelts, improvements in road design, marking andtraffic development, as well as more information,and better training for road users.

Noise. Traffic is the most significant source ofnoise pollution in Denmark. In particular, noisefrom road traffic is today a widespread health andenvironmental problem, while noise pollution fromrailways has been limited considerably during the1990s. Many people live in areas where noise fromtraffic exceeds what are considered acceptablehealth limits. It is estimated that today about150,000 people live in dwellings heavily impactedby noise. Heavy noise impacts are those over 65decibels, ie. 10 decibels more than the recom-mended limit value.There is also growing aware-ness in the EU of the environmental consequencesof noise. In the spring 2002, the EU Environmen-tal Noise Directive was adopted.The Directivecontains requirements on noise mapping, prepara-tion of national action plans, and public involve-ment for all EU countries.

In light of this, the Danish Government has set upa “Road Noise Group” to prepare a broadly basedproposal for a road-noise strategy.This strategywill include information regarding the feasibility ofachieving a significant reduction in the number ofdwellings severely affected by road noise.This willbe within the framework of the forthcoming Envi-ronmental Noise Directive. An important part ofthe Road Noise Strategy will be to implement amacro-economic assessment of the health conse-

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quences of road noise, and the measures that canbe applied to reduce the number of heavily im-pacted dwellings.

Mobility and traffic flow. A number of long-terminvestments have been made with the aim of fu-ture expansion of the road network and public-transport systems.The plan is to boost the qualityof public transport by investing in new high-quali-ty trains nationwide and in the Metro and the Cir-cle Line in Copenhagen, and urban railways inAarhus and Aalborg.The road traffic investmentsare earmarked for motorways and expresswayswith a view to creating a viable network of mainroads which provide maximum road safety at min-imum inconvenience to the population.The Gov-ernment intends to create the financial foundationfor further investment in roads and public trans-port, among other things with a view to establish-ing more appropriate traffic flows in the GreaterCopenhagen area. Spatial planning initiatives willimprove the traffic flow for pedestrians, cyclistsand public transport.To ensure that the wisest de-cisions are made, the Government will continue torely on environmental impact assessments whenconsidering relevant Bills, including proposals fornew infrastructures.

Nature and landscape.The impact of transporton biodiversity and nature and the environmentmust be controlled. Public planning initiativesmust essentially respect all protected areas andlisted buildings and consider natural assets. Suchinitiatives should also preserve the character oflarge unspoilt landscapes, ensuring that they re-main free of noise nuisances and fragmentation. Itis important to safeguard wildlife, ensuring thatanimals can pass traffic systems, especially at

stream valleys and dispersion corridors. In accor-dance with the Government’s comments on the re-vised regional plans for 2001 (Regionplanrevision2001), counties have identified large, undisturbedlandscapes in their regional plans.

Waste. According to an EU directive, the recyclingpercentage for materials from scrap cars and vansmust be increased to 85% by the year 2015.Toachieve this percentage, the Government will re-quire that end-of-life vehicles be processed so thattheir parts can be recycled.

Getting the prices right. The Danish Governmentsupports the conclusion from the EU Council inGothenburg in 2001 that transport prices shouldreflect the true cost of transport to society to agreater extent.Therefore, the Government willregularly consider whether a green market econ-omy for transport can contribute to sustainabledevelopment.This will promote more equal com-petition between the different modes of transport.The Danish Government will establish a commit-tee, which will investigate the possibility of restruc-turing vehicle registration taxes to promote sales ofenvironmentally friendly vehicles.The Govern-ment will research road-pricing programmes,which are being promoted in other countries, andanalyse their potential effects in a Danish context.

Better transport choices and habits. Informationon environmentally friendly choices of transportmust be available so that people can make theirown decisions. For passenger traffic, this meanspromoting the quality of public transport where anadequate basis exists through national and interna-tional competition. Likewise, cycling and walkingare attractive alternatives. It includes utilising the

Differential fuel taxes curb particle emissions

In Denmark, differential taxes on car diesel fuel on the basis of the sulphur content have been in-troduced.The sulphur content of all fuel used in Denmark is now less than one seventh of the EUlimit, which is 350 ppm (parts per million).This has brought about a sharp drop in the content ofhealth-hazardous fine particles in air. Measurements on Jagtvej in Copenhagen have shown thatconcentrations of ultrafine particles (nano particles) were halved from 1999 to 2000.

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car better, partly through the “park and ride”scheme, by promoting car-pooling databases, andby enterprise plans for safety and the environ-ment. In freight transport, the emphasis will be oninformation on facilities for combined transportsolutions involving more extensive use of rail andsea transport. Better dialogue between central gov-ernment authorities and trade associations will alsopromote better logistics and environmental man-agement. Other measures to promote environmen-tally friendly transport choices and habits includeeducation, information, public debate, green pro-curement policies and relevant market-oriented in-struments.

Research. Research is being undertaken into thecentral aspects of developments in transport andthe measures that can steer transport options inthe direction of sustainable development. Exam-ples of the research are choice of type of transport,economic analyses for transport, and integratedanalyses of economy, the environment, and roadsafety. Another area of research is the environmen-tal effects of traffic, including the significance ofparticles.

International activities. At its meeting in Cardiffin 1998, the European Council decided, as a fol-low-up to Treaty provisions, to integrate environ-mental considerations into all other sector policies.Consequently, at the 1999 Helsinki Council Meet-ing the EU transport ministers presented a strate-gy for incorporating environmental considerationsinto transport policy.The Government will followup on the strategy proposed by the EU TransportCouncil and on the transport-related sections ofthe EU’s work for sustainable transport includingthe conclusions made by Heads of State and Gov-ernment at the European Council in Gothenburgin June 2001. Similarly, the Danish Governmentwill apply the OECD guidelines for sustainabletransport policy which were adopted as part of theOECD environment strategy for sustainable devel-opment in 2001. For instance, the Governmentwill take steps to ensure that all modes of transportpay social costs, and to promote public transportas well as freight transport by rail, on waterways,and through combined transport solutions. Morespecifically, Denmark is working for intensifiedand fair competition in the railway sector through-

out the EU, for an international or EU tax on avia-tion fuel, and for the promotion of high interna-tional environmental standards for vehicles andengine fuel. In September 2001, the EuropeanCommission adopted a White Paper on the EU’sCommon Transport Policy.The White Paper con-tains about 60 concrete initiatives and the DanishGovernment will seek to see that the initiativesgenerally promote sustainable development in thetransport sector.

Since the development and production of new ve-hicle technologies largely take place outside Den-mark, the Government wishes to conclude agree-ments through the EU on standards for new vehi-cles and fuel types.This approach has been suc-cessful to date, and the Government will work topromote EU regulations that, while flexible, arealso binding to an extent that provides both incen-tives and opportunities for manufacturers andbuyers to make environmentally friendly choices.For one thing, Denmark intends to support bettercommon EU methods for calculating and docu-menting the environmental impact of vehicles andtransport infrastructures.

Denmark intends to work actively in internationalforums other than the EU.The UN EconomicCommission for Europe (ECE) is a relevant fo-rum for road transport issues, while the Interna-tional Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and theInternational Maritime Organisation (IMO) arerelevant for discussions concerning aviation andmaritime issues.The World Health Organization(WHO) focuses on the direct and indirect effectsof transport on health, while general issues relatingto sustainable development are discussed as partof the UN’s follow-up to the 1992 Rio Confer-ence. Denmark is focusing its efforts to securemore binding and specific agreements in these andother international forums dealing with matters ofinternational sustainable transport.

The Government will follow the EU objectivesand guidelines for environmentally sustainabletransport. Emphasis will be on the integration ofenvironmental considerations into the transportsector to take account of new knowledge, and onassessing measures and the involvement of rele-vant players.

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Energy13Energy consumption and energy supply are paramount activity areas for achieving

sustainable development. Therefore, anthropogenic climate change and SO2 and NOx

emissions must be limited, but at the same time maintain balance in the economy.

Therefore, there must be efforts for stable and cost-effective energy supply.

The Danish Government will liberalise the Danish electricity and gas markets in order

to improve energy production efficiency, reduce energy prices, and ensure that energy is

produced with less pressure on the environment. The Danish Government will also stri-

ve for more coordination in energy policy across borders, not least in the EU, so that

the price of energy in individual countries reflects the actual cost, including the environ-

mental cost. Denmark has entered ambitious international obligations to reduce the ne-

gative impacts of energy on the environment. With its commitment to reducing emissi-

ons of six greenhouse gases by 21 per cent compared to 1990 levels between 2008-12,

Denmark will make a significant contribution to the Kyoto Protocol and thus to counte-

ring global climate change. Furthermore, Denmark intends to reduce SO2 emissions by

about 30 per cent and NOx emissions by about 45 per cent compared to the 1998 levels

by the end of 2010.

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Polfoto: Thomas B

orberg

Denmark has applied large expenditure on energysaving and efficiency, and expanding renewableenergy.While enjoying substantial economicgrowth during the 1990s, Denmark managed tokeep total energy consumption at a fairly constantlevel. A major reason for this is that we now utilisesurplus heat from electricity production more effi-ciently than previously.Thus, more than 80 percent of district heating is today co-produced withelectricity.The use of natural gas and renewableenergy has also risen during this period. On bal-ance, CO2 emissions dropped by about 10 percent between 1990 and 2000. Combined with bet-ter flue-gas cleaning systems, cleaner energysources have contributed to a considerable reduc-tion in SO2 and NOx emissions from the energysector.

Denmark still has some way to go to reach the na-tional targets set for CO2 emissions in 2005 and tomeet the Kyoto commitments in 2008-12. But themost recent assessment shows that we are on theright track.The Government has initiated work torevise the estimates of the expected developmentin Danish emissions of greenhouse gases and thedifference in relation to the Kyoto objective. Fur-thermore, there should be considerations as to howthis difference can be eliminated in the most cost-effective way.

To a great extent, Denmark has already imple-mented the “easy solutions” to reducing its energyconsumption and CO2 emissions. Consequently, itis crucial to ensure a higher degree of economicefficiency when planning new action and intro-ducing new instruments.

Objectives and activities in the futureThe potential for making the energy sector moreefficient remains large.Through national effortsand active cooperation within the EU, the Govern-ment intends to develop market-oriented instru-ments that can ensure stable, cost-effective energysupply, and promote environmental objectiveswhile maintaining balance in the economy.

The reforms of the framework for electricity andgas supply in 1999-2000 were the start of a pro-cess of liberalisation of the electricity and gas mar-kets which the Government intends to further.

From January 2003, Denmark is required to openits electricity market fully, thus allowing all con-sumers to choose their own supplier.The DanishGovernment will investigate how cost-effectiveand flexible regulation of the electricity sector’sCO2 emissions can be established when the pre-sent programme involving CO2 quotas expires atthe end of 2003.This will be coordinated with fol-lowing up compliance with the Danish obligationswith regard to emissions of SO2 and NOx. Den-mark supports the European Commission’s pro-posal for a European CO2 quota system.TheDanish Government is aiming at full deregulationof the Danish gas market from 2004, and will workto open the market in the same way throughoutthe EU.

Denmark intends to do its part in reducing globalwarming.The Government aims to bring downCO2 emissions by 20 per cent of 1988 levels in2005. At the same time, the Government will takethe initiatives that are necessary to fulfil its com-mitments under the Kyoto Protocol, compelling itto reduce total emissions of greenhouse gases by21 per cent of 1990 levels in 2008-12.

The so-called flexible mechanisms under the Ky-oto Protocol can be cost-effective tools whichshould be utilised and further developed.

The expansion of renewable energy supplies mustcontinue as renewable energy also contributes to acost-effective means of fulfilling environmentalgoals - including the CO2 objective. One possibili-ty could be that Danish renewable energy is incor-porated in a future European CO2 quotas market.The current erection of off-shore windfarms isproviding a lot of experience. In 2005, Denmarkwill use approximately 1.4 million tonnes ofbiomass.The Danish Government will also pro-mote research and development into renewableenergy where businesses and research institutionscan see opportunities for good results.Therefore,the Government has presented a bill regarding atwo-year test scheme with 150 per cent tax relieffor enterprises’ research activities, if these are incooperation with public-sector institutions.TheGovernment will work to see renewable energy ac-count for 29 per cent of the total electricity con-sumption.The targets in the EU Renewable Ener-

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gy Directive are that renewable energy should ac-count for 22.1 per cent of total EU electricity con-sumption by 2010. As part of the energy sector’scontribution to meeting Denmark’s goal for reduc-tions in CO2 emissions, it is relevant to considerbenchmarks for the proportion of renewable ener-gy in gross energy production in the longer termso that renewable energy continues to expand tothe extent it can contribute to cost-effective fulfil-ment of environmental targets.

However, we must also develop strategies to regu-late the periodical production of surplus electricitygenerated by rising volumes of heat-bound andwind-dependent electricity generation. It has beenpolitically agreed that renewable energy should ac-count for a minimum of 20 per cent of Denmark’selectricity consumption by as early as 2003.

Nuclear power is not considered a sustainablesource of energy. However, it is possible to reduceCO2 emissions by converting from coal to natural-gas-based electricity production.

As part of its efforts to boost energy savings,Denmark introduced a new Energy Savings Act in2000, intended to pave the way for better plan-ning, coordination and prioritisation of overall ef-forts to cut energy consumption.

Efficient efforts in the energy area are best securedthrough international cooperation. Parallel withthe liberalisation of the international energy mar-kets, international solutions to global environmen-tal problems should be promoted.This will ensurethat efforts will be in the most appropriate areas,and it will ensure equal competition for businessesoperating in individual countries. Denmark sup-ports the use of flexible mechanisms advocated inthe Kyoto Protocol and as a first step will establisha concrete scheme to promote Joint Implementa-tion energy projects in Central and Eastern Eu-rope.

Improved energy utilisation

The Danish economy grew by approximately 27 per cent from1988 to 2000. During this period, Denmark’s gross energyconsumption (adjusted for climate fluctuations and net elec-tricity exports) rose by a mere two per cent.This means thatenergy utilisation was almost 20 per cent higher in 2000 thanin 1988. Some of the reasons for this improvement are:

• Significantly more utilisation of combined heat and power.The amount of electricity co-produced with district heating almost doubled from about 27 per cent to slightly more than 50 per cent during the period, and more than 80 per cent of district heating is now co-produced with electricity.

• Increased emphasis on reduction of energy consumption.Partly through market-oriented instruments such as green taxes, and partly by means of a large number of other initiatives.

• General technological advances.• Changes in occupational structure.

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Urban and housing development14The Government’s primary objective is to promote sustainable development of towns, housing and buildings.

Residents and users in individual urban and housing areas should participate actively in this development, for

instance through a lifestyle that calls for everybody to consider the environment and limit resource consump-

tion as much as possible in their everyday lives. Towns and cities must secure a framework for continued

growth and they must provide attractive localisation for new businesses. With respect to social life, buildings

and infrastructure, towns must be organised and managed with a view to significantly reducing resource

consumption and environmental impacts. There must be greater productivity and efficiency in construction.

Towns and cities must be alive and diverse, and they must be improved as a framework for good and equal

integration of everyone in Danish society. The individual parts of towns and cities should offer housing, servi-

ce trades, public institutions and culture, thus revitalising urban areas. The development of towns and cities

must take place through private/public cooperation.

Older business districts and dock areas must be utilised better by renovating them for other uses. In this way

an attractive diversity in a town’s supply of areas for business and housing is achieved. Urban transport sho-

uld be organised so as to achieve the most effective utilisation of the overall transport system, and so that

more can benefit from using public transport.

There must be a balance in the housing market, and the individual should have a real choice between renting

and owning a dwelling. At the same time, new efforts will target depressed urban areas. Urban renewal cre-

ates a framework for the interplay between the new and the old, and it should emphasise quality, good archi-

tecture, and concern for the visual environment and urban ecology. Similarly, preservation-worthy historical

environments must be safeguarded. We should also improve the quality of urban recreational opportunities.

Polfoto: Kim

Agersten

Greater prosperity and increased division of labourhave led to a sharp rise in traffic, which for numberof years has constituted a challenge for urban envi-ronments and thus urban quality in general. It maybe important to develop principles for localisationand transport, partly by ensuring that an increasingproportion of transport takes place on public trans-port, by bicycle, or on foot.To ensure this develop-ment in the Greater Copenhagen region, non-resi-dential buildings and other facilities will be placedclose to railway stations.

It is advantageous if urban areas expand into areasthat are already urbanised. However, the growth oftowns and cities should be considered in cohesionwith rural districts so that all areas in Denmark arerealistic and attractive development areas. Most de-velopment in rural areas is expected to be as expan-sion of rural towns and villages.

In larger towns and cities, an important part of devel-opment will be renovation and conversion of olderindustrial areas. By reusing existing, derelict urbanareas, local social, nature and building resources areutilised in the best way.There should be efforts tomix housing and the other urban functions. A mix-ture of services, trades, and different types of housingwill make towns more vibrant, diverse and sociallysustainable. Such towns will also provide a better ba-sis for the integration of all citizens. Plans for urbanrevitalisation must be based on dialogue and partner-ships between the various players so that people havea greater chance to influence developments in theirlocal areas.

Sustainable development is connected with user be-haviour and lifestyles in towns and housing areas. Ex-perience has been good with public involvement, in-dividual measurement of resource consumption byhouseholds, and green accounting in individual hous-ing areas.The Government will further develop thesemeasures.

Quality and recreational opportunities provided bygreen urban areas (for example with space for infor-mal sports activities) are very significant for bothphysical and psychological well-being in towns andcities.This applies not least to integrating refugeesand immigrants into the local community.The areasare very popular and the green urban areas and ur-

ban nature are significant for the ecological cycle intowns.They filter rainwater, receive compost, andprovide a framework for plant and animal life.

Buildings and facilities located in towns constituteimportant elements of the economic and culturalcapital of society and also play a key role in overallresource consumption and environmental impacts.Energy consumed to construct and operate buildingsaccounts for half of Denmark’s total energy con-sumption, while materials used for buildings and fa-cilities comprise the greater part of the consumptionof Danish raw materials.Thus, recognising and limit-ing resource consumption and the environmental im-pacts of the life-cycles of buildings are importantchallenges.These challenges can be met by increasingthe utility value, flexibility and quality of buildings,thus extending their lives and reducing the need forstructural changes.

It is important that sustainable development is ce-mented at sector level.This will take place throughpractical and specific examples of how to incorporatesustainable development.The good results alreadyachieved with sustainable and environmentally cor-rect planning and building in both new constructionand renovation must be made more widespread. It isimportant that a dialogue between building ownersand consultants early in the planning phase includesthe sustainability of the solutions chosen. Parts of theconstruction sector have themselves begun to de-scribe how sustainable development can be made vis-ible in the construction sector.

Objectives and activities in the futureMixed housing often provides a diverse and widecomposition of residents. Urban areas with mixedtypes of ownership are also usually stable and suc-cessful.The Government wants mixed types of own-ership in areas with a lot of social housing which arecharacterised by run-down buildings and a one-sidedcomposition of residents. Committee work has beeninitiated that, in 2002, is to prepare a reform enablingresidents in social housing to buy their own homes,or buy them as part of a housing association.

Housing market conditions in certain areas make itdifficult to move to a new home when needs change.The Danish Government will ensure that more rent-ed social housing is built and encourage construction

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of private rented housing, including student accom-modation in the large university towns, and housingfor the elderly.

The report from the Danish Industrial and UrbanDevelopment Committee from January 2001 con-tains a number of descriptions of possible proposalsfor new initiatives and legislation that can boost thedevelopment of sustainable towns in relation to loca-tion and utilisation of areas.The Government willfollow up the Committee’s work.

In the National Planning Report for Denmark 2002,the Danish Government describes the developmentof towns and cities as part of sustainable develop-ment in more detail, and outlines how to secure aDenmark with harmony between the different areasin the country, and between town and countryside.

During 2002, the Government will submit its policyfor Danish development.The policy will initiate a de-bate between all relevant parties, and it will aim atcreating a balanced, sustainable Denmark.The Gov-ernment will ensure and develop diversity in Den-mark and allow space for both economic progress

and a better environment. Better cooperation be-tween town and country is necessary for the develop-ment of both. In future, the greatest growth in hous-ing and commercial property is expected in largertowns. However, villages and rural districts will alsoplay an important role.

A town’s attractiveness is increasingly becoming aparameter in the competition between regions andtowns for attractive enterprises and jobs. New indus-tries want to locate in towns with well educatedlabour, good infrastructure, and varied cultural facili-ties. Holistically oriented urban renewal is being de-veloped as a tool for urban development, and urbanrenewal will also improve the utility value of olderhousing stock. Focus is on the needs and demands ofpeople and businesses for the development of townsand cities.

Initiatives in especially exposed urban and residentialareas will be developed through urban regenerationprojects focusing on social sustainability, integrationand employment.Two specific aims are to involve allcitizens and to integrate social, economic and envi-ronmental initiatives in local communities.With theproject “Byer for alle” (Towns and Cities for Every-body), the Danish Government intends to strengthenlocal integration in depressed urban and residentialareas in need of special integration initiatives.

Parties in the Danish building and construction in-dustry must increase their competencies in sustain-able building and construction, and they must alsoshow a greater interest in, and commitment to, fos-tering sustainable development.The Governmentwishes to motivate increased demand for sustainableand energy-efficient construction work. Growth anda sound environment should go hand in hand. Moreinstruments will be used, from market-oriented toolswith independent administration, to actual regulationof the area.This will take place by stimulating moreuse of sustainable products and the development ofnew labelling schemes for the construction industry’sdeclarations of resource consumption, health, andenvironmental impacts. A panel of experts represent-ing the building sector, politicians and central author-ities published the Action Plan for environmentallysustainable building and construction practices in2001 which provides a suitable basis for sectors inthe area to coordinate their actions with regard to theenvironment.

Urban revitalisation — from ce-mentproduction to new purposes

The Lindholm Brygge area at Limfjorden,close to Aalborg, is changing. Until 1979there was a cement works with more than500 employees. Now, new enterprises are co-ming. An international electronics group isbuilding 15,500 square meters of flooragefor more than 400 engineers, who will be de-veloping mobile telephones.Today, the ele-ctronics company offers almost as many jobsas the former cement works. LindholmBrygge will also house an IT company, a te-chnical school, and an adult vocational trai-ning centre, providing a total of about 100-150 jobs. About 400 new dwellings will bebuilt along with recreational areas that willallow the public access to the fjord. Fully de-veloped, Lindholm Brygge will cover an areaof 102,000 square metres, or approximatelytwice the size of the area occupied by theformer cement works.

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M E A S U R E S A N D I M P L E M E N T A T I O N

Measures and knowledge base

A forward-looking commitment to the environment and sustainable development

may stimulate competitiveness and the transition towards the knowledge

economy. Paying attention to environmental concerns should be economically

beneficial. This is why those who manufacture, supply, consume and finally dispo-

se of products should bear the environmental costs. Technological breakthroughs

and innovation are necessary to redirect society towards sustainable development.

We need a solid knowledge base for making the right decisions and prioritising

activities. Environment policy needs to be knowledge-based and underpinned by

the precautionary principle.

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Denmark has built up a broad and in general well-functioning system of legislation on nature and theenvironment.The Government wishes to explorewhether increased use of market-oriented mea-sures will be able to supplement these rules andhelp solve environmental problems in the best andmost cost-effective manner for society. Market-ori-ented measures such as environmental taxes,tradeable quotas and subsidies have often provedsuitable for making producers and consumersmore environmentally friendly in their actions. Ifenvironmental concerns demonstrate that it is ap-propriate to introduce new environment taxes orincrease existing taxes, the additional revenue willbe applied to reducing other taxes and charges.

The activities and adjustments needed to create asociety in harmony with the natural resource base

call for insight, understanding and skill.To makethe right decisions, prioritise activities and selectthe right measures, a solid knowledge base is re-quired. Research into causal relationships and intohow activities in society have a bearing on peopleand nature is a prerequisite for a targeted and pri-oritised approach in the environment area. Fore-casts and scenarios for the anticipated trend inemissions/the state of the environment and the in-terplay with the economy are other essential ele-ments of the knowledge base needed to achievesustainable development.There should be generalfocus on more knowledge building to underpinbetter prioritisation in environmental initiatives sothat Denmark ensures “the most cost-effective so-lution for society when achieving environmentalobjectives”. At the EU summit in Barcelona in thespring of 2002, it was decided that the total expen-

Polfoto: André Brutman

diture on research and development in the EUshould be increased to a level approaching 3 percent of the GDP by 2010.

Decisions at all levels should be assessed in rela-tion to the environment.The Government finds itimportant that bills and Government proposalspresented to Parliament undergo a strategic envi-ronmental impact assessment to ensure that theenvironmental consequences form part of the de-cision-making basis in line with economic analy-ses. Similarly, the environmental impacts of large-scale, central-government engineering works mustbe assessed. Local and regional authorities shouldalso ensure that decisions at local level are submit-ted to environmental impact assessment.

The desire has been - and still is - to ensure thatDanes are aware that environmental concernsmust be taken into account in production and con-sumption.The public sector wants to take the leadby, amongst other things, including environmentconsiderations in procurement policy. Consumersare buying a larger volume of eco- and energy-la-belled products, and steps are being taken in manyareas to introduce even more eco-labelled prod-ucts to the market. Eco-labels and environmentalproduct declarations offer consumers improvedopportunities for making real choices.

Technological breakthroughs are among the keysto enhanced resource efficiency, which may helpdecouple environmental impacts from economicgrowth.The Subsidy Scheme for Cleaner Prod-ucts has been instrumental in promoting the devel-opment of products, tools and technologies that,combined, have been able to foster the inclusion ofenvironmental considerations into production andto offer Danish enterprises a competitive edge inother markets.Technological forward thinking canfurther support this process.

A growing number of Danish enterprises are as-suming an active role in preventive environmentalactivities by introducing environmental manage-ment, developing cleaner products, and drawingup green accounts.This positive trend must bemaintained through better information, guidanceand exchange of experience.

Local and regional authorities play an importantrole in the concrete implementation of Denmark’snature and environment policy. Local and regionalauthorities manage substantial parts of specific en-vironmental and spatial planning activities. At thesame time, local and regional authorities are bestat involving the public in active debate on localplanning. A constructive dialogue between author-ities and the public is of paramount importanceand should be strengthened to gain optimal solu-tions for both people and the environment.

Objectives and activities in the futureIn order to achieve “the most cost-effective solu-tion for society when achieving environmental ob-jectives”, the Government will submit a report in2002 on the green market economy.This willanalyse the possibilities for practical use of market-oriented tools for the promotion of a better envi-ronment, including economic tools such as taxesand subsidies, tradeable pollution permits andquotas, user charges, property rights, phase-out ofenvironmentally harmful subsidies, rules on liabili-ty, etc. Furthermore, there will be an analysis ofthe potential and experience in technological inno-vation and dissemination of technological solu-tions, as well as initiatives that can stimulate anddevelop the market so that enterprises can betterexploit their environment initiatives as a competi-tion parameter. Moreover, practical application ofmeasures to promote the development of environ-mentally friendly and resource-efficient technolo-gies and products will be examined.These analy-ses will also chart the market potential of the envi-ronment and the need for cooperation between thepublic and private sectors on initiatives to promotetechnological development and the market’s func-tion and transparency with a view to making iteasier for consumers, investors, and enterprises tobe environmentally and resource conscious.

The use of economic instruments should be coor-dinated internationally.We can obtain higher en-vironmental gains if, for example, tax levels aremore or less identical in different countries, whicheliminates the need to pay special regard to inter-national corporate competitiveness when design-ing tax systems. In the international arena, Den-mark will work on the development of common in-struments to reach the CO2 target. One possibility

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is to introduce international taxes on air transport,for example a tax on aviation fuel. In the EU, Den-mark will take steps to harmonise environmentaltaxes with minimum rates.

In the OECD countries there are examples of sub-sidy schemes, including tax exemptions that canencourage behaviour that has negative conse-quences for the environment. It is necessary to ex-amine whether the existing subsidy schemesshould be changed or adjusted to prevent themfrom harming the environment.

Denmark is facing a technological challenge. Tech-nological breakthroughs and innovation are re-quired both in order to ensure enterprises’ com-petitiveness, and to decouple the negative impactson nature and the environment of economicgrowth. A long-term effort to promote pioneeringtechnologies is required.There is a need to dis-seminate knowledge of existing, environmentallyfriendly technologies and develop new technology,new materials and new solutions to redirect societytowards sustainable development.Technologicalforward thinking is an important instrument inthis development.There is also a need to find newways of organising existing production in a moreenvironmentally favourable fashion to ensure thatresources are used as efficiently as possible andthat products become more environmentallyfriendly throughout their life cycles.This meansthat nature and the environment must be affectedas little as possible per unit produced or serviceprovided - throughout the production chain fromextraction via consumption to disposal.The initia-tives for cleaner products must help to removebarriers to development and encourage sales ofmore environmentally friendly goods.The new EUframework programme for Research,Technologi-cal Development, and Demonstration underpinssustainable technological innovation. Danish re-search and development policies must contributeto the EU targets within this area.

We need to strengthen the interplay between thepublic and private sectors on research, develop-ment, and dissemination of green technologies.Universities and the corporate sector must bemore open to cooperation on research, technologi-cal development, education, and training. In order

to promote this cooperation, the Government hasintroduced an allowance of 150 per cent on re-search expenditure applied in cooperation withpublic institutions. Public and private-sector pri-oritisation of research into environmental issuescan help strengthen industrial and commercial po-sitions and ensure market breakthroughs for cut-ting-edge technologies that take into account envi-ronmental considerations. For example, fuel cellsin future transport can lower CO2 emissions sub-stantially. Information technology and biotechnol-ogy may also pave the way for new environmental-ly friendly production methods and products.Theuse of new types of materials can lower resourceconsumption and open more recycling possibili-ties.

Enterprises must have the chance to cooperatewith knowledge institutions, which can supportenvironmental initiatives through, for instance, ad-vice on environmentally friendly technologies,strategic environmental management, communica-tion on environmental issues, and staff compe-tence development. New knowledge and new toolsand methods must be disseminated to, and firmlyembedded in, enterprises and their surroundings.We need to establish a framework within which themarket itself rewards and stimulates environmentalinitiatives in enterprises, thus encouraging them tofocus on technological development. At the sametime, any barriers to the market access of environ-mentally friendly technologies must be removed.

The development and use of economic and othermeasures must be reconciled with enterprises’ ca-pacity for innovation and self-management. Directregulation in the form of legislation and rules willstill be necessary as the market and technology de-velop. Environmental regulation will represent therequired minimum basis for environmental be-haviour and will determine the framework condi-tions capable of motivating enterprises to paygreater attention to developing and selling envi-ronmentally friendly products and to undertakingother voluntary green initiatives.The regulatorymeasures must be chosen with due regard toreaching environmental targets in the most cost-effective manner.

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A better knowledge base will support sustainabledevelopment.This applies to basic, strategic anduser-oriented research in all sectors. Basic researchinto causal relationships and into new environ-mental and societal problems is important for so-ciety’s ability to take the right and preventive deci-sions at an early point and thereby achieve sustain-able development.Therefore, research and devel-opment in support of sustainable developmentshould be strengthened.The vision is to provideDenmark with a strong knowledge base on sus-tainable development.

The Government has established an Environmen-tal Assessment Institute.Through research at ahigh international level, the Institute must ensurethat environment targets are reached in the mostcost-effective way.The Institute must achieve ageneral view of the current and long-term environ-ment situation, both in Denmark and globally. Inrelation to this, the Institute must call upon andutilise all the knowledge and competencies thathave been built up by other national and interna-tional research institutions.This knowledge and in-sight must be disseminated to the public and topolitical decision-makers.

Decisions on environment policy should build onthe optimum knowledge base - knowledge-basedenvironment policy.There is a need for research,data collection and monitoring that can contributeto improving the decision-making basis.The linkbetween research and priorities in action plans andstrategies must continue to be strengthened. Envi-ronmental economy and analyses of how the be-haviour of enterprises and citizens affects the envi-ronment rank among the core research areas.Thisalso holds true for research into the link betweenactivities in society and effects on human healthand the environment as well as forecasts and sce-narios of the anticipated development.The knowl-edge acquired must be available to everyone.Where the knowledge base is insufficient, the pre-cautionary principle is an important instrument.

Knowledge of the link between activity and envi-ronmental impacts provides an improved decision-making basis, and the methods for strategic envi-ronmental impact assessment must therefore beupgraded.The integration of the environment and

economy into decision-making processes can bepromoted by documenting the effect of environ-mental initiatives through economic analyses ofadvantages and disadvantages. In order to preparethese analyses, we need to upgrade the methodsfor valuing the benefits of nature and the environ-ment that are affected by political initiatives.

In the years ahead, attention will be also be direct-ed to information, education and teaching.Thekey concepts in a forward-looking information andteaching strategy on sustainable development areknowledge and responsibility. Schools and youtheducation programmes assume a special role asthe institutions that help shape the fundamentalvalues of children and young people. Greaterawareness of the natural basis of human existencecombined with profound knowledge of the inter-play between the environment and economic andsocial issues will be reflected in the attitudes andsense of responsibility of future generations.Theeducation sector plays an important role, for ex-ample through teacher and educator trainingwhich should focus on helping children and youngpeople understand the problems associated withsustainable development.

One duty of educational institutions is to dissemi-nate knowledge about the environment and sus-tainable development in such a way that thisknowledge can lay the foundation for democraticdecisions. Sustainable development should betaught in a context of international cooperationamong educational institutions.This would causechildren and young people to realise that we havecommon problems that can best be solved by tak-ing joint international action. In March 2000, min-isters for education signed the Haga Declaration,and in January 2002, the first Agenda 21 for edu-cation in the Baltic region (Baltic 21E) was ap-proved.With this, the educational sector placedecological, economic, cultural and social develop-ment on the agenda for cooperation between Den-mark and the countries bordering the Baltic Sea.

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Public participation

and Local Agenda 2116A sustainable society is based on democracy and openness and relies on popular parti-

cipation and responsibility for decisions. Sustainable development can only be realised

if all parts of Danish society are committed to working towards this goal. One of the

messages in the Brundtland Report of 1987 and the Rio Declaration of 1992 was that

active public participation is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development and

solving the environmental problems of the world. Denmark has a long tradition of in-

volving the public. In the environment field, this tradition was followed up by an inter-

national agreement - the Aarhus Convention of 1998. The work towards sustainable

development depends on the population having easy access to information; being able

to participate in decision-making processes; and having access to justice in environ-

mental matters.

If we are to achieve sustainable development globally, the principles of the Aarhus

Convention should also apply in other countries. Denmark will work to ensure that the-

se principles are employed more extensively in international agreements, and that initi-

atives to strengthen public access to information and participation are included in the

results of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. Local Agenda 21

activities also play an important part in the efforts to realise sustainable development.


Polfoto: Morten Lankilde

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Public participation in decisions on and the imple-mentation of the Strategy for Sustainable Develop-ment is essential.Therefore it is important thatthere is broad public support and confidence inpolicies for sustainable development. Public partici-pation can add knowledge and values and submitproposals for priorities in the further work in Den-mark in sustainable development.

The Aarhus Convention of 1998 is an internationalagreement about the environmental rights of citi-zens. It implies that citizens and environmental or-ganisations must have access to information andparticipation in decisions on environmental matters- new rules, action plans or other planning. In addi-tion, citizens are entitled to lodge complaints andinitiate proceedings before courts of law. InSeptember 2000 Denmark was the first westerncountry to ratify the Aarhus Convention.This hasoffered environmental organisations improved ac-cess to justice under a range of important environ-mental statutes and has also extended the generalprinciple of involving citizens in planning decisions.The sustainable development theme needs to be

taught at all levels of the educational sector.Theaim is to give everyone an opportunity to increasetheir knowledge of the many problems and issuesencompassed by the debate on sustainable develop-ment at global, regional and local levels.

Local activities are the starting point for addressingmany of the problems that must be solved beforesociety can achieve sustainable development.Changes taking development in a sustainable direc-tion must come from people’s day-to-day lives andchoices, and from the employees of enterprises.

Changes are stimulated through, for instance, LocalAgenda 21 work, which comprises activities underthe auspices of municipalities and counties, and ac-tivities undertaken in local areas by enterprises, or-ganisations and citizens.These activities relate to is-sues such as resource consumption, waste manage-ment, and environmentally friendly behaviour inconjunction with municipal services, corporate pro-duction and citizens’ everyday lives.

Local Agenda 21 activities take place to some ex-tent in most of Denmark’s munici-palities and counties. In 2000 theDanish Parliament amended thePlanning Act and imposed an obliga-tion on counties and municipalitiesto report on their Local Agenda 21strategies at least every four years.

Local Agenda 21 work is to con-tribute to raising awareness of thenecessity to see sustainable develop-ment in a global and long-term per-spective while taking local action.More locally active citizens meanmore people to take action for moresustainable development in theirday-to-day activities. Citizens, mu-nicipalities, and counties must con-tinue to support each other and findthe solutions that are most appropri-ate locally. Direct cooperation be-tween NGOs and enterprises canalso contribute to the developmentof sustainable solutions, for instanceenvironmental management or theuse of new biotechnology by enter-prises.

Local Agenda 21 in Albertslund

Hyldespjældet is a non-profit housing association in the Mu-nicipality of Albertslund.The area used to be socially de-prived, but a broad range of environmental projects havehelped promote a strong sense of solidarity, and today thearea has developed into an attractive residential area. One ofthe environmental effects is a sharp decline in waste volumesfor landfill, from 60-80 skips in the 1980s to about three to-day. In 1999, Hyldespjældet was nominated for the NordicCouncil’s annual Nature and Environment Award.

Local Agenda 21 activities include a local waste-sorting andrecycling plant, small lots leased by the residents for organicvegetables, a clothes-exchange stall, an organic café, as wellas trials with toilets collecting urine to be used to fertilisefields.

The driving force behind the numerous activities has beenstrong and dynamic solidarity in the residential area com-bined with excellent coordination through Agenda CenterAlbertslund and the Culture-Ecology Association of Albert-slund.


At workplaces, employees should be invited to con-tribute ideas and participate in restructuring plansfor the promotion of sustainable development. Pre-liminary experience shows that this is profitable forenterprises, stimulates worker satisfaction, and isbeneficial to the community at large.

Experience shows that it is possible to make manypeople committed to local issues and tasks. Success-ful public participation depends on the existence ofclearly defined cooperative relationships, theachievement of visible results, and that it is interest-ing to participate. In a broader perspective, we mustfocus on ways of ensuring that everyone partici-pates.

A wide array of players already contribute to theDanish Agenda 21 activities, participating in pro-cesses aimed at promoting sustainable developmentin their individual ways and at their own level.Thenumber of players and processes in Danish Agenda21 activities is likely to increase in the foreseeablefuture up to the World Summit on Sustainable De-velopment in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa.These contributions should be seen as an integralpart of overall Danish activities.

Objectives and activities in the futureDenmark will work internationally to ensure that theprinciples of the Aarhus Convention are employedmore extensively. Both the other EU Member Statesand the EU at large are working to implement theConvention. Denmark is campaigning in favour ofcommitting EU institutions and procedures to thesame degree of openness, and to involving citizensin knowledge and decisions in the environmentalfield. Denmark will also take active steps to ensurethat the principles of the Aarhus Convention areemployed more extensively in global and interna-tional negotiations and reflected in global and inter-national conventions and legal instruments.TheWorld Summit on Sustainable Development in2002 will offer an excellent opportunity to examinewhether the Aarhus Convention can serve as a mod-el at global level for applying Principle 10 of the RioDeclaration on the participation of all concernedcitizens in the handling of environmental issues.

The Government will take action to ensure that citi-zens can participate actively in sustainable develop-ment initiatives and have access to readily compre-

hensible information and background knowledge. Inkeeping with this Strategy, a set of national indica-tors for sustainable development is established. Sev-eral of these indicators may be an inspiration for theestablishment of local indicators.

The Government will support initiatives and meth-ods for improving citizens’ possibilities to partici-pate in decision-making processes on the environ-ment. A specific area could relate to decisions to re-lease GMOs.

Everyone should contribute to informing the gener-al public about the impact of activities on the envi-ronment.Therefore, enterprises should provide in-formation about their environmental initiatives sothat neighbouring citizens know how the enterprisesaffect the environment and human health, or use re-sources.This information could come from greenaccounts or from enterprises’ environmental man-agement systems.

Local Agenda 21 activities should be further pro-moted. One way of doing this is to establish local in-dicators for sustainable development in Local Agen-da 21 work. Local indicators can help shed light onthe results of Local Agenda 21 work in a district ora municipality. In addition, local indicators can facil-itate comparison with similar activities in other dis-tricts, municipalities or counties, thus making it pos-sible to compare local objectives and results withnational ones. Central Government will continue toencourage this by providing guidance and inspira-tion, and by passing on experience from LocalAgenda 21 strategies and activities. In November2002, in cooperation with Kolding Municipality,Local Government Denmark, and the Associationof County Councils in Denmark, as well as the in-ternational environment organisations, ICLEI andGreen Network, the Ministry of the Environmentwill hold a large Local Agenda 21 conference whichis to follow up the Johannesburg UN conferenceand outline Local Agenda 21 work for the forth-coming years.

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Implementation - a common responsibility

The Strategy forms the starting point for on-goingdialogue on objectives and means for achievingsustainable development.The Strategy will also bethe signal for launching concrete initiatives.TheStrategy has a long-term as well as a cross-sectoralperspective:The Strategy is a combined frame-work for Denmark’s national initiatives for sustain-able development. It provides the framework forconsiderations in connection with the formulationand implementation of future strategies and actionplans.

The visions and objectives of the Strategy will befollowed up by action plans, programmes and con-crete initiatives within the sectors and areas con-

cerned. Action plans include the Action Plan onthe Aquatic Environment III, an action plan forbiodiversity, a strategy regarding relationships be-tween environmental factors and health, and a re-port on green market economy.

However, formulating action plans and strategiesis not enough.The strategies must be implement-ed.The players in the individual sectors must as-sume responsibility, promote the strategy objec-tives and take action within their own areas.Theobjectives of decoupling economic growth fromenvironmental impacts, integrating environmentalconsiderations into sectors and promoting sustain-able development are important and should betaken into account in all sector work.

Implementation, monitoring of

progress and follow-up 17This is Denmark’s National Strategy for Sustainable Development. Implementation

of the Strategy calls for active interplay and dialogue between a wide range of play-

ers. To achieve the objectives in this Strategy, players in the various sectors, as well

as organisations and citizens, must take action at national and local levels. A

system of indicators will contribute to monitoring progress in achieving the

objectives of the Strategy .


Polfoto: Morten Lankilde

Regular dialogue and public participation are cru-cial to the implementation of the Strategy objec-tives. Dialogue on the framework, objectives, in-struments and cross-sectoral themes of the Strate-gy is necessary to enable development of relevantsolutions and ensure they are firmly embedded insociety. Active participation of players at all levelsin society is necessary.

Many people are already making considerable ef-forts to promote sustainable development andcould play an important role when it comes to im-plementing the strategy.This applies to citizens,green organisations, trade associations, and otherinterest groups. NGOs are encouraged to partici-pate in implementing the Strategy at local, regionaland national levels.

Monitoring and follow-up - from objectives to results Sustainable development is a long-term processwith long-term objectives. It is necessary to moni-tor closely whether developments are moving for-ward, and that results are being achieved.There-fore, the Government will continuously monitorand report on the progress made in implementingthe Strategy and achieving results that point in thedirection of sustainable development.This willpresent an opportunity to take further initiatives, ifrequired, and make adjustments to counteract anynegative developments.

Indicators will be a basis for reporting on progresstowards sustainable development. In connectionwith the Strategy, a set of indicators have been de-veloped that can follow developments in relation tokey objectives and activities in the Strategy forSustainable Development.

The set of indicators comprises a small number ofoverall key indicators and a set of indicators foreach of the targets of the Strategy.The indicatorsfocus on developments and results in relation tothe Strategy objectives for sustainable develop-ment.

The indicators will be continuously developed inthe light of international work on indicators forsustainable development.The indicators will bepresented every year on a special website for sus-tainable development.

Against the background of reports on the resultsachieved in implementing the Strategy, the Gov-ernment will take steps to assess and adjust theNational Strategy for Sustainable Development.The strategy will be adjusted on a regular basis,and the need for new targets will be assessed.

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AnnexList of indicators for Denmark s National Strategy for Sustainable Development

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Objectives and principles KKKKeeeeyyyy iiiinnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssss1. The welfare society must be developedand economic growth decoupled fromenvironmental impacts

NNNN1111.... GGGGDDDDPPPP ppppeeeerrrr ccccaaaappppiiiittttaaaa NNNN2222:::: DDDDeeeeccccoooouuuupppplllliiiinnnngggg iiiilllllllluuuussssttttrrrraaaatttteeeedddd bbbbyyyy eeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll iiiimmmmppppaaaaccccttttssss ffffoooorrrr 4444 ffffaaaaccccttttoooorrrrssss((((ggggrrrreeeeeeeennnnhhhhoooouuuusssseeee ggggaaaasssseeeessss,,,, rrrruuuunnnnooooffffffffssss ooooffff nnnnuuuuttttrrrriiiieeeennnnttttssss iiiinnnnttttoooo tttthhhheeee sssseeeeaaaa,,,, eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss ooooffffaaaacccciiiiddddiiiiffffyyyyiiiinnnngggg ccccoooommmmppppoooouuuunnnnddddssss aaaannnndddd eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss ttttoooo aaaaiiiirrrr)))) iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo GGGGDDDDPPPPNNNN3333.... GGGGeeeennnnuuuuiiiinnnneeee SSSSaaaavvvviiiinnnnggggssssNNNN4444.... EEEEmmmmppppllllooooyyyymmmmeeeennnntttt aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbyyyy aaaaggggeeee ggggrrrroooouuuupppp

2.There must be a safe and healthyenvironment for everyone, and we mustmaintain a high level of protection.

NNNN5555.... AAAAvvvveeeerrrraaaaggggeeee lllliiiiffffeeee eeeexxxxppppeeeeccccttttaaaannnnccccyyyy ((((aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnn mmmmeeeennnn aaaannnndddd wwwwoooommmmeeeennnn))))NNNN6666.... GGGGrrrroooossssssss eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll.... ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss CCCCOOOO2222 eeeeqqqquuuuiiiivvvvaaaalllleeeennnnttttssss aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnniiiinnnndddduuuussssttttrrrryyyy,,,, ttttrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt,,,, hhhhoooouuuusssseeeehhhhoooollllddddssss,,,, aaaaggggrrrriiiiccccuuuullllttttuuuurrrreeee,,,, aaaannnndddd wwwwaaaasssstttteeeeNNNN7777.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff cccchhhheeeemmmmiiiiccccaaaallllssss wwwwhhhhiiiicccchhhh hhhhaaaavvvveeee bbbbeeeeeeeennnn ccccllllaaaassssssssiiiiffffiiiieeeedddd

3. We must secure a high degree ofbiodiversity and protect ecosystems.

NNNN8888.... AAAArrrreeeeaaaa ooooffff nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrraaaallll hhhhaaaabbbbiiiittttaaaattttssss ((((ddddeeeecccciiiidddduuuuoooouuuussss ffffoooorrrreeeesssstttt,,,, oooorrrriiiiggggiiiinnnnaaaallll ffffoooorrrreeeesssstttt,,,, mmmmeeeeaaaaddddoooowwww,,,, ddddrrrryyyyggggrrrraaaassssssssllllaaaannnndddd,,,, mmmmoooooooorrrr,,,, aaaannnndddd mmmmaaaarrrrsssshhhhllllaaaannnndddd))))

4. Resources must be used moreefficiently

NNNN9999.... RRRReeeessssoooouuuurrrrcccceeee fffflllloooowwwwssss ffffoooorrrr 3333 ffffaaaaccccttttoooorrrrssss ((((eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn,,,, ddddrrrriiiinnnnkkkkiiiinnnngggg wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrrccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn,,,, aaaannnndddd ttttoooottttaaaallll wwwwaaaasssstttteeee vvvvoooolllluuuummmmeeee)))) iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo GGGGDDDDPPPP

5.We must take action at internationallevel

NNNN11110000.... AAAAssssssssiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeee ffffuuuunnnnddddssss aaaassss aaaa ppppeeeerrrrcccceeeennnnttttaaaaggggeeee ooooffff GGGGNNNNIIII,,,, iiiinnnn ttttoooottttaaaallll aaaannnndddd aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnnddddeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnntttt aaaannnndddd eeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll aaaassssssssiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeee,,,, aaaannnndddd aaaassssssssiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeee ttttoooo nnnneeeeiiiigggghhhhbbbboooouuuurrrriiiinnnnggggccccoooouuuunnnnttttrrrriiiieeeessss

6. Environmental considerations mustbe taken into account in all sectors.

NNNN11111111.... aaaannnndddd NNNN11112222.... EEEEaaaacccchhhh yyyyeeeeaaaarrrr,,,, aaaa nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff sssseeeeccccttttoooorrrrssss aaaarrrreeee ssssiiiinnnngggglllleeeedddd oooouuuutttt aaaannnndddd tttthhhheeeeiiiirrrreeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll pppprrrrooooffffiiiilllleeeessss aaaarrrreeee iiiilllllllluuuussssttttrrrraaaatttteeeedddd bbbbyyyy aaaannnn iiiinnnnddddeeeexxxx ffffoooorrrr tttthhhhrrrreeeeeeee sssseeeelllleeeecccctttteeeeddddeeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll iiiimmmmppppaaaaccccttttssss iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo ddddeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnnttttssss iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee sssseeeeccccttttoooorrrr iiiinnnn qqqquuuueeeessssttttiiiioooonnnn

7. The market must support sustainabledevelopment

NNNN11113333.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff eeeeccccoooo----llllaaaabbbbeeeelllllllleeeedddd pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttssss,,,, aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd aaaassss tttthhhheeee nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ttttrrrraaaaddddeeee nnnnaaaammmmeeeessss

8. Sustainable development is a sharedresponsibility, and we must measureprogress.

NNNN11114444.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff EEEEMMMMAAAASSSS aaaannnndddd IIIISSSSOOOO rrrreeeeggggiiiisssstttteeeerrrreeeedddd eeeennnntttteeeerrrrpppprrrriiiisssseeeessss

A set of indicators has been established in connec-tion with Denmark’s National Strategy for Sus-tainable Development.These help elucidate and il-lustrate progress in achieving sustainable develop-ment.The indicators have been chosen on the ba-sis of goals and initiatives in the National Strategyfor Sustainable Development, and on the basis ofproposals and views expressed in public debate.

The indicators will be an important element in on-going reporting of developments and results inconnection with goals and initiatives.The indica-tors will comprise much of the basis for regularadjustments to goals and initiatives.The indicatorswill show developments within the various actionareas.The indicators will be published in an inde-pendent document every year.

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5555.... BBBBiiiiooooddddiiiivvvveeeerrrrssssiiiittttyyyy Naaaattttuuuurrrreeee pppprrrrooootttteeeeccccttttiiiioooonnnn aaaannnndddd ppppuuuubbbblllliiiicccc aaaacccccccceeeessssssss ttttoooo nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrreeee

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaacccctttiiiivvvviiittttiiiieeeessssi IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssand target activities to safeguard biodiversityStrengthen

and nature protection.5555....1111.... AAAArrrreeeeaaaa ooooffff nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrraaaallll hhhhaaaabbbbiiiittttaaaattttssss ((((ddddeeeecccciiiidddduuuuoooouuuussss ffffoooorrrreeeesssstttt,,,, oooorrrriiiiggggiiiinnnnaaaallllffffoooorrrreeeesssstttt,,,, mmmmeeeeaaaaddddoooowwww,,,, ddddrrrryyyy ggggrrrraaaassssssssllllaaaannnndddd,,,, mmmmoooooooorrrr,,,, aaaannnndddd mmmmaaaarrrrsssshhhhllllaaaannnndddd))))

The Government will be intensifying its efforts to protectand restore habitats for indigenous animals and plantsin order to have large viable populations on land and infreshwater and marine environments in accordance withthe objective of the EU Sixth Environment ActionProgramme to stop the loss of biodiversity by the year2010.

5555....2222.... CCCCoooonnnnsssseeeerrrrvvvvaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ssssttttaaaattttuuuussss ffffoooorrrr ssssppppeeeecccciiiieeeessss aaaannnndddd nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrraaaallll hhhhaaaabbbbiiiittttaaaattttssssiiiinnnn NNNNaaaattttuuuurrrraaaa 2222000000000000 ssssiiiitttteeeessss

5555....3333.... SSSSppppeeeecccciiiieeeessss iiiinnnn DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk wwwwhhhhiiiicccchhhh aaaarrrreeee oooonnnn tttthhhheeee RRRReeeedddd LLLLiiiisssstttt

5555....4444.... AAAArrrreeeeaaaassss aaaaccccqqqquuuuiiiirrrreeeedddd bbbbyyyy tttthhhheeee SSSSttttaaaatttteeee ffffoooorrrr nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrreeee mmmmaaaannnnaaaaggggeeeemmmmeeeennnntttt

5555....5555.... DDDDaaaannnniiiisssshhhh wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrrccccoooouuuurrrrsssseeee ffffaaaauuuunnnnaaaa iiiinnnnddddeeeexxxx ((((wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr qqqquuuuaaaalllliiiittttyyyy iiiinnnnwwwwaaaatttteeeerrrrccccoooouuuurrrrsssseeeessss)))) aaaannnndddd ttttrrrraaaannnnssssppppaaaarrrreeeennnnccccyyyy ((((wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr qqqquuuuaaaalllliiiittttyyyy iiiinnnn llllaaaakkkkeeeessss))))

5555....6666.... TTTTrrrraaaannnnssssggggrrrreeeessssssssiiiioooonnnn ooooffff ccccrrrriiiittttiiiiccccaaaallll llllooooaaaaddddssss ffffoooorrrr aaaammmmmmmmoooonnnniiiiaaaa aaaannnnddddnnnniiiittttrrrrooooggggeeeennnn ooooxxxxiiiiddddeeeessss ((((ffffoooorrrr mmmmoooooooorrrrssss,,,, uuuuppppllllaaaannnndddd mmmmoooooooorrrrssss,,,, ddddrrrryyyyggggrrrraaaassssssssllllaaaannnndddd,,,, eeeettttcccc....))))

5555....7777.... NNNNiiiittttrrrrooooggggeeeennnn aaaannnndddd pppphhhhoooosssspppphhhhoooorrrruuuussss ddddiiiisssscccchhhhaaaarrrrggggeeeessss iiiinnnnttttoooo tttthhhheeee sssseeeeaaaa iiiinnnnttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss ppppeeeerrrr yyyyeeeeaaaarrrr

– N

4444.... CCCClllliiiimmmmaaaatttteeee cccchhhhaaaannnnggggeeee

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssThe atmospheric content of greenhouse gases must bestabilised at a level sufficiently low to prevent hazardousanthropogenic impacts on the climate.

4444....1111 TTTThhhheeee aaaattttmmmmoooosssspppphhhheeeerrrriiiicccc ccccoooonnnncccceeeennnnttttrrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff CCCCOOOO2222

Unavoidable climate change must take place at a pacethat allows ecosystems to adapt.

4444....2222.... AAAAvvvveeeerrrraaaaggggeeee tttteeeemmmmppppeeeerrrraaaattttuuuurrrreeee wwwwoooorrrrllllddddwwwwiiiiddddeeee aaaannnndddd iiiinnnn DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk

4444....3333.... EEEEffffffffeeeeccccttttssss ooooffff cccclllliiiimmmmaaaatttteeee cccchhhhaaaannnnggggeeee iiiinnnn DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk iiiinnnnddddiiiiccccaaaatttteeeedddd bbbbyyyytttthhhheeee bbbbeeeeggggiiiinnnnnnnniiiinnnngggg ooooffff tttthhhheeee ppppoooolllllllleeeennnn sssseeeeaaaassssoooonnnn

In an international context, Denmark has a highemission of CO2 per capita, which gives us a specialobligation

4444....4444.... GGGGlllloooobbbbaaaallll CCCCOOOO2222 eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss ppppeeeerrrr ccccaaaappppiiiittttaaaa,,,, aaaannnndddd iiiinnnn aaaa nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrrooooffff rrrreeeeggggiiiioooonnnnssss aaaannnndddd ccccoooouuuunnnnttttrrrriiiieeeessss,,,, iiiinnnncccclllluuuuddddiiiinnnngggg DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk

Denmark must make a significant contribution to theKyoto Protocol. Greenhouse gas emissions must bereduced (21 per cent from 1990 to 2008-12)

4444....5555.... TTTToooottttaaaallll ggggrrrroooossssssss ggggrrrreeeeeeeennnnhhhhoooouuuusssseeee ggggaaaassss eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll....ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss CCCCOOOO2222 eeeeqqqquuuuiiiivvvvaaaalllleeeennnnttttssss ---- aaaannnndddd aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnn CCCCOOOO2222,,,,NNNN2222OOOO,,,, CCCCHHHH4444,,,, HHHHFFFFCCCC,,,, PPPPFFFFCCCC aaaannnndddd SSSSFFFF6666

4444....6666.... CCCCOOOO2222 sssseeeeqqqquuuueeeessssttttrrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnn ((((aaaabbbbssssoooorrrrppppttttiiiioooonnnn)))) iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll.... ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss....

4444....7777.... TTTToooottttaaaallll ggggrrrroooossssssss ggggrrrreeeeeeeennnnhhhhoooouuuusssseeee ggggaaaassss eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll....ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss CCCCOOOO2222 eeeeqqqquuuuiiiivvvvaaaalllleeeennnnttttssss iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo GGGGNNNNPPPP aaaatttt ccccoooonnnnssssttttaaaannnnttttpppprrrriiiicccceeeessss

4444....8888.... TTTToooottttaaaallll nnnneeeetttt ((((ggggrrrroooossssssss lllleeeessssssss ssssiiiinnnnkkkkssss)))) ggggrrrreeeeeeeennnnhhhhoooouuuusssseeee ggggaaaasssseeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll.... ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss CCCCOOOO2222 eeeeqqqquuuuiiiivvvvaaaalllleeeennnnttttssss

All possibilities for reduction of greenhouse gases are tobe utilised in the most cost-effective way

4444....9999.... GGGGrrrroooossssssss eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll.... ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss CCCCOOOO2222 eeeeqqqquuuuiiiivvvvaaaalllleeeennnnttttssssaaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnn iiiinnnndddduuuussssttttrrrryyyy,,,, ttttrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt,,,, hhhhoooouuuusssseeeehhhhoooollllddddssss,,,, aaaannnnddddwwwwaaaasssstttteeee

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6666.... EEEEnnnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnntttt aaaannnndddd hhhheeeeaaaalllltttthhhh

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssDenmark must reduce harmful impacts on human healthand on the environment to the greatest possible extent, nomatter what the source.

6666....1111.... IIIInnnncccciiiiddddeeeennnncccceeeessss ooooffff aaaasssstttthhhhmmmmaaaattttiiiicccc bbbbrrrroooonnnncccchhhhiiiittttiiiissss aaaannnndddd aaaasssstttthhhhmmmmaaaa,,,,aaaalllllllleeeerrrrggggiiiicccc ccccoooorrrryyyyzzzzaaaa ((((hhhhaaaayyyy ffffeeeevvvveeeerrrr aaaannnndddd nnnnoooonnnn----sssseeeeaaaassssoooonnnnaaaallll ccccoooollllddddssss)))),,,, aaaannnnddddaaaalllllllleeeerrrrggggiiiicccc eeeecccczzzzeeeemmmmaaaa iiiinnnn 1111999988887777,,,, 1111999999994444 aaaannnndddd 2222000000000000

6666....1111 CCCChhhheeeemmmmiiiiccccaaaallllssss

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssThe use of chemicals must be limited, and wheneverrelevant, any chemicals with harmful effects on humanand animal health and on nature must be prohibited sothat emissions of chemicals which pose a threat to healthand the environment are stopped within the time span ofone generation.

6666....1111....1111.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff cccchhhheeeemmmmiiiiccccaaaallllssss ccccllllaaaassssssssiiiiffffiiiieeeedddd

To retain a high level of protection in assessments of theeffects of plant protection products and biocides on healthand the environment.

6666....1111....2222.... TTTThhhheeee vvvvoooolllluuuummmmeeee ooooffff ssssaaaalllleeeessss ooooffff ppppeeeessssttttiiiicccciiiiddddeeee aaaaccccttttiiiivvvveeee ssssuuuubbbbssssttttaaaannnncccceeeessssccccllllaaaassssssssiiiiffffiiiieeeedddd aaaassss bbbbeeeeiiiinnnngggg ppppaaaarrrrttttiiiiccccuuuullllaaaarrrrllllyyyy hhhhaaaazzzzaaaarrrrddddoooouuuussss

6666....2222.... EEEEnnnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll qqqquuuuaaaalllliiiittttyyyy aaaannnndddd ooootttthhhheeeerrrr eeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll ffffaaaaccccttttoooorrrrssss

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssDenmark must reduce acidification, eutrophication andground-level ozone

6666....2222....1111.... EEEEmmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss ooooffff SSSSOOOO2222,,,, NNNNOOOOxxxx,,,, VVVVOOOOCCCC aaaannnndddd NNNNHHHH3333

Ozone depletion high in the atmosphere, must bestopped.

6666....2222....2222.... OOOOzzzzoooonnnneeee llllaaaayyyyeeeerrrr tttthhhhiiiicccckkkknnnneeeessssssss

It is important to continue our measures against soilcontamination.

6666....2222....3333.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ssssiiiitttteeeessss wwwwhhhheeeerrrreeee rrrreeeemmmmeeeeddddiiiiaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff ssssooooiiiillllccccoooonnnnttttaaaammmmiiiinnnnaaaattttiiiioooonnnn hhhhaaaassss bbbbeeeeeeeennnn ccccaaaarrrrrrrriiiieeeedddd oooouuuutttt iiiinnnn oooorrrrddddeeeerrrr ttttoooo eeeennnnaaaabbbblllleeeehhhhoooouuuussssiiiinnnngggg aaaannnndddd////oooorrrr ddddrrrriiiinnnnkkkkiiiinnnngggg wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr ssssuuuuppppppppllllyyyy ((((nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffffrrrreeeemmmmeeeeddddiiiiaaaattttiiiioooonnnnssss ppppeeeerrrr yyyyeeeeaaaarrrr aaaannnndddd aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnn ttttyyyyppppeeeessss ooooffffffffiiiinnnnaaaannnncccciiiinnnngggg))))

Maintain activities to ensure clean drinking water 6666....2222....4444.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ooooccccccccuuuurrrrrrrreeeennnncccceeeessss ooooffff ppppeeeessssttttiiiicccciiiiddddeeeessss iiiinnnnggggrrrroooouuuunnnnddddwwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr uuuusssseeeedddd ffffoooorrrr ddddrrrriiiinnnnkkkkiiiinnnngggg wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr

Pathogenic micro-organisms must not be dispersed in theenvironment to a damaging extent.

6666....2222....5555.... BBBBaaaatttthhhhiiiinnnngggg aaaarrrreeeeaaaassss wwwwhhhheeeerrrreeee wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr qqqquuuuaaaalllliiiittttyyyy iiiissss ssssoooo ppppoooooooorrrr tttthhhhaaaattttbbbbaaaatttthhhhiiiinnnngggg iiiissss nnnnooootttt rrrreeeeccccoooommmmmmmmeeeennnnddddeeeedddd

6666....3333.... FFFFoooooooodddd

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssss6666....3333....1111.... LLLLeeeevvvveeeellll ooooffff sssseeeelllleeeecccctttteeeedddd iiiinnnncccciiiiddddeeeennnncccceeeessss ooooffff cccchhhheeeemmmmiiiiccccaaaallll ppppoooolllllllluuuuttttiiiioooonnnn iiiinnnnffffoooooooodddd

Safety assessments, risk analyses and control of chemicalpollutants and chemicals in production must becontinued and strengthened.

6666....3333....2222....aaaa.... PPPPCCCCBBBBssss iiiinnnn ccccoooodddd lllliiiivvvveeeerrrr ffffrrrroooommmm DDDDaaaannnniiiisssshhhh wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrrssss 1111999999998888----2222000000000000

6666....3333....2222....bbbb CCCCoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff 4444 hhhheeeeaaaavvvvyyyy mmmmeeeettttaaaallllssss iiiinnnn DDDDaaaannnniiiisssshhhh ddddiiiieeeettttssss((((nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ffffooooooooddddssss)))) iiiinnnn tttthhhhrrrreeeeeeee 5555----yyyyeeeeaaaarrrr mmmmoooonnnniiiittttoooorrrriiiinnnngggg ppppeeeerrrriiiiooooddddssss

6666....4444.... HHHHeeeeaaaalllltttthhhh aaaannnndddd ssssaaaaffffeeeettttyyyy

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssWork-related injuries caused by exposure to carcinogenicavoided

6666....4444....1111.... SSSSeeeelllleeeecccctttteeeedddd rrrreeeeppppoooorrrrtttteeeedddd wwwwoooorrrrkkkk----rrrreeeellllaaaatttteeeedddd ddddiiiissssoooorrrrddddeeeerrrrssss

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7777.... RRRReeeessssoooouuuurrrrcccceeeessss aaaannnndddd rrrreeeessssoooouuuurrrrcccceeee eeeeffffffffiiiicccciiiieeeennnnccccyyyy

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssResource consumption must be reduced. 7777....1111.... DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk''''ssss ttttoooottttaaaallll ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff sssseeeelllleeeecccctttteeeedddd rrrreeeessssoooouuuurrrrcccceeeessss

((((rrrraaaawwww aaaannnndddd aaaannnncccciiiillllllllaaaarrrryyyy mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallllssss))))

7777....2222.... EEEEvvvveeeerrrryyyy tttthhhhiiiirrrrdddd yyyyeeeeaaaarrrr:::: TTTToooottttaaaallll ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallllrrrreeeessssoooouuuurrrrcccceeeessss ((((TTTTMMMMRRRR)))) ppppeeeerrrr iiiinnnnhhhhaaaabbbbiiiittttaaaannnntttt

Environmental impacts from waste must be prevented 7777....3333.... DDDDeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnnttttssss iiiinnnn wwwwaaaasssstttteeee ggggeeeennnneeeerrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnn aaaannnndddd GGGGDDDDPPPP,,,,

7777....4444.... WWWWaaaasssstttteeee vvvvoooolllluuuummmmeeee rrrreeeeccccyyyycccclllleeeedddd iiiinnnn aaaabbbbssssoooolllluuuutttteeee ffffiiiigggguuuurrrreeeessss aaaannnndddd iiiinnnnrrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo ttttoooottttaaaallll wwwwaaaasssstttteeee vvvvoooolllluuuummmmeeee iiiinnnn DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk

7777....5555.... WWWWaaaasssstttteeee vvvvoooolllluuuummmmeeee iiiinnnn DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk ffffrrrroooommmm tttthhhheeee ffffoooolllllllloooowwwwiiiinnnngggg 4444sssseeeeccccttttoooorrrrssss;;;; hhhhoooouuuusssseeeehhhhoooollllddddssss,,,, sssseeeerrrrvvvviiiicccceeeessss,,,, iiiinnnndddduuuussssttttrrrryyyy,,,, aaaannnndddd bbbbuuuuiiiillllddddiiiinnnngggg aaaannnnddddccccoooonnnnssssttttrrrruuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd iiiinnnn aaaabbbbssssoooolllluuuutttteeee ffffiiiigggguuuurrrreeeessss aaaannnndddd iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnnttttoooo ffffiiiinnnnaaaannnncccciiiiaaaallll aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttyyyy iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee sssseeeeccccttttoooorrrrssss

Sustainable use of raw materials in Denmark must beachieved

7777....6666.... RRRReeeeccccyyyycccclllliiiinnnngggg iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee bbbbuuuuiiiillllddddiiiinnnngggg aaaannnndddd ccccoooonnnnssssttttrrrruuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn sssseeeeccccttttoooorrrr aaaassssaaaa ppppeeeerrrrcccceeeennnnttttaaaaggggeeee ooooffff rrrreeeeccccoooovvvveeeerrrreeeedddd rrrraaaawwww mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallllssss....

7777....7777.... KKKKnnnnoooowwwwnnnn rrrreeeesssseeeerrrrvvvveeeessss iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee NNNNoooorrrrtttthhhh SSSSeeeeaaaa iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo tttthhhheeeeccccuuuurrrrrrrreeeennnntttt aaaannnnnnnnuuuuaaaallll pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff ooooiiiillll aaaannnndddd ggggaaaassss rrrreeeessssppppeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeellllyyyy

Various considerations must be combined to minimiseconflicts between different uses of the same piece ofland. Outside urban areas, diversified use must bepromoted.

7777....8888.... DDDDeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnntttt iiiinnnn aaaarrrreeeeaaaa uuuuttttiiiilllliiiissssaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ((((kkkkmmmm2222)))) aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbyyyytttthhhheeee ffffoooolllllllloooowwwwiiiinnnngggg aaaarrrreeeeaaaa ttttyyyyppppeeeessss:::: nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrreeee,,,, ffffoooorrrreeeesssstttt,,,, ffffaaaarrrrmmmmllllaaaannnndddd,,,,hhhhoooouuuusssseeeessss,,,, aaaannnndddd rrrrooooaaaaddddssss iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee ccccoooouuuunnnnttttrrrryyyyssssiiiiddddeeee aaaannnndddd iiiinnnn ttttoooowwwwnnnnssss aaaannnnddddcccciiiittttiiiieeeessss

8888.... DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk''''ssss iiiinnnntttteeeerrrrnnnnaaaattttiiiioooonnnnaaaallll aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssIn close and binding cooperation with recipient countries,Denmark contributes significant support in areas relevantto sustainable development.

8888....1111.... AAAAssssssssiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeee ffffuuuunnnnddddssss aaaassss aaaa ppppeeeerrrrcccceeeennnnttttaaaaggggeeee ooooffff GGGGNNNNIIII,,,, iiiinnnn ttttoooottttaaaallllaaaannnndddd aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnn ddddeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnntttt aaaannnnddddeeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll aaaassssssssiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeee,,,, aaaannnndddd aaaassssssssiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeee ttttoooonnnneeeeiiiigggghhhhbbbboooouuuurrrriiiinnnngggg ccccoooouuuunnnnttttrrrriiiieeeessss

8888....2222.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ddddeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppiiiinnnngggg ccccoooouuuunnnnttttrrrriiiieeeessss aaaannnndddd CCCCeeeennnnttttrrrraaaallll aaaannnnddddEEEEaaaasssstttteeeerrrrnnnn EEEEuuuurrrrooooppppeeeeaaaannnn ccccoooouuuunnnnttttrrrriiiieeeessss wwwwhhhhiiiicccchhhh rrrreeeecccceeeeiiiivvvveeee aaaassssssssiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeeeffffrrrroooommmm DDDDeeeennnnmmmmaaaarrrrkkkk,,,, aaaannnndddd wwwwhhhhiiiicccchhhh hhhhaaaavvvveeee nnnnaaaattttiiiioooonnnnaaaallll ssssttttrrrraaaatttteeeeggggiiiieeeessss ffffoooorrrrssssuuuussssttttaaaaiiiinnnnaaaabbbblllleeee ddddeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnntttt....

BBBBaaaacccckkkkggggrrrroooouuuunnnndddd iiiinnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssUUUUNNNN OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrHalve the proportion of people who live in extreme povertyfrom 1990 to 2015

NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ppppeeeeoooopppplllleeee wwwwhhhhoooo lllliiiivvvveeee oooonnnn lllleeeessssssss tttthhhhaaaannnn oooonnnneeee UUUUSSSSDDDD aaaaddddaaaayyyy

a n n e x

84

a n n e x

9999.... FFFFoooooooodddd pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn –––– FFFFoooooooodddd ssssaaaaffffeeeettttyyyy,,,, aaaaggggrrrriiiiccccuuuullllttttuuuurrrreeee aaaannnndddd ffffiiiisssshhhheeeerrrriiiieeeessss

9999....1111.... FFFFoooooooodddd ssssaaaaffffeeeettttyyyy

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrA crucial objective is to achieve a high level of food safety. 9999....1111.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff iiiinnnncccciiiiddddeeeennnncccceeeessss ooooffff iiiillllllllnnnneeeessssssss ccccaaaauuuusssseeeedddd bbbbyyyy ffffoooooooodddd

9999....2222.... AAAAggggrrrriiiiccccuuuullllttttuuuurrrreeee

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssAgricultural loss of nitrate, phosphorus and ammoniamust be brought down to a level that represents nonuisance to humans, that safeguards the aquaticenvironment and vulnerable natural habitats, and thatpromotes a rich animal and plant life.

9999....2222....1111.... BBBBaaaallllaaaannnncccceeee sssshhhheeeeeeeetttt ooooffff iiiinnnnppppuuuuttttssss aaaannnndddd oooouuuuttttppppuuuuttttssss ooooffff NNNN aaaannnndddd PPPP

9999....2222....2222.... TTTToooottttaaaallll iiiimmmmppppoooorrrrttttssss aaaannnndddd eeeexxxxppppoooorrrrttttssss ooooffff NNNN aaaannnndddd PPPP bbbbyyyy tttthhhheeeeaaaaggggrrrriiiiccccuuuullllttttuuuurrrraaaallll sssseeeeccccttttoooorrrr

Agriculture and the individual farmer have an importantrole to play in nature management. Nature must beprotected and biodiversity ensured.

9999....2222....3333.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ffffaaaarrrrmmmmssss aaaannnndddd aaaarrrreeeeaaaassss wwwwhhhhiiiicccchhhh hhhhaaaavvvveeee ggggrrrreeeeeeeennnnaaaaccccccccoooouuuunnnnttttiiiinnnngggg////eeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll mmmmaaaannnnaaaaggggeeeemmmmeeeennnntttt

9999....2222....4444 AAAArrrreeeeaaaa////hhhhaaaa ddddeeeessssiiiiggggnnnnaaaatttteeeedddd aaaassss ppppaaaarrrrttttiiiiccccuuuullllaaaarrrrllllyyyy sssseeeennnnssssiiiittttiiiivvvveeee llllaaaannnnddddaaaarrrreeeeaaaassss ((((SSSSFFFFLLLL)))),,,, iiiinnnncccclllluuuuddddiiiinnnngggg pppprrrrooooppppoooorrrrttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff aaaarrrreeeeaaaa wwwwiiiitttthhhh aaaaggggrrrroooo----eeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll sssscccchhhheeeemmmmeeeessss

The Danish Government is hopeful that pesticide use canbe minimised within the next few years.

9999....2222....5555.... AAAApppppppplllliiiiccccaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ffffrrrreeeeqqqquuuueeeennnnccccyyyy ffffoooorrrr ppppeeeessssttttiiiicccciiiiddddeeeessss oooonnnnccccoooonnnnvvvveeeennnnttttiiiioooonnnnaaaallllllllyyyy ccccuuuullllttttiiiivvvvaaaatttteeeedddd aaaarrrreeeeaaaassss

The Government wants to see further development of theorganic sector on the basis of consumer demand andcommon EU rules.

9999....2222....6666.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr aaaannnndddd aaaarrrreeeeaaaa ooooffff oooorrrrggggaaaannnniiiicccc ffffaaaarrrrmmmmssss

In the view of the Government, it is imperative forcontinued economic growth to occur without acorresponding growth in environmental impacts inharmony with nature and the environment.

9999....2222....7777.... IIIInnnnddddeeeexxxx:::: EEEEnnnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll iiiimmmmppppaaaaccccttttssss ffffrrrroooommmm aaaaggggrrrriiiiccccuuuullllttttuuuurrrreeee:::: 3333eeeennnnvvvviiiirrrroooonnnnmmmmeeeennnnttttaaaallll iiiimmmmppppaaaaccccttttssss,,,, eeeegggg.... eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy uuuusssseeee,,,, ffffrrrreeeeqqqquuuueeeennnnccccyyyy ooooffffppppeeeessssttttiiiicccciiiiddddeeee aaaapppppppplllliiiiccccaaaattttiiiioooonnnn,,,, nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff lllliiiivvvveeeessssttttoooocccckkkk,,,, mmmmeeeetttthhhhaaaannnneeeeeeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss,,,, aaaammmmmmmmoooonnnniiiiaaaa lllloooosssssssseeeessss,,,, aaaannnndddd nnnniiiittttrrrrooooggggeeeennnn ssssuuuurrrrpppplllluuuusssseeeessss iiiinnnnrrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo cccchhhhaaaannnnggggeeeessss iiiinnnn vvvvaaaalllluuuueeee ooooffff pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn....

9999....2222....8888.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ffffaaaarrrrmmmmssss,,,, ssssiiiizzzzeeee aaaannnndddd ssssppppeeeecccciiiiaaaalllliiiissssaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ((((hhhhaaaarrrrmmmmoooonnnniiiiccccaaaannnndddd uuuunnnnhhhhaaaarrrrmmmmoooonnnniiiicccc ffffaaaarrrrmmmmssss))))

9999....3333.... FFFFiiiisssshhhheeeerrrriiiieeeessss

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssss

Fish stocks and ecosystems in the sea must be conserved 9999....3333....1111.... TTTThhhheeee nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ffffiiiisssshhhh ssssttttoooocccckkkkssss wwwwhhhheeeerrrreeee tttthhhheeee ssssppppaaaawwwwnnnniiiinnnnggggbbbbiiiioooommmmaaaassssssss iiiissss wwwwiiiitttthhhhiiiinnnn ssssaaaaffffeeee bbbbiiiioooollllooooggggiiiiccccaaaallll lllliiiimmmmiiiittttssss aaaannnndddd tttthhhheeee nnnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffffffffiiiisssshhhheeeerrrriiiieeeessss ooooppppeeeerrrraaaatttteeeedddd wwwwiiiitttthhhhiiiinnnn ssssaaaaffffeeee bbbbiiiioooollllooooggggiiiiccccaaaallll lllliiiimmmmiiiittttssss

Amounts of discards must be reduced 9999....3333....2222.... TTTThhhheeee ppppeeeerrrrcccceeeennnnttttaaaaggggeeee ooooffff ddddiiiissssccccaaaarrrrddddssss ccccoooommmmppppaaaarrrreeeedddd ttttoooo tttthhhheeee ttttoooottttaaaallllccccaaaattttcccchhhh ((((llllaaaannnnddddiiiinnnnggggssss aaaannnndddd ddddiiiissssccccaaaarrrrddddssss)))) ffffoooorrrr sssseeeelllleeeecccctttteeeedddd ssssppppeeeecccciiiieeeessss,,,,aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbyyyy ffffiiiisssshhhhiiiinnnngggg eeeeqqqquuuuiiiippppmmmmeeeennnntttt uuuusssseeeedddd....

Fisheries must be made more selective so thatunintentional by-catches of porpoise are avoided as far aspossible and undesirable impacts on the seabed can beeliminated.

9999....3333....3333.... TTTThhhheeee eeeexxxxtttteeeennnntttt ooooffff bbbbyyyy----ccccaaaattttcccchhhheeeessss ooooffff ppppoooorrrrppppooooiiiisssseeee ((((eeeessssttttiiiimmmmaaaatttteeeedddd)))) bbbbyyyyDDDDaaaannnniiiisssshhhh nnnneeeetttt ffffiiiisssshhhhiiiinnnngggg iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee NNNNoooorrrrtttthhhh SSSSeeeeaaaa

Size of fleet and composition that is better adapted tocatch possibilities

9999....3333....4444.... CCCCaaaappppaaaacccciiiittttyyyy ooooffff tttthhhheeee ffffiiiisssshhhhiiiinnnngggg fffflllleeeeeeeetttt ((((ttttoooonnnnnnnnaaaaggggeeee,,,, eeeennnnggggiiiinnnneeee ppppoooowwwweeeerrrr,,,,eeeettttcccc....)))) aaaannnndddd ccccoooommmmppppoooossssiiiittttiiiioooonnnn

11110000.... FFFFoooorrrreeeessssttttrrrryyyy

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssss

11110000....1111.... FFFFoooorrrreeeesssstttt rrrreeeeggggeeeennnneeeerrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnn aaaannnndddd eeeessssttttaaaabbbblllliiiisssshhhhmmmmeeeennnntttt mmmmeeeetttthhhhooooddddssss....TTTThhhheeeesssseeee iiiinnnncccclllluuuuddddeeee tttthhhheeee pppprrrrooooppppoooorrrrttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff rrrreeeeggggeeeennnneeeerrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnn mmmmaaaatttteeeerrrriiiiaaaallllccccoooonnnnssssiiiissssttttiiiinnnngggg ooooffff nnnnaaaattttiiiivvvveeee ttttrrrreeeeeeee ssssppppeeeecccciiiieeeessss.... ((((FFFFrrrroooommmm 2222000000002222 aaaallllssssoooo ssssttttaaaannnnddddssssttttrrrruuuuccccttttuuuurrrreeee ((((ddddiiiivvvveeeerrrrssssiiiittttyyyy iiiinnnn aaaaggggeeee aaaannnndddd ssssppppeeeecccciiiieeeessss)))) aaaannnndddd tttthhhheeee vvvvoooolllluuuummmmeeee ooooffffddddeeeeaaaaddddwwwwoooooooodddd iiiinnnn pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn ffffoooorrrreeeessssttttssss))))

Near-nature and environmentally friendly forestry must bepromoted

11110000....2222.... FFFFoooorrrreeeessssttttssss wwwwiiiitttthhhh ssssppppeeeecccciiiiaaaallll nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrreeee ccccoooonnnnssssiiiiddddeeeerrrraaaattttiiiioooonnnnssss

The public should be more involved in decisionsconcerning forests, and outdoor recreational activitiesshould be enhanced

11110000....3333.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff vvvviiiissssiiiittttoooorrrrssss ttttoooo ffffoooorrrreeeessssttttssss

The forest area will be doubled, so that forest landscapescover 20-25 per cent of Denmark in the course of a treegeneration (80-100 years).

11110000....4444.... TTTToooottttaaaallll ffffoooorrrreeeesssstttt aaaarrrreeeeaaaa

11111111.... IIIInnnndddduuuussssttttrrrryyyy,,,, ttttrrrraaaaddddeeee aaaannnndddd sssseeeerrrrvvvviiiicccceeeessss

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssAn efficient green market must be created and it must beeasier for enterprises and investors to document theirenvironmental efforts

11111111....1111.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff lllliiiicccceeeennnnsssseeeessss ffffoooorrrr eeeeccccoooo----llllaaaabbbbeeeelllllllleeeedddd pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttssss

In this process, more eco-labelled products on the marketand adequate information will motivate consumers tochange their habits.

11111111....2222.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff eeeeccccoooo----llllaaaabbbbeeeelllllllleeeedddd pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttssss,,,, aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd aaaassss tttthhhheeeennnnuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ttttrrrraaaaddddeeee nnnnaaaammmmeeeessss

Enterprises must be provided more opportunity tocompete on environmental efforts

11111111....3333.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff EEEEMMMMAAAASSSS aaaannnndddd IIIISSSSOOOO rrrreeeeggggiiiisssstttteeeerrrreeeedddd eeeennnntttteeeerrrrpppprrrriiiisssseeeessss

11111111....4444.... IIIInnnnddddeeeexxxx ffffoooorrrr mmmmaaaannnnuuuuffffaaaaccccttttuuuurrrriiiinnnngggg iiiinnnndddduuuussssttttrrrryyyy''''ssss rrrreeeessssoooouuuurrrrcccceeeeeeeeffffffffiiiicccciiiieeeennnnccccyyyy ---- sssseeeelllleeeecccctttteeeedddd ppppaaaarrrraaaammmmeeeetttteeeerrrrssss ((((eeeegggg.... eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy aaaannnndddd wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr,,,,eeeettttcccc....)))) iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo GGGGDDDDPPPP

Growth and the environment should increasingly go handin hand.

11111111....5555.... CCCChhhhaaaannnnggggeeeessss iiiinnnn iiiinnnndddduuuussssttttrrrriiiiaaaallll sssseeeeccccttttoooorrrr eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss ooooffff CCCCOOOO2222,,,, NNNNOOOOxxxx,,,,SSSSOOOO2222,,,, aaaannnndddd cccchhhhaaaannnnggggeeeessss iiiinnnn GGGGVVVVAAAA

The environmental standard of existing and new tourismareas and tourist facilities should be improved.

11111111....6666.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr////ppppeeeerrrrcccceeeennnnttttaaaaggggeeee ooooffff ttttoooouuuurrrriiiissssmmmm eeeennnntttteeeerrrrpppprrrriiiisssseeeessss tttthhhhaaaattttppppaaaarrrrttttiiiicccciiiippppaaaatttteeee iiiinnnn eeeeccccoooo----llllaaaabbbbeeeelllllllliiiinnnngggg sssscccchhhheeeemmmmeeeessss

Blue flags are to draw public attention to clean and safefacilities at beaches and in marinas.

11111111....7777.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff """"BBBBlllluuuueeee FFFFllllaaaagggg"""" bbbbeeeeaaaacccchhhheeeessss aaaannnndddd mmmmaaaarrrriiiinnnnaaaassss

85

a n n e x

86

11112222.... TTTTrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssEfficient mobility must be ensured through public andprivate transport solutions.

11112222....1111.... AAAAvvvveeeerrrraaaaggggeeee lllleeeennnnggggtttthhhh ooooffff ttttrrrriiiipppp aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbeeeettttwwwweeeeeeeennnn aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss

11112222....2222.... TTTTrrrraaaaffffffffiiiicccc ppppeeeerrrrffffoooorrrrmmmmeeeedddd////GGGGDDDDPPPPDecouple growth in the impact of transport on theenvironment and health from economic growth.

11112222....3333.... PPPPaaaasssssssseeeennnnggggeeeerrrr ppppeeeerrrrffffoooorrrrmmmmeeeedddd wwwwoooorrrrkkkk aaaannnndddd ffffrrrreeeeiiiigggghhhhtttt ppppeeeerrrrffffoooorrrrmmmmeeeeddddwwwwoooorrrrkkkk aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbyyyy mmmmeeeeaaaannnnssss ooooffff ttttrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt

Air pollution from traffic constitutes no health hazard tothe population.

11112222....4444.... TTTTrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss ((((CCCCOOOO2222,,,, CCCCOOOO,,,, PPPPMMMM11110000,,,, NNNNOOOOxxxx,,,, NNNNMMMMVVVVOOOOCCCCaaaannnndddd SSSSOOOO2222 ))))

Transport must be safe for everyone 11112222....5555.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ffffaaaattttaaaalllliiiittttiiiieeeessss aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeedddd bbbbyyyy mmmmeeeeaaaannnnssss ooooffff ttttrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt

The supply of and demand for environmentally friendlytransport options will be increased.

11112222....6666.... AAAAvvvveeeerrrraaaaggggeeee eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy eeeeffffffffiiiicccciiiieeeennnnccccyyyy ffffoooorrrrppppaaaasssssssseeeennnnggggeeeerrrr ttttrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt aaaannnndddd ffffrrrreeeeiiiigggghhhhtttt ttttrrrraaaannnnssssppppoooorrrrtttt

11112222....7777.... AAAAvvvveeeerrrraaaaggggeeee ccccaaaappppaaaacccciiiittttyyyy uuuuttttiiiilllliiiissssaaaattttiiiioooonnnn aaaannnndddd aaaavvvveeeerrrraaaaggggeeee llllooooaaaadddd ffffoooorrrrlllloooorrrrrrrriiiieeeessss oooovvvveeeerrrr 6666 ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss

11112222....8888.... EEEEnnnneeeerrrrggggyyyy eeeeffffffffiiiicccciiiieeeennnnccccyyyy ooooffff nnnneeeewwww ccccaaaarrrrssss

11113333.... EEEEnnnneeeerrrrggggyyyy

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssThe aim is to bring down CO2 emissions by 20 per cent of1988 levels by 2005

11113333....1111.... CCCCOOOO2222 eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll.... ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss aaaaccccttttuuuuaaaallll aaaannnndddd aaaaddddjjjjuuuusssstttteeeedddd,,,,aaaannnndddd iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo ggggrrrroooossssssss eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn

SO2 emissions must be reduced by approximately 30 percent of 1998 levels by the end of 2010

11113333....2222.... SSSSOOOO2222 eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll.... ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss iiiinnnn aaaaccccttttuuuuaaaallll ffffiiiigggguuuurrrreeeessss aaaannnndddd iiiinnnnrrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo ggggrrrroooossssssss eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn iiiinnnn PPPPJJJJ

NOx emissions must be reduced by approximately 45 percent of 1998 levels by the end of 2010.

11113333....3333.... NNNNOOOOxxxx eeeemmmmiiiissssssssiiiioooonnnnssss iiiinnnn mmmmiiiillllllll.... ttttoooonnnnnnnneeeessss iiiinnnn rrrreeeellllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn ttttoooo ggggrrrroooosssssssseeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn iiiinnnn PPPPJJJJ

Enhanced planning, coordination and prioritisation ofoverall energy-saving initiatives.

11113333....4444....aaaa GGGGrrrroooossssssss eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn iiiinnnn PPPPJJJJ

11113333....4444....bbbb FFFFiiiinnnnaaaallll eeeennnneeeerrrrggggyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn iiiinnnn PPPPJJJJ

11113333....5555.... EEEEnnnneeeerrrrggggyyyy iiiinnnntttteeeennnnssssiiiittttyyyy ffffoooorrrr aaaallllllll pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn ttttrrrraaaaddddeeeessss,,,, aaaannnndddd ffffoooorrrraaaaggggrrrriiiiccccuuuullllttttuuuurrrreeee aaaannnndddd hhhhoooorrrrttttiiiiccccuuuullllttttuuuurrrreeee

11113333....6666.... CCCCoooommmmbbbbiiiinnnneeeedddd hhhheeeeaaaatttt aaaannnndddd ppppoooowwwweeeerrrr aaaassss aaaa pppprrrrooooppppoooorrrrttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff tttthhhheeeerrrrmmmmaaaalllleeeelllleeeeccccttttrrrriiiicccciiiittttyyyy pppprrrroooodddduuuuccccttttiiiioooonnnn

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11114444.... UUUUrrrrbbbbaaaannnn aaaannnndddd hhhhoooouuuussssiiiinnnngggg ddddeeeevvvveeeellllooooppppmmmmeeeennnntttt

Objectives and activities IndicatorsUrban areas must be put to better use 11114444....1111.... AAAArrrreeeeaaaa ffffoooorrrr uuuurrrrbbbbaaaannnniiiissssaaaattttiiiioooonnnn

New urban structures must ensure efficient utilisation ofthe overall transport system

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The utility value, flexibility and quality of buildings mustbe enhanced

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We should improve the quality of urban recreation. 11114444....4444.... PPPPrrrrooooppppoooorrrrttttiiiioooonnnn ooooffff tttthhhheeee ppppooooppppuuuullllaaaattttiiiioooonnnn iiiinnnn CCCCooooppppeeeennnnhhhhaaaaggggeeeennnn aaaannnnddddAAAAaaaallllbbbboooorrrrgggg wwwwhhhhoooo hhhhaaaavvvveeee aaaacccccccceeeessssssss ttttoooo aaaa ggggrrrreeeeeeeennnn aaaarrrreeeeaaaa ((((kkkkmmmm2222)))) wwwwiiiitttthhhhiiiinnnn aaaaddddiiiissssttttaaaannnncccceeee ooooffff 11115555 mmmmiiiinnnnuuuutttteeeessss ooooffff wwwwaaaallllkkkkiiiinnnngggg

Further requirements for energy and resourceconsumption

11114444....5555.... EEEEnnnneeeerrrrggggyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn ffffoooorrrr hhhheeeeaaaattttiiiinnnngggg iiiinnnn tttthhhheeee cccciiiittttyyyy aaaassss aaaawwwwhhhhoooolllleeee

11114444....6666.... IIIInnnnddddeeeexxxx ffffoooorrrr cccchhhhaaaannnnggggeeeessss iiiinnnn eeeelllleeeeccccttttrrrriiiicccciiiittttyyyy ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn,,,,wwwwaaaatttteeeerrrr ccccoooonnnnssssuuuummmmppppttttiiiioooonnnn aaaannnndddd wwwwaaaasssstttteeee vvvvoooolllluuuummmmeeeessss iiiinnnnddddwwwweeeelllllllliiiinnnnggggssss////hhhhoooouuuusssseeeehhhhoooollllddddssss

The supply of housing must grow 11114444....7777.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff nnnneeeewwwwllllyyyy eeeerrrreeeecccctttteeeedddd rrrreeeennnntttteeeedddd ddddwwwweeeelllllllliiiinnnnggggssss aaaannnnaaaallllyyyysssseeeeddddbbbbyyyy ddddiiiiffffffffeeeerrrreeeennnntttt ttttyyyyppppeeeessss ooooffff hhhhoooouuuussssiiiinnnngggg

11115555.... IIIInnnnssssttttrrrruuuummmmeeeennnnttttssss aaaannnndddd kkkknnnnoooowwwwlllleeeeddddggggeeee bbbbaaaasssseeee

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssDecisions at all levels should be assessed in relation tothe environment.

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The public sector wants to take the lead by, amongst otherthings, including environmental considerations inprocurement policy.

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Training and education will contribute to disseminatingknowledge about sustainable development

11115555....3333.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff sssscccchhhhoooooooollllssss wwwwiiiitttthhhh GGGGrrrreeeeeeeennnn FFFFllllaaaaggggssss

11115555....4444.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff nnnnaaaattttuuuurrrreeee gggguuuuiiiiddddeeeessss

We need a solid knowledge base for making the rightdecisions and prioritising activities. Expenditure onresearch and development should be increased to a levelof about 3 per cent of GDP by 2010.

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11116666.... PPPPuuuubbbblllliiiicccc ppppaaaarrrrttttiiiicccciiiippppaaaattttiiiioooonnnn aaaannnndddd LLLLooooccccaaaallll AAAAggggeeeennnnddddaaaa 22221111

OOOObbbbjjjjeeeeccccttttiiiivvvveeeessss aaaannnndddd aaaaccccttttiiiivvvviiiittttiiiieeeessss IIIInnnnddddiiiiccccaaaattttoooorrrrssssLocal Agenda 21 activities should be further promoted. 11116666....1111.... NNNNuuuummmmbbbbeeeerrrr ooooffff ccccoooouuuunnnnttttiiiieeeessss aaaannnndddd mmmmuuuunnnniiiicccciiiippppaaaalllliiiittttiiiieeeessss wwwwhhhhiiiicccchhhh hhhhaaaavvvveeee

ssssttttaaaarrrrtttteeeedddd wwwwoooorrrrkkkkiiiinnnngggg wwwwiiiitttthhhh LLLLooooccccaaaallll AAAAggggeeeennnnddddaaaa 22221111

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