Sustainable livelihoods describes a lifestyle where we take only what we need, and in meeting our own needs, we do not prejudice the ability of others to meet their needs, both now and in the future. An action plan and blueprint for sustainable development was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro in 1992 and is known as Agenda 21, the plan for the 21st century. Local Agenda 21 or LA21 is a local plan of action to address the local needs of the people. The process relates to economic and social development, as well as environmental protection in a very practical way: “Think Global – Act Local”.

Various sustainable livelihoods and LA21 projects and programmes are run by the Environmental Resource Management Department:

1)  The Cape Town-Aachen LA21 Partnership aims to promote sustainable projects and sustainable development in a practical way, with a particular focus on poverty eradication.

2)  The Women Orchid Legacy Project provides skills and employment for women from disadvantaged areas to farm orchid plants and also create beadwork, embroidery and needlework with an orchid theme.