Agenda 21 indicates that institutional capacity-building should be considered to have an importance equal to that of the sector supplies and equipment component so that funds can be directed to both. This can be undertaken at the planning or programme/project formulation stage, accompanied by a clear definition of objectives and targets. Technical cooperation among developing countries is crucial in this regard because of their available wealth of information and experience and the need to avoid "reinventing the wheel". Such a course has proved cost-effective in many country projects already.