Identifying research needs and priorities for sustainable development

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends identifying research needs and priorities in the context of international research efforts.

Agenda 21 recommends improving capabilities for determining scientific research priorities at the national, regional and global levels to meet the needs of sustainable development. This process would involve scientific judgements regarding short-term and long-term benefits and possible long-term costs and risks. It should be adaptive and responsive to perceived needs and be carried out via transparent, "user-friendly", risk-evaluation methodology.