botanic gardens. In the dry areas of the west coast of the U.S.A. there are several demonstration gardens that illustrate the use of water conservation techniques and planting schemes suitable for arid areas. Examples include Landscapes Southern California Style, Riverside, California (associated with the Western Municipal Water District and the University of California Cooperative Extension) and the Desert Demonstration Garden, Las Vegas, Nevada, developed in association with the Las Vegas Valley Water District. Local Agenda 21 Chapter 28 Local authorities' initiatives in support of Agenda 21 (Section III - Strengthening the role of major groups) proposes that local authorities should undertake a consultative process with their populations and prepare a 'Local Agenda 21' based on priorities set by the local population. In the U.K, the results of some of these consultative processes have shown that concerns about waste, transport issues, clean water, clean air, caring for nature and the energy balance are considered by the community to be of prime importance. In Europe, Local Agenda 21 has dominated the debate on sustainable development; botanic gardens can contribute significantly to these initiatives. Local Agenda 21 encourages people to be involved in the sustainable use of the environment through their daily decision making and activities. These decisions, whether about transport, consumption practices, recycling or biodegradability, all have an impact on other living organisms. Chelsea Physic Garden, London, U.K. is working in close partnership with the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea under a Local Agenda 21 umbrella of organisations on several projects. The