The Pilcomayo Basin, which is shared by Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina, is a subject of an inter-governmental agreement. N.R. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, described Agenda 21 implementation in India. Recent constitutional amendments have empowered local self-governing bodies to take decisions at the local level. One-third of the seats are reserved for women. India has set up a Planning Commission and National Development and Environmental Councils.
Development is carried out with due regard for the needs of local communities in forest areas.
India has shifted from forest-based development to regeneration, conservation and sustainable harvesting. NGO involvement has also been key to India's sustainable agriculture practices. Despite the environmental impacts, India's green revolution has increased food production. Professor Maciej Nowicki, Adviser to the Minister of Environmental Protection, presented Poland's progress report on Agenda 21 implementation. In the transition to a free- market economy, sustainable development has become a national priority.