Chapter 28 of Agenda 21, a United Nations comprehensive plan to achieve sustainable development, urges local authorities to embrace the implementation of Agenda 21 by drawing up, along with their communities, their own LA21 (Local Agenda) plans to strengthen their contribution to global sustainable development.

Boa Constricta

LA21 has been identified as a tool to take forward the City of Cape Town's vision of forming partnerships with all its people to enhance sustainable development. LA21 is envisaged to enhance the City's support for communities to effectively take ownership and manage their environments. This also furthers IMEP's approach to sustainable development by focusing on the interface between local government, communities and the environment.

On Saturday 16 September the communities of Atlantis and its surrounds celebrated this partnership with the City of Cape Town and not even the late spring rain could dampen the spirits of the visitors or organisers. Hosted by the West Coast Environmental co-operative the people of Atlantis had a community festival giving local NGOs an opportunity to showcase their objectives in line with self-sustainability. Besides an opportunity for organisations to network and share valuable resources the event also was an educational showcase and an affair for the whole family.

The event was opened by the Atlantis Community entertainers a local coon group. Children between the ages of 8 and 15 attended a Bicycle workshop by Bicycle Empowerment Network (B.E.N.) Here they learned everything from maintaining a bicycle to safe manoeuvring. The main objective of this workshop was to promote alternative sustainable environmental friendly transportation. A brand new bicycle was then up for raffle and was won by 11-year-old Caleb Johnson who will now use this to commute to school on a daily basis. A snake show by Snakes Inc caused a lot of hoo haa and snake catcher and educator Shaun McLeod had his hands full when spectators tried to have a closer encounter with this normally shy reptiles. Visitors also had a taste of the local cuisine prepared by Mr. Makka and his team from the West Coast Environmental Co-operative in a huge no 25 potjiekos pot. Meanwhile an exhibition was held in the Atlantis Crafts & Tourism centre where local crafters showcased everything from fabric painting to rustic furniture manufactured from alien vegetation. The Environmental Resource Management department from the City of Cape Town also showcased their supportive roles. Local artists Esmerelda Boonzaaier and Cindy also gave a taste of pure Atlantis vocal talent.

Miss Atlantis Tourism: Alvina Stollenkamp

The day was ended with a glamorous beauty pageant with the crowning of Miss Atlantis Tourism. Prizes included a weekend breakaway for two at the Ritz Hotel. Miss Atlantis Tourism will also be involved in all tourism related functions and events in her year of reign.