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.
Although technology to prevent or abate pollution is readily available for a large number of problems, Agenda 21 recommends that for programme and policy development, countries should undertake research within an intersectoral framework. Such efforts would include collaboration with the business sector. Cost-effect analysis and environmental impact assessment methods would be developed through cooperative international programmes and applied to the setting of priorities and strategies in relation to health and development.