Robertsfors Model The Project, Sustainable Robertsfors, is a five-year project that started in August 2001 and will, by the end of 2006, lay the foundation for sustainable development in the municipality of Robertsfors. The project is financed by European Union structural funds, the municipality of Robertsfors and also by the administrative board and county council of Västerbotten. A central task for the project, besides creating a plan for sustainable development, is to develop methods that can constitute a model for other municipalities wishing to work successfully with sustainable development. This is done by spreading knowledge of sustainability; increasing the means by which citizens can participate; increasing the means by which sustainability can be an integral part of community development; developing and working closely in, with and through networks; and ensuring there is process leadership for the project. Gunnar and Torbjorn are working on the model together with the Municipality. What can a community expect to accomplish in five years? Any community initiating a sustainable community development or eco-municipality project based on this model can expect, within a five-year period, to have an action plan, and implementation system and many good examples of sustainable community programs in place by the end of this period. You can also expect that this model will produce a sustainable and democratic, ongoing planning and decision-making process to be in place for the community in the long-term. The model being developed can be looked from two perspectives - both theoretical and practical models are being used in the planning and development process. The theoretical model is based on The Natural Step Framework's Compass model and System Conditions, Manfred Max-Neef's (Chilean economist) concept of Basic Needs, and the experiences of past generations of Swedish eco-municipalities. The practical model takes these theories and puts them into practice in the context of Robertsfors' culture, environment and economy. All aspects of sustainable development are to be included: economic, ecological, social and individual. A major focus is the development of democratic, participative processes and cultures. Both formal and informal structures are to be involved. Every inhabitant in the municipality is potentially a member of at least one target group. Activities are anticipated to involve consumers, producers, children and teachers, and municipal employees. The forces of the project are at work to engage as many as possible of the involved stakeholders, and to develop operating systems and long term action plans directed at increasing community-wide sustainability. Schools and childcare centres have already started the work towards sustainable management systems. Ten or more local businesses are working towards special management systems that involve environmental-, quality- and working environmental aspects. The same effort is made towards the local municipal organisation, environmental objectives and public health.