There was no system developed for NSDS to involve sub-national levels strategically, because there is no NSDS.

There is coordination between the national and sub-national levels in environmental policy-making that is based on provisions set out in the law. The regions need to take into account national environmental policy when developing environmental plans (including goals and principles).

There are several LA21 initiatives in Poland. Generally, there is no direct link between the NSDS to the LA21 initiatives. Thus, no formal coordination exists between the national and sub-national level on these activities. However in regards to the Energy Safety and Environment strategy this document is referring partially to the issues mentioned in the LA 21Section II: Conservation and Management of Resources for Development Includes atmospheric protection, combating deforestation, protecting fragile environments, conservation of biological diversity (biodiversity), control of pollution and the management of biotechnology, and radioactive wastes.

The number of LA21s in Poland is unknown. There is no monitoring or any reporting being done on these processes. Therefore, there is need to initiate a survey regarding LA21 initiatives in Poland. However, it is important to emphasize that there is existing inaccuracy in the definition of LA21. Some communities understand their environmental plans (documents demanded by law) as an implementation of LA21.

EU linkages

The renewed EU Strategy for Sustainable Development (EU SDS) that was adopted in June 2006 foresees that Member States bi-annually report about how they address the priorities of the EU SDS. Poland has published its first national report on implementing the EU SDS in summer 2007.