There is currently a lack of understanding of environmental and sustainable development issues amongst stakeholders and decision-makers in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA). In addition to this, local government has not prioritised the need to build capacity and understanding in key stakeholder groups around these issues. This is seen as a 'nice-to-have' rather than as an essential element of future planning.

The aim of the Local Agenda 21 Education and Outreach Programme is to compliment the project-based work of the Environment Branch by producing a range of media products (booklets, posters, pamphlets, glossaries) which highlight key environmental and sustainable development issues in the DMA and highlight the role of the Local Agenda 21 programme in addressing these.

Capacity building opportunities (e.g. project related-workshops, schools programmes, field worker training and training programmes for city officials on sustainable development) are also being provided where resources permit and partnerships can be developed with other educational institutions. Innovative approaches such as community theatre have also being explored in a pilot project as a tool to further develop an understanding of sustainable development and its importance to human well-being and quality of life amongst the youth and previously disadvantaged communities in the city.