Key steps to safeguard the Earth's future have been taken, following an agreement at the World Summit for countries to work together on sustainable ideas.

Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who chaired the talks in Johannesburg, described it as "a very positive outcome".

The aim is a safe planet for future generations

The initiative follows a warning from Prime Minister Tony Blair that global energy emissions must be cut to preserve the planet's eco-systems.

Mr Morgan presided over talks with 20 regional and sub-national governments at the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

As a result, an agreement was reached to set up a global network of countries to work together on sustainable development ideas.

The agreement is due to be signed on Tuesday at the World Summit Convention Centre and will be internationally known as the Gauteng Declaration.

Rhodri Morgan chaired the talks

Mr Morgan has been a vocal supporter of schemes by regional and small national governments to create sustainable schemes.

Wales is one of just three governments with a legal duty to sustainable development.

"Before we arrived at the Earth Summit, Wales' unique commitment to Sustainable Development had already marked us out as leaders in Europe," Mr Morgan said.

"I feel certain that this weekend's talks have put us at the forefront of the global effort to live as if we intend to stay on this planet."

Regions such as western Australia have turned to the Welsh Assembly Government for advice on new projects.

Wales has some very fine examples of sustainable development in action.

Judy Edwards, Environment Minister, Western Australia

Mr Morgan said he was pleased Wales had played its own part in the Gauteng Declaration.

"We have taken a major step forward towards preserving the riches of the earth for generations to come," he said.

"The new spirit of co-operation that exists between us in Wales and regional governments from countries as diverse as Australia, Brazil, India, South Africa and EC countries will serve us well in years to come.

"It is at the regional level that many of the most important actions take place.

"By working together, and building on what we have achieved this week, the legacy inherited by our children, and their children after them, is likely to be much more positive."

Impressive

Western Australia's Minister for the Environment Judy Edwards said: "Western Australia sought help from Wales when we were putting together our own Sustainable Development strategy because you have some very fine examples of sustainable development in action.

"What is happening in Wales is now helping to determine what's happening in western Australia."

Mary Metcalfe, Environment Minister for Gauteng Province in South Africa, said she was impressed with Wales' work on sustainable projects in a short space of time.

"I am impressed at how the Assembly has worked with other partners and involved communities and has placed sustainable development at the very highest level."