The overall aim of this Plan of Action of RACE is to ensure active participation of people in the achievement of sustainable development. While it is recognized that other factors relating to social, economic/financial and technical aspects do play an important role in achieving this objective, the active participation of community, including disadvantaged groups, action through voluntary, self-reliant organizations of their own choice is equally important. Without such participation, conservation and protection of environment initiatives are unlikely to be sustainable in the long run.