Understanding Sustainable Development

Abstract:     
Sustainable Development is often an over-used word, but involves a number of inter-related global issues such as poverty, inequality, hunger and environmental degradation, etc. People tend to think that we have to make a choice between environmental protection and development. Development that is sustainable and not damaging to the natural resources is very much possible. To achieve sustainable development the three pillars-economic, social and environmental - must be integrated in a balanced way. Conserving land and water resources, protecting biodiversity and managing agricultural heritage systems are very important for sustainable development. There is no inherent contradiction between environment and development, and that these two concerns should be mutually supportive. Protection of the environment should not be seen as a sectorial interest but as an integrated component in all economic and social development. A sound management of natural resources, energy saving and a population size in harmony with the productive potential of the ecosystems will automatically result in sustainable development.

The idea of sustainable development grew from numerous environmental movements in earlier decades and ultimately defined as: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This contributed to the understanding that sustainable development encompasses a number of areas and highlights sustainability as the idea of environmental, economic and social progress and equity, all within the limits of the world's natural resources.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 12

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Earh Summit, UNEP, Povery, Ecology

JEL Classification: K32

working papers series