SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
by Antonio C. Antonio
September 1, 2014
What is Sustainable
Development?
Sustainable development involves the interconnection of three
factors; Society, Environment and Economy.
These factors should bring about (1) social equity, (2) sustainable
economy and (3) an ideal local environment.
(Please refer to the accompanying image.) In the middle of these intersecting
circles/factors is sustainable development… the result of equal focus and
concern given to all these three factors.
Essentially, sustainable development is simply the focusing of attention
and activities on the environmental, economic and social well-being of the
present and future generations.
There have been several definitions of sustainable
development but none as the one from the World Commission on Environment and
Development’s (the Brundtland Commission) report “Our Common Future” which
states: “DEVELOPMENT THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE PRESENT WITHOUT COMPROMISING
THE ABILITY OF FUTURE GENERATIONS TO MEET THEIR OWN NEEDS.”
This definition of sustainable development contains two key
concepts:
- The concept of NEEDS; particularly the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and,
- The concept of LIMITATIONS; referring to the extent imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and futures needs.
Here is another popular and accepted definition of
sustainable development: “Under the
principles of the United Nations Charter, the Millennium Declaration,
identified principles and treaties on sustainable development, including
economic development, social development and environmental protection. Broadly defines, sustainable development is
“a systems approach to growth and development and to manage natural, produced,
and social capital for the welfare of their own and future generations”.” (Wikipedia)
The “Earth Charter”, published in 1992 for the UN Conference
on Environment and Development highlighted the building of a just, sustainable,
and peaceful global society. A
corresponding action plan, called Agenda 21, was also adopted in the Earth
Summit of 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In the Philippines, we also came up with Philippine Agenda 21 (or PA 21)
to calibrate Agenda 21 to be more country-specific. Highlighted in these action plans is the need
for participatory management especially the indigenous stakeholders.
I have written several blogs which have relevance to this
article. You may want to click on http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/
and scan for the following titles:
- Is Sustainable Development Possible in the Philippines? (January 8, 2013);
- Participatory Management (November 29, 2013); and,
- Achievements of the Earth Summit (April 13, 2014).
Concepts change through time but understanding their present
and future relevance is importance… this includes the concept of sustainable
development.
Just my little thoughts…
REFERENCES: (Keywords: Sustainable Development)
(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and
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