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What is Sustainable Development or Sustainability?

Sustainability is essentially not about saving the world, it is about saving ourselves or more to the point the quality of life of our children, our grandchildren and generations yet to come.

History

The notion of Sustainability or Sustainable Development has been practiced by many cultures, but was first discussed at International forums like the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1972, and the Habitat: United Nations Conference on Human Settlements 1976.  However, it wasn’t until 1987 that the Bruntland Report Our Common Future popularised and defined the term 'sustainable development', being “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (commonly referred to as the Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro produced Agenda 21, a major publication that sets out a blueprint for sustainable activity across all areas of human Endeavour.  The facets of sustainable development are:

• Peace;
• Ecosystem protection;
• Human development;
• Human rights;
• Participation;
• Eradication of poverty;
• Ethical trade.

Each of these themes cannot be seen in a silo context.  Rather, they are multi dimensional.  Human development must be carried out in a way that incorporates all other relevant areas.

From Agenda 21 came Local Agenda 21 (LA21).  This was designed to implement the principles of sustainable development at a local level by addressing and involving local communities directly.  It is seen as essential that the community be involved in the development of plans and policies so they meet the needs of our communities.  LA21 promotes the notions of inclusion and empowered action, giving communities the ability to create our own future.  Many district councils in New Zealand signed up to LA21, including Waitakere City Council.

In 2008, Rotorua District Council prepared a Sustainability Policy and Action Plan which is consistent with the principles of LA21.  The aim is to lead by example and “walk the talk” before promoting increased sustainability amongst Rotorua communities.  RDC’s initiative in this area was recognised through the Not-For-Profit Trailblazer Award at the 2008 Bay of Plenty Sustainable Business Awards.

Why did the Earth Summit happen?

One simple reason really - humans are destroying the life-supporting capacity of our planet and reducing its ability to provide the goods and services that we need.  Restoring, enhancing and protecting these incredibly important natural systems is a matter of our long term survival and quality of life.

UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development seeks to break down the traditional educational scheme and promotes:

• Interdisciplinary and holistic learning rather than subject-based learning.
• Values-based learning.
• Critical thinking rather than memorising.
• Multi-method approaches: word, art, drama, debate, etc.
• Participatory decision-making.
• Locally relevant information, rather than just national.

 
"Our culture includes our whole system of beliefs, values, attitudes, customs and institutions.  It shapes our gender, race and other social relations, and affects the way we perceive ourselves and the world and how we interact with other people and the rest of nature.  To the extent that the global crisis facing humanity is a reflection of collective values and lifestyles, it is, above all, a cultural crisis.  Culture, therefore, has a central place in the complex notion of sustainability - and whatever form the future takes, it will be shaped at the local level by the mosaic of cultures that surround the globe and which contribute to the decisions that each country, community, household and individual makes" - Source: UNESCO (1997) Educating for a Sustainable Future: A Transdisciplinary Vision for Concerted Action, paragraph 111-112.

Our increasing awareness of many pressing global realities is helping us to understand the impact of human actions on the environment and on human quality of life.  Indeed, the concept of sustainability is, in itself, a reflection of this growing awareness and of the need for new cultural values.  Thus, it has been suggested that: "Perhaps we are beginning to move towards a new global ethic which transcends all other systems of allegiance and belief, which is rooted in a consciousness of the interrelatedness and sanctity of life.  Would such a common ethic have the power to motivate us to modify our current dangerous course?  There is obviously no ready answer to this question, except to say that without a moral and ethical foundation, sustainability is unlikely to become a reality" - Source: UNESCO (1997) Educating for a Sustainable Future: A Transdisciplinary Vision for Concerted Action, paragraph 116.

Further information...

• The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education is focused on providing sustainability education.
• Environment Bay of Plenty has an Environmental Education Officer here in Rotorua.
• Denise La Grouw from the Hannah's Bay Community restoration project is also another local qualified sustainability educator that is more than happy to speak with and work with local community groups.
• The Permaculture Institute provides a solid foundation for sustainable living solutions.

Learn more about...

• Well-being
• Waste minimisation
• Sustainable transport
• Water
• Sustainable business
• Sustainable buildings
• Climate change
• Energy efficiency
• Food systems
• Ecosystems
• Forests
• Wetlands
• Consumer information
• Air quality