What is Sustainability?

Here’s an excellent definition and explanation of the concept “Sustainability”:

“Sustainability is a systemic concept, relating to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society. It is intended to be a means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals indefinitely. Sustainability affects every level of organization, from the local neighborhood to the entire planet.”

Accompanying this description is “a number of common principles [which] are embedded in most charters or action programmes to achieve sustainable development, sustainability or sustainable prosperity”, synthesized by Hargroves, K. and M. Smith (2005) in their book “The Natural Advantage of Nations: Business Opportunities, Innovation and Governance in the 21st Century”. These include:

dealing cautiously with risk, uncertainty and irreversibility;
ensuring appropriate valuation, appreciation and restoration of nature;
integration of environmental, social and economic goals in policies and activities;
equal opportunity and community participation;
conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity;
ensuring inter-generational equity;
recognizing the global dimension;
a commitment to best practice;
no net loss of human or natural capital;
the principle of continuous improvement; and
the need for good governance.

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You’re currently reading “What is Sustainability?,” an entry on Nooventures

Published:: 3.15.08 / 5am

Category:: Appropriate Science and Technology, Change in Change, Democratic Democracy, Ecosocionomics, Global Governance, Learning for Life, Life's Necessities, Man, Means, Paths, Ends, Spirituality, Unity in Diversity

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