The Characteristics of SD

Sustainable development is not merely about a series of technical fixes -- about re-designing humanity, or re-engineering nature in our continuing desire for globalized industrialization. Instead, sustainable development is about re-connection with nature, copying what nature does, and developing a profound understanding for the concepts of care that underpin long-term ecologic, economic, and social stewardship of the places we call home.

Likewise, sustainable development is not strictly a problem of science or engineering or economics or proper management. It is all of these, and also includes the passion found in the values, ethics, and cultural heritage of people.

Scientific data, laws, and economic incentives are not enough. Protecting the environment is inescapably a moral issue as well. Therefore, the process of sustainable development must remain flexible, because what works in one community may not work in another or may work for different reasons. For decisions and actions to be sustainable, they must be ever flexible, adaptable, and creative. You can plan and plan, but then also leave yourself open to discovery!

Thus, the major cornerstones forming the foundation of sustainable development include:

• flexibility;
• diversity and stability (ecologic, economic, socio-cultural);
• consideration of unintended consequences (change is the norm, not the exception); and
• notions of enoughness and reversibility.

Most regions wanting an improved quality of life are economically driven, therefore, economics becomes the necessary vehicle for change. The roadway upon which we are driving is our economy's ecological base of nature and its resources; and society is the driver. This is most easily envisioned by examining our guiding principles shown in the sustainability model (Figure).

This diagram of overlapping circles illustrates the interconnectedness of modern society's economics within the dictates of its ecological and societal (human) bases of support. By this model we are guided to operate under the rubric of sustainable action in which any project that focuses its efforts in a sustainable context, means it strives to link economic, social, and environmental parts of the community to strengthen its overall fabric -- actions that simultaneously address issues of ecologic integrity, economic viability, and social equity, which equals well-being for all (darkened intersection of three circles in the Figure).

Projects that work in only one of these parts of a community are not good examples of efforts to achieve sustainability. All resources -- human, natural, and economic -- are interrelated, and therefore must be addressed in concert with one another. Each element of the overlapping circles diagram is interconnected to demonstrate the interaction between all parts of life and illustrate the need for their equal consideration. To isolate one from the others is not an accurate depiction of the process of sustainable development and the values used to implement it. Members of a sustainable community realize that long term economic security depends upon having a sound, functioning ecosystem, a healthy social environment, and full public involvement (suggested by the ring of people around the three circles).

Another way of looking at this concept of sustainable development is to consider a three-legged stool, where each leg respectively represents one of the basic elements -- economic vitality, ecologic integrity, and social equity. If one of the stool legs is removed, the stool falls over -- emphasizing the importance of all three legs to maintaining the upright position of the stool. All three elements of the sustainable development model are equally important in establishing the foundation of sustainability.

In this context, the sustainability model of the three interconnected circles (Figure) not only embraces wisdom and stewardship in the management of natural resources, but also considers the responsibility of fulfilling basic human needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and the provision of economic means through which to achieve these needs for present generations, without compromising the ability of other species sharing our world or future generations to meet their own needs. In addition, the challenges humanity faces can only be met if people everywhere acquire an awareness of global interdependence. Then, as we identify with the larger world a sense of universal responsibility will follow suit.