a policy of development that improves the total quality of life, both now and into the future, in a way that maintains the integrity of ecological processes.
development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends (for the ESD core objectives and guiding principles, see Council of Australian Governments 1992b)
Ecologically sustainable development - development that improves the quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends.
A pattern of activities which meet the needs of the current generation without prejudicing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.
The Ecologically Sustainable Development Working Group on Forest Use specified three requirements for sustainable forest use: maintaining the ecological processes in forests (the formation of soil, energy flows, and the carbon, nutrients and water cycles); maintaining the biological diversity of forests; and optimising the benefits to the community from all uses of forests within these ecological constraints.
Development that aims to meet the needs of the present community without compromising the ecological processes on which life depends for the benefit of future generations
Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) requires the effective integration of economic, social and environmental considerations in decision-making processes. ESD can be achieved through the implementation of the following principles and programs. Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity. Inter-generational equity, namely, that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit future generations. The precautionary principle, namely that if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.
Using resources in a way that also conserves them, so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained.
Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
The concept of maintaining a level of economic growth that does not result in the long-term damage of the environment or depletion of limited resources
n: Development in which the total human population size and resource use in the world (or in a region) are limited to a level that does not exceed the carrying capacity or the existing natural capital and is therefore sustainable.
The term Ecologically sustainable development is used to emphasise the environmental component of sustainable development.