Sustainable Development

Sustainable development refers to ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. (the Commission on Environment and Development, commonly known as the Brundtland report (1987)).

This definition basically means that each generation should not take more than its fair share of natural resources and should consider the long term impacts of its actions on future generations.

Comhar, the Sustainable Development Council state that sustainable development is a continuous process of environmental, social and economic development which aims to deliver wellbeing for people now and in the future. Sustainability is about considering economic, environmental and social concerns together and identifying synergies and trade-offs.

Comhar SDC has developed Principles for Sustainable Development to be used in policy and decision making.

Comhar SDC Principles for Sustainable Development

  1. The use of non-renewable resources should be minimised.
  2. Use of hazardous/polluting substances and wastes created should be minimised; waste management should be environmentally sound.
  3. Renewable resources should be used within the capacity for regeneration.
  4. The quality of soils and water resources should be maintained and improved.
  5. The diversity of wildlife, habitats and species should be maintained and improved.
  6. Air and atmosphere should be protected and human induced effects on climate minimised.
  7. The development of resource potential in one region should not compromise the ability of other regions to achieve their own potential.
  8. Social inclusion should be promoted to ensure an improved quality of life for all.
  9. Sustainable development depends on co-operation and agreement between states.
  10. The quality of landscapes, the heritage of the man-made environment and historic and cultural resources should be maintained and improved.
  11. Decision-making should be devolved to the appropriate level.
  12. Stakeholder participation should be promoted at all levels of decision making.