COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Three Central Tenets Literature on sustainable development (SD) has proliferated since the publication of the ‘Brundtland Report’ in 1987 (World Commission on Environment and Development [WCED], 1987). A review of this literature (Hamstead, 2001) suggests that a working definition of SD must include the following three central tenets:
The “strong sustainability model” emphasizes the retention, improvement and maintenance of existing and future capital, as opposed to constrained economic expansion. ‘Development’ in this case is defined as the qualitative improvement of all types of capital, as opposed to the quantitative expansion of one type of capital. The strong sustainability model argues for greater resource protection, particularly of key types of natural capital, even if this means forgoing some development opportunities (Baker et al., 1997). This approach embraces the notion that contemporary ecological and social crises mandate fundamental changes in the way we interact with ecosystems, and is not comfortable with the incremental approach advocated by weak sustainability models (Davidson, 2002).
- All decisions must take into account the effect on intergenerational equity, which means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Borghesi & Vercelli, 2003; WCED, 1987).
- Development decisions that are sustainable are ecologically viable, socially desirable and economically feasible (Andriantiatsaholiniaina et al., 2004; Bridger & Luloff, 1999; Campbell et al., 1997; Macintosh, 1998; Rees, 1989; Roseland, 2000).
- We are living in a closed system (the earth) in which continued quantitative economic growth should be considered the antithesis of success (Boulding, 1973; Daly, 1973; Daly et al., 1989; Georgescu-Roegen, 1971; Hawken, 1994; Hawken et al., 1999; Maser, 1997; Nozick, 1993; Power, 1996; Soule & Terborgh, 1999).
The “strong sustainability model” emphasizes the retention, improvement and maintenance of existing and future capital, as opposed to constrained economic expansion. ‘Development’ in this case is defined as the qualitative improvement of all types of capital, as opposed to the quantitative expansion of one type of capital. The strong sustainability model argues for greater resource protection, particularly of key types of natural capital, even if this means forgoing some development opportunities (Baker et al., 1997). This approach embraces the notion that contemporary ecological and social crises mandate fundamental changes in the way we interact with ecosystems, and is not comfortable with the incremental approach advocated by weak sustainability models (Davidson, 2002).
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The literature makes apparent SCD as an emerging form of community development that draws from previous notions of community development, and integrates ecological sustainability. It focuses neither on economy nor on community as the primary locus of action, but seeks the integration of ecologic, economic and political tools, models and strategies. Based on a review of SCD literature (Hoff, 1998; Maser, 1997; Nozick, 1993; Roseland, 1998; Shuman, 1998; Weinberg et al., 2000) the following features are central to the theory and practice of SCD:
These defining characteristics of sustainable community development are interdependent, no one taking priority over the others. They stem from, and are in addition to, the three central tenets of sustainable development. Together they form a framework for the practical application of SCD. The practical implications of exploring approaches and definitions of sustainable development as they relate to community development are related to differences in application.
- economic diversification and self-reliance;
- social justice through citizen empowerment and improved access to information, education and meaningful and effective participation;
- ecological sustainability through community-based stewardship and the minimization of all forms of consumption and waste;
- integration of economic, social and ecological strategies for, and models of, well-being and change.
These defining characteristics of sustainable community development are interdependent, no one taking priority over the others. They stem from, and are in addition to, the three central tenets of sustainable development. Together they form a framework for the practical application of SCD. The practical implications of exploring approaches and definitions of sustainable development as they relate to community development are related to differences in application.
TRANSLATING SCD INTO PRACTICE AT THE ROSSEAU SANCTUARY
The concept of a “sustainable community” does not describe just one type of neighborhood, town, city or region. Activities that the environment can sustain and that citizens want and can afford may be quite different from community to community. Rather than being a fixed thing, a sustainable community is continually adjusting to meet the social and economic needs of its residents while preserving the environment’s ability to support it.
A sustainable community uses its resources to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are available for future generations. It seeks a better quality of life for all its residents while maintaining nature’s ability to function over time by minimizing waste, preventing pollution, promoting efficiency and developing local resources to revitalize the local economy. Decision-making in a sustainable community stems from a rich civic life and shared information among community members. A sustainable community resembles a living system in which human, natural and economic elements are interdependent and draw strength from each other.
As a community that strives to become sustainable, we are working on a number of levels at the Rosseau Sanctuary to learn what our particular social and economic needs are, and find ways to pool resources collaboratively to meet those needs while also preserving our environment's ability to support it.
In order to redesign and improve our existing infrastructure, we are tapping into the knowledge of our community to find creative ways to use our natural resources, and collective skills, experience, and capital. The emphasis is on reducing social dependence on economic growth while shifting the focus to sustainable management of resources:
A sustainable community uses its resources to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are available for future generations. It seeks a better quality of life for all its residents while maintaining nature’s ability to function over time by minimizing waste, preventing pollution, promoting efficiency and developing local resources to revitalize the local economy. Decision-making in a sustainable community stems from a rich civic life and shared information among community members. A sustainable community resembles a living system in which human, natural and economic elements are interdependent and draw strength from each other.
As a community that strives to become sustainable, we are working on a number of levels at the Rosseau Sanctuary to learn what our particular social and economic needs are, and find ways to pool resources collaboratively to meet those needs while also preserving our environment's ability to support it.
In order to redesign and improve our existing infrastructure, we are tapping into the knowledge of our community to find creative ways to use our natural resources, and collective skills, experience, and capital. The emphasis is on reducing social dependence on economic growth while shifting the focus to sustainable management of resources:
- Upgrade the efficiency of energy use in buildings & products
- Adopt and implement sustainable forestry, fisheries, soil, and watershed management practices
- Expand delivery and use of information technologies
- Create sustainable tourism and healing activities centred around areas of nature, healing, and ancient wisdom practices
- Recycle and reuse materials into new or marketable materials
- Add value to agricultural and forest products
- Develop and market products and services that reduce environmental burdens
- Design energy-efficient and people-friendly spaces for community to connect and gather
- Increase community self-reliance (eg., food and energy production)