(As part of the project that I did with the United Nations Association of Singapore (UNAS), I wrote 7 essays concerning various aspects of the UN and the international system. This is essay 3 out of 7)
Section 3 (The Environment)
Q19. Explain what is meant by the term “sustainable development”? Do you think poor countries can achieve it? How do you think they can be helped?
By Linus Wong, National Junior College
In quintessence, sustainable development is a pattern of resource utilisation that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not just in the present, but for future generations. Sustainable development seeks to reverse the parasitic nature of existence that humanity has adopted for six millennia. It seeks to create an environment whereby humanity’s existence and progress as well as the Earth’s well being are balanced so that both parties gain maximum benefits. In its broadest definition, sustainable development effectively means meeting the three goals of economic prosperity, environmental quality as well as social equity.
It is the basic duty and interest of every government to meet and fulfil these three goals above in order to ensure that their people have the highest quality of life and the maximum derivable happiness and satisfaction. Regardless of size, wealth, power and culture, all governments face the daunting challenge of sustainable development as a means of creating stability and prosperity in a country. The governments of poor countries too face this challenge. In fact, meeting those goals are probably even more important for these states as they are still on the path of development with large segments of their population facing difficulties and challenges in the various aspects of their daily lives. As developing countries, these are the governments that face the most pressing problems in the fields of social equity and economic prosperity.
Tempting as it might be for these nations to tap upon whatever natural wealth or benefit that they possess, the danger of over-exploitation and the problem of the resources of production and consumption falling into the hands of a small elite are very real. It is a great challenge to resist this pitfall, but I believe that it would be possible for a government, even in a poor country. What is needed is an effective, stable and non-corrupt government, one who has foresight and vision, one able to make tough political decisions and a people willing to work with their government in pursuit of the common good.
No country is poor. Each country has its own special area, its own special product, its own unique flavour. For developing countries to succeed, they must tap upon their existing strengths, capitalise upon them and use that as a spur for their growth and development. If a country’s strength lies in its beautiful forests and diverse ecological systems, then sustainable development must take the form of limited, sustainable logging complemented with eco-tourism and community based economy and development. The process of sustainable development has no fixed formula, no overarching theory. Governments have to take into account the existing situations on the ground, factor it the goals that they wish to attain and from there derive solutions that match local conditions as a path of sustainable development.
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but a part of it.” This statement effectively encapsulates the importance and necessity of sustainable development. Seeing as sustainable development should be a universal goal, it makes sense for all governments to cooperate and help one another it its attainment.
First and foremost, sustainable development in developing countries must benefit the people of that country. No other nation can or should expect another sovereign nation to sacrifice development and increased economic well-being for its people in order to protect the environment. Rather, these nations could be helped insofar as developmental experts should help them seek the best possible way to pair environmental sustainability and economic progress together. The two need not be mutually exclusive, and the environment must be utilised as a means to bring benefits to local communities. Policies like the moratorium that Indonesia adopted with the aid of Norway against logging this year are excellent examples.
In addition, developed countries should take into account the situation, interests and positions of developing nations. Their priority would definitely be the attainment of economic wealth. Therefore, it order to offset the larger increase in unavoidable environmental damage in developing nations, developed nations should take up a greater burden and seek to improve the environment in their countries as a trade off. Key biological and ecological areas in developing countries could also be protected with the aid of developed nations either through monetary support or a joint-international collaboration.
Taking into account the key issue of social equity, economic development and environmental protection must also take into account the issue of fairness and fair distribution of resources within a nation. The divide between the rich and the poor cannot be allowed to grow larger. Countries must look individually and collectively for solutions that they can pursue economic growth with the widest possible benefits to the population. After all, the elimination of poverty is a key United Nations Millennium goal. It can only be attained with the combined efforts of people, organisations, civil society and governments working together for the common good.
International organisations like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Development Program must seek new and innovative solutions that cater to specific nations to bring about the era of sustainable development. Often, it is an effort that no individual government can undertake. The monetary resources, technical expertise and logistical support must be provided to these nations as they seek to move onto the path of sustainable development.
 |
| Logo of the United Nations Development Program |
The Earth is our planet, our home. We have a duty to it and to future generations. We have a duty to preserve the natural beauty of our world. We have a duty of ensuring that poverty and want no longer exist. Sustainable development is one of the strategies that we can undertake to reach this goal. Only through unity and cooperation can we hope to succeed in this great task.
No comments:
Post a Comment