Sustainable development is an organising principle for human life that advances a desirable future state for human societies in which living conditions and resource-use meet human needs without undermining the sustainability of natural systems and the environment, so that future generations may also have their needs met. The United Nations 2005 World Summit defined it as “development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” with its interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars being economic development, social development and environmental protection.
It ties together concern for the carrying capacity for natural systems with social and economic challenges faced by humanity and addresses the concerns over the impacts of expanding human development on earth. At its core is an approach to development that looks to balance the different and often competing, needs against an awareness of the environmental, social and economic limitations we face as a society.
In technical terms it is a development path along which the maximisation of human well being for today’s generations does not lead to a decline in future well being. Attaining this path requires eliminating practices that are responsible for natural resource depletion and environmental degradation.
It requires securing public goods that are essential for economic development to last, such as those provided by well-functioning ecosystems, a healthy environment and a cohesive society.
Too often, development is driven by one particular need, without fully considering the wider or future impacts. We are already seeing the damage this kind of approach can cause through climate change resulting from our dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources. The longer we pursue unsustainable development the more frequent and severe its consequences are likely to become, which is why we need to take action now.
EMA Act and sustainable development
The foundation of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) is based on the principles of promoting sustainable development. In its preamble it clearly states that the law seeks to:
“Provide for the sustainable management of natural resources and protection of the environment; the prevention of pollution and environmental degradation, the preparation of a National Environment Plan and other plans for the management and protection of the environment . . . ”
The Act put in place measures to ensure that the country’s natural resources are sustainably utilised by incorporating the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and Environment Management Plans prior to project implementation. The EIAProcess assesses the possible impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment, consisting of the environmental <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_environment>, social and economic aspects. The Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 (Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecosystems Protection) Regulations compels prescribed projects listed under the first schedule of the EMA Act (Cap 20:27) to undergo an EIA process prior to implementation. Below as some of the prescribed projects:
Mining and quarrying-mineral prospecting; mineral mining; ore processing and concentrating; quarrying;
Drainage of wetlands and irrigation schemes
Dams and man-made lakes;
Conversion of forest land to other use;
Conversion of natural woodland to other use within the catchment area of reservoirs used for water supply, irrigation or hydropower generation or in areas adjacent to the Parks and Wildlife estate and
Water supply- groundwater development for industrial, agricultural or urban water supply; major canals, cross drainage water transfers, major pipelines and water withdrawals from rivers and reservoirs.
Projects that do not require the Environmental Impact Assessment process to be done prior to implementation need Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). Just like the EIA, the EMP is required in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of environmental protection measures during and after commissioning of projects. The plan is based on consideration of resource conservation and pollution abatement.
So is it all just about the environment?
Living within our environmental limits is one of the central principles of sustainable development. One implication of not doing so is climate change which has resulted in high incidences of floods, rainfall variability and extreme weather patterns such as very cold winters and very hot summers. The focus of sustainable development is far broader that just the environment. It’s also about ensuring a strong, healthy and just society. The EMA Act states that everyone has a right to live in a clean, safe and healthy environment.
This means meeting the diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities, promoting personal well-being, social cohesion, inclusion and creating equal opportunity.
If sustainable development focuses on the future, does that mean we lose out for now?
Not necessarily, sustainable development is about finding better ways of doing things both for the future and the present. We might need to change the way we work and live now, but this doesn’t mean our quality of life will be reduced. A sustainable development approach can bring many benefits in the short to medium term. We can adopt the following lifestyle changes for the good of the environment.
Instead of driving, switching to walking or cycling for short journeys will reduce emission of greenhouse gases from vehicles and is often just as quick and convenient. It also saves you money and improves your health.
Reuse glass and plastic containers;
Use renewable sources of energy such as solar power, wind energy and natural gas; Compost waste foodstuffs;
Use cloth nappies instead of disposable diapers;
Print only if you need to, use both sides of the paper;
Turn off switches of all electrical appliances when not in use;
Bin it; don’t drop it-Keep Zimbabwe Clean.
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