CONCEPTS 2015
SUSTAINABILITY: The ability to sustain/keep going
There are four main areas of sustainability:
Cultural sustainability is about developing, supporting and sharing attitudes and values that show many perspectives (different ways of viewing the world). Cultural sustainability includes political sustainability, which is about all people being able to express their views freely and participate in decision making (vote). It also includes keeping a language and cultural worldview alive.
Economic sustainability means using resources efficiently (making the best use of them) to provide the wants and needs (products and services) for the people today while making sure that future generations can do the same.
Environmental sustainability is about life support systems - it includes the idea of biodiversity (variety of species/plants and animals) and the function of ecosystems. Understanding environmental sustainability is important to make sure that life can survive in the future.
Social sustainability is about keeping things equal or fair no matter what age, social group or background you come from. It includes people's health and well-being and fair distribution (giving out/access to) natural resources to help meet a community's needs.
Cultural sustainability is about developing, supporting and sharing attitudes and values that show many perspectives (different ways of viewing the world). Cultural sustainability includes political sustainability, which is about all people being able to express their views freely and participate in decision making (vote). It also includes keeping a language and cultural worldview alive.
Economic sustainability means using resources efficiently (making the best use of them) to provide the wants and needs (products and services) for the people today while making sure that future generations can do the same.
Environmental sustainability is about life support systems - it includes the idea of biodiversity (variety of species/plants and animals) and the function of ecosystems. Understanding environmental sustainability is important to make sure that life can survive in the future.
Social sustainability is about keeping things equal or fair no matter what age, social group or background you come from. It includes people's health and well-being and fair distribution (giving out/access to) natural resources to help meet a community's needs.
KAITIAKITANGA/ GUARDIANSHIP: To look after, care for ...
This traditional Maori concept is about a need to care for the natural world and our deep connection to it, guardianship - a responsibility to protect our environment, handed down through many generations, to be passed on to future generations.
We depend on what the land provides to meet our needs and it is up to us to keep a balance and have an attitude of gratitude, a deep appreciation for our Earth and its life processes. Kaitiakitanga is a way of managing the environment that ensures it can continue to support life. |