Sustainable
Resource
Management and
Development
Sustainable resource management seeks to balance the needs of the
present generation with the needs of future generations, ensuring a
sustainable future for all.
by Pulkit
Principles of Sustainable
Development
1 Environmental 2 Social Equity
Protection
Sustainable development aims
This principle emphasizes the to ensure fair and equitable
need to conserve natural distribution of resources and
resources, prevent pollution, opportunities, promoting social
and maintain ecological justice.
balance.
3 Economic Viability 4 Intergenerational
Equity
The principle of economic
viability ensures that This principle emphasizes the
sustainable practices are responsibility to leave a
economically feasible and healthy and sustainable planet
contribute to economic growth. for future generations.
Balancing Economic Growth and
Environmental Preservation
Economic Growth Environmental Preservation Sustainable Practices
Sustainable development recognizes By balancing economic growth with
the importance of economic growth However, economic activities must environmental preservation,
for improving living standards. be environmentally sustainable, sustainable practices can lead to a
minimizing harm to ecosystems. more prosperous and equitable
future.
Case Study: Costa Rica's
Forest Conservation Efforts
Reforestation Programs Ecotourism
Costa Rica has implemented The country has embraced
extensive reforestation programs ecotourism, promoting
to restore degraded forests, sustainable tourism activities
increasing forest cover. that benefit both the
environment and local
communities.
Protected Areas
A significant portion of Costa Rica's land is designated as protected areas,
safeguarding biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Global Frameworks for Sustainable Resource
Management
The Brundtland Commission (1987) 1
This landmark report defined sustainable development as
meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 2 The Rio Earth Summit (1992)
The Rio Summit led to the adoption of the Convention on
Biological Diversity, the Framework Convention on Climate
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) Change, and the United Nations Framework Convention on
3
Desertification.
The Kyoto Protocol established binding targets for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, promoting international
cooperation on climate change. The Paris Agreement (2015)
4
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well
below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees
The United Nations Sustainable Development 5 Celsius.
Goals (2015)
The SDGs are a set of 17 interconnected goals adopted by the
UN to achieve a sustainable future for all.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN
SDGs)
Goal 1: No Poverty Goal 2: Zero Hunger Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and
Production
Goal 13: Climate Action Goal 14: Life Below Water Goal 15: Life on Land
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Practices
Lack of Awareness
Many individuals and organizations lack awareness of the importance of sustainable practices and the environmental consequences of unsustainable
actions.
Financial Barriers
Adopting sustainable practices can require significant upfront investments, which can be a barrier for businesses and individuals.
Technological Challenges
Developing and implementing sustainable technologies can be complex and require significant research and development efforts.
Political Resistance
Sustainable practices may face political resistance from stakeholders who prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
Social Injustice
The burdens of environmental degradation and climate change often fall disproportionately on marginalized communities.
Role of Technology in Sustainable
Resource Management
Data Analytics Smart Sensors
Data analytics can be used to monitor Smart sensors can monitor environmental
resource use, identify environmental conditions, resource consumption, and
impacts, and inform decision-making for pollution levels, providing real-time data
sustainable resource management. for informed decision-making.
Renewable Energy Technologies Circular Economy Models
Circular economy models aim to minimize
Renewable energy technologies, such as waste and maximize resource reuse,
solar, wind, and hydro power, can reduce promoting sustainable production and
reliance on fossil fuels and decrease consumption patterns.
greenhouse gas emissions.
Importance of Community Engagement and
Stakeholder Collaboration
1 Local Knowledge 2 Shared Responsibility
Local communities often possess valuable knowledge about Sustainable development requires a collective effort, with all
their environments and the most effective ways to manage stakeholders taking responsibility for environmental
resources sustainably. stewardship.
3 Empowerment 4 Long-term Success
Community engagement empowers local communities to Sustainable practices are more likely to succeed when they are
participate in decision-making processes and advocate for their developed and implemented with the support of local
interests. communities.
Conclusion and Future
Outlook
Sustainable resource management is crucial for addressing global
environmental challenges and building a sustainable future for all. By
embracing the principles of sustainable development, promoting
global cooperation, and harnessing the power of technology, we can
create a more equitable and sustainable world for present and future
generations.
