The principles of sustainability They are the theoretical foundations that support the sustainable development approach. These principles are based on the conviction that the development model that humanity follows since the industrial revolution is not sustainable..
In this sense, a transformation of the model towards forms of development that promote social, economic and ecological balance is required. It is not about stopping material progress, but about achieving it without irreversibly affecting nature or society.
In this sense, the international community has made progress in establishing the foundations that should govern sustainable or sustainable development. This has been the case since the formal promulgation of a definition of sustainable development in the Brundtland report in 1987..
The process begins with the Summit of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992, one of the summits of the Earth organized by the UN. From this emerged the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, establishing 27 guiding principles of sustainable or sustainable development.
For its part, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) produced the Educating for a Sustainable Future program. It focuses on the four dimensions or general principles of sustainability.
These are socially, peace and equity, and ecologically, conservation. While the economic focuses on adequate development and the political, on democracy.
UNESCO principles of sustainability
The report Educating for a sustainable future, produced by UNESCO, develops the principles linked to the 4 dimensions of sustainability. That is, the 4 supports that must be balanced to achieve sustainable development.
In the social
In this dimension, UNESCO highlights the importance of the principles of peace and social equity. Certainly, sustainable development cannot be achieved in a society at war or in a society beset by social differences and poverty..
Therefore, when the survival of people is at stake, the environment takes a backseat. That is, only in the midst of social peace is the human being capable of reflecting and acting in favor of balancing the four dimensions.
Ecologically
In this field, the principles related to the protection of natural systems and the wise use of resources should prevail. Being fundamental the protection of biodiversity and the rational use of natural resources, especially energy, water, soil and forests.
In the economic
It should seek to meet the basic needs of all, as well as promote responsible and sustainable consumption. As well as boosting local economies, valuing voluntary and unpaid work in the home and community.
Politically
It is essential to generate democratic institutions and mechanisms on which decision-making is based, allowing the broadest participation and capacity to make decisions at the local level. For this, it is essential to eradicate corruption and guarantee government responsibility.
The 27 principles of sustainability of the Rio declaration
The 27 principles that emerge from the Rio Declaration allow us to develop in more detail the foundations required to achieve sustainable development. In the first place, this declaration starts from recognizing "the integral and interdependent nature of the Earth, our home." Then, postulate the principles that are discussed below:
Human beings are vindicated as the center of sustainable development, in terms of their right to a healthy and productive life.
It upholds the right of nation states to take advantage of their resources in accordance with their development and environmental policies. This without neglecting their responsibility for the negative effects that their national activities cause beyond their borders..
In this principle, the rights of current generations are equated with those of future generations. This in terms of your environmental and development needs.
Environmental protection is considered an integral part of the development process.
It upholds the duty of all States and individuals to contribute to the eradication of poverty, as a vital element for sustainable development.
This principle focuses on developing countries, especially the least developed and the most environmentally vulnerable. To do this, it indicates the need to take into account their needs and interests.
The concept of global solidarity is highlighted here in order to guarantee together the health of the Earth as a great ecosystem. Specifying that although the responsibilities are common to all States, they are based on their contribution to environmental deterioration. Thus, developed societies exert greater pressure on the environment.
This principle addresses the progressive reduction of unsustainable forms of production. As well as promoting adequate demographic policies for the rational use of resources.
The importance of sharing scientific and technological knowledge that helps to achieve sustainable development is highlighted..
It highlights the importance of the participation of all citizens in regard to the environmental issue. For this, access to information on materials and activities that may negatively affect the environment is essential. Similarly, give access to participatory mechanisms for decision-making.
This principle refers to the importance of environmental laws, in terms of their effectiveness. At the same time, they must respond to the environmental and development context in which they intend to apply. As well as taking into account its possible negative effect on other countries.
At the economic level, there is a need for international cooperation in order to achieve an adequate economic system. That is, it must be sustainable in terms of balancing the conservation of the environment with the necessary dynamism of international trade. It seeks to reach consensus for the solution of international problems that may occur.
National and international laws must be established to guarantee compensation for victims of environmental damage. As well as the determination of responsibilities, including those related to impacts beyond borders.
This principle establishes the need to prevent sources of negative environmental impact from being transferred to other States. That is, the export of activities, substances or materials that degrade the environment or affect health.
Here the precautionary principle is raised, that is to say that in the absence of absolute certainty of possible damage, one must choose to avoid it. In this sense, the potentially harmful activity must be stopped until its real effect is confirmed..
The principle is established that whoever damages the environment must bear the costs of the damage. In such a way that environmental costs must be assumed internally through the appropriate economic instruments. This should be done taking care as far as possible not to affect too much trade or investments.
All activities to be carried out must have their respective environmental evaluation..
States must report any national events that may affect the environment of other countries. In the same way, the international community must help the affected states.
In accordance with the foregoing, the duty of States to provide relevant information on possible transboundary impacts is promoted..
This principle highlights the role of women in managing the environment and in achieving development. Therefore, it establishes the need to promote their participation.
Youth participation is promoted worldwide in a great alliance for sustainable development.
It highlights the importance of taking indigenous and other local populations into account. Especially because of the relevance of their traditional knowledge in achieving sustainable development..
It calls for the protection of the environment and natural resources of those oppressed and dominated peoples. This given the characteristic looting to which the peoples subject to foreign occupations are subjected..
This principle calls for the protection of the environment in the event of war, in accordance with international law. As well as to contribute to the development of the area after the conflict.
The indissoluble link between peace, sustainable development and environmental protection is established. It is not possible to achieve one of these elements without the others.
A call is made to peacefully resolve environmental disputes between countries, based on the United Nations Charter.
Finally, a call is made for good faith and the spirit of solidarity, in cooperation in order to apply the principles discussed here..
References
Earth Charter Commission (2000). Earth Charter.
UN (1982). World Charter for Nature. Taken from: iri.edu.ar
UN (1987). Our Common Future (Brundtland Report). Taken from: ecominga.uqam.ca
UN (1992). Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. Taken from: un.org
Tourism Secretariat. Government of Mexico. Educating for a Sustainable Future. Taken from: sectur.gob.mx
UNESCO (2012). Education for sustainable development. Taken from: unesdoc.unesco.org
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