DEFINE SUSTAINABILITY
To define sustainability is rather difficult because of the different interpretations attributed to the word. Popular as it may be, not all definitions jive, leaving a trail of confusion and resulting in many a loose usage of the word. It can be agreed upon, however, that to define sustainability is to connect it to something that has to do with the preservation, either of the human race or the preservation of the environment. To say that a system, human or environmental, is sustainable is like saying it will last for many years - enough to grow with future generations and the next generations to come. To say that it is not sustainable is tantamount to saying it will not last very long. Even with conflicting meanings, to define sustainability is generally accepted in those concepts.
Why emphasize on sustainability at all? Well, only in the last century has the term been given much thought. But to define sustainability in its entirety, there are other important concepts that pertain to the word, such as continuity, quality, value, transparency, existence, maintenance, commitment, restoration, integration, affirmation, support, respect, conservation, equality, prosperity, growth, change, and capability, among others. With all these values attached to the other possible ways to define sustainability, it’s no wonder confusion abounds.
Even though the differences are striking and with the confusion making it difficult to come to one world-wide solid agreement to define sustainability, the concepts just mentioned are used by development agencies and organizations in coming up projects and programs aimed at sustainability. Policy makers, decision makers and activists find that these concepts, combined with the activities or programs in mind, can be applied to just about any sector, industry or personal application needing preservation of systems, like sustainable communities, sustainable businesses, sustainable forests, sustainable economy, sustainable production, etc. To reiterate, there are many ways to define sustainability and not one will be exactly the same. However, the principles behind the definition remain the same. Each way to define sustainability varies by the individual, group or organization that uses the term and each way to define sustainability has its uses and reasons.
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Definition of Sustainability
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