Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but in the indefinite future. The term was used by the Brundtland Commission which coined what has become the most often-quoted definition of sustainable development as development that

"Meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

United Nations. 1987."Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development." General Assembly Resolution 42/187, 11 December 1987.

For the Northumberand Uplands New LEADER Approach, this means:

Sustainable development in and around the Northumberland Uplands is about promoting ways of living and working that allows people to enjoy life, businesses to prosper and communities to thrive. At the same time, it is about enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area and affording opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of the Northumberland Uplands qualities by the public.

Securing The Future

The UK government Sustainable Development Strategy, Securing the Future, was launched by the Prime Minister in 2005. It sets out the goal of sustainable development as enabling all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.

Securing the Future outlined 68 indicators through which to review progress, in four priority areas:

Sustainable consumption and production
Climate change and energy
Natural resource protection and ehancing the environment
Creating sustainable communities and a fairer world

Securing the Future (PDF - 6MB)

Integrated Regional Framework

The Local Action Group used the Integrated Regional Framework for the North East of England to inform the development of their Local Development Strategy. The regional sustainable development framework for the North East was written by Sustaine. The aim of the Integrated Regional Framework is to embed the principles of sustainable development within the region’s strategies, policies, plans and programmes, so helping a movement towards a more sustainable future and enabling everyone to achieve a better quality of life.

The Integrated Regional Framework (PDF - 3MB)

Indicators of Sustainable Development

How many of these indicators does your project/proposed venture include, and how many more could be feasibly included, with a little more planning planning at an early stage? That said, always remember that quality of delivery is far more important than quantity of indicators.

Social Sustainability

To increase awareness and understanding of the Northumberland Uplands.

Engages local communities and/or volunteers in planning, delivery and operation
Involves young people
Engages people from an urban centre with the Northumberland Uplands
Adds value or new dimensions to an existing sustainability project
Supports cultural heritage
Enhances the visitor experience
Protects the historic environment
Provides an event for the public to understand and enjoy the Northumberland Uplands
Reduces the fear of crime
Improves the wellbeing of local people
Addresses health inequalities
Improves access to rural services (e.g. early learning / childcare services, schools, healthcare, post offices, retail outlets, adult learning centres, recreation clubs, access to the Internet)
Any other social sustainability factors not listed above

Economic Sustainability

To use the special qualities of the Northumberand Uplands to support economic development.

Educates and raises awareness of the need for sustainable development
Brings different organisations together to tackle rural problems in the spirit of partnership
Supports rural diversification
Contributes to the development of local career structures by providing training
Uses the Internet to promote the project as an example of sustainable development
Results in an increased level of spend in the local economy
Creates sustained local employment
Uses sustainable transport
Conserves the energy produced
Minimises the production of waste
Uses local produce to support local consumption
Helps to address rural homelessness
Any other economic sustainability factors not listed above

Environmental Sustainability

To safeguard and enhance the qualities of Northumberland Uplands.

Develops models for sustainable living in the countryside that can be applied elsewhere
Involves the sustainable management of land (e.g. irrigation, peat bog management, reforestation)
Involves sustainable organic farming practices
Improves public access to the Northumberland Uplands
Directly conserves and enhances biodiversity
Is completely carbon neutral and / or offsets
Provides a new use for an existing site
Generates energy in a sustainable way
Uses recycling wherever feasible
Reduces the risk of flooding
Protects the quality of the waterways in the National Park
Helps to safeguard protected species
Any other environmental sustainability factors not listed above

Finally, remember that wherever possible, the New LEADER Approach should be used to promote innovation and the sharing of knowledge.

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