Theory and practice in sustainability and sustainable development

The first four papers examined sustainability within the health, economic growth, democracy, and agriculture and natural resource management sectors. This paper, the fifth in the series, demonstrates how development decision makers can use information from the sectoral papers in overall sustainability planning. The paper reviews theories of sustainability and examines intersectoral relationships (e.g., the impact of agricultural policy on health), with some examples of interactions and tradeoffs inherent in the process. The next section presents an overarching framework for sustainable development which is guided by the three major objectives of increased productivity, equitable distribution of resources, and reduction of environmental stress. Discussion is given to sustainable development issues at the activity, institutional/organizational, sector/sub-sector, country, and regional/global levels. The paper then examines the roles of the rich, the poor, the middle class, PVOs/NGOs, and the private sector in sustainable development, as well as the importance of information and research and analysis. A final section discusses challenges facing USAID in its implementation of sustainable development; these include developing analytic tools for integrating sectors and assessing long-term viability; upgrading the analytic skills of decision makers and rewarding those who make successful sustainability efforts; maintaining an appropriate balance of research, analysis, and action; recognizing and dealing with unsustainable activities and country investments; analyzing conflicting national and local priorities and approaches; and explaining sustainable development to Congress and the American people. Includes references.