x
Conclusions
be to reach consensus on the planning design and construction of the economic
projects. In this process, alternatives have to be taken into consideration and even
zero-options must be possible if strong ethical principles demand this.
The current practise of attaining agreement on project plans highlights two major
dilemmas:
1. All involved stakeholders formulate their aims and objectives concerning a new
project. A co-ordinating authority or bureau then combines these different interests and formulates a common approach. However, in this process important aspects are commonly overlooked because it is impossible to integrate varied points
of view without the participation of the stakeholders themselves. As a result, some
interest groups may feel disadvantaged and this, in turn, precipitates new conflicts, which often culminate in confrontation. Integrated approaches can only succeed if the aims and objectives are formulated in an open participatory process.
All stakeholders must feel that they made positive contributions to the final outcome. Integrated approaches thus require interdisciplinary initiatives if they are to
be successful.
2. Responsibilities are spread throughout local authorities, governments and ministries. Jurisdiction thus constantly needs to be clarified during the different project
phases, a process commonly characterised by prolonged discussions about specific areas of responsibility. This leads to delays in decision-making and hence to
unsatisfactory results. A concentration of responsibilities in the project fora would
greatly improve and accelerate the decision-making process.
2
Our modern technological civilisation has to cope with the need for economic
• development on a global scale, while at the same time giving due attention to
the problems of globalisation of economic activities, tourism, exploding population
growth and urbanisation without destroying the environment. According to the
Brundtland Commission and to Agenda 21 of the Rio slllllmit, every business, organisation and authority involved in the development and implementation of large-scale
construction plans should aim at sustainable solutions to avoid adverse impacts and
conflicts. The concept of "sustainable development" has made it possible to identify
new goals and to offer new opportunities.
What is sustainable development? The classic definition as formulated by the
Brundtland Commission is: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". While
accepting the original definition as an intellectual, practical and political challenge,
we might reformulate the definition as follows: sustainability is not a fixed state of
harmony, but rather a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the
direction of investment, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are constantly adjusted to future as well as present needs.
A sustainable society does not need to be stagnant, boring, fixed or unadaptive. It
does not require rigid or central control, or to be uniform, universal or undemocratic. It could be a world of innovation and development without growing beyond
its limits. The transition to a sustainable society requires more than just productivity
and technology, it also requires maturity, compassion and wisdom.
Conclusions
be to reach consensus on the planning design and construction of the economic
projects. In this process, alternatives have to be taken into consideration and even
zero-options must be possible if strong ethical principles demand this.
The current practise of attaining agreement on project plans highlights two major
dilemmas:
1. All involved stakeholders formulate their aims and objectives concerning a new
project. A co-ordinating authority or bureau then combines these different interests and formulates a common approach. However, in this process important aspects are commonly overlooked because it is impossible to integrate varied points
of view without the participation of the stakeholders themselves. As a result, some
interest groups may feel disadvantaged and this, in turn, precipitates new conflicts, which often culminate in confrontation. Integrated approaches can only succeed if the aims and objectives are formulated in an open participatory process.
All stakeholders must feel that they made positive contributions to the final outcome. Integrated approaches thus require interdisciplinary initiatives if they are to
be successful.
2. Responsibilities are spread throughout local authorities, governments and ministries. Jurisdiction thus constantly needs to be clarified during the different project
phases, a process commonly characterised by prolonged discussions about specific areas of responsibility. This leads to delays in decision-making and hence to
unsatisfactory results. A concentration of responsibilities in the project fora would
greatly improve and accelerate the decision-making process.
2
Our modern technological civilisation has to cope with the need for economic
• development on a global scale, while at the same time giving due attention to
the problems of globalisation of economic activities, tourism, exploding population
growth and urbanisation without destroying the environment. According to the
Brundtland Commission and to Agenda 21 of the Rio slllllmit, every business, organisation and authority involved in the development and implementation of large-scale
construction plans should aim at sustainable solutions to avoid adverse impacts and
conflicts. The concept of "sustainable development" has made it possible to identify
new goals and to offer new opportunities.
What is sustainable development? The classic definition as formulated by the
Brundtland Commission is: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". While
accepting the original definition as an intellectual, practical and political challenge,
we might reformulate the definition as follows: sustainability is not a fixed state of
harmony, but rather a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the
direction of investment, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are constantly adjusted to future as well as present needs.
A sustainable society does not need to be stagnant, boring, fixed or unadaptive. It
does not require rigid or central control, or to be uniform, universal or undemocratic. It could be a world of innovation and development without growing beyond
its limits. The transition to a sustainable society requires more than just productivity
and technology, it also requires maturity, compassion and wisdom.