Glossary

The concept of sustainable development was introduced in the “World Conservation Strategy” (IUCN 1980) and stems from the concept of a sustainable society and the management of renewable resources. It was adopted by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1987 and, in 1992, was ratified by the Rio Conference as a change process in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, and the orientation of technological advancement and institutional transformation are all harmonised and improve both the current and future potential for meeting humanity’s needs and aspirations. Sustainable development combines political, societal, economic and environmental aspects.