Promoting Sustainable Development in the Global South: Governance Challenges for Valuing Ecosystem Services

Abstract

<p>'Sustainable development' is a contemporary concept that has become prominent since the release of the Brundtland Report, 'Our Common Future' in 1987. While emphasising that humanity can sustain development by meeting current needs without jeopardising future generations' ability, the report cautioned that achieving that goal would necessitate balancing present and future priorities.¹ This balancing out makes sustainable development both a dynamic and predictable phenomenon. However, the concept has been criticised for apparent contradictions and uncertainties, especially in reconciling resource conservation imperatives with economic development goals and means. Due to conceptual ambiguity, its goal and objective are understood differently, with numerous approaches used to combine the goals of social progress, environmental protection and economic growth.²</p>