Caring for the Earth [antikvár]

Foreword This book presents a strategy for a kind of development that provides real improvements in the quality of human life and at the same time conserves the vitality and diversity of the Earth. The goal is development that meets these needs in a sustainable way. Today it may seem visionary, but it is attainable. To more and more people it also appears our only rational option. Most current development fails because it meets human needs incompletely and often destroys or degrades its resource base. We need development that is both people-centred, concentrating on improving the human condition, and conservation-based, maintaining the variety and productivity of nature. We have to stop talking about conservation and development as if they were in opposition, and recognize that they are essential parts of one indispensable process. Caring for the Earth sets out a broad and explicit world strategy for the changes needed to build a sustainable society. We need such a strategy because: • The most important issues we face are strongly interlinked, and therefore our actions must be mutually supportive and aimed at a common goal; • The changes we must make in the ways in which we live and develop will be fundamental and far-reaching: they will demand our full dedication. The task will be easier if we work together; • No single group can succeed by acting alone. Any strategy has to be a guide rather than a prescription. It cannot be followed slavishly. Human societies differ greatly in culture, history, religion, politics, institutions and traditions. They also differ importantly in wealth, quality of life and environmental conditions, and in their awareness of the significance of these differences. Nor are these features fixed in dme: change is continual. For these reasons, principles and actions are described in broad terms. They are meant to be interpreted and adapted by each community. The world needs a variety of sustainable societies, achieved by many different paths. Martin W. Holdgate, Director General, lUCN J.-H^ffuMiaM' Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Executive Director, UNEP Charles de Haes, Director General, WWF