What does ecologically sustainable development (ESD) aim to achieve?

Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) aims to achieve a balance of economic growth and environmental protection. This concept recognizes that for development to be sustainable over the long term, it must consider the environmental consequences of economic activities. ESD seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

By integrating environmental considerations into economic planning and decision-making, ESD fosters approaches that promote resource efficiency, reduce waste, and protect biodiversity. This balance is crucial for creating a resilient economy that can thrive while maintaining the planet's ecological health. The emphasis on both growth and protection ensures that development does not come at the expense of environmental degradation, which would undermine the very foundations that support economic activity in the long run.