The following is a jig-saw listening activity to introduce how different people or groups define sustainable development and how therefore predict different paths toward sustainability.

Before activity record the four definitions onto four audio casset tapes. Put one tape and recoder in each of the four corners of the room. Ask participants to get into groups of four. One member of each group is responsible for one listening and reporting back to the group on their definitions. After groups have listened and shared information enough to understand all four, ask them how the different definitions could affect, the environment, economy and society.

A) "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (WCED, 1987 p. 43.)

B) "...sustainable development means adopting business strategies and activities that meet the needs of the enterprise and its stakeholders today while protecting, sustaining and enhancing the human and natural resources that will be needed in the future" (International Institute for Sustainable Development, 1997)

C) "Sustainable development is a process rather than a fixed goal...It is a complex concept, involving social justice, equity and concern for the future, as well as environmental and development issues." (UK Department of Environment, Transport and Regions, 1999)

D) "A development or general pattern of change within and among communities, societies, or cultures is ecologically sustainable if it is compatible with restoring and maintaining the richness and diversity of planetary life (in the broadest sense)." (Naess, pg. 209, 1990)

references

- (U.K.) Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 1999, Supporting Sustainable Development through Educational Resources: A voluntary Code of Practice [on line] available: http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/sustainable/sustdevcop/04.htm (05/04/01)

- Introduction to sustainable development - definitions (no date) [on line] available: http://sdgateway.net/introsd/definitions.htm (05/04/01)

- Naess, A., 1990, 'Sustainable development and deep-ecology' in Nectoux, F., 1996, Unit 4 Reader - Theories and Perspectives on Environment and Development, London, South Bank University

- World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), 1987, Our common future. Oxford: Oxford University Press