Ecosystem Health & Sustainable Agriculture Project Definitions of Sustainability – sustainable rural development and sustainable agriculture Christine Jakobsson & Ingrid Karlsson Baltic University Programme, Uppsala University

Definition of the ecosystem approach Ecosystems consist of: flora, fauna (including man), other organisms, the surrounding environment. Are all a part of a food chain, with interconnections where the different levels influence each other as the result of complex & dynamic relationships. If a critical species decreases in number or disappears, these relationships can break down. The ecosystem can then take on a completely different state after the break down. Sustainable management must be based on this perspective & consider the impact of proposed measures in a holistic manner. The ecosystem approach places more far-reaching demands on protection measures. Management: - more adaptive & instructive with clear links between implemented measures, environmental monitoring & research; - based more on the obligations of the sectors & less on their rights. The aim is to preserve the structure & function of ecosystems & hence maintain their capacity to provide us with goods & services.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL ECONOMIC S.D. ENVIRONMENTAL

Sustainable development reconciles 2 objectives The Brundtland Commission (The World Commission on Environment & Development -‘Our Common Future’ ) 1987 The goal of SD: “SD is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” Integrated and holistic nature of SD: Poverty, health, economic growth and equity is as important as a clean environment “development - progress - growth” “stability - security - environment” The World Conservation Strategy (IUCN- International Union for the Conservation of Nature,1980) - 3 objectives for conservation: maintenance of essential ecological processes, preservation of genetic resources; sustainable development of species and ecosystems.

The evolution after WSSD (2002): Sustainable Development as a pyramid Education Environment Society Economy Scoullos 2005

To obtain Sustainable Development we need: Education for Sustainable Development Environmental Protection Application of innovative science & appropriate technology Social Cohesion & Welfare Responsible Economy Effective Institutions (Good planning, etc) Governance

(source: Global footprint network, www.globalfootprintnetwork.org) In 2008, the worldwide population is projected to use 140% of the resources the earth can generate in a year (source: Global footprint network, www.globalfootprintnetwork.org)

how fast we consume resources and generate waste The ecological footprint measures how fast we consume resources and generate waste compared to how fast nature can absorb our waste and generate new resources

In defining development, the United Nations Development Programme says that it has to do with “creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord with their needs and interests.”

Sustainability has (at least)three dimensions: Time: we should give future generations equal possibilities to choose their development and life quality 2. Space: we should distribute resources to humans in all continents and regions 3. Other species: we should include ourselves in Nature and adjust to the limits of resources and ecosystems on earth

Sustainability can be approached in many different ways -A sustainable rural development must take regional and local differences into consideration Future development is dependent on the rural natural and human resources

Baltic 21 - Overall Goal for Sustainable Development “The essential objective of Baltic Sea Region co-operation is the constant improvement of the living and working conditions of their peoples within the framework of sustainable development, sustainable management of natural resources, and protection of the environment.” Sustainable development includes three mutually interdependent dimensions - economic, social and environmental. This means for the region: A safe and healthy life for current and future generations. A co-operative and prosperous economy and a society for all. That local and regional co-operation is based on democracy, openness and participation. That biological and ecosystem diversity and productivity are restored or maintained. That pollution to the atmosphere, land and water does not exceed the carrying capacity of nature. That renewable resources are efficiently used and managed, within their regeneration capacity. That materials flow of non-renewable resources are made efficient and cyclic, and that renewable substitutes are created and promoted. That awareness of the elements and processes leading to sustainability is high among different actors and levels of society. The Baltic Sea Region recognises its interdependence with other parts of the world and makes its contribution to the fulfilment of sustainable development goals at the global and European level.

Goals for sustainable agriculture Agriculture contributes significantly to the society of the future. Sustainable agriculture is the production of high quality food and other agricultural products / services in the long run with consideration taken to economy and social structure, in such a way that the resource base of non-renewable and renewable resources is maintained. Important sub-goals are: 1. the farmers income should be sufficient to provide a fair standard of living in the agricultural community 2. the farmers should practise production methods which do not threaten human or animal health or degrade the environment including biodiversity and at the same time minimise the environmental responsibilities that future generations must assume 3. non-renewable resources have to gradually be replaced by renewable resources and that recirculation of non-renewable resources is maximised 4. sustainable agriculture will meet societies needs of food and recreation and preserve the landscape, cultural values and the historical heritage of rural areas and contribute to create stable well developed and secure rural communities 5. the ethical aspects of agricultural production are secured

Baltic 21 - An Agenda 21 for the Baltic Sea Region The Baltic 21 Agriculture Sector priority actions: Education and training Create demonstration watersheds with demonstration farms in a network in the different countries (part of joint action 3) Develop a ”Virtual Research Institute” for sustainable agriculture based on the already existing NOVABOVA in the Baltic Sea Region. Elaborate and implement agro-environmental legislation and policies

Thank you for your attention and interest!