V.
Maintain and, if possible, enhance the quality of human
life
Quality of life—or “livability”—differs from community
to community. It has many components: income, education,
health care, housing, employment, legal rights on the
one hand; exposure to crime, pollution, disease,
disaster, and other risks on the other. One town may be
proud of its safe streets, high quality schools, and
rural atmosphere, while another thinks that job
opportunities and its historical heritage is what makes
it an attractive place to live. Each locality must
define and plan for the quality of life it wants and
believes it can achieve, for now and for future
generations. A sustainable community’s resources and
opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of
ethnicity, age, gender, cultural background, religion,
or other characteristics.
PRINCIPLES
| 1. |
Humans have the right to live productively Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. |
| 2. |
Participation by indigenous people should be
supported Indigenous people and their communities and other local communities have a vital role in environmental management and development because of their knowledge and traditional practices. Recognition and support of their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of sustainable development is essential. |
| 3. |
Minority peoples are vital to the solution Minorities have a vital role to play in all aspects of sustainability. Their full participation is therefore essential. |
| 4. |
Eradicating poverty is an indispensable
requirement All people shall cooperate in the essential task of eradicating poverty as an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, in order to decrease the disparities in standards of living and better meet the needs of the majority of the people of the world. |
| 5. |
Today’s youth should be mobilized to ensure a
better future for us all The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to forge a global partnership in order to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for all. |
| 6. |
The basic necessities of life must be
provided to all. Physical and biological needs that are required by humans to sustain life; food, water, oxygen, bowel & bladder elimination, sleep and protection from extreme temperatures must be provided first and foremost. |
| 7. |
Human health Human health relates to all matters of physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The main concern with sustainability in health is the ever-increasing resource demand. It can be argued that this demand for health services is one of the principle drivers for rapid and non-sustainable economic activity. The maintenance and improvement of health should be at the center of concerns regarding the environment and development. |
| 8. |
Mobility The human need of mobility of people, raw materials, manufactured goods, food, water, and wastes must be met with minimal impact to natural resources. In much of the world the transportation system is dependent upon the burning of a form of fossil fuel, which directly and powerfully connects the human need for transportation with the environmental impacts transportation creates. |
| 9. |
Safety needs Human safety needs include feeling protected from harm and free of anxiety. Security and safety measures, such as those for anti-terrorism and force protection, must be considered within a total project context, including impacts on occupants and the environment, regardless of the level of protection deemed appropriate. |
| 10. |
Needs of love, affection and belongingness
The human need of feeling closeness, love, and affection is integral part of an individuals well being and therefore is vital to providing for a lasting model of sustainability. The need for love and belonging is met when friends are made, acceptance by others is received and a person is able to give and receive affection. |
| 11. |
The human desire for self-esteem Individuals have a innate need to feel valuable and worthwhile. We all have a need for a stable, firmly based, high level of self-respect, and respect from others. When these needs are satisfied, the person feels self-confident and valuable as a person in the world. Only when individuals satisfy this need do they become valuable participants in sustainably. |
| 12. |
The human desire of self-actualization
Learning, understanding and creativity are involved in meeting a person’s potential. Goal setting, developing talents and skills are necessary to developing an individual’s personal lifestyle. |