The Need for Sustainable Systems

The implementation of sustainable systems is fundamental to ensuring the success of future generations and improving rural ecosystems stability.¹ Data from a diversity of environmental sources tells us that we are living beyond our ecological means, to the point that our survival may be compromised.² We need to make changes through engagement, deliberation, and participation to put sustainable systems into place.²

The concept of sustainability can itself both illuminate and obscure the debate, given the multiple interpretations that accompany the subject.³ Sustainability means ensuring a long-term provision of sufficient resources⁴ that improve individuals’ quality of life within the carrying capacity of the earth’s support system.² Sustainable development must also meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability for our future generations to meet their own needs.³