Planning for a sustainable future: let's put the environment first!

This paper argues that efforts to develop a synergy between coastal urbanisation and environmental assets and to resolve conflict over resource use can succeed only if we put the needs of the environment first. To illustrate this the author identifies a range of existing development issues and problems and proposes ‘solutions’ based on habit protection and conservation.

Examples are as follows:

• The link between consumption and perceived status can be countered by creating influential prototype ‘citizens-of-tomorrow’ with inherently sensitive attitudes toward the environment, leading to a balance between urbanisation and conservation.
• The long-term benefit of access to natural landscapes for future generations is often at odds with the need for job creation in the short-term. However as the role of industry declines and is replaced by service land set aside for conservation encourages softer eco-tourism and residential developments which will support jobs in the longer term. However for this to happen the spread of urbanisation must be checked through strict zoning regulations.

The author acknowledges that these kinds of policies could seem difficult to implement in poor countries, but argues there are advantages in not focusing on man’s immediate needs. Conflicts are reduced and it is then possible to find win–win situations that preserve the natural environment, provide for peoples’ livelihoods and restrain pollution.

The paper features as part of the "Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands" programme.