Sustainable communities are neighbourhoods, towns, villages and
rural communities who have decided to collectively explore
alternative ways of living and developing that reduce natural resource use,
protect the environment, and meet essential human needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own essential
needs.
They understand that the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects of any locale are interrelated, overlapping and interdependent. Community life can't be segmented into discrete sectors each with its own function. Communities are also impacted by wider national and international processes. For that reason, sustainable communities recognise the necessity of adopting a holistic perspective when it comes to planning for development, solving problems and promoting the general welfare of citziens. Economic development efforts have consequences for the local environment and fabric of the community. Social issues can be effectively addressed only by taking account of the influences of family/whanau, local institutions, political dynamics, and economic changes.
At their best, sustainable communities are organic works of art created and constantly recreated in response to changing conditions and needs. They are not always the outcome of rational "planning" and are never achieved by local government alone.They always involve a real-world struggle to balance competing interests, perspectives and values. Truly sustainable communities are ultimately achieved and maintained by citizens themselves. They are community-led and community-driven.
This website is a compilation of reports, commentaries, tools, and models that may be useful to communities and community developers/social entrepreneurs.
Dr Terrence M Loomis
Community development consultant
Tiniroto, Gisborne 4044
New Zealand
phone: 06 863 7181
cell: 027 499 0305
email: loomistm@yahoo.com
Terrence Loomis's CV
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