Sustainable Development
Concepts and Indicators

Paper prepared for the Workshop in Alma Ata, March 2000

Abstract

Sustainability has developed into a new paradigm, although no consensus on its definition has emerged yet. Based on the history of the concept a variety of definitions and economic as well as physical measurements is discussed. As a result of the analysis, a systems dynamic approach is suggested that can accommodate a variety of the previously introduced concepts.

Based on these definitions indicators for sustainable development can be developed, making use of the sets suggested by the UN: the ISD currently being tested by pilot countries around the World (UN DSD 1996), the CCPP set
of indicators (UN DESA 1998) and the revised ISD set. Some quality criteria and corresponding indicators are introduced, based on the notion of environmental space, but as well in line with suggestions from the CCPP and the revised ISD proposals.

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