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Balancing Development and Environment (Economic Growth with Environmental Sustainability)
Most developing countries enjoyed a relatively high level of economic growth over the last three decades accompanied by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural intensification. This growth relied extensively on the country’s abundant and diverse natural resources. It has led to the degradation of land and water quality, caused the loss of natural habitats, and generated increasing levels of air and water pollution.
Humanity stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being. However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future.
It is important that the sustainable development is for the future of sustainability of natural resources and environment as well as the people’s livelihood and well-being. At present development partners and environmentalists have taken extreme positions. One pushes for development at any cost, and other pushes for environmental protection even at the cost of zero development. It's time to discuss and evolve a balanced approach, ensuring economic growth and development to meet aspirations of billions, while making sure that we leave a better world for our future generations in terms of environment and natural resources.
India is in a unique position to lead this movement to restore balance between development and environment. The second most populous country in the world, one of the fastest growing economy, having great demands on energy and natural resources to ensure a rapid pace of development, and possessing a vast resource of traditional wisdom and boasting of a rich heritage and culture which always advocated the idea of living in harmony with nature. A country where nature and natural elements have been worshipped as deities to ensure their protection. A country where water & energy efficiency was ingrained in life style, engineering concepts and architecture.
VIII WAC is being organized with the theme 'Balancing Development & Environment (economic growth with environmental sustainability) and is aimed to bring together experts and specialists in food, water, climate change and energy, development partners, civil societies, academia, and environmentalists. The Conference gives planners and policymakers an opportunity to listen attentively and act on the recommendations speedily to meet the challenges of this decade and beyond.
