Why sustainability matters

Sustainability is a concept of central importance for environmental protection since it is a prerequisite for the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

As regards natural resources, their management within the framework of sustainability is done prudently and with the necessary care to ensure their non-exhaustion, while at the same time, by practicing sustainable environmental management, pollution can be significantly reduced and climate change can be mitigated. At the same time, sustainability plays a decisive role in ensuring a healthy environment for the present and the future, but also in our adaptation to the already irreversible consequences of climate change, maintaining the fragile balances of the planet’s ecosystems.

Sustainability in the field of economy means ensuring long-term healthy economic growth that does not come at the expense of the environment and/or society.

Sustainability as an approach to the pillar of the economy is about strengthening innovation and supporting ethical entrepreneurship while ensuring the avoidance of concentration trends and “greenwashing” phenomena. At the same time, it is directly linked as a concept to the transition to a circular economy which, as a model, will achieve increased efficiency of existing materials and resources, reduced waste and the creation of resilient economic systems that can cope with the challenges of climate change and will be based on inclusion and harmonization with the environment and society.

From the perspective of society, the concept of sustainability is directly linked to social justice and social equality.

It is best expressed by the word equity, since it aims to improve the quality of life of all people – with an emphasis on those in more difficult circumstances – and to strengthen communities. Sustainability as an approach to the management of social resources (services and goods) has as priorities the elimination of poverty and inequalities, fair and secure access to areas such as health, education, housing, etc., but also ensuring the broader well-being of members of society. As is the case with sustainability in the environmental pillar, so too in that of society, the goal is to meet the needs of all of us without compromising the ability of future generations or modern but more vulnerable social groups to meet their own needs.