GED 1261
Sustainable Development
Lecture-06
Md. Golam Shahria Bhuyain
Lecturer
Department of Civil Engineering
Leading University, Sylhet
Contact:
[email protected],
[email protected] ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
EXAMPLES
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
EXAMPLES:
1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
Sustainable forest management is one of the oldest
environmental sustainability examples. In fact, those
practices started in the 18th century, when for each tree cut to
produce a new ship, another tree was planted.
1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
Thinning is done after every 5 years to support the continuous
growth of the stronger trees.
After 20 to 25 years, it is possible to proceed with deforestation,
then new seedlings are planted to replace the trees that have been
cut down, and the process continues.
This is the perfect way to sustain the forest environment and
maintain its greenery. In addition, a growing forest will also produce
more oxygen compared to a very mature one.
Sustainable forest management is a perfect example of
successful environmental management and a great example
of environmental sustainability.
1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
2. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Sustainable agriculture is a great environmental sustainability
example. It combines plant and animal production practices to
enhance productivity and reduce the environmental impact.
CRITERIA OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Sustainable agriculture practices adjust biological and ecological
processes into agriculture, minimizing the reliance on non-
renewable resources and unsustainable inorganic processes.
Ecological criteria
Economic criteria
1. Balance use of nutrients.
1. Sustained farmers
2. Efficient use of soil, water and
livelihood.
genetic resources.
2. Competitiveness.
3. Need based external inputs.
3. Efficient use of production
4. Minimal negative environmental
factors.
impacts.
4. Low relative value of
external inputs.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROCESS
Crop rotation is the perfect way to maximize the crops’
productivity. It helps renew soil fertility. Plant and animal waste
can be recycled and used as manure to improve the nitrogen
content in the soil.
Water management is another important aspect that plays a
massive role in sustainable agriculture. In many dry locations,
adequate water resources may not be available. In such locations,
water preservation and storage are enhanced. Drip irrigation is
another perfect way to conserve water resources without any
wastage.
On a smaller scale, growing your own food is also a remarkable
ACCELERATING THE TRANSITION TO
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Here are 5 key ways which can
accelerate the transition to
sustainable agriculture:
Leverage research and
innovation
Implement regenerative
practices and nature-based
solutions
Provide training and education,
from farm to fork
Increase transparency and
traceability
ORGANIZATION HELPING IN SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE:
Organizations and agencies in the U.S. and around the world have
places for those who understand the importance of sustainable
agriculture. They include the following:
National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Part of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, NIFA offers loans and grants for
projects that boost agricultural yields; improve the efficiency
of water and nitrogen use; reduce losses from stresses, diseases,
and pests; reduce foodborne diseases; and develop bio-based fuels,
chemicals, and coproducts.
American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF is a mainstream
organization representing farmers and agribusinesses. It provides
information about sustainable practices to its members, focusing on
“climate-smart” farming, carbon markets, renewable energy, and
2. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Some 45
nations promised action and investment to protect the
environment and move to sustainable farming methods. Pledges to
be achieved by 2030 included plans by Brazil to increase its ABC+
low-carbon farming program and plans by Germany to lower
emissions from land use by 25 million tons.
World Bank. The World Bank sponsors sustainable agriculture
projects that affect sustainable transportation, processing, and
markets.
Private sector. The private sector recognizes the importance of
sustainable agriculture as well as potential sales and profits. Large
multinational companies develop seeds for crops that can grow
more efficiently. Startup companies in Silicon Valley and
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