There are many definitions of sustainable development but the most quoted is the one coined by the Bruntland Commission, which provides that: "Sustainable Development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
The challenge is how to secure economic development without depleting natural resources. How to use resources rationally in order to ensure that these are perpetuated. The Mozambican Land and Forestry laws are reportedly the best in Africa, but are not enforced. The laws provide for sustainable management of land and forests with mandatory consultation of communities prior to concession of land deeds to developers. However, these instruments are ignored by the very government officers who are supposed to enforce them. The UNDP report contends that there is progress in the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation. However this assertion is not supported by accurate and reliable data.
This discussion about sustainable environment is unequal. Least developed countries (LDC) like Mozambique talk about basic needs like access to potable water, how to prevent soil erosion and how to deal with natural disasters. However, most environmental problems are caused by developed countries and the level of discussion appear to be beyond the capacity of countries like Mozambique, which lack skills and expertise to engage.
An example is a case when a foreign company (aluminium smelter), requested permission to the Ministry of the Environment to release fumes direct to the air without filters for 6 months. There was an uproars both from the population and local NGOs. But the government authorized this move and the consequences are unknown. Local NGOs did not have scientific arguments to counter government authorization of a "by pass" . The company in question counts for 60% of Mozambique exports and many well to do members of the elite are shareholders in the company. So what progress can be envisaged in such an environment?
Resource: Ministry of Planning & Development Report on MDG 2010 at www.undp.org.mz. Accessed on 8/2/2014
Resource: Foretry legislation in Moz - Compliance and the impact on forest communities at: www.policy-powertools.org. Accessed on 8/2/2014
This discussion about sustainable environment is unequal. Least developed countries (LDC) like Mozambique talk about basic needs like access to potable water, how to prevent soil erosion and how to deal with natural disasters. However, most environmental problems are caused by developed countries and the level of discussion appear to be beyond the capacity of countries like Mozambique, which lack skills and expertise to engage.
An example is a case when a foreign company (aluminium smelter), requested permission to the Ministry of the Environment to release fumes direct to the air without filters for 6 months. There was an uproars both from the population and local NGOs. But the government authorized this move and the consequences are unknown. Local NGOs did not have scientific arguments to counter government authorization of a "by pass" . The company in question counts for 60% of Mozambique exports and many well to do members of the elite are shareholders in the company. So what progress can be envisaged in such an environment?
Resource: Ministry of Planning & Development Report on MDG 2010 at www.undp.org.mz. Accessed on 8/2/2014
Resource: Foretry legislation in Moz - Compliance and the impact on forest communities at: www.policy-powertools.org. Accessed on 8/2/2014
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