Department of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is development which satisfies the needs of present generations without jeopardizing the possibility of future generations to satisfy their needs (World Commission for Environment and Development, 1987); It assumes behaviour towards the environment as if we have not inherited it from past generations, but as if we have borrowed it from future ones.

Sustainable development is development which is socially fair, environmentally acceptable and resting on the basic postulates of civil society (Institute for Sociological, Political and Legal Research, 2000). It assumes integration of criteria for protection of natural, social and cultural assets in each policy.

The belief that social, economic and environmental goals should be complementary and interdependent throughout the development process is in the heart of the concept. Material prosperity should be accomplished in parallel with the social progress and environmental accountability, if we want to make it sustainable. The vision of balanced and accountable development in economic, social and environmental fields is exactly the substance covered by the idea of sustainability of the development. 

The above assumes balancing the economic, social and environmental goals and their integration whenever it is possible, through creation of mutually supportive policies and practices and reaching of compromises whenever goals integration is not feasible.

Principles

Quality,
Continuity,
Focalized,
Long-term,
Dynamic,
Stability,
Sustainability.


Ultimately, it means systematics in perception and strategical approach in planning. It also implies behaviour which incorporates fundamental criteria of sustainable development, thus providing for sustainable results in all human activities.

Essence

Adjustment of economy with human needs and limitations posed by the environment. (Sustainable development is sensitiv with regard to human needs depending on the social status, education, culture, sex. In this context, economic and social development and environment protection are mutually dependent and are components of the sustainable development. Democracy, observation of human rights and fundamental freedoms that include the right to development, transparent and accountable management of all sectors of the environment, as well as effective participation of citizens in the public life, are also important parts of the necessary basis of accomplishment of social and man-focused development).

Undertaking of responssibility for the quality of our own development

Long-term vision and model for fair and progressive world (as, social development is not a matter of choice - it is an imperative. Thus, we have to do everything within our power, even if it means certain sacrifice in the period of changes and transition. We are obliged to leave to our children a World worth to live in, a World with clear and healthy environment and fair society. This is our duty and we have to accomplish it. Romano Prodi)      

For more information:  www.moe.gov.mk/sustainable

The Department of Sustainable Development performs its activities through three Divisions:

Division for projects preparation
Division for Intersectoral Cooperation
Division for Implementation of Ohrid Lake Conservation Project (link for Ohrid Lake).