The Concept of Sustainability and Its Importance for Countries

Sustainability is an approach aimed at preserving the capacity of future generations to meet their needs by using natural resources efficiently. This concept seeks to ensure the coexistence of environmental, economic, and social elements in harmony. In the United Nations’ Brundtland Report, sustainable development is defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). This definition emphasizes that sustainability encompasses not only environmental but also economic and social dimensions only.

Sustainability is based on three fundamental components: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability. Each component is interdependent, and the violation of one threatens the sustainability of the others. In this context, sustainable development aims to ensure both the conservation of natural resources and the equitable and balanced development of societies just.

Core Components of Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability argues for the efficient use of natural resources and the prevention of environmental degradation to protect nature and maintain the healthy functioning of ecosystems. This component is crucial for preventing the depletion of natural resources, climate change, and biological diversity loss, and for ensuring the continued healthy operation of ecosystems.

Global Example: Deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest (Brazil)

The Amazon Rainforest is a region of immense biodiversity and plays a major role in global oxygen production. However, increasing deforestation in recent years threatens this ecosystem. The destruction of the Amazon rainforests in Brazil is a major environmental issue that negatively affects not only the livelihoods of local communities but also global world ecosystems. Deforestation leads to reduced carbon absorption and contributes to climate change (United Nations Environment Programme, 2019).

Example from Türkiye: Management of Water Resources

Türkiye is implementing numerous projects concerning the efficient management of water resources. However, unplanned water use and water waste pose significant challenges that threaten the future availability of water resources. The protection of water sources used for drinking and agriculture carries great importance. Water conservation projects and sustainable water use in Türkiye represent a critical step toward achieving environmental sustainability important.

Economic Sustainability

Economic sustainability aims for countries to achieve economic growth and stability while using natural resources efficiently and avoiding harm to the environment. This component seeks not only to generate short-term profits through economic activities but also to enhance the long-term well-being of societies long.

Global Example: Palm Oil Production (Indonesia and Malaysia)

Palm oil production is a major economic activity in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. However, the expansion of this production has led to the clearing of vast forest areas and the loss of biodiversity road. Deforestation linked to palm oil production creates a conflict between environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. This situation causes environmental degradation while also depleting future economic resources for communities (Elkington, 1997).

Example from Türkiye: Investments in Renewable Energy

In recent years, Türkiye has sought to support economic sustainability through investments in renewable energy. Sources such as Sun, wind and hydropower play a significant role in Türkiye’s energy production place. These investments protect the environment while ensuring long-term energy security. Renewable energy projects have been a crucial step in reducing Türkiye’s dependence on fossil fuels step.

Social Sustainability

Social sustainability concerns the enhancement of social well-being, the promotion of social equity and justice, and the development of policies aimed at improving quality of life, providing equal opportunities, and ensuring social harmony.

Global Example: Women’s Social Participation (Saudi Arabia)

In Saudi Arabia, women’s participation in economic and social life remains limited. Women do not enjoy equal opportunities to men in areas such as education, labor force participation, and healthcare. This situation negatively affects social sustainability. Educating women and increasing their participation in the labor force are fundamental to enhancing economic development and social well-being (United Nations Development Programme, 2020).

Example from Türkiye: Gender Equality Initiatives

Türkiye has developed numerous politics to support gender equality. However, significant challenges remain regarding women’s participation in the labor force and access to economic opportunities. This situation constitutes an obstacle to social sustainability. Strengthening Türkiye’s efforts in this area will be a vital step toward advancing social sustainability.