Abstract

BUSTILLO-GARCIA, Lissette  and  MARTINEZ-DAVILA, Juan Pablo. The approach to sustainable development. INCI [online]. 2008, vol.33, n.5, pp.389-395. ISSN 0378-1844.

This essay discusses how economic and ecological approaches have influenced the manner in which science is carried out, and how politics and society operate in the western world. The first approach promotes the well-being of mankind based on economic development, while the second is based on the sustainability of resources. Contradictions within the field of sustainable development (SD) as well as some of the negative results of its implementation can be attributed to a lack of interaction between scientists and politicians; in particular, the lack of integration in the evolution of different lines of thought and opposing interests of different actors (government, scientists and society). To analyze SD from any one perspective will require integrating changes in existing conceptions of reality in order to facilitate conciliatory efforts and negotiation. A proposal is outlined in which a concept of reality is established on the basis of the interaction between society and nature; where both parts are dynamically complex. It is proposed that SD functions effectively when policies are based on contributions from science and technology, when societal capabilities and opportunities are clearly determined, and when the negotiation capabilities of all sides are established. These determinations would raise the governance axis between society and government.

Keywords : Desarrollo; Interacción Sociedad-Naturaleza; Sustentabilidad.