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Ecologically Sustainable Development
The National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (NSESD) provides broad strategic directions and framework for governments to direct policy and decision-making. The Strategy facilitates a coordinated and co-operative approach to ecologically sustainable development (ESD) and encourages long-term benefits for Australia over short-term gains.
The NSESD addresses many key areas for action identified in Agenda 21. These include issues across a number of sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and mining; and also cover broader inter-sectoral issues such as gender, native vegetation, pricing and taxation, coastal zone management, education and training. To ensure the goals and values of all Australians were included, the Strategy was developed in consultation with the community, industries, interested groups, scientific organisations, governments and individuals. Although it primarily guides the decisions of governments, the strategy is also useful for community, industry and business groups.
The NSESD was adopted by all levels of Australian government in 1992.
Since 1992, the pursuit of ecologically sustainable development has been increasingly incorporated into the policies and programs of Australian governments as a significant policy objective (for example, the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).