I like to reason it out in a simple manner. Once an environment is degraded, you need an investment over a considerable period of time in order to rehabilitate it. That means a long and expensive commitment. This commitment cannot be met if it is not supported by a successful economy. And the priority will never be high for such a project within a society that is frail or concerned with its own problems. Therefore, environmental regeneration (and management) is only possible when there are a healthy economy and a healthy society. (where the environment is ok, there is no need of management - all we have to do is leave it alone)

Dr Anthony Zammit thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Sustainable development can be applied to corporate policy in the business world as it encompasses three key areas: economic, environmental and social. Sustainable development requires that a company must contribute to economic growth, social progress and promote environmental sustainability. With the economic sustainability ecological system is maintained and all the environmental terms are kept in balance. Natural resources are consumed by humans, taking care that they are preserved, for future generations. Sustainability is all about keeping these three pillars in balance. On the other hand, the natural environment also impacts on socio-economic development through the degradation of natural resources being the object of development activities or causing disasters, natural disasters for the Socio-economic activities in the region. Sustainability is a long-term goal for our society to meet the needs of economic growth at its current speed with the least amount of impact on the environment. But it's more than preserving the natural world and its fragile ecologies. Economic sustainability is all about giving people what they want without compromising the quality of life, especially in the developing world. Environmental sustainability: It is the process of meeting the needs of air, food, water, and shelter as well as ensuring that the environment is neither affected nor polluted. There is a strong interconnection between the environmental and economic spheres, where good environmental practices, such as responsible resource management, are essential to maintaining the stability of the economy and the very existence of the food supply chain. Environmental management focuses on maintaining natural resources such as timber, water and open land without diminishing or destroying them. Sustainable development seeks to meet human needs without depleting resources. Sustainable development and environmental management depends on human activity. When the environment is properly handled in man's endeavor to attain his needs, the ecosystem is maintained thus sustainable development.

sustainable development emphasizes the importance of balancing economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental protection to meet the needs of current and future generations. Environmental management plays a central role in achieving sustainable development by addressing environmental challenges in ways that support socio-economic progress and enhance overall well-being.

Generally, how these elements are interrelated depends on; Economic Development and Environmental Impact, Social Equity and Environmental Justice,Resource Management and Sustainable Livelihoods, Climate Change and Socio-Economic Impacts, Policy Integration and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) etc,..

Anthony Zammit , really appreciate your response regarding this question. However, I think that logically, you response presents a simplified perspective on the interrelation between social, economic, and environmental elements for sustainable development. While your explanation highlights the importance of a healthy economy and society to support environmental management and regeneration, it overlooks several complexities and nuances inherent in sustainable development.

For instance,

1. Your argument oversimplifies the relationship between social, economic, and environmental factors by presenting them as sequential and mutually exclusive. In reality, these elements are deeply interconnected and influence each other in complex ways. For example, environmental degradation can have significant social and economic implications, such as loss of livelihoods and increased healthcare costs.

2. While a healthy economy and society may facilitate investment in environmental regeneration, the reverse is also true. Environmental sustainability is essential for long-term economic prosperity and social well-being. Ignoring environmental concerns can lead to resource depletion, ecosystem collapse, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, undermining the foundations of a healthy economy and society.

3. Your argument implies that environmental management is a secondary concern that only becomes relevant once a society has achieved economic success. However, this overlooks the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic and social decision-making from the outset. Sustainable development requires balancing competing priorities and recognizing the intrinsic value of environmental conservation alongside economic growth and social progress.

4. While it is true that environmental regeneration often requires long-term investment, this should not preclude action in the absence of immediate economic benefits. Adopting a short-term economic perspective can lead to the neglect of environmental issues and exacerbate long-term challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Sustainable development requires taking a holistic and forward-looking approach that considers the needs of future generations.

Thank you.

Dr Peter Donkor thank you for your contribution to the discussion

When we talk about sustainability, we're talking about a development model that can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It's a holistic approach that considers the social, environmental and economic impacts of actions and decisions taken today. Sustainable development can be applied to corporate policy in the business world as it encompasses three key areas: economic, environmental and social. Sustainable development requires that a company must contribute to economic growth, social progress and promote environmental sustainability. Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development discusses practical options to reconcile these multiple environmental, economic and social goals. It explains how to place an economic value on the long-term benefits of natural resources and on the socio-economic development activities that affect the environment. With the economic sustainability ecological system is maintained and all the environmental terms are kept in balance. Natural resources are consumed by humans, taking care that they are preserved, for future generations. Sustainability is all about keeping these three pillars in balance. Environmental conservation and sustainability are two related but distinct concepts that aim to protect the natural world and our relationship with it. Environmental conservation is the practice of preserving the natural habitat, while sustainability is the practice of improving the environment for human health. Environmental management focuses on maintaining natural resources such as timber, water and open land without diminishing or destroying them. Sustainable development seeks to meet human needs without depleting resources. Sustainable development and environmental management depends on human activity. When the environment is properly handled in man's endeavor to attain his needs, the ecosystem is maintained thus sustainable development.

When we talk about sustainability, we're talking about a development model that can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It's a holistic approach that considers the social, environmental and economic impacts of actions and decisions taken today. Sustainable development can be applied to corporate policy in the business world as it encompasses three key areas: economic, environmental and social. Sustainable development requires that a company must contribute to economic growth, social progress and promote environmental sustainability. Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development discusses practical options to reconcile these multiple environmental, economic and social goals. It explains how to place an economic value on the long-term benefits of natural resources and on the socio-economic development activities that affect the environment. With the economic sustainability ecological system is maintained and all the environmental terms are kept in balance. Natural resources are consumed by humans, taking care that they are preserved, for future generations. Sustainability is all about keeping these three pillars in balance. Environmental conservation and sustainability are two related but distinct concepts that aim to protect the natural world and our relationship with it. Environmental conservation is the practice of preserving the natural habitat, while sustainability is the practice of improving the environment for human health. Environmental management focuses on maintaining natural resources such as timber, water and open land without diminishing or destroying them. Sustainable development seeks to meet human needs without depleting resources. Sustainable development and environmental management depends on human activity. When the environment is properly handled in man's endeavor to attain his needs, the ecosystem is maintained thus sustainable development.