What Is Sustainability?
Sustainability is just one word and yet there exists over 300 definitions. The best-known definition of sustainability or sustainable development comes from the World Commission on Environment and Development and is outlined as: "forms of progress that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs."
It is important to consider that sustainability is about more than just looking after our natural environment. It is also about considering the social and economic impact of what we do and how we do it.
The challenge for Australia is to encourage the development and management of tourism products and services that will provide economic and social benefits to local communities while protecting and enhancing our natural and cultural attributes.