ABSTRACT
Sustainable development refers to a mode of development in which present needs are met without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987). A premise of sustainable development is that successful development depends on recognizing and incorporating into development strategies the connectivity and mutual interdependence of natural, economic, political and cultural systems. There is tension in balancing contributions from – and returns to – human and natural systems. However, when appropriately balanced, these positions form the nexus where the needs of the present can be met without compromising the future of either human or natural systems. Unfortunately, human and natural system interests too often stand opposed to each other (or outright ignore each other), a situation that is detrimental to programming and evaluation.
