ABSTRACT
The strong form of sustainable development sees ecology or the environment as the overriding system within which society forms part, and the economy falling within both the ecological and societal systems. This chapter begins by canvassing the origin of the concept of sustainable development, particularly its articulation in the Brundtland Report in 1987, through its evolution and development, notably at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio Earth Summit) in 1992. It explores the two predominant interpretations of sustainable development: the anthropocentric or ‘weak’ form is contrasted against the ecocentric or ‘strong’ form of sustainable development, and discusses how it has been conceptualised historically and developed over time in the broader area of international environmental law. Finally, the chapter outlines the emergence of sustainable development as a fundamental overriding guiding legal principle through international jurisprudence and international legal documents.
