Sustainable development, including its three pillars, is vital for the successful and lasting development of any country. Such an endeavor can take many forms.
For sustainable development to take place, communities (thus social aspects), the environment and the economy must be taken into account. This is no different for India.
India has a diverse population and it is estimated that it is the second most populated country in the world. 212 tribes are nationally recognized by the Indian Constitution.
India is a country that is rich with sustainable development before the term was ever coined. It’s heritage of subsistence farming, local communities and services, hand and animal powered tools, along with its dominant vegetarian diet all are related to facets of modern tenants of sustainability. So really, the rest of the world can take some notes from this country.
India is rich in elements of sustainability. Here, Tiffin Wallahs, al home cooking delivery provides superior food to workers. Image: babasteve/flickr
Studies have found that India’s carbon credits will be an estimated 246 million by the end of 2012, which is triple of what it was at the of 2009.
This means a great deal and further achievement have also been noted in India’s clean energy production. From 15 523 megawatts of clean power generated, it is estimated to rise to 20 000 megawatt by the end of 2012.
In 2011, renewable energy made up 70% of the energy industry, a massive climb considering that it only made a 10% contribution in 2000. This is measured in terms of the number of projects set-up and completed as well as the Dollar value of these projects.
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)sated that greener technology has caused that green buildings form a part of two and three percent of all construction. This makes India a big competitor who means business.
It is hot on the heels of America in terms of green building technologies and is striving to increase this two to three percent to 10 percent, putting it in the lead.
Ecotourism can also become a part of India’s sustainable development, as the country is full of beauty and ancient wonders. If this can be done, natural areas can be successfully protected and use of these areas can be optimized.
It can be used to not only create jobs within communities, but support cultural and economic strength.
India has taken care of its wildlife since 1935 with the establishment of National Parks and National Protected Areas.
The wildlife Protection Act came into effect in 1972 and Project Tiger was set-up to protect both animals and their environments.
Furthermore in 1980, the Forest Conservation Act came into effect.
India has, registered under the Rasmar Convention, a total of 25 wet-lands. In addition, India has over 500 wildlife sanctuaries as well as 15 biosphere reserves.
Biosphere reserves are reserves that protect a larger area of natural habitats than that of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.
As many can tell you, India has a mean Cricket team and its educated population is also high. Taking everything into consideration, I would say that India is a great example of sustainable development.