Model limitations: - there are a number of limitations to this model. The first two are:
- It does not capture the political context in which decisions, policies, actions take place.
- It is static and does not enable dynamics or change to be shown. A number of arrows can lend a flow to the model (see diagram 2.3).
Diagram 3.2
As well, the model does not illustrate the weightings given to the three dimensions. The circle sizes need to be changed depending on the questions or issues being addressed.
In today’s world more emphasis is placed upon economic factors than is placed on social or environmental factors. This can skew thinking, and act as a barrier to the development of policies and operations designed to increase sustainability – this enlarges the economic circle.
The status of environment has moved from ‘ought-to-be considered’ territory to ‘must include’, thus enlarging the environment circle.
Social aspects, or concerns about people, are often still added in as afterthought - even though the Brundtland Report [ World Commission on Environment and Development 1987] stresses that sustainability is... ultimately about linkages- in particular the linkages between environment, economy and society. (Smith and Saunders, 1995).
The political context of power relationships and decision-making is still mostly ignored, or backgrounded, in part because policy is or can become an ideological government tool.
Maori who live in the Rangitikei [may] have differing definitions, different beliefs about what constitutes sustainability and resource management. Ngati Hauiti, one of the iwi in the area, has published Kaupapa Taiao, an Environmental Policy Statement which contains a number of principles that underpin Maori resource management. These are identified as:
Take only what you need.
Share the rest.
Respect the limits.
Protect the basis of the wealth.
Pass on to the mokopuna a world at least as good as we received.
(Te Runanga O Ngati Hauiti 1996: 9)
Many farm families share these meanings: "Farming had a basis of a past, a present and a future. Often one’s forebears had broken in and developed the land, the present generation were continuing that process in order to bequeath it to one’s children and grandchildren who will continue to care for the land. The family’s blood sweat and tears have gone into this over generations."
And Jim Morris, who has been farming in the South Island, raises questions about sustainability viewed from the farm, and sustainability as viewed by government:
Sustainability ?
They mutter of erosion
In their offices of glass,
And say this block should be retired
Before another season’s passed.
They speak of soil and water
And the values they hold grand,
Then go and build another suburb
On some market garden land !
(Different Worlds 1997:22)
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
Contact this person
