Journal of Global Resources
doi.org/10.46587/JGR.2020.v06i02.004

Volume 6 (02)
July 2020
Page 26-28
ISSN: 2395-3160 (Print), 2455-2445 (Online)

04
TRANSFORMATIONS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Mahmood Yekeh Yazdandoost
Advisor Expert, Biodiversity & Wildlife Bureau,
Natural Environment & Biodiversity Division, Department of Environment, Tehran, IranEmail: yazdandoost3000@gmail.com
Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address the most pressing social-economicand environmental challenges currently facing the globe. This paper identifies crucial issues toovercome the challenges through holistic approach by restructuring the existing socio-economic
elements of society to enhance transformation towards sustainability. The assessment shows
holistic approach transform socio-economic environment to the ideal of sustainability.
Key words: Sustainable Development Goals, Global Policy, Holistic Approach, Transformation.
Introduction
Brundtland report with considering the importance of sustainability for future success, expressing:“human has got the capacity to make development sustainable for the present and the futuregenerations” (UN, 1987). Based on that statement, UN inserted at Agenda 21, the definition ofsustainable development as a process that have to consider socio-economic and environmental
issues as one fully, inseparable and integrated components, which will require broader range of
public participation (UN, 1992). Therefore the main goal and output of sustainable development is
the link between health, economy, society and environment. Currently humanity is facing multiple
global challenges. To mention a few: pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, global warming andclimate change, deprivation, inequality, pandemic diseases and social exclusion. Each of theseissues would impact biological metabolism of the planet, hence ecological and social well-being.
Since also they are intricately linked to each other, would amplify the related risks. The
humanitarian and social crises are to a large extent due to unequal access to energy and materials
and opportunities to satisfy needs and wants. Dealing successfully with these challenges requires
holistic transformations.
The holistic approach implies fundamental changes at all levels of social, economic,
political, and cultural structures, which means a fundamental reorganizing of present society. The
holistic approach of sustainability stands for the integrity of the environment and all its life support
systems. The holistic transformations enhance technological innovation and system shifts toimprove organizational performance and social coherence. Most countries in the world are facing
reduction in biological capability, i.e., more than the replenishment of their natural resources they
harvest resources in their territories. Sustainable development is possible only if the limits ofnature's capacity for regeneration are respected. To achieve ecological sustainability, respect forthe limits of nature and a responsibility of all human beings should become a moral obligation(International Union, 1989).

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The contribution of biological resources and ecosystem connectivity to human development
is well known (MEA, 2005). Reduction in biological capability is not only collapses ecologicalsystem, but also creates problem with population health and creativity. The needy and illconditioned population usually affect more by environmental agitation, as they are more dependent
on services received by environment. In spite of the fact, that biodiversity creates community healthand wealth, biodiversity is getting lost at an unparalleled pace. Nearly all countries show decline inbiodiversity. It is happening as a result of immense anthropogenic activities (Barnosky et al., 2011;Hanski et al., 2012). Such large-scale transformations reduce ecosystem services, creatingproblem to human health and well-being (Cardinale et al., 2012). At the same time, although
agricultural sector generates outcomes with respective impacts to rural zones, supply-chains,
economy, society and environment representing a key piece for achieving sustainable development
to each country and to the planet, landscape conversion for the farming purposes impact
biodiversity and global climate stability.
Improvements in watershed management contribute to ecosystem stability and climatechange mitigation and adaptation. Considering the irreversible nature of biodiversity loss and global
warming the risks of delaying towards sustainable development is noticeable. The ecosystem
goods and services that make a direct relief to human health and welfare are already degraded inmany parts of the world. The impacts of climate change affect large areas in Iran and other parts of
the world and can undermine economic growth and human development. Many of the impacts ofclimate change can occur beyond its original location to create conflicts and competition forresources (Stern, 2007). The vision of Smart and Connected Communities (SCC) promote link andsolidarity in society. The sustainability in society depends on economic and environmental health,social equity, and participation in planning and implementation. The challenge is to find the rightpolicy for appropriate transformation.
Methodology
For the holistic mission, a comprehensive national policy in needed for successful transition tohuman welfare, ecosystem connectivity and environmental stability. The harmful policies which
degrade the environment and humanity as a whole should be corrected by subsidizing green andfriendly program of action. Combining societal engagement, with economic instrument and law
enforcement may pave the road towards sustainability. Education and awareness plays importantrole in this process.
Results and Discussion
Sustainable development is a governance issue and the rule of law should act as an empowering
tool to engage public-private-people participation (4p) to take right actions. Since the 3 dimensionsof sustainable development make the situation complex, an integrated and multifaceted policy
should work for environmental sustainability. To create a planetary sustainable society it isnecessary that organizations and people of countries adopt sustainable attitudes. Private andpublic organizations are responsible for implementing policies, plans, projects and activities andgenerate products and services. The result indicates that, in order to be efficient, Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) should be adopted by a broader range of connected social groups andbe implemented by broader cross-sectoral policies. However, the following issues need specialconsiderations:

Energy shift towards renewable energy;
Green production by green technology;
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Political commitment towards innovation and creativity;
Use of indigenous knowledge for natural landscape sustainability; and,Reduction of ecological footprint for wildlife conservation and natural forest production.

The design of National Sustainable Development Mechanism (NSDM) is crucial to the overall
engagement of stakeholders in achieving the implementing programs.
Recommendations
1. Create good governance with participatory, transparent and accountable decision-making;
2. Integrate sustainable development into national policies and strategies;
3. Engage all relevant stakeholders into decision-making;
4. Develop mechanism for inter-sectoral cooperation, capacity building and awareness raising;
5. Adopt a strategy for the sustainable consumption and production;
6. Ensure political will for the three pillars of sustainable development;
7. Strengthen national institutional facilitation technology for sustainable development;
8. Provide mechanism for the transfer of technology;
9. Incorporate sustainability issues into government planning and decision-making;10. Develop financing mechanism into cross-sectoral policy;
11. Strengthen national monitoring, evaluation and reporting capacity for sustainable development;
12. Establish advisory board to all the targets of sustainable development.
Conclusion
Sustainable development is about human prosperity, economic growth and environmental stability.
The social cohesiveness is critical to the success of sustainable development. The present global
approach is not supportive to the long-term sustainability, as environment including biologicalresources getting more degraded day by day. Shortcoming of Governments policies, private
sectors collaboration and civil society’s engagement all contribute to the weak institutional
capacities for enhancing sustainable development. Transformational approach towards
sustainability needs massive transition for change. Legal framework with broader cross-sectoral
scope would provide protection services to green investments and innovation. Legislation in place
would mandate implementation process. The role of advisory board is to advise institutions to takeeffective actions on the management of sustainable development goals. In this regard, anaccountability framework in reinforcement of sustainable development programs should be builtwith an admission of responsibility.
Acknowledgement
All scientific literatures released by UN and other agencies including Department of Environmentthat have been used in this research article are highly appreciated.
References
1. Barnosky et al. (2011). Nature. 471:51-57.
2. Cardinale et al. (2012). Nature. 489:326.
3. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (1989). San Jose, Costa Rica: InternationalUnion, in conjunction with the U.N. Environmental Program and the World Wildlife Foundation.
4. MEA (2005). The Report of Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.
5. Hanski et al. (2012). Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA.
6. Stern, N. (2007). The Economics of Climate Change.
7. United Nations (1987). Our Common Future Report.
8. United Nations (1992). Agenda 21, Item 8.3 – Sustainable Development.
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