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Sustainability: �Global Problems �and Local Solutions��Haapsalu, Estonia�9-13 October 2022

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What is Sustainability?

1) The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
2) Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance

Sustainability is concerned with

protecting the planet
halting climate change
promoting social development

without endangering life on Earth or leaving anyone behind.

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Sustainability is the ability to cover our present needs without compromising resources for future generations.�

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The 3 basic elements of sustainability

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1) Environmental Sustainability�

Ensures we have and continue to have the resources to meet our needs

unpolluted air, clean water and fresh food
energy and raw materials we need for construction and transportation.

Involves the entire global ecosystem: oceans, freshwater systems, land and atmosphere.

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2) Social Sustainability�

Ensures that all members of a society

have equal rights
share fair benefits
participate equally in the decision-making process.

A sustainable society

consumes resources so that they can be renewed naturally
discharges waste so that natural systems can assimilate it without degrading
uses local sources for its most basic requirements.

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3) Economic Sustainability

Supports a high standard of living for its citizens
Takes into account the social and ecological consequences of economic activity
Considers the full life-cycle of our goods, from extraction of raw materials, through manufacture, use, repair to recycling or disposal

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The 3 dimensions of sustainable development

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SUSTAINABILITY = environmental protection �+ social development +economic growth

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�Sustainable natural environment

a natural system which maintains its balance in the long term minimizing negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity
responsible resource management, conservation of ecosystems, and consideration for future generations
human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and urban development coexist in harmony with nature and preserve the ecological integrity of nature
pollution is reduced, biodiversity is protected, and the overall health of ecosystems is promoted.

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Natural resources

Are materials from the Earth that are used to support life and meet people’s needs

Oil, coal, natural gas, metals, stone and sand
Air, sunlight, land and water
Animals, birds, fish and plants

Extracting, processing and using natural resources may cause environmental problems

air, land and water pollution
disruption or destruction of ecosystems
a decrease in biodiversity.

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During our conference in Estonia

the sea and the coastal meadows, the lakes and the forests

the biological diversity of the ecosystems
preservation and management of our natural resources

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Day 1: Monday, 9/10

9.00-10.30 WORKSHOP 1

Ice-breaking activities, getting to know each other

Tour of the school building

10.30-11.00 COFFEE BREAK
11.00- 12.30 WORKSHOP 2

Presentation of the homework

12.30-13.30 DINNER AT THE SCHOOL CANTEEN
13.40-14.30 MEETING AT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION: the Deputy Mayor Helen Rammu (Posti tn, 34)
14.30-16.00 WORKSHOP 3 (in town)

Getting to know Haapsalu and the local nature in terms of sustainability. Mapping the situation.