Sustainable development, sustainable tourism, and sustainable livelihoods

Abstract

Since sustainable development was publicised in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Economy, it has been incorporated in the regulations of international organizations and the legislation of many jurisdictions throughout the world. Nevertheless, it has not proven to be easy to implement the concept. Also, when conceived as mediating tensions between environment and economy, the role of culture is often underplayed. Nevertheless, many economic sectors have embraced the concept and, in this vein, sustainable tourism is a term that is commonly used. However, in focussing on a single sector and attempting to sustain that, it is possible that sustainable development more generally conceived may not be achieved. The notion of sustainable livelihoods offers a more practical way forward because livelihood is a much more tangible concept than development and it is easier to comprehend and use to guide research and practice. In marginal communities in peripheral locations many individuals are sustained by multiple strategies, both within and outside of the market economy, rather than specific jobs. In such situations, it is especially important that tourism complement rather than replace existing livelihood sources leading to livelihood diversification. Studies of sustainable livelihoods in two aboriginal communities in Taiwan illustrate the relevance and utility of the sustainable livelihoods framework and also suggest modifications that are required if the sustainable livelihoods approach is to be made even more useful.