The concept of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) has been adopted by all governments in Australia, as well as internationally. It is considered a useful concept to pursue development that is sustainable in the longer term. In this chapter the Committee outlines the National ESD Strategy, which provides a context for considering ESD within Victoria, and illustrates its application to wildlife management situations by way of three described scenarios.
As is required under the Inquiry Terms of Reference, the Committee has developed an ESD Framework. This has provided the Committee with a reference point in its consideration of existing and potential utilisation activity and legislation. Its three constituent parts - Objectives, a Question Set and a Management System - are briefly described.
