116 / 208
[
] 116
S
ustainable
agriculture
,
wildlife
,
food
security
,
consumption
and
production
patterns
fish – or the natural resources that a community relies
on – cannot last forever, regardless of its size or wish-
fulfilling ability. Attempts by local communities to feed
their citizens with a single fish are just not sustainable.
When local communities go fishing, maybe they should
look for a golden fish that can grant more than three
wishes. Maybe they should go fishing more often, or
maybe they should try to catch a bigger fish.
Among the most effective tools to help local commu-
nities through these dilemmas in Serbia are local
sustainability-related planning documents (LSDPDs) such
as environmental action plans, local sustainable develop-
ment strategies and local environmental security initiatives.
Considering the myriad development alternatives,
why should local communities cast their nets for any
LSDPD? These are singled out in this context because
they aim to balance the demands of sustaining local
economies, communities and ecosystems. LSDPDs
factor in local impacts and balance development choices
governance systems. It also provides a way to put into practice
elements of numerous important international documents such
as the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation.
A fishing guide to sustainability
Let’s set the scene for this story. Firstly, there is the concept of a
sea, described by American author Walt Whitman as “boundless
blue on every side expanding”. Secondly, there are many creatures
roaming in that sea. Thirdly, there is James Lovelock, who expressed
the ‘Gaia’ theory of Earth as a super-organism. The drama is ready
to unfold now.
Like fishermen, local communities in Serbia are casting about for
a means of development. Some try to catch a big fat fish that every-
one can feed on. Others look for a small golden one that will grant
their wish for a better life. In Serbia and its neighbouring region, the
story goes, when they catch such a fish they often don’t know what
to do with it. They can eat it right away or they can pack it and save
it for later. Or maybe they’ll ask it to grant three wishes. But the
Traditional environmental planning methods provide an important information base