Irrigation and sustainability
Definition / description
Sustainability is a holistic concept that is widely discussed by academics. However, there are differing views regarding its practical application and implementation. While there is broad agreement that sustainability should be achieved, there is much less consensus on how this should be done or within which theoretical framework practical realities should be accommodated.
A more widely shared view is that sustainability should follow the ‘triple bottom line’ approach, taking into account economic and social considerations as well as environmental impacts. In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Although this definition has been widely accepted by the scientific community, it has since been further developed and expanded in an effort to adopt an even more holistic perspective. This broader approach seeks to avoid separating society, the environment, the economy, and culture, and is referred to by Yencken & Wilkinson (2001) as the ‘four pillars of wisdom.
Reference: [Yencken & Wilkinson; and others …]
Publications / information
- Abernethy, C.L., 1994:
Sustainability of irrigation systems. -
Journal of Applied Irrigation Science, Vol. 29. No 2/1994, pp. 135 -143.
VL reprint under:
VL Irrigation & Hydrology - vl_ref_id_x_0026
- Wolff P., 1999:
On the sustainability of water use. -
Natural Resources and Development, Vol. 49/50, Tuebingen: Institute Scientific Co-operation.
VL reprint under:
VL Irrigation & Hydrology - vl_ref_id_x_0027
Reference
-
da-Silva-Branco, C., de Brito, A.G. and Seixas, P.C., 2026:
A comprehensive review of traditional irrigation systems: Sustainability and future prospects.-
Agricultural Systems, 231 (2026) 104481. - Stein, T.M., 2003:
Unpublished. -
United Nations Division of Sustainable Development, 1987:
Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Report).-
UN, Secretary-General, World Commission on Environment and Development, pp. 374. - Yencken D.G.D. and Wilkinson D., 2001:
Resetting the compass: Australia’s journey towards sustainability. -
CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.