Of course, the principle of sustainable development argues that reducing poverty
and environmental protection are not incompatible objectives. Our challenge
is to envision and promote approaches to development that create opportunities
for people to build healthy communities and increase incomes in ways that
protect or even enhance the natural environment. Capacity development supports
this strategy by building new frameworks and enhancing the ability of people
to see change as an opportunity rather than a cost.
There have been a number of successful programs supported by the international community to realise people-centred development that also addresses environmental concerns, particularly at the grassroots level. These projects have produced a wealth of knowledge on best practice, models and approaches. For FIT, the challenge is to build upon these initiatives by building capacities within the structures that traditionally perceive environmental protection as a threat to development—economic policy makers, small and medium sized enterprise owners and managers, and political decision makers. We approach this work by stressing the positive connections between environmental, economic and social development.
For example, FIT is working in Jiangsu Province, China, to develop a strong
system of training and technical support to help managers and owners of medium-sized
Township and Village Enterprises (TVEs) reduce the amount of hazardous waste
and pollution generated from their production plants. We work with a team
of local trainers and consultants to develop their expertise in conducting
environmental site audits, counselling and advising business owners, and developing
broad-based environmental management training to promote clean production.
Participating enterprises have learned that clean production not only eliminates
harmful discharge of chemical and organic pollutants into the local air and
water, but can also reduce production costs, thereby increasing profit margins.
The project also addresses issues related to the workplace environment itself,
creating safer and healthier conditions for TVE workers. Through our work
in China, we hope to demonstrate that with a good support system that promotes
creativity and new approaches, we do not need to speak of trade-offs between
jobs or a clean environment, incomes or workers’ heath, development
or environment.
