Essay Sample on Sustainability Developing the Northern Territory Food Bowl

Sustainability is defined as the requirements of the present being met without compromising the capacity of future generations to respond to their needs. It is an important issue for one simple reason; humanity cannot maintain their quality of life, the diversity of life on earth, or the planet's ecosystems unless effective action is taken. Sustainability is based on the principle that everything that we need for our survival and well-being directly depends on our natural environment. Sustainability involves creating and maintaining the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in a state of good harmony to support the present and future generations. Sustainability practitioners are now becoming more ambitious in their efforts and are working together to share best practices to ensure the greatest economic, environmental, and social impact. Sustainability involves the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to stay at equilibrium. Sustainability is not just environmental-based. Entrenched in most definitions of sustainability, we also find social equity and economic development concerns. Adoption of sustainable practices whether small or large will have significant effects in the long run. Sustainability is a comprehensive approach that reflects environmental, social and economic scopes, appreciating that all must be considered together to find long-lasting prosperity. For there to be practical sustainability, three important pillars should be considered, which are: environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Natural integrity is maintained, all of the earths ecological systems are kept in equilibrium while natural resources within them are consumed by human beings at a rate which they can replenish themselves. Moreover, economic systems should be intact, and activities are available to one and all, such as secure sources of income. Also, universal human rights and necessities should be attainable by everyone, who has access to enough resources to keep their folks and communities and secure and healthy.

Sustainability requires the consideration of aspects such as environment, society, culture, and economy. The environmental issue acknowledges the need to promote and maintain the biophysical systems that help in sustaining our living on earth. It involves the structure and functioning of the natural ecosystems and their interactions with human beings. On the other hand, the societal aspect of sustainability encompasses the need for equity between generations and watching social and ethnic groups. Moreover, it is inclusive of individuals physical and mental well-being and the cohesion of their communities by fair resource distribution. The aspect of culture acknowledges the need to nourish and share attitudes and values that represent diversity and provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in decision making. Last but not least, the economic aspect acknowledges human beings interactions with the environment, and how we utilize resources from the environment to add value to our lives. It encourages a trading system that is fair to all and ensures there is the equitable distribution of benefits and costs. Moreover, it encourages creativity and innovation in developmental projects that lead to a sustainable future. Sustainability and sustainable development put more focus on balancing the line between competing needs, our motivational needs to progress economically, and technologically, and the needs to protect our environment in which other people and we live in. Not only is sustainability about the environment, but also about our health as a community in ensuring that no individuals or areas of life suffer as a result of legislation of the environment. Sustainability takes into account how humans might live in harmony with the natural world around them, and protecting it from destruction and damage. The viability of any given project majorly depends on the perceived value of the program and the general support that individuals and organizations are willing to commit to the ongoing operations. Generally speaking, sustainability can be achieved through a continued commitment to meeting the goals and mission, through increasing local capacities, changing knowledge and attitudes and improving the services.

Thesis Statement

The current situation in the Northern Territory Food bowl is sustainable.

The Northern Territory Food Bowl

The vast untapped potential of northern parts of Australias resources proves a major draw card for international investors to safeguard long-term stake in Asias future supply of food. In early 2010, the Northern Australia Land and Water Taskforce released a report by the CSIRO that did an evaluation of the future of development in the Northern Australia. Northern Australia has the most and largest intact tropical savanna remaining on earth, as well as the largest expanse of undisturbed rivers and catchment areas in the continent. According to Watts (2013), Northern Australia stands out as one of the most major natural areas remaining on Earth. Unlike other parts of Australia, the North has intact and abundant nature. According to Finkbeiner (2010), the Northern parts of Australia hold much promise for future generations, given all the ecological and infrastructural challenges it faces. The regions intact tropical savannas, rainforests, and free-flowing rivers provide a basis for much of the economic activity and the quality of life for residents of the area. There has been an intense discussion over the future of the Northern region of Australia. Much focus should, therefore, be put on its environmental significance and the ecological processes that make it function, and the economies that are compatible with maintaining healthy communities and individuals and a healthy country into the future. All the agricultural production activities in this region put the protection of the future in consideration. This area is continually compelling, not only because of the potential for the live export of cattle but also as a hub for significant export for other agricultural products such as soybean, fruits, and grains. Additionally, this northern region accounts for 45% of the total land mass of Australia. It also sits in a very strategic position between the tropics and Asia, a region that is termed as one of the fastest areas regarding growth globally. With the massive landmass and distinct climate biodiversity, Northern Australia can support all kinds of agriculture and also horticulture. It will in turn support present and even future generations. It is clear that this region is prospectively a site for future investment in agriculture and fresh produce such as melons and mangoes. According to Alston (2013), more focus is put on the investment areas for the longer term. It is precisely predicted that by the year 20260, more than one billion persons will join the middle classes in Asia. The integration of technology and standard mechanisms in food production in this region will also have a significant impact in the long run. Over the years, this region has been the leading food and horticulture producer in all over Australia. With the integration of technology is the production, harvesting, and processing of plant and animal products, a quality outcome is achieved that sustains the vast Australian and international communities. Modern methods of land usage in this region are also a good procedure in ensuring that future generations will be accommodated.

According to Watts (2013), these high rainfall regions of northern Australia may be food bowls of the future. It will provide adequate nutrition for local consumption and even for the international market through exportation. According to Australian governments reports, the region is marked as a future powerhouse producer with massive potential to expand its agricultural output in beef, wheat, and sugar among other products that will cater for the growing economies of the region. Likewise, this region is already an outstanding producer of horticultural products, accounting for 80% of the entire Australian mango and banana production. This figure is on the rise, given that there has been improved access to water resources over the past few years. Moreover, there is growing demand for the tropical cattle Brahman, which is a tougher meat variety that is readily consumed by Asian markets. According to Holdeson, Australia is well-positioned to meet the demands of its citizens based on its green, clean, and secure credentials in the production of food. With new economic agreements between related food production industries, this will provide an advantageous platform for beef industries in the Northern region.

With the formation of a new taskforce that deals with the promotion of a more sustainable Northern Australia, there is progress towards a better future. Findings from the taskforce report indicate that a new development paradigm for North Australia is underway: one that reinforced by the promotion, protection and restoration of nature. It includes measures such as keeping the destructive Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry and bauxite mining out of the world renowned Kimberley. Instead, sectors such as land management, carefully managed tourism and cattle farming, the arts, service industries such as IT, and carbon farming, form an efficient and sustainable environment in the North. Such a framework will ensure indigenous people, and the traditional custodians of the land will be central, as they will be at the forefront in re-establishing and asserting their rights to the country. It is a good move and supports the social aspect of sustainability by protecting the needs of the people.

Thesis Statement

The current situation in the Northern Territory Food bowl is sustainable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this project has significant sustainability as it accommodates and supports the present generation as well as securing a better future for generations to come. The vision of the Northern Food bowl is to double Australias agricultural production through an addition of land uses flexibility as well as reduce additional approval and regulation processes. With the ever increasing population in Australia, much food production needs to be given priority to support the entire community. Integration of new and modern technological practices in this region has proved the success as there is a significant rise in the production of food. It is of great importance that the future generations are considered in whatever we carry out in the present. In the same sense, agricultural practices in the Northern part of Australia promote an understanding of sustainability by ensuring all the aspects relevant are in place. These points revolve around the environment, society, and the general economy. By safeguarding these areas of sustainability, the northern region will eventually become a food bowl for Australia for years to come. The North Territory food bowl project is one that is sustainable in my view as it works towards the protection of the environment and also the socio-economic needs of the locals and international community. However much intensive practices are carried out in the North, the future is put in mind, by controlling and regulating procedures that could pose a threat in the upcoming years. Appropriate land use in these regions is critical as it helps in securing land for future use and also avoids the exhaustion of the same. This region is prospectively a site for future investments and agricultural production. With the consistent changes and developments in the production, a sustainable environment will be enhanced in the Northern parts of Australia. (Blanch, 2008).

References

Alston, M., & Whittenb...