Sostenibilidad ecológicaespacios y oportunidades para un reto inaplazable

Abstract

As a part of the whole of papers forming the main topic of Quorums present number, my contribution deals on sustainability from an ecological perspective. Following the presentation of the main issues discussed in the papers that come afterwards, a model for development multidimensional evaluation is explained. The model consists in a conceptually independent group of evaluative axes, but related by functional trade-offs and hierarchical relationships. Scenarios useful w discuss and assess development processes can be built widí those axis. The basic role that the model recognizes for the ecosystem quality -ecological integrity-, make it as very suitable for a Continent, Latin America, that stands out for his contribution to the earth biodiversity. Following, some ideas about the ecological integrity concept and the way that it contributes to define an admissible resource exploitation threshold, are proposed. In this approach, references for the natural valué assessment are provided. Finally we suggest recommendations to bear in mind in sustainability processes. They are based both on our experience in ecological planning and the Alcalá University cooperation in Central America.