‘Nothing is sustainable the way it is’ - reflections on local sustainability perceptions and interpretations

This chapter explores the concept of sustainability, how it is understood at a local level and how this affects decision-making processes. The chapter takes us through the often contested and conflicting ways in which sustainability is conceived and tries to determine if there can be a workable balance struck between the different constituents of economy, society and environment. In particular, the chapter questions the way in which scientific and professional views of sustainability are often prioritized over local or lay inputs. The chapter argues the need for co-production of knowledge and practices that are appropriate to local circumstances particularly, as they impact natural resource use, management and ownership. The chapter concludes by exploring the benefits of establishing forms of governance that derive from scientific knowledge but capitalize on local knowledge while also addressing national and international policy demands.