Science Day 2001
Sustainability Framework …
Provides Substance for Forests,
Rangelands, and Minerals/Energy
Ruth McWilliams
National Sustainable Development Coordinator
USDA Forest Service
May 31, 2001
Key Questions

What is sustainability?

How to measure sustainability?

How to manage for sustainability?
Sustainable Development
Is present and future
oriented
“…the capacity to
meet the needs of
the present without
compromising the
ability of future
generations to meet
their own needs”
Source: Brundtland Commission, 1987
Sustainable Development
Includes economic,
environmental, and
social concerns
“…essential to seek
economic prosperity,
environmental
protection, and social
equity together”
Source: President’s Council on Sustainable Development, 1996
U. S. Commitment
1992 Earth Summit
1993 International Seminar of Experts;
and Presidential Decision
1995 Santiago Declaration
1999 Roundtable on Sustainable Forests
2000 Federal Interagency Cooperation
2003 National Report
Montreal Process
Seven Criteria
1. Biological Diversity
2. Productive Capacity of Forest Ecosystems
3. Forest Ecosystem Health and Vitality
4. Soil and Water Resources
5. Forest Contribution to Global Carbon Cycles
6. Socio-Economic Benefits
7. Legal, Institutional, and Economic Framework
Montreal Process
Criteria & Indicators (C&I)

Widely accepted starting point
Practical framework and common
language


Test and refine by using
Three Sector-Based Efforts
 Forests
 Rangelands
 Minerals / Energy
U.S. Land Type
Other
26%
Cropland
20%
Forest land
28%
Rangeland
26%
Source: 2000 RPA Assessment
Stakeholders

Federal agencies

Tribal, state, and local units of government

Private landowners

Industry and business

Conservation and environmental groups

Regional and community-based organizations

Other citizens
U. S. Forest Land Type
Source: 2000 RPA Assessment
Roundtable on Sustainable Forests
www.sustainableforests.net

National multi-stakeholder forum

Self-chartered in February 1999

Montreal Process C&I focus

Data and technical issues

Communication and outreach
Power of Framework

Better data

Better information

Better decisions
Local to Global Actions
 Local Unit C&I Development
 Community-based measurement
 State resource planning
 Eco-regional and national-level
Assessments
 United Nations Forum on Forests
C&I Gaps and Needs
 General data issues
 Montreal Process data issues
 Integration issues
 Stakeholder collaboration
Minerals / Energy

Using Roundtable process

Developing Montreal-like criteria

Drafting indicators
Rangelands

Reviewing Montreal Process C & I

Using Monitoring Systems and Assessments

Organizing Roundtable process
Conservation in the 21st Century
Connections and Investments

Short- and long-term focus

Comprehensive / simultaneous solutions

Public and private collaboration

Place-based actions at multiple scales
Organizational Success

Mission and long-term strategy

Annual performance

Human resource capabilities

Communication

Policies and programs

Training
Individual Responsibility
and Commitment

Build trust

Generate and share ideas

Align behavior and intentions

Stop and reflect

Look at yourself first

Put stake in the ground

Clarify and reinforce

Ask for feedback

Coach others to succeed
Sustainability
is not a
Slogan !