Indicators of sustainable development: Framework and methodologies

The sustainable development of mountain ecosystems must be based on land uses for which mountains have a comparative advantage and which are compatible with long-term productivity in fragile upland ecosystems. This indicator relates directly to the land capability or suitability of the areas, since land uses exceeding the carrying capacity of an area are not sustainable. For example, land uses related to parks, eco-tourism, harvesting non-wood products from forests, biological preserves, etc are often sustainable uses in mountain areas, whereas cultivation on steep slopes without extra-ordinary conservation measures, or building housing in landslide hazard areas are not sustainable. The indicator provides an approximation to determine if the land can potentially provide for adequate livelihood for the local people without degrading the natural resource base. Having information, at least an overview, on the status of land and resource use is the first step relevant to policy decisions related to fighting poverty in mountain areas, for land use planning, and overall rural development. Such a database is also essential for policy decisions on infrastructures, disaster planning, and economic development in mountain areas.