Sustainable Development Principles

The department's sustainable development strategies for 1997 and 2001 were built on a strong foundation of consultation and resulted in the adoption of eight sustainable development principles. These principles have formed the basis on which subsequent strategies have been developed. The principles are:

1. full consideration of economic viability, social implications and cultural and environmental values in decision making and policy and program development;
   
   
2. open, inclusive and accountable decision making;
   
   
3. honouring treaty and fiduciary obligations as well as land claim, self-government and international agreements;
   
   
4. engagement of interested local communities and organizations when planning and implementing federal programs;
   
   
5. respect for diverse cultures and traditional values; as well as the land and its diversity as the foundation for healthy communities;
   
   
6. fair and equitable opportunities for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and northern peoples to share in the benefits, risks and drawbacks of development;
   
   
7. decisions based on the best available, scientific, traditional and local knowledge; and
   
   
8. efficient use of natural resources and minimization of pollution in AANDC's internal operations.