While covering all aspects of development including social, economical and environmental, sustainable communities development programs are also devised. The prime aim of community development is promoting sustainable living. The term ‘sustainable community development’ is a wide term which encompasses several aspects of developments and programs.
Community development caters to both urban as well as rural population. Under this community centric process, factors relating to social and economic development are mixed up to bolster ecological, social, cultural and economical well being of communities. Improvement of social conditions is focused upon and several economic opportunities are generated in the larger interest of communities.
Sustainable community development comes under the broader term of sustainable economic development. The prime aim is to tackle problems being faced by communities like poverty, unemployment, job loss, environmental degradation etc. The various issues are addressed in a holistic and participatory way.
Community development programs are done in various modes. One of them is building social enterprises which are basically partnership between several enterprises, government agencies, large national or transnational corporations and NGOs. They all strive together to achieve desired economic, social, and environmental outcomes which will prove to be beneficial for community at large.
To maintain sustainable community development, natural resources are developed and used in a wise way. Population growth is curbed and investments are being made in such a planned way so that, appropriate financial returns can be achieved.
All segments of the community are allotted equal distribution of foods and equitable access to resources. Decision making process is shared among members so that social equality is meted out to all the members. Sustainable community development done in a planned way results into proud sense of regional identity, spirit of co-operation, pleasing landscapes and rise in standard of living.
At the core of community development lies, common themes, social justice, economic security, environmental protection, and a commitment to the welfare of future generations. The realization that, health of local environment and economic and social structures are intertwined makes the process of community development much easier and smooth.