Sustainable development and environmental conservation: opportunities and challenges for the 21^st century

Historically, the extraction of mineral reserves has always resulted in varying degrees of environmental resource degradation and social impacts, including displacement, all across the globe. Whilst acknowledging that no mining can be entirely free of all negative impacts, there is sufficient ground to suggest that all-round performance on this subject in the mining sector needs to be urgently and substantially improved in the country. This paper emphasizes (in the Asian context) the fact that sustainable development and environmental conservation require simultaneous consideration to be given to the economic, social, political and environmental aspects of policy formulation. Governance, centralization and decentralization of economic decision-making and property rights must be taken into account in considering such issues. There is at present a strong focus (partly on environmental grounds) on decentralization of economic decision-making and the empowerment of local communities. There is much evidence of such decentralization in Asia, especially India. However, we have to evaluate this trend against the adage "think globally, act locally". Because of global international and interregional ramifications of local or regional decisions, mechanisms have to be sought to reconcile local and regional interests with the interests of the wider community, especially in environmental matters. Major environmental externalities from local and regional economic activities to wider communities exist. These are illustrated in the Asian context concentrating on India. Environmental concerns raised by India's energy sector are given particular consideration because coal use in India has many serious consequences for air pollution, often over wide geographical areas. In conclusion, some environmental policy initiatives for Asia, many of which require international and interregional co-operation, are canvassed.