Sustainable development is now of primary importance as the key to future use and management of finite world resources. It recognises the need for development opportunities while maintaining a balance between these and the environment. As stated by the UN Bruntland Commission in 1987, sustainable development should ‘meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' This is the primary focus of the journal, and is addressed by papers in environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and/or social and cultural sustainability.

Environmental sustainability includes mitigating effects of climate change, minimising environmental degradation, and sustainable land management.

Economic sustainability includes capacity-building, integrated decision making, industry and biotechnology, consumption and production.

Social and cultural sustainability includes demographics, human settlements, international law, health and welfare.

These three subject areas encompass the scope of the journal. They can be considered empirically, through case studies, as reviews, commentaries, rapid communications, or integrated studies in special issues of the journal. The journal is interdisciplinary and aims to examine topical and important issues and so provide stimulating and, at times, controversial reading.

Our worldwide readership includes:

• researchers, consultants, scientists and engineers
• industry, business managers and policy makers
• government (central and local) and non-governmental organisations