Open Space & The Quality of Life
The concept of sustainability includes “Improving the quality of
human life while living within the carrying capacity of
supporting ecosystems.[1]” As our region grows and urbanizes, we
are modifying the natural world and diminishing the availability
of resources for future generations. While we continue to improve
our quality of life, we must also create a sustainable framework
for the future. Conserving open space creates sustainable
communities by preserving and increasing ecosystem productivity,
improving wildlife habitats, and making greenspace more easily
accessible.
SCAG has begun a strategic planning process to determine critical
components and implementation steps for open space resources in
our region. The program will build on existing work currently
being done at the local level and be based on recent, scientific
data and methodologies. This work will guide the development of
policies and actions for consideration in future plans, such as a
recommendation for a regional mitigation policy for the 2016
Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy
(RTP/SCS). With every adoption of the RTP, SCAG is helping to
create transportation infrastructure that improves mobility,
accessibility, safety and connectivity. At the same time,
infrastructure planning must consider and incorporate actions
that will protect the environment and make efficient use of our
natural resources.
From IUCN, UNEP, WWF (1991): Caring for the Earth. A Strategy for
Sustainable Living. Gland, Switzerland.
