I'm optimistic it can be found, if we get the right visionary leadership. But the pessimistic side of me thinks that's a longshot.

A story from the IPS on the Global Environment Facility Assembly meeting between environment minsters and high ranking officials will take place in Cape Town, South Africa on August 29-30. For some reason, this isn't supposed to be published in a number of countries. See bottom. Very odd.

In this article, Sierra writes that GEF projects have shown how sound management of natural resources is good for the economy, good for local development, and good for business. The time has come to move away from the myth that economic growth inevitably leads to environmental degradation or, conversely, that sustaining the environment harms the potential for wealth creation. This false dichotomy has contributed to marginalising the environment within the broader development agenda.

The survival of human societies depends upon the preservation of healthy ecosystems and the sustainable use of these resources. Without this, efforts to reduce poverty, hunger, and child mortality cannot have lasting results.

Also see this story from Business Day in South Africa, how protecting the world is good economics. And further from IPS how the World Bank revamp needs close scrutiny.

In other sustainable development news:

*Getting the word out, one radio station at a time.

*New trends in international development ...

*The University of the South Pacific in Hawaii and the Institue for Global Environmental Strategies in Japan are collaborating on environment and development programs.

*The World Business Council on Sustainable Development is launching a series of scenarios entitled Business in the World of Water - WBCSD Water Scenarios to 2025 that look at possible futures for business and society.