Regenerative Innovations at RRU

Ann Dale was granted Research and Professional Development funds to research the application of sustainable development through the process of regenerative sustainability.

The concept of sustainable development has evolved considerably since its popularization by the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report. Integration and reconciliation of the three imperatives—ecological, social and economic—transitioned the concept to sustainability and then first, second and third generation responses as the importance of community engagement was learned. Regeneration is now seen as critically important in its evolution to regenerative sustainability. Regenerative sustainability is about sustainability +, not just stopping doing new damage, fixing the problems, but fundamental interdependence that is generative, its focus is on net positive outcomes, vital connections, putting the future of life at the heart of everything we do. It can be defined as not simply about reducing harm or reversing damage, it is a net-positive approach that reconciles ecological, social, economic and political spheres, contributing positive, mutually reinforcing, enduring benefits to human and ecological systems. It is rooted in the notion of procedural sustainability—sustained dialogue, reflection, feedback and continual improvement processes, collaboration, compassion, kindness and love.