Sustainable development

Sustainable development guides public authorities and private actors to use resources in a way that preserves ecological foundations while allowing economic and social welfare. In Switzerland it informs constitutional policy, environmental regulation, planning, procurement and sectoral strategies, often through balancing of interests and long-term impact assessment. It is not a single cause of action in every setting, but it can influence interpretation, administrative discretion and legislative design. Internationally, it links domestic environmental law with climate, biodiversity, human rights and development commitments.