Paths of sustainable development - Regional dimensions of the challenge: The case of Asia

An outline is given on recent developments in Asia concerning population growth, the resource base and economic as well as political change. Efforts to get sustainable development started are confronted with a continuing high population growth rate of 2-3% in major Asian countries leading to annual decreases in cropland per capita of 23% on average, a decrease in land under forest of 1-2% p.a. and a dwindling fresh water supply in parts of the region. Small holdings are still prevailing occupying up to 29% of all farmland (Indonesia) making efforts towards sustainable development extremely complex. Equity in resource allocation is still a long-term goal and appropriate fiscal measures may be needed to reach it. Specific Asian land use systems with a potential for sustainable production are presented, focussing on renewable materials such as jute, cotton and rubber as well as perennials such as coffee, tea, oil palm and coconut. Sustainable production technology is made available as national and international research centres are further advancing in the development of high-yielding, pest- and stress-resistant varieties, agroforestry, agro-silvo-pastoral options and soil conservation systems. Along with the technical side, the social organisation of sustainable development has to play a key role in Asia ensuring tenurial security, equitable access to natural, technical and financial resources, women's participation and GO as well as NGO involvement. Much potential for market participation and income generation in a sustainable way is seen in linking sustainable rural development with the extremely dynamic industrialisation process of Asia. This should allow to reduce poverty by making optimum use of existing resources.