Welcome to the forum, nomaan. This topic is very much in line with some recent threads here on SustainabilityForum.com, which dealt with a variety of definitions of “sustainability” in relation to its various aspects/objectives:

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum/sustainability-discussion/2814-looking-definition-sustainability.html

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum/sustainability-discussion/2842-sustainability-tipping-points-realisation-benefits.html

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum/sustainability-discussion/2689-reclaiming-definition-sustainability.html

In replying to this thread, I will therefore try to avoid repeating the material already covered in the above-referenced discussions, and focus more on the issue raised in this thread – the characteristics, functions, and significance of sustainable development in the context of environmental management. In order to attempt a rationalization of sustainable development (or achieving “sustainability” in development activities) and how it relates to the environment, it may be useful to establish a proper understanding of some these main concepts.

To begin with, what is the “environment” as it pertains to sustainable development? For this purpose, the “environment” can be considered as the combined features and assets that provide the basis for economic and social development, natural resource management and conservation. In this context, sustainable management strategies, options and “best design” practices must be planned and implemented in relation to the processes, components and attributes of abiotic (non-living), biotic and human factors in any given developmental landscape.

Or to use a more formal definition:

Source: Some Terminology & Definitions: Sustainability, Land Use & Impact Assessment « SUSTAINABLE LAND USE & IMPACT ASSESSMENT

From the perspective of sustainability, the goal of environmental management is to promote development in the various sectors, in an economically viable and socially acceptable manner, without causing environmental degradation. This, of course, may not sound very practical, but it represents the goal of sustainable development (ideal or desirable state of environmental quality), which must be approached by setting and attaining targets (value or state of environmental quality considered to be attainable in the short or medium term, in the interest of long-term environmental management goals).