SDG3 - Good Health and Wellbeing

Re-Calibrating the SDG Agenda

Tamara Savelyeva, Stephanie W. Lee, Hartley Banack, Tamara Savelyeva, Stephanie Lee, Hartley Banack

• Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
• Year: 2019
• ISBN:
  9781789737110
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Environment & Energy Policy
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) supplements the 2030 UN Agenda by inspiring ideologies and implementation concerning global health and wellbeing.
This book offers insider-view analysis and unique access points into SDG3 implications, community-based responses and innovative proposals, including considerations of Earth as a key stakeholder in sustainability conversations. Written by leading experts in the field, the book presents essays and case studies on sustainability frameworks of Canadian First Nations, cultural groundworks of Aboriginal Australians, HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, IT-health data analytics in Hong Kong, health-promoting schools in Scotland, Laos, Hong Kong, Australia, and WHO projects in Europe and the Pacific.
The book serves as a representative and provocative resource for those wishing to further explore the scope of research, developments, bottom-up interventions and far-reaching visions relating to SDG3.

1

IDEOLOGY TO IMPLEMENTATION: INTRODUCTION TO FIELD STORIES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 3

Tamara Savelyeva, Stephanie Lee and Hartley Banack

For us, as editors who have never met in person, living scattered lives across the globe, yet connected by commonalities such as the need for fresh air, clean water, healthy food, opportunities for wellbeing, and nature, a collective aim of this volume has been to gather field stories that tell of global connections with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Wellbeing to All for All Ages.

In their assessment of the SDGs, scholars (Griggs et al., 2014; Hulme, 2015; Morton, Pencheon & Squires, 2017) have noted a marked difference between SDGs and the prior Millennial Development Goals (MDGs), insofar as SDGs broaden the concept of sustainable development (SD) to include the more-than-human of this earth. There are ample examples of unsustainable stress being placed on many planetary systems by human activity, and more emerge daily. In describing the concept of planetary boundaries, Sachs (2012) wrote, ‘human activity is pushing crucial global ecosystem functions past a dangerous threshold, beyond which the earth might well encounter abrupt, highly non-linear, and potentially devastating outcomes for human wellbeing and life generally’ (p. 2207).

Yet, this triple bottom line is a recent emergence for SDGs, and perhaps still somewhat underdeveloped. Presently, the only mention of nature in the revised SDGs comes in 12.8, which states, ‘By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for SD and lifestyles in harmony with nature’. By and large, the SDGs have changed from the MDGs more in relation to specific measurable targets (as #s) than in the way they invite the full inclusion and integration of more-than-human agents, urging coexistence rather than pitting the human and more-than-human against each other.

The original framework of SD (Brundtland Commission, 1987) was premised on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. As a scholarly field, SD inherently addresses the key questions of relationships (Savelyeva, 2018), between a human and him/herself, a human and other humans and between humans and nature. By inviting human/more-than-human relationships into the SDGs, nature can no longer be understood as passive and/or instrumental. A radical conception of SD does not hinge or pivot on humans and more-than-human, including nature, but rather considers more-than-human agents as equals and acknowledges the unique and incomparable position of the earth as the source of life-support for current and future generations (Latour, 2014).

In referring to this era as the anthropocene (Gr. ἄνθρωπος – human and καινός – new time) comes recognition of the complex interdependence of human–nature relationships and the significant impacts humans are having on the global environment. Along with this comes the possibility of acknowledging the unimaginable and significant agency of the earth and nature as actors in our collective terrestrial future. Current human practices, taken en masse, are unsustainable and need to shift urgently. There are many approaches as to how such shifts may occur, and sharing diverse approaches matters in the face of the uncertainty of what the future on earth looks like. The World Health Organisation’s Ottawa Health Charter (1986) stipulates that health is created and lived by people within the setting of their everyday life where they learn, work, play and love. The United Nations SDGs aim towards an earth that is not only sustainable for humans, but just, equitable and inclusive, for humans and more-than-humans (United Nations, 2016). In this regard, SDGs become a more useful tool through their emphasis on qualitative examples. The stories shared in this book aspire to address the needs of those interested in in-depth explorations of current SDG 3 developments and offer an authentic glance of agency through the stories shared around addressing SDG 3.

ORGANISATION

This book has been organised into three sections: Section 1 – problematisations/issues; Section 2 – solutions/proposals and Section 3 – forecasts/future visions, illustrative of the three patterns we noticed. Each section offers a brief preface to help summarise the section and bring the work together. Aligning with the SDG series goals, this book highlights holistic and integrated implementations and models of SDG 3 from policy, practice and research that illustrate robust collaborative SD networks and are concretely grounded in SD strategies which respond to local needs, with global relevance. Perhaps a thread that unites the tales is consideration to practice and action in local contexts. The book contains practical case studies from implementations of SDG 3 from Australian, Canadian, Ethiopian and Hong Kong contexts. These stories offer pragmatic exemplars of health and wellbeing from distinct global contexts, including consideration of First People’s approaches, global health frameworks and computer/digital technology with respect to social and ecological justice through critical lenses. The collection illustrates diverse approaches, raising health and wellbeing concerns, from lived experiences in local contexts around the world that show unique responses and experiences of SDG 3 approaches in action.

The anthropocene refers to an ‘unofficial’ geological era in which planetary evolution, the earth’s evolution, is intensifying and putting instrumental conceptions of a human–nature relationship through a scoped humanistic lens with calls from ecological positions. Simple solutions, even complex solutions, seem daunting within these re-hashed discourses. Recognition that the earth, nature and all of the objects humans have created are also important agents in both how we analyse and proceed at this moment (Latour, 2014). SDGs were developed as aims with the capacity to measure and re-calibrate emerging trends in the age of the anthropocene and environmental degradation, and as a mechanism to give insight into SDG actions being taken towards a more sustainable future.

In assessing relevance for SDGs, the works presented in this volume support the idea that the SDGs present aims and challenges for all countries, and ‘not what the rich should do for the poor, but what all countries together should do for the global wellbeing of this generation and those to come’ (Sachs, 2012, p. 2208).

Through this shared collection of SDG 3 approaches and rich stories, we begin to observe how SDGs may inspire and impact both humans and the more-than-human around habits and practices that foster health and wellbeing in sustainable ways. While we feel that this book brings together an interesting collection of stories, we also believe that it may act to urge/invite others, and you dear reader, to share their/your SDG 3 stories that inspire aims of health and wellbeing, and more broadly, sustainable existences for all.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This volume was partially supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project No. 28608115).

SECTION I: PROBLEMATISATIONS AND ISSUES

SECTION INTRODUCTION: ALTERNATIVE TRADITIONS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The goal is firstly intention and ultimately implementation. This section highlights the idea that local and regional traditions of sustainability (Savelyeva, 2016) not only illustrate but also ground the SDG 3 framework with culture specific principles and conceptualisations. In this section, we highlight the traditions of First Nations and Aboriginal principles that create culture-specific frameworks for health and wellbeing in Canada and Australia. The chapters in this section aim at altering perceptions and conceptual frameworks related to SDG 3.

In the chapter ‘The Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship: Promoting Young People’s Wellbeing Through a Sustainability Framework in Ontario, Canada’, Elliott and Rodenburg explain how the framework contributes to SDG 3’s aims by promoting wellbeing and positive stewardship of the environment in children of all ages through authentic learning in formal and non-formal education settings. This framework is a collaborative effort involving a wide range of partners from the local community and incorporates the First Nations’ concept of kinship. Elliott and Rodenburg explain how the framework was developed and outline key stewardship principles, themes and opportunities for children in Canada to consider as they mature into adult citizens. The project has been designed around principles and themes with associated landmarks of sustainable practice. The emergent principles were validated by interview responses. The four principles include: (1) enriching and deepening the relationship between children and the natural world; (2) developing age-appropriate action skills to protect the local environment; (3) recognising the interdependence of humans and the natural world; and (4) protecting and enhancing the integrity of living and non-living systems. From these four principles follow seven stewardship themes: tend and care; wonder; sense of place; interconnectedness; mentor support; explore and discover; and engage in action. Elliott and Rodenburg conclude by sharing that the Pathway in Stewardship and Kinship framework is currently being implemented in its pilot phase. This includes schools having been selected to participate in the implementation of stewardship themes and opportunities, in collaboration with local community organisations and families. Through this initial work, attention to planning, monitoring and an impact evaluation are underway.

In the chapter ‘Cultural Solutions: A North West Australian Reflection on Sustainable Development Goal 3’, Wooltorton cites wisdom from two Aboriginal organisations reflecting a (re)-emergent Aboriginal modernity, underpinned by authenticity in dialogue and partnerships, which recognises and values cultural knowledge contributions. This project aligns with SDG 3 through involved planning around local community capacity building and empowerment for wellbeing. The process includes changes from vertical, colonial practices to land-based and place-based approaches that realign self in relation to community. Wooltorton’s project sets out to theoretically link the question, “How can UN policy narratives be used to improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing outcomes in Australia?” using a grounded theory approach, methodologically rooted in social justice and critical theory. Two documents that both appeared in 2015: (1) the United Nation’s Agenda 2030, and (2) the encyclical letter by Pope Francis entitled Laudato Si’, play pivotally in the story, particularly around the tension over the distinction between economic justice and economic growth. Two economic approaches are distinguished here through what Wooltorton calls cultural authority and settler colonialism. Systemic practices that have favoured settler colonialism have led to inequity for Aboriginal peoples and the devaluation and marginalisation of cultural authority. Wooltorton writes that Laudato Si’ illustrates the essence of eco-solidarity and the relevance of the concept from an Aboriginal point of view. Wooltorton introduces two Australian projects, (1) the Yawuru Wellbeing Project which enables people to voice and articulate experiences and insights around their wellbeing and (2) the Yiriman Project which arose out of the concern from elders for their youth, who face serious issues such as self-harm, substance abuse and the loss of cultural identity. What emerges are illustrations of country-based, community-owned rationality built upon Aboriginal knowledge negotiated in cultural authority. Through these studies, it is noticed how elders are recognised as significant knowledge holders that carry and pass on important knowledge to younger generations, including key knowledge of more-than-human relationships. The chapter concludes by acknowledging how the Kimberley people are ready for new dialogues about sustainable development, underpinned by renewed respect and ground-up ways of working together. Through these conversations, the Kimberly people believe that governments, researchers and others concerned with improving Aboriginal wellbeing will be able to work in transformative, communicative ways, in a spirit of eco-solidarity, giving recognition to the validity and value of Aboriginal cultural knowledge. The Kimberley people bring rich and deep meaning through experience to the practices of ‘ground up’ dialogue and recognition that are rooted in their longstanding lived traditions.

Tamara Savelyeva, Hartley Banack, and Stephanie Lee

2

THE PATHWAY TO STEWARDSHIP AND KINSHIP: PROMOTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S WELL-BEING THROUGH A SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK IN ONTARIO, CANADA

Paul Elliott and Jacob Rodenburg

Healthy, sustainable ecosystems support healthy communities in which individuals can thrive. As importantly, healthy individuals can engage in actions that support and enhance ecosystems so that all living things can thrive. However, by adopting a modern, western lifestyle an increasing number of young people are spending less time outdoors, less time being physically active and more time in front of screens. Consequently, they are becoming progressively more disconnected from the natural world. As children become cocooned in a world of pixels, there is the danger that their appreciation of the interconnectedness of nature and their motivation to protect the living systems that nurture and sustain us all, is lost.

2.1 CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Several studies document increasing childhood mental health concerns, with rising levels of anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anti-social behaviour reported (Costello, Musrillo, Erkanli, Keeler, & Angold, 2003; Olfson, Druss, & Marcus, 2015; Twenge, Gentile, DeWall, Lacefield, & Schultz, 2010; Visser, Bitsko, Danileson, Perou, & Blumberg, 2010). In the developed world, and much of the developing world, there is also concern about unprecedented levels of childhood obesity (NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, 2017). This is, in part, a result of dietary changes; the health risks associated with the consumption of processed foods (Fiolet et al., 2018; Monteiro et al., 2017) and the adoption of western eating habits in increasingly affluent sectors of the developing world (Wiggins & Keats, 2017). In parallel, there is also evidence that children in the developed world are adopting a more sedentary, indoor lifestyle. An average child may spend more than seven hours per day looking at some form of screen – smartphone, tablet, computer or television – but less than 20 minutes per day engaged in active, outdoor play (Leatherdale & Ahmed, 2011; ParticipACTION, 2015). Evidence is also emerging that too much time spent engaging with social media is exacerbating the mental health ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• 1. Ideology to Implementation: Introduction to Field Stories of Sustainable Development Goal 3
• Section I: Problematisations and Issues. Section Introduction: Alternative Traditions on Sustainable Development
• Section II: Solutions And Proposals. Section Introduction: Noting and Celebrating Action on Sustainable Development
• Section III: Forecast and Future Visions. Section Introduction: Technology and Education as Preventive Actions for Sustainable Development
• References
• Index