RBF Programs » Sustainable Development

Human activity is causing global warming, rapid loss of biodiversity, and accelerating degradation of Earth's life support systems. These developments threaten the livelihoods, health, and security of people in all nations and cultures as well as the well-being of the greater community of life. The RBF's sustainable development grantmaking endeavors to address these challenges by supporting environmental stewardship that is ecologically based, economically sound, socially just, culturally appropriate, and consistent with intergenerational equity. The Fund encourages government, business, and civil society to work collaboratively on environmental conservation and to make it an integral part of all development planning and activity. Recognizing the global nature of many environmental problems, the Fund also promotes international cooperation in addressing these challenges.

The Fund's sustainable development strategies are pursued at global, national, and local levels. In addition, sustainable development is a theme that may be identified for attention in one or more of the Fund's "pivotal places." In all regions where the RBF is engaged in sustainable development grantmaking, it monitors the social and environmental effects of development programs and fiscal policies that are associated with global economic integration and seeks to integrate activities across geographic areas to promote maximum impact.