Intergenerational Practice: An Approach to Implementing Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice

Biosphere Reserve for All: Potentials for Involving Underrepresented Age Groups in the Development of a Biosphere Reserve through Intergenerational Practice

“…Participation is defined as “a process where individuals, groups and organizations choose to take an active role in making decisions that affect them” (Reed 2008 , p 2418). Involvement of diverse population groups in local planning and development processes, including conservation activities, is a critical issue of both equity and environmental justice (Zeldin et al 2005 ; Buffel et al 2014 ; Mitrofanenko 2016 ) and a democratic necessity (Schliep and Stoll-Kleemann 2010 ). It can facilitate a local sense of place and sustainable community development (Edge and McAllister 2009 ; Holden 2011 ) and ensure long-term success and quality in particular of those management processes, which require integration of different forms of knowledge and co-management (Zeldin et al 2005 ; Berkes 2009 ; Raymond et al 2010 ; Schliep and Stoll-Kleemann 2010 ; Schauppenlehner-Kloyber and Penker 2014 ).…”

“…The lack of participation among the elderly and the youth in processes related to sustainable community development, such as biosphere reserve management, not only undermines equity and fairness, but also prevents inclusion of their experiences and ideas, which could affect the quality of results and the success of decisions in the long-term. Moreover, involvement of the youth and the elderly and interaction among them constitute important elements of sustainable development, which is grounded in connections among the present and future generations and draws from awareness of cultural and natural heritage (UN 2013 ; Mitrofanenko 2016 ). For example, it can ensure that the younger generation preserves traditional and local knowledge 1 by adapting it to new problems or by applying new knowledge and skills, such as Information Technology.…”

Intergenerational Entrepreneurship to Foster Sustainable Development: A Methodological Training Proposal

“…As in other associative and cultural activities, intergenerational cooperation in entrepreneurship can contribute to alleviate inequalities and overcome social segregation, contributing to the development of societies [25]. In fact, intergenerational practice enhances social cohesion, increases understanding between generations and can improve participation in community development [26]. In addition, it is intrinsically a sustainable way of entrepreneurship since it focusses on addressing generational challenges through the creation of value by encouraging social and economic prosperity, thus advancing towards a solidary and integrated society for everyone [27].…”