Globally, we are facing a sustainability crisis because we're consuming our stocks of natural, human and social capital faster than they are being produced. Unless as a society we control the rate of this consumption, we can't sustain these vital stocks in the long-term for humans and the planet. We believe that by maintaining and trying to increase stocks of these capital assets, we can live off the income without reducing the capital itself. But for this to happen, it is the responsibility of every individual, organization, business, government body or otherwise, to manage these capital assets sustainably. It is the hope of the volunteers involved in the 'grass roots community groups' in the 'Anthill Group' that the public in the communities around Antigonish. Nova Scotia work together to maximize these capitals through collaboration, transparency, respect and integrity. 

 

There are five types of sustainable capital from where we derive the goods and services we need to improve the quality of our lives. For a detailed explaination of the Five Capitals Model. 

 

Natural Capital is any stock or flow of energy and material that produces goods and services. It includes:

Resources - renewable and non-renewable materials

Sinks - that absorb, neutralize or recycle wastes

Processes - climate regulation

Natural capital is the basis not only of production but of life itself!

Human Capital consists of people's health, knowledge, skills and motivation. All these things are needed for productive work. Enhancing human capital through education and training is central to a flourishing economy.

Social Capital concerns the institutions that help us maintain and develop human capital in partnership with others; e.g. families, communities, businesses, trade unions, schools, and voluntary organizations.

Manufactured Capital comprises material goods or fixed assets which contribute to the production process rather than being the output itself – e.g. tools, machines and buildings.

Financial Capital plays an important role in our economy, enabling the other types of Capital to be owned and traded. But unlike the other types, it has no real value itself but is representative of natural, human, social or manufactured capital; e.g. shares, bonds or banknotes.

Sustainable development is the best way to manage these capital assets in the long-term. for our community It is a dynamic process through which individuals and organizations can begin to achieve a balance between their environmental, social, cultural and economic activities. For further information, refer to...