The International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology is now over fifteen years old and has proved to be an exciting forum for understanding and advancing our knowledge and implementation of sustainable development. Sustainable development is now of primary importance as the key to future use and management of finite world resources. It recognises the need for development opportunities while maintaining a balance between these and the environment. As stated by the UN Bruntland Commission in 1987, sustainable development should "meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."