What is an Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD)? Definition or Meaning

‘Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD)’ definition: Justice Preston of the Land and Environment Court described ESD ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (Telstra Corporation Limited v Hornsby Shire Council [2006] NSWLEC 133). Essentially, ESD is the principle that development ought to be assessed in an environmentally responsible way, by considering the precautionary principle and the longer-term environmental effects of development.