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Repetition
- Sustainability
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Tool - Repetition . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . Toolbox section
10 - Internal Syntax and Dynamics
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Theory - If an author is writing about a theme, then
they frequently use synonyms to avoid the repetition of particualr
words. Sometimes this is difficult, however, it is certainly
worth noting if repetitiion occurs
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Example:- The word sustainable
(or the verb sustain) is used
4 times in the 2001 version of the Aims and Objectives, however,
in the 2004 version, it is used 6 times.
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Interpretation and Discussion.
Once again, there are several ways of interpreting this:-
1. The repetition of sustainable
is intended to show how seriously the Government takes this
issue
2. Maybe there is no suitable synonym for this word (!?)
3. sustainable is used in such
a way that it almost becomes a keynote of the text
However, I am rather cynical about this for the following
reasons:-
1. between 2001 and 2004, I think the country is more dependant
than ever on imports of foreign food and on the use of imported
fuels. The trends are going in the opposite direction to sustainability.
2. Sustainable is in any case a word which is very vague.
I do not know of any Government definition of it, and I suspect
that this is deliberate - its use should be taken as rhetoric.
(for the record, my own view is that sustainability is similar
to self-sufficiency, but applied in a wider way at a community
level)
3. There may be some useful pilot projects on sustainable
techniques in the food sector, and these may be worth a mention,
but they do not seem to justify repeating the word so often.
(there may be successes with alternative wind and wave power
sources, but they are not in the food and farming sector)
4. The UK Government has a website
for Sustainable Development this seems to highlight strategies,
however there is very little real progress to report - there
are numerous meetings and agreements, which are hopefully
laying the foundation for future progress
It is difficult to evaluate the Governments sustainability
policies - are they rhetoric, or is a solid foundation for
progress being laid ? I would be concerned that there is no
proposed measurement of sustainability, and the lack of this
might invalidate whatever work is being done.
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MAFF has the following Aim
(2001 version)
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| A1. |
good quality food which meets consumers' requirements |
| A2. |
modern sustainable,
competitive farming and fisheries businesses; and |
| A3. |
protection of the rural and marine environment
and a thriving rural economy |
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and the following Objectives |
| O1. |
To protect public health in relation to farm produce
and to animal diseases transmissible to humans |
| O2. |
To sustain and enhance
the rural and marine environments and public enjoyment of the
amenities they provide and to promote forestry |
| O3. |
To secure a more economically rational Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP) which gives a better deal to consumers
and taxpayers and pays due regards to the needs of the environment |
| O4. |
To encourage the development of modern, efficient
agriculture, fisheries and food industries which are internationally
competitive and responsive to consumers' requirements |
| O5. |
To promote strong and sustainable
rural and coastal communities through broadening economic opportunity
and enhancing social development |
| O6. |
To administer payments under the CAP fairly and
in full accordance with European Union (EU) requirements |
| O7. |
To conserve fish stocks for future generations
and secure a sustainable future
for the sea fishing industry |
| O8. |
To ensure that farmed animals and fish are protected
by high welfare standards and do not suffer unnecessary pain
or distress |
| O9. |
To reduce risks to people and the developed and
natural environment from flooding and coastal erosion |
| O10. |
To safeguard the continuing availability to the
consumer of adequate supplies of wholesome, varied and reasonably
priced food and drink |
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Aim (2004 version,
from http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/aims/aim.htm
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Sustainable development,
which means a better quality of life for everyone, now
and for generations to come, including:
* a better environment at home and internationally,
and sustainable use of
natural resources;
* economic prosperity through sustainable
farming, fishing, food, water and other industries that
meet consumers' requirements;
* thriving economies and communities in rural areas
and a countryside for all to enjoy.
Objectives
Objective 1
To protect and improve the rural, urban, marine and
global environment and to lead integration of these
with other policies across Government and internationally.
Objective 2
To enhance opportunity and tackle social exclusion in
rural areas.
Objective 3
To promote a sustainable,
competitive and safe food supply chain which meets consumers'
requirements.
Objective 4
To promote sustainable,
diverse, modern and adaptable farming through domestic
and international actions.
Objective 5
To promote sustainable
management and prudent use of natural resources domestically
and internationally.
Objective 6
To protect the public's interest in relation to environmental
impacts and health, and ensure high standards of animal
health and welfare.
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