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Prestige Projects and Sustainable Development

Nine or ten years ago the government of Abu Dhabi started planning a zero-waste community of the future called Masdar City. A scaled-down, low-waste version of the original vision exists now, but the full plan appears to have been scrapped.

Anyway, the appeal of prestige projects like a zero-energy city for 200,000 people might suit the needs or resources of your little corner of the world, but there are still reasons to reflect on projects like Masdar City. Such reflection might lead to other "prestige projects" that do make sense or to smaller-scale projects that are more realistic.

Let's look at each of those options in some depth, beginning with the big projects. Vertical farms, that is a farm in a multi-level structure, are a thing these days. Maybe there needs to be a 1,000 foot vertical farm with airponics or hydroponics growing 100 levels of mixed fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. A prestige project in the area of ecological restoration might be to create an artificial wetland that covers several thousand acres. Other projects in water conservation, renewable energy, agriculture, and ecological restoration are possible. Think big.

Or, maybe thinking big doesn't suit you. Maybe you would rather focus on something that seems realistic for your community of region. Study Masdar City. Perhaps there is a village or neighborhood that could be turned into an eco-village by establishing a couple of new bus stops, a big community garden, and installing a variety of renewable energy and energy conservation technologies. Perhaps an agroforestry research institute could be established in the run-down old Harry's Discount Store.

Forget the comprehensive approach and focus on something more...focused. Sorry! Consider a number of possibilities:

1. ecological restoration
2. water conservation
3. renewable energy
4. agriculture

Don't forget that fishing, ranching, and forestry are kinds of agriculture.

Something that meets a need in your area might come to mind right away. If not, spending a few minutes with that list should help spark a few project ideas.

The key, whether you want to go big or work at a smaller scale is to be fluid and flexible in your thinking. Work with a group that knows a few things about brainstorming. Study the problem and opportunities on your own for a time, then spent 5 minutes scribbling down every idea that comes to mind. Combine or improve as new thoughts come to you,
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