A/77/290 itself with the aspirations, customs, traditions, systems and world views of t he individuals and groups most likely to be affected, even if that results in an uncomfortable degree of divergence from the economic development model championed by States, intergovernmental organizations and international financial institutions. People must be the primary beneficiaries of this process. 23 28. However, normative models traditionally driven by external, top -down interventions have harmed, and continue to harm, the sustainable self -development of communities. The restriction of the rights of local communities in the name of such development processes, including under the banner of “the common good”, must be remedied. This conception of the common good often equates to the good of the few, or the good of the same entities ever to the detriment of others, namely those not able to equally participate in discussions on development processes. 4. Resist the one-size-fits-all model 29. Sustainable development must resist the one-size-fits-all model. Discussions that portray the wealth-accumulation and productivity-encouraging model as the only viable model of sustainable development dominate the debate and obscure the plethora of visions regarding sustainable development. Alternative forms of economic organization must be considered through the prism of cultural diversity and cultural rights. 24 The result of viewing sustainable development as separate from local values and cosmogonies is that only one cultural viewpoint is ultimately reflected. Surely, different cultural systems have different conceptions and perceptions of the relationships between human beings, other living beings and nature, as well as the very notion of “humanity”. For this reason, there can be no single definition or perception of sustainability; rather, its internal diversity m ust be accepted. 25 It is essential that people have the space and freedom to express and draw upon their cultural resources to define their vision for the future. 5. Forward-looking 30. Sustainable development must be forward-looking. Vision for development from different cultural frameworks are not static but ever evolving. Development should be an ongoing process that aims to change structures in societies and cause profound transformations in the current system, based on the ecology of knowledg e, 26 breaking the presumed antagonism between conservation and innovation. C. Alternative visions 31. Counterbalancing the prevailing economic model with examples of alternative models promotes cultural diversity and must be encouraged. The incorpora tion of different knowledge systems into sustainable development is an epistemic challenge that, if addressed, will lead to positive results. 27 32. The transnational indigenous movement has been active and helpful in highlighting viable alternative models of sustainable development. Indigenous knowledge systems look to create a balanced relationship between the planet and communities, with cultural and spiritual practices supporting the well-being of both __________________ 23 24 25 26 27 22-12659 Contribution of Portugal, p. 1. Margot E. Salomon, “Culture as an alternative to ‘Sustainable Development’”. Contribution of the Comunidad de Conocimiento en Cultura y Desarrollo of the Red Española de Soluciones para el Desarrollo Sostenible (the national Spanish branch of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, REDS-SDSN), pp. 1 and 2. Contribution of Fundació Josep Irla, p. 2. Joost Dessein in expert consultation. 9/24