ABSTRACT
In the previous two chapters, we explored some of the recent developments in terms of putting sustainable development (SD) into practice. Some of the issues that arose out of this were discussed, particularly those that surrounded the creation and application of indicators as a tool. We also described how in our previous book we developed a method called systemic sustainability analysis (SSA), founded on the soft systems methodology (SSM), which can be used to help develop indicators in a participative mode. In this chapter, the practical application of SSA is set out and explained. It is not assumed that SSA is ‘finished’ or ‘definitive’. Rather, we suggest that it is a developing and changing approach that practitioners can adapt and change to meet the specific needs of the circumstances which confront them. Neither do we wish to suggest that SSA is the best or only such approach. In Chapter 1 we did briefly describe a range of approaches that workers have taken, often under the generic title ‘deliberative institutions’. Here, the context in which SSA is applied is primarily Malta. The process of the 12-fold structure is given in some detail and the comments of stakeholders in the context are added.
