The importance, content and implementation of environmental, social and governance principles in the field of sustainability and local community development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20273840Keywords:
sustainable development; local communities; ESG principles (environmental, social and governance); local government; civil protection; security; community resilience; disaster risk reduction; emergency management; public governanceAbstract
The contemporary concept of sustainable development in local communities increasingly relies on integrated governance frameworks that connect economic, social, environmental, institutional, and security dimensions of development. One of the most influential frameworks of this kind is ESG, which refers to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles. Although ESG originally emerged in the fields of corporate governance, investment decision-making, and non-financial reporting, it has increasingly gained relevance in the public sector, particularly at the local level of self-government. This paper analyses the meaning, content, and practical applicability of ESG principles in the context of sustainability and development of local communities, with particular emphasis on civil protection, public safety, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience. Special attention is devoted to the relationship between the ESG framework and the legal framework of the Republic of Serbia, especially the Law on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management. The paper argues that ESG principles should not be understood as a new or externally imposed normative obligation for local governments, but rather as a conceptual, analytical, and operational framework that can improve the implementation of already existing legal duties. The analysis shows that the environmental component of ESG is directly linked to climate risk, environmental protection, spatial planning, and prevention of natural and technological hazards; the social component is related to the protection of citizens, inclusion of vulnerable groups, public health, social cohesion, and community preparedness; while the governance component concerns transparency, institutional responsibility, coordination, accountability, planning, and risk-informed decision-making. By integrating ESG principles into local development strategies, civil protection plans, disaster risk reduction plans, public investment planning, and budgetary processes, local governments can strengthen their capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The findings indicate that ESG represents a practical tool for improving resilience, transparency, and sustainable development at the local level, particularly in societies exposed to climate change, demographic decline, infrastructural vulnerability, and increasing disaster risks.
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