THE ECOLOGICAL DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Over the last decade, promotion of competitiveness represents one of the central goals of economic policy of most of the countries. Moreover, in the recent years, the promotion of competitiveness has been seen as a way of achieving desirable changes in economy and society. While there is no unity of views in the theory regarding the conceptual definition of the phenomenon of competitiveness, it is becoming less arguable that in strictly economic terms, competitiveness is a synonym for productivity. However, it should be noted that productivity growth that is accompanied by increasing social imbalance (for example inequality in income distribution) on the one hand, and environmental pollution on the other hand, cannot be a guarantee of improving the competitiveness of countries in the long run. The concept of sustainable development means all forms and methods of socio- economic development, whose foundation is the first to ensure a balance between the socio- economic systems and elements of natural capital. Sustainability starts from the idea that human activities are dependent on the environment and resources. Health, safety, social and economic stability of society are essential in defining the quality of life. A long time to prioritize growth, excluding environmental problems. Serious forms of manifestation of environmental damage imposed the change of this view.