Spring 2024 Sustainability Fellow: Nastya Sidorova
Partner: Apalachee Regional Planning Council
Project: Sustainability Development Plan for Gadsden County's Economic Development
Student: Nastya Sidorova
As a Spring ‘24 Sustainability Fellow, I have had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Apalachee Regional Council on a project titled "Sustainability Development Plan for Gadsden County’s Economic Development." This fellowship project aims to create a comprehensive plan that addresses key challenges and leverages opportunities for growth and resilience in Gadsden County. Our plan is centered around transformative regional collaboration, economic diversity, equity and stability, dynamic workforce development, resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, and enhanced quality of life. These goals align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the urgency to tackle issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. 
In my role as a fellow, I have been responsible for conducting thorough research to evaluate Gadsden County’s current sustainability situation. This involves analyzing the county's demographics, geography, economy, culture, infrastructure, and quality of life. Additionally, I participate in meetings with the local community to ensure that our sustainable development plan aligns with the new economic development plan for Gadsden County, which is being updated to meet current needs.
One of the primary activities in this project has been the analysis of existing data to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) facing Gadsden County. Our key findings indicate high poverty and unemployment rates, low school district grades, and low Economic Well-Being and Innovation Index scores. A unique aspect of our project is the establishment of performance indicators and benchmarks to track progress towards Gadsden’s sustainability goals, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the process.
As someone coming from the higher education field and just beginning my journey in sustainability research, the biggest challenge was understanding different models and frameworks of sustainability and selecting the most suitable one for Gadsden County’s challenges. I chose a basic three-pillar model encompassing social, economic, and environmental sustainability. These pillars represent the interconnected aspects of sustainability that must be balanced to ensure a sustainable future.
Our findings revealed several critical issues: insufficient partnership between public entities and the community, potential for larger educational institutions like FSU to partner with the county, need for sustainable farming practices in agriculture, requirement for state support to local businesses, and numerous proposed initiatives that need further implementation and promotion.
Additionally, disaster resiliency, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives are crucial. These findings underscore the need for enhanced coordination and support to achieve long-term sustainability goals.
Working on this project has provided me with profound insights into the importance of coordination among agencies working on similar projects. I learned that planning for contingencies is crucial, as unexpected challenges can arise at any time. Also, I realized the significant gap between what the government perceives as community needs and what local people prioritize. Effective communication and community meetings are essential to bridge this gap. For instance, while identifying crucial assets for Gadsden County, residents did not mention agriculture, despite it being a major income source. This highlighted the need to balance comprehensive economic strategies with immediate community needs.
My perspective on sustainability has evolved significantly while working on this project. I realized that many people have misconceptions about sustainability, often associating it solely with recycling and reducing plastic usage. While these actions are important, true sustainability requires a broader cultural and behavioral shift. People need to understand that outdated behaviors and practices are insufficient for addressing today's challenges. We must address not only environmental issues but also the social and economic dimensions of sustainability. Access to quality education, for instance, is just as crucial to sustainable living as access to clean air and water. Without just systems and equitable opportunities, we cannot claim to be truly sustainable, even if we successfully reduce waste and consumption.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue collaborating with the Apalachee Regional Council on similar projects for other counties in Tallahassee. More importantly, I urge the government and authorities to carefully consider and act upon the recommendations provided for Gadsden County. The long-term impact of this project lies in the sustained commitment to implementing these recommendations and fostering a culture of sustainability across the region.
The Sustainability Development Plan for Gadsden County’s Economic Development is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing complex sustainability challenges. Through this fellowship, I have not only contributed to a significant project but also gained invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of sustainability. As we move forward, I am optimistic about the positive changes this project will bring to Gadsden County and beyond.
I encourage students, faculty, and anyone interested in sustainability to get involved and support initiatives like this. Together, we can make a difference and build a sustainable future for all!
To view Nastya's poster, click here.
To learn more about the Sustainability Fellows program, visit sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/sustainability-fellows.