Sustainable use is  somewhat of a buzz word these days, but opinions differ on the exact meaning of the term. Many people agree with the definition from the Convention on Biological Diversity:

Sustainable use is the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity,  thus maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.

At the INBO a lot of research is carried out on the concept of sustainable use in a Flemish context and on its practical application.