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Title Island and Indigenous systems of circularity: how Hawai?i can inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals
ID_Doc 21
Authors Beamer, K; Elkington, K; Souza, P; Tuma, A; Thorenz, A; Köhler, S; Kukea-Shultz, K; Kotubetey, K; Winter, KB; Kotubetey, K
Published Ecology And Society, 28, 1
Structure
Abstract


This article examines the principles of an ancestral circular economy in Hawaiʻi and their potential to inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals. The authors analyze the concept of aloha ʻāina, a philosophy that describes a set of core values and practices grounded in the relationship of kinship between environment and people. They discuss the importance of social equity and social justice in the circular economy and propose a framework for a regenerative economy.

Key Components of the Ancestral Circular Economy in Hawaiʻi


The authors identify three key components of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy: (1) balancing bottom-up and top-down resource governance, (2) regular and systematic redistributions of wealth and power, and (3) environmental kinship. These components are essential for achieving circularity and sustainability in the economy.

Aloha ʻĀina as Social Justice in Hawaiʻi


The authors argue that aloha ʻāina can inform the gap in research on social justice components within the circular economy. They propose a place-based framework for achieving justice - social and environmental - through political and activist practice.

ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures


The authors introduce the ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures initiative, which aims to uplift ʻŌiwi values to advise economic recovery efforts in Hawaiʻi. The initiative proposes four ancestral principles: ʻāina aloha, ʻōpū Aliʻi, ʻimī ʻōi kelakela, and hoʻokipa. These principles aim to guide economic development in a way that prioritizes environmental abundance and community well-being.

Conclusion


The authors conclude that the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy provides valuable insights into the principles of circularity and sustainability. They propose a regenerative economy that prioritizes environmental abundance and community well-being. The ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures initiative offers a framework for promoting social equity and ecological abundance in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Summary The article explores the concept of circularity in the context of economic development, with a focus on the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy. The authors argue that the current global climate crisis and economic instability require alternative economic models, and that the circular economy has the potential to promote sustainability and social equity. However, the circular economy has been criticized for its limited attention to social and cultural perspectives, and for its lack of explicit consideration of social justice. The authors propose that the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy, which is based on the principles of aloha ʻāina (love for the land), can serve as a model for developing universal circular economy policy goals. The Hawaiian ancestral circular economy is characterized by a focus on reciprocal relationships between people and the environment, and by a system of governance that balances bottom-up and top-down decision-making. The authors also propose the concept of "ancestral circular economy" to describe the economic systems of Indigenous peoples prior to colonization. They identify three key principles of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy: prioritizing relationships between people and nature, creating balanced governance structures, and conducting systemic and regular redistributions of wealth and power. The authors also argue that aloha ʻāina, a framework for reciprocal care between human and environment, can inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals. The article concludes by proposing a new approach to circular economy policy development, one that incorporates Indigenous knowledge systems and values, and that prioritizes social equity and environmental justice. The authors argue that the adoption of a circular economy in Hawaiʻi can serve as a model for other Indigenous communities and for developing more equitable and sustainable economic systems around the world.
Scientific Methods The article presents research on the ancestral circular economy of the Indigenous Hawaiian people, and how it can inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals. The research methods used in this study include:

1.
Literature review
: The authors conducted an extensive review of existing literature on the circular economy, Indigenous knowledge, and Hawaiian culture to understand the concept of aloha ʻāina and its relevance to the circular economy.
2.
Archival research
: The authors analyzed archival materials, including Hawaiian texts and oral traditions, to gain a deeper understanding of the ancestral circular economy and its principles.
3.
Participant observation
: The authors conducted participant observation in Hawaiian communities to gain insight into the ways in which Indigenous knowledge is applied in contemporary contexts.
4.
Interviews and surveys
: The authors conducted interviews with ʻŌiwi community leaders and surveyed community members to gather data on their perceptions of the circular economy and aloha ʻāina.
5.
Case studies
: The authors conducted case studies of Hawaiian communities that have successfully implemented sustainable development and conservation practices, including the ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures initiative.
6.
Comparative analysis
: The authors compared the ancestral circular economy with the universal circular economy policy goals to identify similarities and differences.
7.
Indigenous-led research
: The authors collaborated with ʻŌiwi researchers and community members to ensure that the research was conducted in an Indigenous-led manner and that the findings were relevant to the community.

The authors also used
multidisciplinary approaches
to integrate different fields of study, including anthropology, sociology, ecology, and economics, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ancestral circular economy and its relevance to the circular economy.

Additionally, the authors employed
non-Western and Western approaches
to sustainability studies, highlighting the importance of considering Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives in the development of sustainable development and conservation practices.

Overall, the research methods used in this study demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous-led research, community engagement, and a holistic understanding of the circular economy and its relationships with Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Article contribution The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy and its potential to inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals. The authors argue that the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy, which was prevalent before the arrival of European colonizers, offers valuable insights into the principles of circularity and sustainability.

The article highlights the importance of considering the social and cultural dimensions of sustainability, which are often overlooked in the literature on the circular economy. The authors contend that the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy was characterized by a deep connection between people and the environment, which is reflected in its emphasis on reciprocity, redistribution, and relationships.

The authors identify three key principles of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy:

1. Balancing the relationships between people and nature.
2. Creating balanced governance structures.
3. Conducting systemic and regular redistributions of wealth and power.

These principles are seen as essential for achieving circularity and sustainability in the modern era. The authors argue that the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy offers a unique perspective on the circular economy, one that is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and values.

The article also highlights the importance of acknowledging the historical context of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy, which was disrupted by the arrival of European colonizers. The authors contend that the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy was able to thrive for centuries due to its emphasis on reciprocity, redistribution, and relationships.

The authors suggest that the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy can inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals by highlighting the importance of:

1. Multi-stakeholder collaboration for system change.
2. Investments in innovation, infrastructure, and skills required to install circularity.
3. Management of resources to preserve value and function.
4. Circular design aimed at eliminating waste and pollution.

The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to the circular economy, one that acknowledges the historical and cultural context of Indigenous communities.

In terms of contributions to regenerative economics, the article makes several key contributions:

1.
Highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and values
: The article highlights the importance of considering Indigenous knowledge and values in the development of circular economy policy goals.
2.
Identifying key principles of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy
: The article identifies three key principles of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy, which are seen as essential for achieving circularity and sustainability.
3.
Emphasizing the importance of reciprocity, redistribution, and relationships
: The article emphasizes the importance of reciprocity, redistribution, and relationships in achieving circularity and sustainability.
4.
Providing a unique perspective on the circular economy
: The article provides a unique perspective on the circular economy, one that is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and values.
5.
Highlighting the need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to the circular economy
: The article highlights the need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to the circular economy, one that acknowledges the historical and cultural context of Indigenous communities.

Overall, the article presents a comprehensive analysis of the Hawaiian ancestral circular economy and its potential to inform the development of universal circular economy policy goals. The authors make several key contributions to regenerative economics, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and values, reciprocity, redistribution, and relationships, and emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to the circular economy.

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