| Abstract |
Humankind has taken a dangerous path with its current global development trends. We are in a time of rapid population growth coupled with overconsumption and massive destruction of Nature. These trends, potentiated by technological developments have resulted in human induced impacts even in the most remote places. Change is accelerating and increasing in magnitude and consequences making it impossible to be in denial. Communication has never been better, faster and cheaper. We are flooded with alarming news from around the world yet we are continuing to promote degenerative development. In order to reverse the damage and allow for life on the planet to continue – though with changes – we need to implement regenerative development, based on a holistic approach that integrates six layers:
1) regeneration of functional landscapes, where we produce and conserve, maximizing ecosystem function;
2) social strengthening by community organization and development, to cope with adaptation to climate change and reduce sumptuous consumption patterns;
3) a new paradigm for economic development where people matter more than markets and money, measured according to the well-being of humans and all life forms;
4) conservation and valuation of living culture which is the necessary bond for community life, where local knowledge, values and traditions are shared within family, friends and the community as a whole, giving meaning to these terms;
5) rethinking and redesigning current political structures so they reflect true participatory democracy without the influence of money and power and especially fostering long term vision and actions that seek increased livelihoods and happiness and not only gross income, and most importantly;
6) fostering deep spiritual and value structures based on ethics, transparency and global well-being to allow humanity to live in peace with itself and Mother Earth. |