Vandana Shivas 10 Principles of Earth Democracy: 1. All species, peoples, and cultures have intrinsic worth. All living beings, including humans, are subjects (not owned commodities) that have intrinsic worth. No humans have the right to own them. 2. The earth community is a democracy of all life. We are all part of the interconnected web of life. We have a duty to protect ecological processes and the rights of all species and all people. No humans have the right to encroach on the ecological space of other species. 3. Diversity in nature and culture must be defended. We have a duty to defend these two kinds of diversity. They are the basis of sustainability and peace. 4. All beings have a natural right to sustenance. Resources vital to the natural right to sustenance (which is the natural right to life itself) must stay in the commons. These are natural and not state or corporate-given rights and so states and corporations cannot deny or erode these natural rights or enclose the commons. 5. Earth Democracy is based on living commons and economic democracy. Earth democracy is based on economic democracy that protects ecosystems and provides basic needs for all. The earth economy is living in that it is based on diverse, sustainable, pluralistic systems that protect nature and people, are chosen by people, and work for the common good. 6. Living economies are built on local economies. Conservation of the earth’s resources and creation of sustainable and satisfying livelihoods are most caringly, creatively, efficiently, and equitably achieved at the local level. Localization of economies is a social and ecological imperative. In Earth Democracy, the global economy does not destroy and crush local economies, nor does it create disposable people. Living economies are diverse and decentralized economies. 7. Earth Democracy is a living democracy. Earth democracy is based on local democracy where communities are organized on principles of inclusion, diversity, and ecological and social responsibility. Local communities have the highest authority on decisions related to the environment and natural resources and the sustenance and livelihoods of people. 8. Earth Democracy is based on living cultures. Living cultures promote peace. They create free spaces for the practice of different religions, faiths, and identities. They allow cultural diversity to thrive from the ground of our common humanity and our common rights as members of an earth community. 9. Living cultures are life nourishing. Living cultures are based on the dignity of and respect for all life, human and nonhuman, people of all genders and cultures, present and future generations. Living cultures are, therefore, ecological cultures which do not promote life-destroying lifestyles or consumption and production patterns, or the overuse and exploitation of resources. Living cultures are diverse and based on reverence for life. Living cultures recognize the multiplicity of identities based in an identity of place and local community—and a planetary consciousness that connects the individual to the earth and all life. 10. Earth Democracy globalizes peace, care, and compassion. Earth Democracy unites rather than divides.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 20:11:23 +0000
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