There is no basis for the assumption that our species is separate from and inherently superior to other life forms or that we have a privileged place and can negligently destroy nature for our whims. There is, however, a basis for believing that, as members of humanity and the vast terrestrial community, we have a duty to use our foresight and empathy for the benefit of the whole.
Download: UN,The Future We Want, RES/A/66/288 para.39, 2012.pdf [mk_font_icons icon=”moon-file-pdf” size=”small” padding_horizental=”4″ padding_vertical=”4″ circle=”false” align=”none” link=”http://www.activeremedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/un_2012_the_future_we_want_resa66288_para212.pdf”][/mk_blockquote]
There has been a worldwide tradition of thinking in terms of seven generations and it was widely recognized that the foundations of all sustainability are dependent and based upon healthy functioning environmental cycles and systems. Chief amongst these being, the freshwater cycle, which virtually all species are dependent upon.
Download: UN, 1982, World Charter for Nature, A/RES/37/7.pdf [mk_font_icons icon=”moon-file-pdf” size=”small” padding_horizental=”4″ padding_vertical=”4″ circle=”false” align=”none” link=”http://www.activeremedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/un-1982-ares377-world-charter-for-nature.pdf”][/mk_blockquote]
Regardless of who we are or where we live it is important to understand that the water cycle and its inherent ecosystems are the life support system of the entire planet and that the responsibility of safeguarding these is a common human responsibility. It is also in our own long-term interest to safeguard these for future generations and for all life on Earth.
It is utterly unsustainable to ignore the regenerative nature of water and use existing time and resources in managing ever-decreasing water resources, whilst in the meantime allowing the natural water cycle to degenerate. This is like designing a house and disregarding the need for solid foundations. Collapse is inevitable.
Human life is not viable independent of other species and ecosystems. We are all interdependent and because we utterly depend upon them, we need to live in such a way as considers their needs as well as our own.
A new ethic of coexistence with nature, all the natural worlds and the natural cycles is still possible but it ultimately depends not on law, science or monetary values but also on more ancient, natural, humanitarian principles and values. A deeper awareness and respect for nature and all natural elements such as water, air, earth and fire is essential. If humanity wishes to continue to survive and evolve on Earth, respect for the ancestors and their wisdom is crucial.
When we organize ourselves starting from this premise, we do so with dangerous consequences to our economy, health, and industrial growth. We are now just beginning to realize that we must find an alternative to our ingrained behaviour of burdening future generations resulting from our misplaced belief that there is a choice between economy and the environment. That choice, in the long term, turns out to be an illusion with awesome consequences for humanity. (Charles Caccia Member of Parliament, House of Commons WCED Public Hearing Ottawa, 26-27 May 1986.”
Download: UN, 1987, Our Common Future Brundtland Report.pdf [mk_font_icons icon=”moon-file-pdf” size=”small” padding_horizental=”4″ padding_vertical=”4″ circle=”false” align=”none” link=”http://www.activeremedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Our-Common-Future-Brundtland-Report-1987.pdf”][/mk_blockquote]
Maintaining the natural worlds and ecosystems that are so fundamental for human life and all life on Earth is not simply a job for a few. It is the responsibility of humanity as a whole. Because we all rely upon freshwater, the responsibility of safeguarding the hydrological cycle and the ecosystems, which maintain it, is a common human responsibility. It is also in our long-term interest to safeguard these for all future generations.
Download: UNESCO, 1975, The Belgrade Charter.pdf [mk_font_icons icon=”moon-file-pdf” size=”small” padding_horizental=”4″ padding_vertical=”4″ circle=”false” align=”none” link=”http://www.activeremedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/unesco_1975_the_belgrade_charter.pdf”][/mk_blockquote]
Because humanity is an integral part of nature, in the long term humanity can only flourish if we live in accord with Earths’ natural cycles. This has been the way for millions of years and we ignore it in favour of short-term mass profit for a few, at our peril.The new global ethic elucidated by UNESCO could guide humanity beyond the present crisis.
Download: UNESCO, 1975, The Belgrade Charter.pdf [mk_font_icons icon=”moon-file-pdf” size=”small” padding_horizental=”4″ padding_vertical=”4″ circle=”false” align=”none” link=”http://www.activeremedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/unesco_1975_the_belgrade_charter.pdf”][/mk_blockquote]
There are laws of nature, which should never have been abused and forgotten. The present crisis we face concerning water security, food security, economic instability and potential wars for water are direct results of our negligence of these laws.
Download: Indigenous Peoples Kyoto Water Declaration 2003.pdf [mk_font_icons icon=”moon-file-pdf” size=”small” padding_horizental=”4″ padding_vertical=”4″ circle=”false” align=”none” link=”http://www.activeremedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/indigenous_peoples_kyoto_water_declaration_2003.pdf”][/mk_blockquote]
Download: Our Water Commons, Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians, 2008.pdf [mk_font_icons icon=”moon-file-pdf” size=”small” padding_horizental=”4″ padding_vertical=”4″ circle=”false” align=”none” link=”http://www.activeremedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/our_water_commons.pdf”][/mk_blockquote]
Humanity is after all a part of this incredible, interrelated natural world and we have immeasurable intelligence and capacities when our minds are connected in a common collective focus, for the well being and benefit of the whole.