. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability

On 21-22 July, a delegation of more than 60 Mayors from around the world will meet Pope Francis in the Vatican for a two-day event on climate change, human trafficking and sustainable development. ICLEI has mobilized its leadership and membership to show full support to the groundbreaking work of Pope Francis on these timely issues.

Park Won Soon, ICLEI President and Mayor of Seoul, South Korea

“The current wide-ranging crisis has brought us close to a point of no return and has the potential to nullify the social and economic progress achieved so far, thus posing a threat to the future existence of humankind,” remarked ICLEI President Won Soon Park. “We believe that the timely efforts of Pope Francis will help lead to bolder climate action and the birth of an inclusive and ambitious global climate regime”.

The ICLEI Leaders and Members attending the events in Vatican include: ICLEI President Park Wonsoon (Mayor of Seoul, participating via video message), ICLEI Vice President Miguel Angel Mancera ( Mayor of Mexico City), members of Global Executive Committee and Council namely Gustavo Petro (Mayor of Bogota), Parks Tau (Mayor of Johannesburg), Matthew Appelbaum (Mayor of Boulder), Estaella Marino (Deputy Mayor of Rome) and a number of ICLEI Members including George Ferguson (Mayor of Bristol), Anne Hidalgo (Mayor of Paris), Marcio Lacerda (Mayor of Belo Horizonte), Bill de Blasio (Mayor of New York City), Mayor Eduardo Paes (Mayor of Rio de Janeiro), José Fortunati (Mayor of Porto Alegre), Gustavo Fruet (Curitiba, Brazil), Jarosław Jóźwiak (Deputy-Mayor of Warsaw), Virginio Merola (Mayor of Bologna), Gregor Robertson (Mayor of Vancouver), Milan Bandić (Mayor of Zagreb), Stian Berger Rosland (Mayor of Oslo) and Karin Wanngard (Mayor of Stockholm). ICLEI Deputy Secretary General Monika Zimmermann and ICLEI Head of Policy and Advocacy Yunus Arikan will also participate in the meetings.

The meetings mark the first time that the Vatican has approached Mayors to work together and discuss how cities can help tackle the crucial issues facing humanity. From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has taken a firm stand against modern slavery, calling all communities to reject all systematic deprivation of individual freedom for the purposes of personal and commercial exploitation. In his well-received encyclical Laudato Si, the Pope has highlighted the connection between natural and human environment, emphasizing that global warming is one of the causes of poverty and forced migration and calling for all actors to work together in shaping a sustainable future.

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Question for this article:

Despite the vested interests of companies and governments, Can we make progress toward sustainable development?

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As the world’s leading cities’ network on sustainability, ICLEI has been at the forefront of tackling issues related to climate change and sustainability in cities and regions worldwide. In both the global and local stages, ICLEI has been actively promoting and advocating for sustainable cities and regions, which are low-carbon, resilient, smart, ecomobile, biodiverse, resource-efficient and productive, and healthy and happy.

“We are happy to observe an active and committed engagement of ICLEI Leaders and Members in the Vatican on 21 and 22 July. It is no surprise to us that Pope Francis has received a strong support from local and subnational leaders worldwide whose ambitious actions could help spur a global transformation to a sustainable urban future. This spirit and gathering in the Vatican will send clear signals to the global community and citizens of the world which will hopefully help ensure tangible and ambitious outcomes in the post2015 development agenda, climate negotiations and HABITAT III processes,” said ICLEI Deputy Secretary General Monika Zimmermann.

See original article for videos, advocacy documents, social media links and program information.

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Danielle Nierenberg, Savannah Knell, and Emily Nink for Foodtank

Permaculture is an innovative ethics and design based process used to make agriculture more sustainable, restore soil, conserve water, and redirect waste streams. The process is inspired by the everyday relationships found in nature. The primary goal of adopting permaculture principles is to empower individuals to be their own producers and move away from being dependent consumers. These techniques are practiced in very different ways globally based on climate and resources particular to the region. While there is variety in the methodology of permaculture practices, the holistic approach remains constant. The easy to remember primary ethics of permaculture include earth care, people care, and resource share. 

Permaculture is an innovative ethics and design based process used to make agriculture more sustainable, restore soil, conserve water, and redirect waste streams. The process is inspired by the everyday relationships found in nature. The primary goal of adopting permaculture principles is to empower individuals to be their own producers and move away from being dependent consumers. These techniques are practiced in very different ways globally based on climate and resources particular to the region. While there is variety in the methodology of permaculture practices, the holistic approach remains constant. The easy to remember primary ethics of permaculture include earth care, people care, and resource share. 

There has recently been a call for research on the long-term benefits and participation rates of individuals adopting the principles. According to Scott Pittman, the director of the National Permaculture Institute, approximately 100,000 to 150,000 students have completed the certificate course with around 50,000 students from the United States. There is a wide body of literature confirming many success stories of permaculture being implemented around the globe. According to Appleseed Permaculture, over 1,000,000 people are now certified in permaculture in more than 140 countries with more than 4,000 projects on the ground. 

The use of permaculture has been instrumental in combating malnutrition in Malawi. Never Ending Food is an organization dedicated to Permaculture and nutrition, Africa. Stacia and Kristof Nordin focus on designing systems for sustainable living. The organization has been facilitating various sessions and Permaculture Design Courses throughout Malawi. Because Malawi has a 12-month growing season, access to water, and a large genetic base of local food crops, the incorporation of permaculture has the potential to produce large amounts of food throughout the year and bring about positive agricultural change. By making low-cost improvements to family farms, Malawian families can increase their overall household food security. To increase awareness about the benefits of permaculture, the Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology implemented the Red Soil Project to create a means for farmers to share knowledge and experience about the process. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) reported that permaculture is a viable solution to help combat food insecurity for the 15 percent of the global population that’s malnourished. Permaculture farmers in Malawi have on average, better food security, larger diet diversity, and higher crop yield compared to conventional farmers. 

The Worldwide Permaculture Network has published an extensive database on which to understand better what projects exist all over the world. The site allows you to search for projects based on keywords, climate zone, and types of projects to better filter your results. Currently, the site features 1957 permaculture projects around the globe. 

To get a better sense of what projects are happening across the globe, Food Tank highlights 16 successful projects featuring permaculture use: 

1. Ferme MiKu Valley Farm – MiKu is located in rural Eastern Ontario, Canada and is a successful demonstration and educational site. The farm spans 68 acres and is home to a small livestock group, expanding market gardens, food forest development, and an educational site with a permaculture design. They welcome wwoofers in three seasons to help promote their practice of permaculture and gain hands on experience.

2. Findhorn Ecovillage – The Findhorn Foundation community is an experiment in conscious living, an education center, and ecovillage located on the west coast of Scotland in the United Kingdom. The Foundation prides itself on being sustainable not only with regard to environmental terms, but also in social, economic, and spiritual terms. Findhorn offers a permaculture design course to provide a comprehensive introduction to permaculture principles, design practices, and their application. 

3. Green Beat Farm – Green Beat is a demonstrative, productive, experimental, and educational farm built on permaculture principles located in Tulum, Mexico. The farm produces vegetables and microgreens for local restaurants, Hotels, and community members. Main crops produced include Arugula, Chard, Kale, Mustard Greens, and Broccoli. Green Beat additionally hosts a large volunteer program that welcomes individuals from all over the globe. 

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Question for this article:

The role of organic farming, Can it help preserve the planet and end world hunger?

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4. Habiba Organic Farm – Located in Nuweiba, Eygpt, Habiba Organic Farm is a former piece of desert on a Bedouin settlement turned into fertile land. The primary interest of Habiba farmers is to experiment to develop appropriate farming techniques for the Sinai Peninsula. This area has previously been difficult in which to grow viable crops. The farm has been successful in introducing a number of crops that can thrive in desert conditions. 

5. Happy Food Farm – Based in Nanning, China, this farm grows fruit, vegetables, and flowers, and breeds fish and chicken. The farm is almost entirely self-sustained on the fruits and vegetables it grows. Furthermore, the farm has a dedicated practice to teaching local children about the benefits of permaculture and has developed educational programming. 

6. IDEP Foundation – IDEP is a local Indonesian NGO based in Bali, Indonesia. The organization develops and delivers training, community programs, and media related to sustainable development through the permaculture method and disaster management. Their work throughout the foundation covers four areas that make up the cycle of resilience including permaculture, disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community recovery. 

7. Institute of Permaculture El Salvador – This permaculture movement is a grassroots organization of sustainable farmers and makes up an alliance of three local permaculture associations: The Ecological Association of Permaculturists of Suchitoto, The Ecological Association of Indigenous Kakawira Farmers, and The Association of Permaculturists of Torola. Their mission is to promote permaculture for the development of a healthier, wiser, and more ecologically sustainable society. 

8. Koanga Institute – Koanga is home to New Zealand’s largest heritage organic seed collection. The Institute provides a home for the Permaculture Research Institute of Wairoa, New Zealand and is internationally known for producing competent and knowledgeable students and teachers. Workshops are geared toward individuals who are interested in living sustainably and empowering change in their communities. 

9. Permaculture Association of South Australia – PASA is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to promote, practice, and represent permaculture in South Australia. The organization focuses on the following permaculture ethics: Care for the Earth, Care of People, Limiting Consumption, and Fair Distribution of Resources. PASA provides a means for local groups to be connected to one another and find out about projects in South Australia, Australia, and the rest of the globe. 

10. Permaculture in Ukraine – This NGO aims to unify the efforts of those who have successfully applied permaculture techniques in their households and to give them an opportunity to share experiences and support others. Their mission is to spread knowledge and promote the idea of permaculture in society. Future goals include establishing the School of Permaculture in Ukraine in order to provide permaculture instruction at a high level, taking into consideration local conditions and needs.

11. Permaculture Institute of North America – PINA supports students and experienced practitioners of permaculture in North America and Hawaii. The primary goals of PINA include maintaining professional standards in permaculture design, teaching, and practice. The grassroots organization additionally supports permaculture education through a certification process that recognizes exceptional achievement and excellence.

12. Permaculture Institute Thailand (PIT) – The Institute brands themselves as a Thailand permaculture support organization that encourages, supports, and facilitates all forms of education, demonstration, and farmers associated with practicing permaculture. The mission of PIT is to spread the ethics, principles, and theory throughout Thailand, to encourage a sustainable livelihood, and to address the local issues of poverty. 

13. Philly Permaculture – This organization serves as a local forum for all things permaculture based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are showing several videos about mushrooms and will explore and discuss how mushrooms can be used as a healing agent in addition to a main ingredient in vegetarian based recipes. They will also be covering basic cultivation techniques. Each month they select a different educational film to watch and discuss how to incorporate what they learned into their permaculture practices. 

14. Regenerative Kitchen Garden & Food Forest – Located in Anjuna, India, this project focuses on ecosystem regeneration of land that for 20 years had vegetation systematically burnt. The regenerative mission consisted of diversifying the crops by planting five coconut trees, neem trees, and legumes. 

15. Senegal Permaculture Project – This project is based in Sare Suma, Senegal and was implemented at under the request of a local Senegalese landowner to encourage sustainability and local growth. The project is focused on using a local 11-acre farm as a demonstration and educational site for fellow villagers. The permaculture systems demonstrated will include harvesting water, planting trees, permaculture guilds, building soil fertility, and animals in a permaculture system. 

16. Third Millennium Alliance – The Alliance emphasizes a holistic approach to preserve the last remnants of Ecuador’s coastal Pacific Forest and to empower local communities to restore and preserve what was lost. Their practices encourage economic and environmental sustainability in the region for the local communities. To date, they have planted over 20,000 trees and developed an experimental fruit tree orchard with over 50 species of food trees, a vegetable garden, and a tree nursery. 

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from Grain (abridged)

Seeds are under attack everywhere. Under corporate pressure, laws in many countries increasingly put limitations on what farmers can do with their seeds and with the seeds they buy. Seed saving, a thousand-year-old practice which forms the basis of farming, is fast becoming criminalised. What can we do about this? . . .

Click on photo to enlarge
“No to seed privatisation… For a better world!” – Demonstration in Guatemala in defence of biodiversity and against control of seeds by industrial agriculture. (Photo: Raúl Zamora)

Social movements worldwide, especially peasant farmers organisations, have resisted and mobilised to prevent such laws being passed. In many parts of the world, the resistance continues and can even count some victories. To strengthen this movement, it is very important that as many people as possible, especially in the villages and rural communities that are most affected, understand these laws, their impacts and objectives, as well as the capacity of social movements to replace them with laws that protect peasants’ rights.

Today’s seed laws promoted by the industry are characterised by the following:

a) They are constantly evolving and becoming more aggressive. Through new waves of political and economic pressure – especially through so-called free trade agreements, bilateral investment treaties and regional integration initiatives – all the ‘soft’ forms of ownership rights over seeds were hardened and continue to be made more restrictive at a faster pace. Seed laws and plant variety rights are being revised again and again to adapt to the new demands of the seed and biotechnology industry.

b) Laws that grant property rights over seeds have been reinforced by other regulations that are supposed to ensure seed quality, market transparency, prevention of counterfeits, etc. These regulations include seed certification, marketing and sanitary rules. By means of these regulations, it becomes mandatory, for instance, for farmers to purchase or use only commercial seeds tailored for industrial farming. Or the regulations make it a crime to give seeds to your son or exchange them with a neighbour. As a result, seed fairs and exchanges – a growing form of resistance to control over seeds – are becoming illegal in more and more countries.

c) In strengthening privatisation, these laws have been disregarding basic principles of justice and freedom and directly violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These seed laws have imposed the rule that anyone accused of not respecting property rights over seeds is assumed to be guilty, thus violating the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty. In some cases, measures can be taken against accused wrongdoers without their being informed of the charges. These seed laws are even making it an obligation to report alleged transgressors; they are legalising searches and seizures of seeds on grounds of mere suspicion (even without a warrant) and allowing private agencies to conduct such checks.

d) These laws are being drafted in vague, incomprehensible and contradictory language, leaving much room for interpretation. In most cases, the laws are being moved through legislative chambers in secrecy or by means of international agreements that cannot be debated nationally or locally. . .

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Question for this article:

What is the relation between movements for food sovereignty and the global movement for a culture of peace?

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Experience shows that people do not want these laws, once the misinformation and secrecy used to push the laws through have been countered by information campaigns and mobilisation on the part of social organisations. Most people reject the idea that a company can take ownership of a plant variety and prohibit farmers from reproducing their seeds. They find it completely absurd. People also generally do not agree that the work that farmers do to feed the world should suddenly become a crime. Wherever resistance has been strong enough, the legal plunder embodied in these laws has been stopped. . .

Africa:

Ghana: students and trade unions join farmers to oppose a restrictive seed law

Mozambique: farmers resist by developing local seed systems

Niger: farmers’ victory against the piracy of a local onion

The Americas

Brazil: large-scale development of creole seeds

Chile: victory against the privatisation of seeds

Colombia: mass protests for farmers’ seeds and food sovereignty

Costa Rica: major mobilisations make UPOV a household name

Mexico: people struggle against GM maize

Venezuela: a bottom-up law to defend farmers’ seeds

Asia

India: defending seeds sovereignty

Filipino farmers continue to mobilise and protest, vowing that they will go on opposing the advance of GMOs.

South Korea: women farmers campaign for native seeds

Thailand: resisting free trade agreements in order to protect local seeds

Europe

Austria: fighting for legislation in favour of biodiversity and farmers’ rights

France: Associations and small enterprises working together have enabled several thousand French farmers to stop using industrial seeds for many of their crops. They have initiated ‘peasant seed houses’ where communities select, reproduce, and preserve peasant seeds collectively.

Germany: a victory for the defence of farm-based seeds and a campaign to save the “Linda” potato

Greece: the crisis brings peasant seeds back to the fields

Italy: Farmers are organising in direct production and consumption networks and gardening collectives. One of their goals is not to become dependent on the seed industry. Their seeds are exchanged locally through large yearly exchanges