In a 2003 paper published in the newly formed “Sustainability Science” subject category of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA (PNAS, USA) scholars Robert Kates and Thomas Parris wrote,
“…Perhaps the most powerful lever of change is the concerted willingness of governments, business, and civil society to press ahead with the well understood actions needed to achieve the current 2015 goals of the Millennium Declaration and the World Summit for Sustainable Development.”
More recently, articles have been published in PNAS-USA Sustainability Science that corroborate the need for willingness citing that the effects of innovation of science and technology as well as governance and policy while essential, are not enough (limited in validity and efficacy).
The research is also showing that multi-scale collaborative community networks are the best way to implement innovation in science and technology toward a global sustainable future.
It comes down to an individual willingness to take action and be part of collaborative communities for sustainability.
These are not really new research discoveries nor new ideas.
From Harvard to Nunavut Arctic College.
Pelagie Owlijoot at Nunavut Arctic College, Canada recently published a document on Inuit traditional knowledge that is passed along by community elders. These are summarized as:
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge)
Innuqatigiitsiarniq: respecting others, relationships and caring for people.
Tunnganarniq: fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive.
Pijitsirniq: concept of serving is central to the Inuit style of leadership; each person has a contribution to make and is a valued contributor to his/her community
Aajiiqatigiingniq: consensus decision making. The concept of consensus decision making relies on strong communication skills and a strong belief in shared goals.
Pilimmaksarniq: concept of skills and knowledge acquisition.
Piliriqatigiingniq: working together for a common cause. The concept of developing collaborative relationships and working together for a common purpose. The essential Inuit belief that stresses the importance of the group over the individual.
Qanuqtuurniq: being innovative and resourceful in seeking solutions. The concept of being resourceful to solve problems, through innovative and creative use of resources and demonstrating adaptability and flexibility in response to a rapidly changing world
Avatittingnik kamatsiarniq: respect and care for the land, animals and the environment. The concept of environmental stewardship stresses the key relationships Inuit have with their environment and with the world in which they live.
These eight principles of Qaujimajatuqangit describe old traditions of community living and individual conduct. They are not grounded in any religious beliefs, but rather in the often harsh difficulty of sustainability in its most rudimentary form. They are traditions that we can learn and take guidance from and apply to our shared future.
EJ Wensing
US Virgin Islands
ejwensing@ecosphere.net