EARTH CHARTER INITIATIVE Brief History

EARTH CHARTER INITIATIVE Brief History EARTH CHARTER INITIATIVEEARTH CHARTER INITIATIVE Brief HistoryBrief History1992 NGO Forum proposed a draft Charter to Earth Summit

but time was not right

1994 Earth Council, Green Cross International and Dutch Government reactivated the initiative

1995 Consultation process started

1997 Earth Charter Commission was formed

1997 Benchmark Draft I was issued in Rio+5

97-98 35 national bodies & numerous conferences were held

1999 Benchmark Draft II issued2000 Launching and acceptance of the Earth Charter

document at The Hague 2002 WSSD in Johannesburg and the Type II Partnership

The Earth CharterInternational Secretariat

MISSION

Establish a sound ethical foundation for the emerging global society and to help build a sustainable world based

on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture

of peace.The Earth CharterInternational Secretariat

What is the Value Added of the Initiative?

What is the Value Added of What is the Value Added of the Initiative?the Initiative?

At a time when major changes in how we think and live are urgently needed, the Earth Charter challenges us to

examine our values and to choose a better way. It calls on us to search for common ground in the midst of our diversity and to embrace a new ethical vision

that is shared by growing numbers of people in many

nations and cultures throughout the world. The Earth Charter

International Secretariat

Structure of the Earth CharterStructure of the Earth CharterStructure of the Earth CharterA preamble briefly describing the major challenges and choices facing humanity.

16 Principles divided in 4 parts.

The 1st principle is the foundation of the next 3 and of all the other principles in the Charter.

The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th principles in Part I deal with the three major spheres of human relationship and ethical responsibility : relations between human beings and the greater community of life, relations among human beings in society, and the relations between present and future generations.

12 main principles in Parts II, III, and IV spelling out more fully the meaning of the first four principles. The titles of these three parts indicate the inclusive nature of the Earth Charter vision.

61 supporting principles dealing with critical issues and clarifying the meaning of the 16 main principles.

The conclusion is a call for commitment and action.The Earth CharterInternational Secretariat

I.I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR RESPECT AND CARE FOR THETHE COMMUNITY OF LIFECOMMUNITY OF LIFE

1. Respect Earth and life in all its diversity.

2. Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love.

3. Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.

4. Secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations.


II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITYII. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY5. Protect and restore the integrity

of Earth's ecological systems. 6. Prevent harm as the best

method of environmental protection.

7. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction for conservation purposes.

8. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the exchange of that knowledge.


http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=ovfcnun6.ebo8ttn6.58ixyun6&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.innerx.net%2Fpersonal%2Ftsmith%2FSchumann.html

III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICEJUSTICE

9. Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative.

10. Ensure that economic activities and institutions promote sustainable human development.

11. Affirm gender equity and ensure access to education, health care, and economic opportunity.

12. Uphold an environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being


IV. DEMOCRACY, IV. DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACENONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE

13. Strengthen democratic institutions, to be accountable, just and to be inclusively participatory.

14. Integrate into education the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life.

15. Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.

16. Promote a culture of tolerance, non-violence, and peace


How is the Earth Charter being used globally?

How is the Earth Charter How is the Earth Charter being used globallybeing used globally??

Latin AmericaCosta Rica:

Community EducationUsing the Earth Charter

AfricaKenya, GBM and their

Funding Proposal

AsiaJapan, Soka Gakkai

International and ‘A Quiet Revolution’

EuropeSpain: Network of

Earth Charter-basedschools

North AmericaCanada and USA’sLocal Community

movements

AustraliaPapua New Guinea

made their own Charter


Costa Rica Developed an Alliance for Costa Rica Developed an Alliance for Community Sustainable Development Community Sustainable Development Projects using the Earth Charter in the Projects using the Earth Charter in the

sensibilization and motivation phase.sensibilization and motivation phase.

MISSION OF THE ALLIANCEAn alliance of organizations, institutions and

other instances with the purpose of promoting spaces for reflection to work with communities

in sustainable development processes to acquire a better quality of life on a nation-

wide basis.

In Community education...


http://www.cr/cgi-bin/htimage/internet/mapacr.map

Several organizations are participating inthis project in the following way:

Several organizations are participating inSeveral organizations are participating inthis project in the following way:this project in the following way:

Earth Charter Sensitization Motivation Workshop

Modules for sustainable development training

Identify and Prioritize community problems

Support with materials

Select and train community leaders

Earth Charter National

Group

Local

NGOs

Government:Ministries of

Environment

and

Education

Local

Governments

Integration of Policies into theirprograms

Follow up

Evaluate


EXPECTED RESULTSEXPECTED RESULTS

Identifiedvalues and

principles for Local Sustainable

Development

Community Leaders educated on sustainable

development

Sustainabledevelopment processes in

each community

Sustainable Development

Council to follow up and

evaluate

Local Programfor

Sustainable Development


The City of Joondalup is applying the Earth Charter as part of its Strategic Planning process

The City of Joondalup is applying the Earth Charter The City of Joondalup is applying the Earth Charter as part of its Strategic Planning processas part of its Strategic Planning process

The focus of the City’s Strategic Planning Business Unit is to developan integrated planning framework that facilitates the organization to

achieve its strategic objectives, which includes an strategic plan.

In Local Governments...


The Earth Charter within the Strategic Planning of the

City of Joondalup, Western Australia

The Earth Charter within the Strategic The Earth Charter within the Strategic Planning of the Planning of the

City of City of JoondalupJoondalup,, Western AustraliaWestern Australia

DIRECTORATE PLANS and BUSINESS UNIT PLANS

ANALYSISof the issues papers resulted from the consultation,

to deliver their:

KEY RESULT AREAS(Consultation process comparing the Earth

Charter and Strategic Planning process)

VISIONFor their Strategic Plan

MISSION of the City of Joondalup translates into


Comparison of their Policies and the Earth CharterComparison of Comparison of their their Policies and the EarthPolicies and the Earth CharterCharterEarth Charter Principles

City of Joondalup Policy:: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0

1 1

1 2

1 3

1 4

1 5

1 6

2.1.1 Employment2.1.2 Equal Employment Opp.2.1.3 Occupational Health & Safety

2.3.1 Policy Dev.& Review Process

2.3.2 Communications2.3.4 Provision of Information2.3.6 Public Submissions2.4.1 Accounting Policy2.4.2 Investment policy2.4.6 Purchasing Goods & Services2.6.1 Access to info. for disabled

2.6.2 Services & facilities for disabled

2.6.3 Public Participation2.6.4 Env., Social & Economic Sust.

4.2.1 Library Service4.2.2 Online Services Provision4.6.1 Burning Garden Refuse

5.1.1 Waste Management5.2.2 Council Reserves and Parks5.4.2 Stormwater Drainage to wetlands


The tribes of Papua New Guinea made their own charter based on the Earth Charter document

The tThe tribes of Papua New Guinea ribes of Papua New Guinea made their own charter based made their own charter based on the Earth Charter documenton the Earth Charter document

Earth

Charter

The 870 tribes agree on a new

charter as...

Public series of stakeholders consultations and essays on the Earth Charter by a group of concerned civil society comnetators.

The Papua New Guinea – Mama Graun Tribal Charter:

a description and manifestation of historial and natural challenges and how the tribes are going to face it globally.

Papua New Guinea, Australia

Ecology made of islands, mountains, rivers, ocean reefs, tropical forests and wetlands.

As the base for new charters...


http://www.niugini.com/cards

The objectives of the Papua New Guinea tribal Charter are: The objectives of the Papua The objectives of the Papua New Guinea tribal Charter areNew Guinea tribal Charter are::

To encourage the use and allocation of natural resources in a just, and environmentally friendly manner for the benefit of the present and future generations;

To share and disseminate globally the charter to individuals andorganizations with similar missions;

To depict, promote and enhance it’s educational and awareness use in communities, schools, universities, faith communities and other sectors of society in PNG.

To enable all sectors of PNG to develop and distribute necessarysupporting materials to promote and practice it’s principles.

To actively encourage endorsement, implementation and support ofthe charter by civil society, private enterprise and government at all levels.

To seek endorsement of this charter from the Government prior to

it’s tabling to the civil society. The Earth CharterInternational Secretariat

http://www.niugini.com/pngmarkets/Orchids/orchids.html

A grassroots effort to bring people together in cities around the world to be inspired to make the Earth

Charter's principles a reality in their lives and communities.

A grassroots effort to bring people together in cities around the world to be inspired to make the Earth

Charter's principles a reality in their lives and communities.

With the main objective of…

Informing, educating and engaging

people, including youth of diverse

backgrounds, with the Earth Charter through

music, arts, enlightened speakers

and meaningful dialogues.

By…

* Taking the Earth Charter to people aligned with the principles within the document.

* Webcasting the summits for those people who are not able to attend and at the same time connecting with all the summit cities.

In Local Communities...

And…

* Building coalitions and/or partnerships with existing Earth Charter groups and organizations.

* Launching andstrengthening Earth Charter grassrootsInitiatives.


Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Application of the Earth Charter Principles

Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Application of the Earth Charter Principles

After the endorsement of the Earth Charter, the TRCA went through a very interesting chart to better understand the vision and prepare the implementation of the Earth Charter.

1. They revised the Earth Charter and pointed out the principles specially relevant to them,

2. Listed the associated sub- principles, and for each of them, came up with:

Their interpretation and comments of the sub-principle,

how it can be implemented in their organization.


How TRCA used specifically relevant Earth Charter principlesHow TRCA used specifically relevant Earth Charter principlesEndorsed

Earth Charter Principles

Associated Earth Charter

Clauses

TRCA Application

12. Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well- being, with special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and minorities.

a. Eliminate discrimination in all its forms, such as that based on race, coloUr, sex, sexual orientation, religion, language, and national ethic or social origin.

The TRCA must strive to be cognizant of any differences related to community health across its’ region and devise programs accordingly. It must also provide equal access opportunities to recreation, education, green space and other related programs.TRCA hiring programs must attract a more diverse work force and help to build academic training capacities for the future work force to protect and enhance the natural environment.

b. Affirm the right of indigenous peoples to their spirituality, knowledge, lands and resources and to their related practice of sustainable livelihoods.

Clause 8b. : Traditional knowledge is utilized in the development of watershed strategies… The TRCA incorporates multiculturalism into its programs and events as a reciprocal part of its relationship with the GTA community. The multi-cultural stewardship is another related example. The TRCA houses one of the only archaeological departments of any Conservation Authority ensuring that human heritage is understood and appreciated…

c. Honour and support the young people of our communities, enabling them to fulfil their essential role in creating sustainable societies.

Sustainable Living through Education continues a focus on environmental education through school curriculum but extends this education to a wider audience including families and business. Providing experiences and opportunities for children to frame their thinking as adults later is a core component of TRCA programs.

d. Protect and restore outstanding places of cultural and spiritual significance.

Through the TRCA’s archaeological department historically sacred areas are identified and protected such as burial grounds. Natural places, vistas and land forms are protected and restored. Spiritual places are needed in the rapidly growing GTA.


One of the priorities of the Earth Charter Initiative is to advance the educational

uses of the Earth Charter

One of the priorities of the Earth Charter One of the priorities of the Earth Charter Initiative is to advance the educational Initiative is to advance the educational

uses of the Earth Charteruses of the Earth Charter

Formal settings Non-formal settings

Local Governments

Businesses

CommunitiesUniversities and Higher Education

Schools•Elementary•Secondary


In formal education … VIVIM PLEGATS in Spain, a multicultural education program for peace

and cooperation working with the Earth Charter in elementary schools

In formal education … VIVIM PLEGATS in Spain, a multicultural education program for peace

and cooperation working with the Earth Charter in elementary schools

Balearic Islands

Spain

Objectives:

• Think about the fact of multicultural life.

•From real life experiences, figure out its causes and consequences.

• Locate other cultures and diverse ways of life in the world.

• Improve the ability to live together and avoid xenophobia

and racism.

• Ease the creation and strengthening of relationships with other schools, domestic and foreign.

• Open ways of cooperation for exchanges of all types,

principally cultural.

• Strengthen teacher participation

• Raise the participation of parents and civil society,

its institutions and citizens.The Earth CharterInternational Secretariat

Vivim Plegats program is carried out like this:Vivim Plegats program is carried out like this:

4. Didactic materials for students and teachers

5. Multicultural performances and parent participation at the education center

4. Didactic materials for students and teachers

5. Multicultural performances and parent participation at the education center

10. Memory about the development and benefit of the program

9. A concrete and practical program-ming of each participating school

10. Memory about the development and benefit of the program

9. A concrete and practical program-ming of each participating school

1. Presentation of the program to teachers and students

2. Workshop on Children’s Rights

3. Earth Charter Workshop

1. Presentation of the program to teachers and students

2. Workshop on Children’s Rights

3. Earth Charter Workshop

8. Coordination of pedagogic action promoted with the existing plurality of offers for ethics training

7. The program is echoed with campaigns and shows of solidarity

6. Selection and collection of works from other education centers

8. Coordination of pedagogic action promoted with the existing plurality of offers for ethics training

7. The program is echoed with campaigns and shows of solidarity

6. Selection and collection of works from other education centers


In Formal Higher Education… The University for Peace in Costa Rica utilizes the Earth Charter in some of its programs:

In Formal Higher EducationIn Formal Higher Education…… The University for Peace in Costa Rica utilizes the The University for Peace in Costa Rica utilizes the Earth Charter in some of its programs:Earth Charter in some of its programs:

University for Peace campus in Costa Rica

The Environmental Ethics Course is one of the regular courses taught within the Dual Masters Program in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, implemented between University for Peace in Costa Rica and the American University in Washington D.C., USA. The Earth Charter provides the backbone of this course.

The Peace Education Masters Program is a valued based program where the Earth Charter is used as one of the main freameworks.


http://www.upeace.org/aboutus/vtour/tour01.htm

And In Non Formal EducationAnd In Non Formal Education……

This institute is based on the legacy of commitment, love and hope to American educators of this Brazilian adult educator who died in 1997.

Paulo Freire

The Paulo Freire Institute in Sao The Paulo Freire Institute in Sao Paulo, Brazil is proud to use the Paulo, Brazil is proud to use the Earth Charter as a framework Earth Charter as a framework in their well structured non in their well structured non educational activities and educational activities and curricula. curricula.

Its mission is to research with Its mission is to research with the purpose of formulating and the purpose of formulating and implementing plans, programs implementing plans, programs and projects in the and projects in the educationaleducational, cultural and , cultural and communication fields for communication fields for building a building a “…“…less authoritarian, less authoritarian, more democratic and human more democratic and human worldworld””


The IPF has launched an ‘Eco Pedagogy’ movement inspired on the Earth Charter principles

The IPF has launched an ‘Eco Pedagogy’ movement inspired on the Earth Charter principles

•Pedagogy of Sustainability Educators sensitized to the Earth Charter vision

Projects Expected Outputs

• JovemPaz Project 225 social educators trained on topics of peace and sustainability

•Citizen School Project The Earth Charter integrated into the curriculum of approximately 150 schools


As Type II Partner...Niger has elaborated the following plans: As Type II Partner...Niger has elaborated the following plans:

Earth Charter taken into account in the elaboration and implementation of civil society’s organizations projects.

Knowledge of the Earth Charter and its principles by teachers, pupils and students.

EXPECTED RESULTS:

Train community development leaders in utilizingthe Earth Charter as an educational tool.

Integrate the Earth Charter into the curriculum of selected organizations.

Develop new curricular and educational materials that use the Earth Charter as framework.

* Earth Charter into the elaboration of national development policies

* Change in mind set and behavior

•Better integration of the Charter in the definition of strategic frameworks for development


Worldwide…Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is launching a traveling exhibit designed to promote public awareness of the Earth Charter and stimulate discussion about the Charter's educational potential

Worldwide…Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is launching a traveling exhibit designed to promote public awareness of the Earth Charter and stimulate discussion about the Charter's educational potential


EARTH CHARTER INITIATIVE Brief History

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