What is the concept of sustainability?

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It's a concept that has evolved over time, shaped by diverse cultures and academic fields. But to understand it fully, we need to dig deep and see how different societies and scholars define it.

In the West, we often associate sustainability with maintaining balance in the environment, society, and economy. This perspective, while valid, is just one part of a bigger puzzle. Enter Indigenous Knowledge (IK). IK brings unique insights from indigenous cultures, teaching us about their longstanding relationship with the land. Here, sustainability isn't just about balance; it's about respect, giving back, and understanding our place within nature.

Imagine a dialogue where Western science and IK come together, not to become one, but to learn from each other. Both can offer valuable lessons about building a more sustainable world. This is like the Two Row Wampum, a visual metaphor from the Haudenosaunee people. It symbolises two distinct groups travelling side by side, respecting each other’s paths but never merging. Just like the canoe (representing IK) and the ship (signifying Western knowledge) in the Two Row Wampum, both knowledge systems can coexist, learn, and evolve without losing their identity.

Challenges? Yes, there will be many. Combining knowledge from cultures with centuries-old beliefs won’t be easy. But the potential rewards, in terms of understanding and action, are massive.

Look at the Western viewpoint on sustainability. It's focused on science, technology, and numbers. While these have given us progress, they've also shown their limits. For instance, we often see nature as a resource – something to use. But IK challenges this, suggesting that we see nature as a relative, a gift. Imagine if we started treating the environment not as a resource to exploit but as a family member to care for!

If we reconsider our view on sustainability and include indigenous principles, we can redefine our relationship with the planet. These principles encourage giving back, understanding our connection to nature, and recognising that everything is interlinked. If one thing changes, everything else does too. The West has a lot to learn from IK, especially when it comes to sustainability.

In essence, by uniting various perspectives on sustainability, we’re creating a richer, more comprehensive understanding. It's about combining old wisdom with new findings. And in doing so, we're setting ourselves on a better path for the future.

From Theory to Action: A Unified Approach to Sustainability

Understanding different views on sustainability is essential. But turning this knowledge into action is the real challenge. For meaningful change, we need more than good intentions; we need practical tools that societies worldwide can adopt.

The “common asset trust” is a notable example. It treats natural resources – forests, water, the atmosphere – as shared treasures. In essence, if these treasures belong to everyone, they should be protected by everyone. This isn't a new idea, but it's an important one. It suggests that governments should act as caretakers of these resources, safeguarding them for everyone, everywhere.

Here's an interesting twist: Indigenous communities, with their deep connection to nature, can play a vital role. They can share in the responsibility, guiding us on the best ways to nurture our planet. By including their wisdom in the trust approach, we can better define our goals and strategies, adding a layer of respect and understanding.

This collaboration is significant. Pairing a legal structure with indigenous insight creates a strong, holistic approach. On one side, you have rules ensuring that governments do right by the environment. On the other, you have time-tested knowledge from cultures that have lived in harmony with nature for ages.

Of course, there are challenges. The trust approach, rooted in Western ideas of ownership, contrasts with indigenous views centred on stewardship without possession. But these differences aren't setbacks; they're opportunities for innovation and fresh thinking.

Using diverse perspectives alongside the common asset trust could be a game-changer for sustainability. Together, we can challenge outdated views, craft better policies, and protect our planet. Such teamwork could also counter narrow views or corporate interests that sometimes stand in the way of progress.

In short, our planet is at a tipping point. Traditional methods are losing their edge, so diverse ideas are vital. Marrying ancient wisdom with modern strategies may be our best hope for a planet that not just survives but flourishes. A world that respects and understands its resources. A world where sustainability is woven into the fabric of society.