I enjoyed creating strategic parameters to strengthen the role of local communities in the European Union. Hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Network for Community-led initiatives on Climate Change and Sustainability (ECOLISE).
3 Key Takeaways:
Strengthen collective action among Community-Led Initiatives and between CLIs and policy stakeholders
I supported the strengthening of the role of permaculture initiatives, transition networks and ecovillages to achieve a bottom-up approach for the sustainable transition through decentralized community-based actions. These grassroots movements are vital to the Green Deal and the fair and just transition we want to achieve.
Adopt a systems-thinking approach with a focus on regenerative cultures and values
A holistic systemic approach is needed to tackle planetary crisis, caused by our extractive and destructive economic system, such as biodiversity loss and pollution. To recognize that everything is connected and that humans are a part of nature and not separate from it, is essential to enable regeneration in the natural world and in social, economic, and political systems.
Translate community action into political will
Political apathy or distrust on the side of community-led initiatives could lead to the creation of major roadblocks for implementing the European Green Deal. Trust between policy makers and communities in democratic processes needs to be re-established, also with the help of adequate decentralized funding pools.
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