Policy Statement on Regenerative and Sustainable Integration
Introduction: The need to reform our world is paramount. The ability to do so is not lost to us. Presently, we have more ability than ever to utilize developing technological applications, especially when coupled with time-tested Indigenous practices that have worked successfully for generations before ours. With global collaboration and implementation at local levels, the foundations of diversity, equity, and inclusion can become more vast and integral to the modern global world; a world fully capable of restoring harmonious symbiosis with itself and the natural world to which it depends. This policy outlines a strategic approach to identifying areas for integrative, sustainable design.
Goals and Objectives:
- Utilize Permaculture Design Elements: By transforming pre-existing infrastructure and in creating new public spaces, housing communities and residential areas, large scale development projects, and larger cityscapes, the elements of permaculture design can be woven into the fabric of all urban environments to increase functionality, sustainability, regeneration and convenience for a healthier environment.[1]
- Incorporate BGI: Develop Blue-Green Infrastructure to enhance human health and create biodiversity hotspots through biologically accessible corridors, improving species survival rates and human health and wellbeing.[2]
- Build with Resilience and Adaptability: Through enhancing the protection of natural spaces and urban environments, plan and integrate technological applications and systems that guard against the potential of foreseeable crises.
- Collaborate to maximize efficient implementation: Utilize the specializations of local individuals, businesses, and non-profits to more quickly implement strategies and systems that will improve sustainability and resilience in the community.
- Actionable education: Develop programs that teach members of the community to become more self-reliant and resilient in the face of a changing ecosystem.
Implementation Strategies:
- Increase walkability: Continue to develop neighborhoods that promote mixed use features, following the metrics for healthy, walkable cities.[3]
- Urban Garden Initiatives: Develop community gardens and urban agroforests that provide food and engagement opportunities for residents, and habitats for wildlife.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: Design buildings and infrastructure with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. Provide incentives for the use of renewable materials and applicable protective design elements.
- Community Engagement: Involve residents in planning and conservation efforts through education sharing opportunities and volunteer programs.
- International projects: Take place in international projects such as the Paani Foundation[4] that seeks to build water harvesting structures that store water, which helps reduce economic migration and stabilize the local economy.
Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly monitor and report on the progress of sustainability initiatives to ensure transparency and accountability. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of policies and make necessary adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.
Conclusion: By integrating these practices, technologies, and systemic alternatives we continue to build resilient communities that offer greater health and wellbeing benefits to all. By implementing this environmental sustainability policy, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting the planet and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can make a significant impact in the community, environment and economy and inspire others to join us in our efforts.
[1] Rhodes, Christopher J. “Permaculture: Regenerative – Not Merely Sustainable.” Science Progress (1916)98, no. 4 (2015): 403–12, https://doi.org/10.3184/003685015X14467291596242.
[2] Perrelet, K., Moretti, M., Dietzel, A. et al. Engineering blue-green infrastructure for and with biodiversity in cities. npj Urban Sustain 4, 27 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-024-00163-y
[3] Rebecchi, A. “Cities, Walkability and Health. A Multi-Disciplinary Walking Experience at EPH22 in Berlin.” European Journal of Public Health 33, no. Supplement_2 (2023), https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckad160.506.
[4] “Creating a Drought-Free and Prosperous Maharashtra.” Paani Foundation, 2020, www.paanifoundation.in/.