FOUR Backgrounds
First, almost all conservation work in the world today is motivated and organised by humans, oriented to saving human beings from disasters. Such anthropocentric way of looking at life and nature is caused by the human mindset of separation and disconnection from nature. This the root of all destruction of life on and of our planet Earth.
Second, almost all conservation work
in the world today is based upon scientifically rational analysis of problems
and solutions, by documenting biodiversity and ecology, by counting how many
plants, animals and landscapes are to be saved. This approach ignores the
reality that it is scientific revolution that triggered the destruction that we
enjoy today, and that it is tribal peoples that have proven to have kept this
planet Earth green and the water and sky blue.
Third,
almost all conservation work today in Melanesia is sponsored by Western funders
and Big International NGOs (BINGOs), based on the themes, areas and programmes
which are pre-designed by them. This allows no creative space for Melanesian
NGOs and communities to do what is regarded best for ourselves and nature. This
undermines the reality that we Melanesians know well, experienced and have
proven ourselves as protectors of the natural Earth. Therefore, we should plan
and carry out conservation work according to our Melanesian Way of Conservation
and offer our way of working to the world.
Fourth, most NGOs working on environmental issues across Melanesia are not working with the government. The government officials who are making decisions are also indigenous and should be seen that way. We promote holistic approach involving all parties and all beings. We encourage Melanesian Tribal Elders and Government Officials to cooperate in designing policies and actions to protect nature, utilizing our inherited wisdom that we have inherited today . A Green New Guinea and Blue Pacific.
We promote holistic approach involving all parties and all beings. We encourage Melanesian Tribal Elders and Government Officials to cooperate in designing policies and actions to protect the nature, utilizing our inherited wisdom that we have inherited today: A Green New Guinea and Blue Pacific.
We invite all NGOs, Tribal Elders and Government officials across Melanesian to cooperate, coordinate and co-sponsor our activities for the Melanesian Way of Spirit-Based Conservation.
We have legitimate proof based on our collective experience and legacy to teach the world this way of living and caring for the Earth. It is our hope that this can become the mainstream approach for conservation everywhere.