Individual and group action
In this chapter:
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Individuals and groups can help achieve ecological sustainability
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The Land Action Research Network researches and supports sustainable land practices
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Whole Foods Market supports sustainable agriculture through organic farming
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Aldo Leopold believed that humans should care for the land through 'land ethic'
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It is important to become educated on the issue of land use and land degradation
Non-Goverment Organisations(NGOs)
Land Research Action Network (LRAN)
The Land Research Action Network is composed of researchers, students, human rights activists and various NGOs. LRAN is dedicated to the promotion of individual and community rights to land and its resources. They continually work with other organisations, groups and communities to share information and knowledge about the use and management of land.
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The LRAN supported the movement of Ekta Parishad in India in 2004, to defend the land rights of the poor rural communities. Land was forcibly taken from many poor communities for large-scale mining and farming. Forest areas were destroyed and land was quickly degraded. The resources that these rural communities depended upon were rapidly vanishing. The LRAN urged people to show support for Parishad's mass march by sending letters to the governor of the region. The Indian Government then ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which protects the land rights of rural communities.
Rural Action
The members of Rural Action, from Ohio (USA), have joined to produce programmes which promote the sustainable use of the land for agriculture and forestry. They work with various shareholders, such as land owners, NGOs, businesses and local government agencies to promote economic growth and environmental conservation. They constantly work with the surrounding community to promote economic, social and environmental justice in Ohio.
Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a non-profit research and education organisation that has over 30 000 members worldwide. The mission of the group is to help provide responsible leadership through the exchange of ideas on regional, national and international levels. ULI believes in the responsible use of land to enhance the environment. ULI works with various urban and industrial development projects to help propose creative solutions that promote responsible land use and recognise everyone involved.
Companies, Businesses, Corporations
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is a multinational organic food retailer in the USA and the UK. Whole Foods actively supports sustainable agricultural practices by purchasing organically grown foods. The company believes its responsibility is to help promote global environmental sustainability by supporting organic agricultural practices. Whole Foods is actively involved in local communities to help spread awareness. The company also donates a percentage of profits to various environmental organisations.
Individuals
Aldo Leopold
Aldo Leopold was an ecologist, biologist and a conservationist. He believed that people need to care for the lands they inhabit. He was an advocate for both the preservation of natural lands and wilderness activities. As an active citizen, Leopold worked for the US Forest Service, taught wilderness classes at university, wrote books about the natural environment, and was a founding member of The Wilderness Society. The Wilderness Society helped introduce The Wilderness Act 1964 (USA). Leopold also developed a concept of 'land ethic'. Land ethic is the idea that humans belong to the land and should treat it with respect, rather than owning the land and exploiting its natural resources.
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What can you do?
Individuals can help to make a difference in the ecological sustainability of our planet. If households across the world each make a small effort, the overall result will be significant.
One of those most important things is to become educated on the current issue of land degradation. Once you have a basic understanding of the issue and various perspectives you can then help spread awareness. Talking to family, friends and other people in your community about issues surrounding land degradation will help others become more aware of how their actions effect the environment.
Another way to be an active citizen is to become involved in your community. Learn about the various organisations and groups that share similar ideas about promoting ecological sustainability. Join a community group or simply volunteer for local campaigns.
Supporting sustainable agriculture will have a tremendous affect on reducing the rate of land degradation. Support local farmers markets and buy organic foods. Ask where your food has come from and how it was grown. You can also grow your own organic garden.
In addition, you can help promote sustainable use of land by contacting your government officials or local media group. Write a letter to your local representative and let them know how you feel about current environmental issues.
