Post by Patricia Grossi Reis
A hot topic of discussion when it comes
to the green economy – one of the themes of this conference – is
whether or not putting a price tag on natural resources is an
appropriate way to protect it. Proponents of payments for ecosystem
services argue that, unless we start to place a market value on these
resources, they will continue to be overused and undervalued,
ultimately leading to a tragedy of the commons scenario, where
everyone acts in their own interest until limited shared resources
are depleted. Opponents of this idea say that nature is priceless,
and debate the issue of “worth” since a forest is valued very
differently by for example a group of indigenous people or a logger.
The Earth Charter states that the protection of Earth's vitality,
diversity, and beauty is a sacred trust. How do we do it, then? I
continue to scratch my head on this idea of commoditization of
nature, but also believe that we can’t treat it as worthless just
because it is free. What do you think?
It seems to me that price tags are tools. They can help with decision-making with the aim of protecting and restoring the integrity of ecosystems. They may also help those without such aims and values, whose focus is on appropriating and exploiting the global commons for the benefit of a company or a nation. Therefore we also need (Earth Charter 13d.
ReplyDeleteInstitute effective and efficient access to administrative and independent judicial procedures, including remedies and redress for environmental harm and the threat of such harm.) new law: see - http://www.picturesofsuccess.org/13/13d-institute-effective-efficient-access-administrative
It might take a while - see http://eradicatingecocide.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/r/3B3F1E58CC327152/34A493D621DC42CFF6A1C87C670A6B9F
ReplyDeleteI have found a relevant critical analysis here http://www.tni.org/interview/green-grabbing
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