To be ecologically literate is to have the ability to see things differently, to engage with the natural world and learn from it, and to understand that just like our resources, society needs to become more sustainable in order to survive. Most of us accept that we need to re-think the way we live on this planet – but how do we go about it? And, will it make a difference anyway?
The principles of ecoliteracy look beyond what we ask individuals, organisations or governments to do, and concentrate on investing in ecological good practice. Building this understanding into society through education and systems can have a deeper and more profound impact, but we still have our own parts to play.
Physicist, systems theorist, author, and founder of the Center for Ecoliteracy in California, Dr. Fritjof Capra Ph.D., defines ecoliteracy like this:
The great challenge of our time is to create sustainable communities; that is, social and cultural environments in which we can satisfy our needs without diminishing the chances of future generations…In our attempts to build and nurture sustainable communities we can learn valuable lessons from ecosystems, which are sustainable communities of plants, animals, and microorganisms. In over four billion years of evolution, ecosystems have developed the most intricate and subtle ways of organizing themselves so as to maximize sustainability… the survival of humanity will depend on our ecological literacy, on our ability to understand these principles of ecology and live accordingly. (To read more from this article and about the Centre for Ecoliteracy click here)
So, we individuals can make a difference – as ecoliterate thinkers, educators and leaders of the future.
As an ecological facilitator, Emily Ryan’s take on ecoliteracy also places the individual at the heart.
An integrated, embodied knowledge of the first principles of ecoliteracy is essential to every individual, no matter what form their work in the world takes. The process of becoming ecologically literate, that is, learning how nature organises itself to sustain the web of life, is really a journey toward taking our true place as a part of this vast, interconnected whole. As part of the whole, our lives have great impact and meaning and the choices we make now will affect the lives of each generation to come.
This autumn, Emily will be facilitating Ecoliteracy: First Principles for Radical Change, a Schumacher College short course. The two-week course takes a holistic approach to the theory and practice in this area. Students will learn how to live and work as a part of, rather than apart from, the ecosystems we share in a supportive, challenging and fun environment. They will leave with new information and experiences they can readily apply, but also with a renewed awareness of their connection to each other and the whole of life itself.
Marcos Vallejo, a previous Ecoliteracy participant from Colombia, was able to use the knowledge he gained on the course to steer his life and work in a new direction.
I plan to go back to teaching and I know it will be completely different now – more systems centred and all about the different relations and roles we play on this beautiful planet. I now feel confident that I am able to give people some ideas for their own lives and help them see how connected they are with the whole system.
This course will continue to inspire individuals to take their own steps towards a more ecoliterate future, and to go on to encourage others to do the same. We invite you to join this future.
Dr. Capra will be teaching on the course via video link, along with an assembly of other leading names in the field including Gustavo Esteva (also by video link), Satish Kumar and Anne Miller.
Ecoliteracy has such a broad range of applications, and will appeal to a wide spectrum of people. However, we are especially keen to promote this course to large NGOs and recruitment and training professionals both in the UK and abroad. If you work or have connections in such organisations or in and would be prepared to be an advocate of the College, please do get in touch so that we can connect with your colleagues and ensure your organisation becomes ecoliterate. Click here to contact us by email or call 01803 860054
