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The “Reweaving the Ecological Mat” initiative is premised on the knowledge and experience that the current model of economic development is not appropriate for the Pacific. While it is acknowledged that this model of development has led to some improvements to human life in the Pacific, and across the world in general, it is not beneficial to the common good of the vast majority of the world’s people, including the Pacific.
Speakers at the webinar shared resources and insights from the Pacific that seek to change the narrative of development from one that exploits human beings and ecology for profit in favour of one that nurtures communities and emphasizes the sacredness of ecology.
Frances Namoumou, from the Pacific Conference of Churches, outlined the theological framing of the project: “reading and interpreting the kingdom of God in this way resonates very strongly with the Oceanic sense of attachment to and interconnectedness with the land and sea and air,” she said.
“Economics, ecology and ecumene all belong together. Human life and wellbeing and all its relationships are intricately connected and interconnected with economic relations and the ecological web of life,” added Namoumou, who moderated the webinar.
Elise Huffer, former culture adviser at the Pacific Community, shared that a methodology which emerges from this analysis feeds into an ecological framework for development. “This methodology helps in outlining such a framework. It is also an educational tool to assist in empowering communities to recognize and affirm their roles as custodians of the environments (the land-sea-sky web) of which they are a part,” she said.
The webinar also had presentations from speakers Rev. Dr Cliff Bird, Arnie Saiki, and Daphney Kiki.
Click below to watch the full recording of the webinar
