24/4/2020
Systems Change![]() One thing I have noticed with the current pandemic, being forced to stay at home and only going out in our localities for essential services – many more people are out in nature. Whether it is enjoying the beaches and going for walks with family and friends, short bush walks and riding bicycles. This virus has forced those able, to be outdoors for their daily exercise. Our natural environments are essential for our human health and well-being. Two of the beneficiaries of these current restrictions has been our natural environment and wildlife, they seem to be looking and sounding a lot healthier. The non-essential daily exercise limit has reduced our dominance of nature - if only for a short period, we are seeing the benefits. Living on the Central Coast, staying at home gives us the opportunity to reflect on how lucky we really are, here on the coast with our beaches, native forests, wetlands, bicycle, and walking paths. Hence, how important it will be, to continue to look after them once this crisis passes. In fact, it will be crucial. Returning to ‘business as usual’ should not be an option. The business of valuing financial benefit of mining and extractive industries, depleting the earth of natural wonder, together with urban development at all costs, that values the financial gain of a few companies and select individuals, with a handful of jobs at the expense of family, ecology, health, education and long term sustainable employment has been what has brought us this crisis in the first place. Let us not forget the bushfires causing toxic smoke and flooding that was only a recent experience for many of us. The current system is changing whether we like it or not, during this time of isolation, it is an important time to reflect on what we value. Do we want to live in thriving communities working in collaboration, developing local creative businesses, such as eco-tourism ventures, recycling and reuse workshops and permaculture/gardening events that are inclusive, intergenerational, abundant, connected with the local natural environment, prioritizing human and natures health and education over extraction, fear and limited world views. I and members of our CEN team will be working towards the former. We hope you will join us in shifting the system to ensure its sustainability for generations to come. Hale Adasal CEN Chairwoman |
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