SUSTAINABILITY VS REGENERATION
Flinders Island - Chelko 2021
The 2023 Furneaux Futures Forum is dedicated to exploring the theme of ‘Regeneration’. While sustainability has long been a priority for many, we believe that it is time to take our efforts to the next level.
Sustainability focuses on sustaining the current system. It's a scientific technical solution based on a belief that humans are dominant over nature. Sustainability encourages businesses to do less harm while also upholding traditional values like economic growth, consumption, competition, individualism, and scarcity. The problem is that it's exploitative, and an exploitative system by definition cannot be self-sustaining. Cascading crises in climate, biodiversity, food security, energy, employment, housing, education, health and so on clearly illustrate that we can't flourish on a planet where resources are being depleted. So while sustainability is important, it won't solve the complex social-environmental-economic challenges ahead. A change of mindset is needed.
Regeneration, on the other hand, takes sustainability to the next level. It goes beyond maintaining the current system and aims to transform it into a state of health and resilience. Regenerative systems sustain themselves, evolving and adapting over time. Regeneration involves restoring and revitalising our ecosystems, communities, and economies to a state where they can thrive and innovate. It involves learning, collaboration, and the co-creation of collective solutions that are more resilient and adaptable to changing circumstances.
Regeneration acknowledges that the current system is not working and that we need to connect, learn and transform it to create a better future. It involves taking a holistic approach and bringing together our economic, social, and environmental spheres to create systems that work for everyone. The aim is to create a healthier and more equitable future for all.
“When something works on these islands it tends to be small and special. As the rest of the world chases growth, we chase meaning.”
The Islander Way