SO! Why this trip!?
First, the idea was to go enjoy the outdoors and travel in a way that puts us in the “deep end” – only simple mobile phones as modern technology, sometimes no maps to guide us, we wanted to be speaking to locals for a taste of their ways and hospitality. Helping travellers in need is good for Karma right!?
First, the idea was to go enjoy the outdoors and travel in a way that puts us in the “deep end” – only simple mobile phones as modern technology, sometimes no maps to guide us, we wanted to be speaking to locals for a taste of their ways and hospitality. Helping travellers in need is good for Karma right!?
Second, coming from one year of intense learning about sustainability and leadership, we wanted to see how sustainability projects are realised in different places and at various scales. We were excited about some field learning and also to “teach” whatever would seem appropriate.
Except riding bicycles, in what way(s) did your activities relate to sustainability?
We are talking about sustainability as defined in the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD), or “Natural Step Framework”, in which there are three principles for ecological sustainability, and one for social sustainability. The latter is based on the idea that everyone on Earth should be able to meet their needs: Subsistence, freedom, identity and so on.
We are talking about sustainability as defined in the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD), or “Natural Step Framework”, in which there are three principles for ecological sustainability, and one for social sustainability. The latter is based on the idea that everyone on Earth should be able to meet their needs: Subsistence, freedom, identity and so on.
From this perspective, many activities we took part in had a strong link with these principles. The Berlin Kulture Karnival is a great display of peoples’ identities, participation, leisure, freedom, etc… as basic human needs. In Karlskrona (Sweden) we organised a dialogue with the local community about cultural diversity. In Prague we had a workshop for cross-pollinating ideas, giving input and feedback on different local sustainability projects. We were also lucky to meet activists from Prague and Budapest who are working on making cycling easier in these cities. So all this is focused on people, their environment, their health and morale.
Why this particular outlook?
The reason why we chose to look at these projects through the FSSD is that it provides a functional definition of sustainability and ways to move organisations and communities towards sustainability. Coupled with social technologies designed for large-scale collaboration, the FSSD is a powerful framework.
The reason why we chose to look at these projects through the FSSD is that it provides a functional definition of sustainability and ways to move organisations and communities towards sustainability. Coupled with social technologies designed for large-scale collaboration, the FSSD is a powerful framework.
Our adventure revealed a small but golden sample of what collaboration and initiative can bring: connecting people, sharing ideas and hopefully energising some great projects!
Sounds great, where can I learn more about all this?
For more information about:
For more information about:
- The FSSD, see www.thenaturalstep.org
- Social technologies for effective collaboration across sectors and for complex endeavours: www.artofhosting.org
- Training in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability: www.bth.se/msls
- Training in Sustainable Product and Service Systems Innovation: www.bth.se/mspi
You didn’t pull it off alone did you? Who helped you??
Please see the “special thanks” page by clicking on the tab above, and thank YOU for reading!
Please see the “special thanks” page by clicking on the tab above, and thank YOU for reading!