In this engaging discussion, guests JMB, a regenerative finance expert, Tyson, who explores bioregional economies, and Josh from IKSLab delve into creating sustainable economic systems. They examine how to establish relational economies without harmful extractive practices. Key topics include the integration of Indigenous knowledge, innovative governance models, and the importance of valuing nature. The conversation also touches on the connection between ecological relationships and community well-being, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and holistic approaches in today's economic landscape.
The podcast emphasizes creating bioregional economies that prioritize ecosystem health over traditional extractive financial systems and crypto models.
Indigenous knowledge is highlighted as essential for fostering healthy ecosystems, advocating for the integration of cultural teachings into economic frameworks.
There is a strong focus on developing new measurement systems that reflect ecological health, moving away from abstract financial metrics to tangible indicators.
Deep dives
Exploring Alternative Economies
Discussions focus on the significant drive to create alternative bioregional and relational economies that operate outside traditional commodity extraction and crypto schemes. This involves imagining systems that genuinely understand local ecological needs while promoting non-extractive practices. For instance, a concept of 'Hoodie Economics' is explored, which advocates shifting economic systems to center the health of ecosystems at their core. Engaging in these discussions involves recognizing the urgency of today's challenges while embracing dreams of economic transformation.
Connection to Indigenous Practices
The connection to Indigenous knowledge systems is highlighted as a critical aspect of fostering healthy ecosystems and economies. Personal reflections on experiences with sunrise ceremonies illustrate the significance of engaging with natural forces and honoring cultural teachings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships with land and species within a bioregional context, suggesting that healing can occur when traditional ecological knowledge is applied to economic systems. There’s a shared commitment to valuing interrelations among species and humans, enhancing reciprocity within both human and non-human communities.
Measuring Ecosystem Value
The conversation raises questions about how to effectively measure the value of ecosystems and the wellbeing of species within alternative economic frameworks. Ideas emerge on creating a new market that accounts for nature's health through credits, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging ecological interdependence. The example of cultural indicator species is discussed, where the health of specific species could serve as a benchmark for ecosystem vitality. There's a call for developing new measurement systems that provide visibility into ecological health rather than abstract financial metrics.
Challenges of Trading Systems
The complexities of establishing a trading market for bioregional credits are explored, discussing potential pitfalls reminiscent of traditional financial structures. Ideas are presented about ensuring that trading remains rooted in care and mutual responsibility toward ecosystems, rather than profit-driven motivations. For example, concerns arise regarding how relationships with species affect the value of these credits and the responsibilities that come with them. The need for establishing transparent and trustworthy systems where knowledge production can function without falling into exploitative practices is emphasized.
The Role of Care in Economic Systems
A key theme emerges around incorporating care into economic systems, emphasizing that the health of communities, both human and ecological, should be prioritized. The concept of an internal economy of care is proposed, where knowledge production within communities directly contributes to their wellbeing. Attention is directed towards how labor related to care has historically been undervalued and how this new framework can uplift that work as a vital element in a thriving economic system. Ultimately, it is suggested that reestablishing deeper relations will lead to holistic and regenerative practices in both everyday life and broader economic models.
A wanjau (collective sensemaking yarn) with JMB, Tyson and Josh from IKSLab, tying together 3 years of work in regenerative finance design. How can bioregional, relational economies and currencies be established without being backed by potential extractive activity on the land, or real estate as capital, or the ponzi scheme vacuums of crypto? How can these commons be governed and enjoyed collectively? How can units of value be created to support economies of care and regen knowledge production? What value propositions can work here, and what mechanisms of measurement could be responsive to authentic signals from the land? And how can Indigenous knowledge be embedded safety, with equity kept by communities providing this expertise?
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