What is the main premise behind Chapter 3 of Vandana’s book?
In Chapter 3 of Vandana’s book titled Terra Viva, Vandana mainly talks about the forces of destruction which harm the Earth, soil and pose a threat to biodiversity versus the forces of creation which restore the earth, soil and recreate and publicise ideas such as seed-sharing or seed sovereignity.
The “Forces of Destruction” include pesticides, the green revolution (a contradictory revolution) and the transformation of colonialism to eco-colonialism. These forces may also include how countries and economies seem to benefit through poisoning rivers, felling trees and destroying wild-life.
When it comes to the “Forces of Creation”, Vandana talks about environmental factors which help save and preserve the Earth as a whole. These include the idea of seed sovereignity, Earth democracy and the revival of lost cuisine.
“Forces of Destruction” a detailed overview:
Vandana addresses the factors which lead to environmental degradation as “Forces of Destruction”. Firstly, she mentions how colonialism hasn’t truly died out, it has taken the shape of eco-colonialism. Colonialism used to be how countries would control or authorotate another country or its area illegally.
Thirdly, she talks about how the loss of biodiversity itself poses a significant threat to Earth Democracy and Environmental soveriegnity. In order to clarify Earth democracy refers to how all beings have an equal right to the sustenance provided from the Earth. Thus all communities should come together to work towards sustainibility. The meaning of biodiversity itself refers to the existence of a variety of plants and animals within the same land, area or habitat. In simple words, it refers to the co-existence of a variety of plant and animal species within a specific area. This is extremely important due to the fact that a significant amount of GDP depends on nature, forests support the livelihood of millions of families world-wide and biodiversity help sustain the balance in the ecosystem.
“Forces of Creation” a detailed explanation
Vandana address the factors which lead to environmental sustainibility as the “Forces of Creation” in chapter 3 of her book. Her idea is quite simple. Biodiversity, Earth democracy and sustainibility aswell as the underlying importance of the concept of seed soveriegnity and seed-sharing are all vital to support environmental sustainibility. She also mentions how environmental activism on any level–such as the Chipko movement which became extremely popular–is the basis for any action towards environmental peace and sustainibility.
According to Navdanya International, Earth Democracy is rooted in the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva kutumkam
Vandana quotes,”In nature’s economy the currency is not money, it is life…”
A complete brief on the Forces of Creation and Destruction:
In conclusion, in chapter 3 of Terra Viva, Vandana speaks about the factors negatively and positively affecting the environment. She gives detailed overviews of the concept of Earth democracy, completely explains the underlying role of biodiversity in our lives and how nature itself contributes significantly to economic stability.
This Chapter not only touches and explains topics which need to be re-discovered in order to raise awareness, but also implements cultural depth within each topic. Earth democracy being rooted in the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva kutumkam which translates to “Earth family”is an excellent example of this. Thus cultural depth, detailed overviews and exposure to concepts which apply world-wide are implemented within the same chapter.
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