Sustainability Camp - UPEACE 2014 - Ecology and Jesuits in Communication

Human Development and Natural Resource Management: An Outdoor Course is presented as part of the University for Peace-Ateneo de Manila Asia Peacebuilder’s Scholarship Program. The modules are shared on this page for those who would like to engage in further discussions on these global concerns and local experiences.

While the concept of sustainable development has gained traction over the years, there is a disconnect in terms of how it is expected to be achieved, particularly in a world with limited resources and with the growing reality of planetary boundaries. The dominant paradigm of growth is still on economic development, but not all are able to share in the benefits of this development and the current patterns of economic growth. Economic growth is not sufficient to reduce hunger, to maintain the stability and sustainability of our planet, and to lift the bottom billion out of poverty.

The course will cover some of the important global processes and agreements in relation to sustainable development and human development. It will also go into some of the local experiences of development, with a particular focus on natural resource management and governance.

Human Development and Resource Management in Asia: An Outdoor Course

The course is informed by the Jesuit response to ecological and environmental challenges as emphasized by General Congregation 35 (GC35). The core document in this regard is Healing a Broken World, which provides a background on care for creation as the new dimension of the Jesuit mission. Beyond the environment, sustainable human development must also consider economic and social aspects. Environmental challenges often have the most impact on poor and marginalized communities. Students have the opportunity to explore various approaches to natural resource management in Asia and the integration needed to achieve environmental and human security.

Materials for download:

June 10, 2014