Despite years of research, bios - life - has
only been found on our planet. Yet this most valuable possession
is threatened by arrogance and oversight. We cannot stop technological
progress but we have the possibility to guide it in the right
direction. We have opened Pandora`s box, but unlike the ancient
myth, we have the option of controlling its unintended consequences
if we place respect for and appreciation of bios at the core
of society.
Science and technology
alone cannot cope with growing environmental challenges. To
be effective in reversing destructive trends and inspiring
social innovation, we need to seek wisdom in the time-spanning
ideals that have defined human culture and have shaped our
civilisation. Humanity can draw strenght from the deeply rooted
past in order to enrich the present and inspire the future
with new "bios promoting" values and guidelines
for the protection of all forms of life.
The evolution of life on
our planet shows how fragile and precious the gift of bios
is. Mass extinctions destroyed species that had existed for
hundreds of millions of years, such as the dinosaurs, which
disappeared because environmental pressures became too severe.
Do we wish to have the same fate? Do we wish our arrogance
and short-term planning to lead us to destruction? By combining
the wisdom of the past with the technology of the present,
society can seek to overcome patterns of over-consumerism
and environmental destruction. The technology to protect the
environment exists and offers countless opportunities for
progress in the environmental field. Science and technology,
coupled with culture and the arts, can encourage every individual
to contribute to the harnessing of pollution and to a concerted
effort to safeguard the continuity of bios.
Bioethics - the ethics of bios - must exit
the confines of the medical sciences and apply to every human
endeavour. The Hippocratic Oath in medicine sets guidelines
for the medical practice and has been serving as a code of
conduct for physicians since the 5th century BC.
Codes of ethics, defining our obligations towards the environment
and all forms of life, need to be developed in every profession
in order to set the pillars of a new society of hope. The
Olympic spirit and the diachronic ideals it represents can
become the cornerstones of a society that respects all its
citizens, be they young, old, weak or handicapped. The Paralympic
Games are an example of how we can reach beyond any physical
disability to acquire the spiritual strength necessary to
compete at the highest level. The same spiritual strength
can guide humanity towards a new vision of global environmental
harmony, hope and peace.
Education is the key to
a brighter future. In the digital age, the new options offered
by technology are making possible what once seemed like science
fiction. e-Learning is placing a wealth of educational material
and resources online, making knowledge accessible to virtually
every citizen on the planet. This valuable educational tool
is being put to use by B.I.O. with a plethora of e-learning
courses addressing environmental concerns soon to be launched.
The wisdom of every individual is a treasure
we need to appreciate. An electronic "Bank of Ideas,"
where any interested party may contribute information or thoughts
concerning the environment, can promote an expedient transfer
of know-how that will help to harness pollution and environmental
deterioration and put an end to wasteful and damaging practices.
Moreover, a "World Referendum" where every citizen
can cast a vote electronically to affirm their willingness
to save the environment, can contribute to the building of
an e-democracy, for people everywhere to actively raise their
voices against any form of environmental or societal harm.
Biopolicy
is an essential part of the Bios Theory - the philosophical
foundation of the Biopolitics International Organisation (B.I.O.)
- and has been addressed extensively since B.I.O.`s inception
in 1985. With environmental deterioration threatening the
rights of future generations, the time is ripe for a re-evaluation
of traditional concepts and for the inclusion of the environment
as a priority in policy. By focusing on the fundamental human
right of living in a clean environment, every endeavour can
contribute to the reversal of destructive trends and to the
building of the necessary moral framework for a global appreciation
of bios. Better public health, the alleviation of poverty
and the conservation of biodiversity constitute a genuine
profit for society. Biopolicy in all societal sectors and
professional and academic initiatives can ensure the continuation
of life on our planet and respect for the rights of future
generations.
The
study of life can be a continuous source of joy for humanity.
It is our duty to appreciate the environment and to rejoice
in its beauty and in all its varied manifestations. Every
living organism, from the smallest butterfly to the tallest
tree, reflects perfection in its splendour. Life at the cell
level is the most vivid expression of this perfection and
a constant reminder that bios is an ongoing process revealed
by the miracle of life. The rapid rate of scientific progress
unravels an ascending ladder of knowledge and a bridge which
links the present to the future. Our frontiers are expanded
and we are becoming increasingly aware not only of the enormous
beauty and diversity of life, but also of the fragile interdependence
that governs it. Awareness of our responsibility to defend
this interdependence is the essence of biopolicy.
The bio-assessment
of technology
Present society resembles an inverted pyramid, with human
rights representing the tip and technology expanding the unstable
base. This imbalance could be changed if we "re-invert"
the pyramid and place bios rights as the wide base of our
society. Human rights will then occupy the stable tip of the
structure.
A global "bio-assessment
of technology," ensuring technological and economic progress
that support the environment, can help to bridge the gap between
technology and societal values. In a dialectic exchange of
views, presenting a thesis and antithesis and then creating
a synthesis of new concepts, ways of reducing negative environmental
impact could be identified so as to truly benefit from the
contributions of technological breakthroughs. Emphasis should
be placed on the eradication of factors causing the decline
of values in society, so as to harness environmental deterioration,
species extinction, water and atmospheric pollution, ozone
layer destruction, the greenhouse effect, soil erosion, acid
rain and nuclear waste. This is a crucial responsibility for
humanity if we are to develop technology that respects and
protects bios.
Working to sustain
what already exists is not enough. With new challenges constantly
arising and with an increased awareness of the urgent need
to take action against destructive trends, the time is ripe
to find more comprehensive, long-term solutions to protect
our planet and guarantee a balanced society for the future.
A new vision, beyond sustainable development, can help place
the situation in perspective, and provide the necessary incentives
to move ahead and explore possibilities leading to more just
and safe global management.
Bio-culture
and mythos
The relationship
between human culture and the environment is becoming increasingly
important in our times. The environment is affected by our
culture, which is, in turn, shaped by the bio-environment.
Bio-culture represents the conscious effort of humanity to
reach this interdependence. Aesthetic values, music, science,
the arts, diplomacy, politics, business and trade can all
come together in the struggle for a better quality of life.
In all its facets, bio-culture reflects the spirit of bios
as a powerful unifying factor for the future co-evolution
of humanity with the bio-environment and the harmonious co-existence
of all forms of life. Furthermore, bio-culture can provide
the necessary incentives for every endeavour to be governed
by biocentric principles and orient toward the better understanding
and preservation of bios on our planet.
But more than just a simple orientation toward biocentric
principles, bio-culture is a manifestation of life. Bios,
with all its intricacies and wonders - be they aesthetic,
functional or spiritual - can be a source of joy and inspiration.
New cultural values, for a global appreciation of bios can
help the world acknowledge the importance of environmental
preservation and the urgency of taking action against negative
trends. Bio-culture can also provide the necessary guidelines
for a reassessment of current assumptions and a critical evaluation
of the future. Once the world acknowledges the importance
of safeguarding bios, the most precious possession on our
planet, embracing bio-cultural values will become the only
viable alternative.
In all human cultures, the origins of myth pre-date written
records. They relate to all aspects of human life and experience,
blending the divine with the mortal, man with nature, heaven
with earth. Μyths convey beliefs, superstition, ritual,
social ideas, philosophy and ethical values. They speak of
the origin of the universe and of man, of the deluge, of epic
battles among the gods, and of men who knowingly and unknowingly
interact with the gods. The wonders of nature come alive,
and our interdependence with all living beings acquires more
tangible dimensions. We cannot envisage a future of hope without
access to culture, active and full participation, meaningful
citizenship. Meeting these challenges requires new ways of
stimulating creativity in politics and policy-making, in technology,
industry and commerce, in education and the arts, and in social
and community development. Culture, tradition and mythos can
inspire this creativity and help us to optimise the cultural
wealth of humanity.
Bio-economics - redefining the concept
of profit
Environmental preservation is
inextricably linked to economic progress. Preserving the wealth
and beauty of the bio-environment, securing the health of
the Earth's population, providing fair rules of trade, and
guaranteeing equal educational opportunities for every country
in the world can be a source of genuine profit, both monetary
and social.
Threats to the environment can only be relieved
through a fundamental change in the economy. Economic science
must seriously contemplate the inclusion of concepts that
are presently considered abstract and qualitative. The issue
of "quality of life" needs to assume top priority,
along with culture and education. These elements, which are
often excluded from conventional theory of finance, need to
become the framework for the new economics of the 21st century.
Moreover, the concept of profit has to be redefined, in order
to include dimensions of internal wealth, preservation of
natural resources as a measurable part of a nation's prosperity,
better health and the protection of biodiversity, which constitute
a "genuine" profit for society.
Three-dimensional economics
Conventional business
and national accounting are inadequate for the implementation
of long-term economic policies. Economic growth is largely
being measured in terms of goods and income categories only,
while the effects of this on the stock and quality of resources
- natural capital - are not adequately considered. Traditional
economics approaches are generally limited to cartesian representations
of inflation and depression tendencies, histograms of monetary
units, or regression analyses of stock-market trends. Although
these two-dimensional approaches were usually sufficient in the
past, they are in dire need of revision and updating. We cannot
carry 19th century methods into the third millennium. The
current fragmented and limited picture of economic theory
needs to be replaced by a three-dimensional approach, where the value of culture, human
capital, education, natural resources, and biodiversity will
factor in every equation and diagram.
Financially poorer
nations may be richer in cultural values, art, tradition or
biodiversity. These elements represent an enrichment for the
entire planet and cannot keep being ignored by economists.
Evaluations of GNP and trade potential should evolve to include
all the above mentioned parameters and place special emphasis
on the urgent task of safeguarding bios and the bio-environment.
Policies for economic growth and employment opportunities,
on a global level, have to be structured according to these
new principles in order to be more effective in countering
poverty, national debts, environmental deterioration and unfair
trade developments.
Green Salary - biopolicy in business
It is in everyone`s long-term interest to
build a society that enhances the potential of every citizen,
based on initiatives for environmental appreciation and protection.
Industrialisation and growth without concern for the environment
will further marginalise disadvantaged groups in society and
also seriously limit regional aspirations to prosperity, thus
hindering efforts to fight poverty. Moreover, many young people
are entering the labour market with few skills and even fewer
opportunities for productive work. This points to the urgency
of developing a knowledge base to create opportunities for
sustainable livelihoods. Sustainable employment in the environmental
field opens the possibilities for disadvantaged groups and
youth to develop their employment potential and also creates
new jobs and work opportunities. Moreover, the magnitude and
urgency of addressing the global problems of unemployment
and environmental degradation suggest that a mutual solution
may be available.
The creation of
new jobs, particularly for youth, is an imperative for relieving
hunger and poverty and regenerating the world`s economies.
Rather than providing conventional benefit payments to the
unemployed, they could be offered the opportunity to work
in some area related to the protection or restoration of the
environment and earn a "green salary" for their
contribution. The opportunities abound, as many environmental
problems exist today that can be ameliorated by human intervention.
If we are to succeed in reversing global environmental degradation
and limit poverty, people everywhere must be imbued with a
love and respect for the environment.
In
the new millennium, corporate environments are changing. Businesses
are realising that it is essential to achieve a developmental
framework that places people and the planet before profits.
Managing the environmental programme in an industrial or commercial
facility has become an increasingly complex and challenging
assignment owing to the expanding maze of environmental laws
and regulations and the growing public expectations regarding
environmental protection. To be effective, programmes and
policies promoting greener products, the use of fewer natural
resources, and lower impacts and risks to the environment,
must be based on an overall framework of biopolicy, which
will help to focus every activity on the consequential task
of saving the environment and life on our planet. Businesses
recognise that a good profile within the community can be
strengthened by displaying a strong environmental ethic, with
responsible policies playing a major part in this.
Bio-diplomacy
- investing in "defence for bios"
As environmental deterioration
is becoming a compelling issue of unprecedented importance,
international cooperation in the preservation of the environment
can provide the necessary unifying dimensions to face the
challenges ahead. Bio-diplomacy - international co-operation
in environmental protection - is a concept pioneered by B.I.O.
at a time when civic leaders, international organisations
and the world community as whole had not fully realised the
urgency of adopting common environmental policy as a priority.
It focuses on the interdependence of all forms of life and
calls upon diplomats and people of influence to engage in
a collective endeavour in defence of the environment. Joint
efforts to protect the environment can boost international
relations and act as a bridge between global impetus and decision-making
at the national and local levels. At the same time, bio-diplomacy
actively supports efforts to maintain biological and cultural
diversity and seeks to improve human relations and to attain
the goal of world peace by replacing current diplomatic attitudes
with a complete international and intercultural perspective.
Within this framework, respect for human rights and the existence
of multi-ethnic and multi-cultural societies is an undeniable
principle. International co-operation in environmental protection
enhances quality of life and strengthens efforts for freedom
and peace.
Bio-diplomacy
is also an opportunity for the aspirations of sovereign states
and civil society to converge in pursuit of long-term policy
and action, enhancing a spirit of solidarity among states.
Bio-diplomacy recognises that cultural differentiation constitutes
the wealth of the body of humanity. Humanity is part of the
overall body of bios, where DNA, the genetic code for every
living organism, is the link connecting all forms of life.
Trees, the source of oxygen on our planet, can be considered
the "lungs" of the body of bios. Damage to the lungs
is not an isolated event but results in the whole body suffering.
These unifying concepts are promoted as the primary consideration
of bio-diplomacy which is involved in enhancing international
co-operation in environmental issues and actively supports
efforts to maintain biological and cultural diversity. At
the same time, bio-diplomacy seeks to improve human relations
and attain the goal of world peace by replacing current diplomatic
attitudes with a complete international and intercultural
perspective.
To
encourage international co-operation the world needs to stop
investing in war and start investing in the preservation of
the bio-environment. Competition for ways to destroy, should
become co-operation for ways to save. Without interfering
with vested interests, the greatest challenge for the 21st
century should become the development of new ways of channelling
current defence protocols so as to adopt the principle of
"defence for bios" as the primary national and international
priority. Existing defence equipment can be amended and used
for reforestation, water resource clean-up, soil erosion recovery,
protection of the ozone layer and the de-contamination of
areas affected by nuclear radiation.
Bio-legislation - defining "human
obligations"
Public health issues, scientific research appropriateness
and human rights are becoming the pivot points of debates
and legislative frameworks. In this effort, consideration
should be given to the role the environment can play in determining
the future of humanity, and decisions should be based on the
interdependence among all forms of life. Human rights, the
biomedical implications arising from the advancement of science,
and concerns over pollution and dwindling natural resources
cannot be treated in isolation. The environment as a common
point of reference can provide a powerful link and lead to
the comprehensive treatment of the challenges we face.
Bio-legislation acknowledges that in addition to "human
rights" there exists a series of "human obligations"
geared toward our common responsibility to preserve the environment
and improve quality of life on a global level. It is therefore
essential for international legislation to make explicit reference
to the protection of bios on our planet and for current environmental
acts to be expanded upon and re-evaluated. The interdependence
between human rights and human obligations is vital in this
context. Rights correspond to obligations and to secure the
harmonious development of society we need to acknowledge certain
important responsibilities. The defence of human rights should
not be regarded as an issue unrelated to the protection of
other forms of life on our planet. Health hazards arising
from environmental degradation and pollution, desertification,
depletion of natural resources, water scarcity and famine
are a threat to the human species. To secure our rights and
to prevent disaster we need to urgently take on the responsibility
of reversing negative trends and protecting our natural heritage.
Normative regulations must take full account of these issues,
both locally and globally. Bio-environmental considerations
should become one of the determining - if not decisive - factors
of decision-making at every possible level. It must also be
realised that environmental protection is the only option
for securing development in the future. International environmental
legislation must include relevant provisions for public education,
training and information regarding the interdependence between
humanity and the environment.
International Court of the Environment - setting guidelines
for biopolicy
The need to
anticipate conflicts over shared natural resources and to
find international, legal and political mechanisms to assist
in resolving them is becoming urgent. There has also been
a growing recognition that security and environmental justice
cannot be achieved without effective institutional support
and coordination. Distinguished scholars and legislators worldwide
have committed themselves to promoting the creation of an
International Court of the Environment to solve environmental
disputes and ensure global environmental stewardship. B.I.O.
has been associated with these efforts since 1998, and has
repeatedly emphasised that an International Court of the Environment,
which has as its primary responsibility to provide guidelines
for environmental responsibility and ethics, can become a
symbol of hope and vision for the future.
In addressing
the crucial issue of biopolicy, the creation of an International
Court of the Environment could play an important role by influencing
new legislation and priorities at the national and international
level. It could also help to work out agreements on protecting
natural resources and develop new guidelines for environmentally
committed policy and action.
Accessibility
and social justice
Environmental values and biopolicy must be
directed towards the enhancement of quality of life as defined
by all the stakeholders in society. A society that is open
and accessible to all should be our goal for the millennium.
Barriers to the disabled need to be identified and removed.
Poverty and social exclusion cannot be tolerated. Changing
attitudes towards people with disabilities in the area of
employment is a key issue, along with accessibility and social
justice.
The environment belongs to all. It is a precious
gift, a fundamental human right. Accessibility to all elements
of society and the environment is a critical responsibility
we have towards the present and the future. Barriers to access
are not only related to physical obstacles. The concept of
access is much more pervasive, encompassing information services,
economic activity, job availability, education, culture, religion,
and language, as well as the physical environment. In addressing
the need for universal access, we must take into account conceptual,
political and practical perspectives, and encourage the involvement
of every citizen in the development of a truly civil society.
Health and the environment
The
health of the environment is becoming an increasingly urgent
priority, and the globalisation of our society is bringing
in new challenges. Environmental quality is perhaps the most
important determinant of human health. Deteriorating environmental
conditions are a major contributory factor to poor health
and poor quality of life, hindering economic and social development.
Poor environmental quality is directly responsible for more
than 25% of all preventable ill-health in the world today.
The principle contributory environmental factors to ill health
are lack of sanitation, unsafe drinking water supplies, poor
food safety, indoor and outdoor air pollution, poor housing
and global climate change. Deforestation, expansion of agriculture
and urbanisation are principle culprits in the spread of infectious
diseases. Producing food for the world`s peoples has become
increasingly dependent on the use of chemicals for fertilisers
and pesticides. In addition to posing health concerns to the
consumer, residues of these chemicals remain in the environment
and continue to threaten health
Social
and ethical issues abound in the attempt to effectively address
these problems. Environmental health problems are especially
pronounced in the developing countries, which often lack the
resources and infrastructure needed to contain them. On the
other hand, ailments such as cancer and leukaemia are much
more prominent in Europe than in Africa, and there is much
evidence that most incidents are food and lifestyle related.
Emphasis has been given on treating the symptoms rather than
eliminating the causes. A concerted effort to eliminate the
sources of pollution, harness biotechnology and establish
a "healthy" and clean environment for the generations
to come should become the focal point of modern biopolicy.
Biopolicy
in agriculture, architecture and tourism
Biopolicy promotes decision making concerning
a wide range of impacts on agriculture and food production.
Industries, citizens, and the ecosystem are key areas of agriculture
which would benefit from a "bios centred" approach,
including organic farming, sustainable land management, integrated
farm management and biopolicy with a view to the future.
Applications of plant biotechnology have been
transferred to developing countries in order to address the
critical need for a more sustainable agriculture that could
provide sufficient food and a safer environment. However,
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a major source of
controversy and debate. The negative aspects seem to override
possible options for the development of new drugs to treat
disease. In the right bioethical context, defined by a true
respect for and appreciation of bios, technology can seek
to transcend negative paradigms and help to improve quality
of life on a global level.
Bio-architecture seeks to create an environment
which satisfies both human needs and environmental criteria
with the goal of working towards increased environmental harmony
in the built environment. Every living organism on Earth represents
a perfectly functioning system, well adapted to the environment
as a result of the millions of years of evolution. The structures
of biological systems - be they beehives, termite nests, the
cell membrane or other organelles - are available to humankind.
The unravelling of the "microcosmos" and "macrocosmos"
can provide new dimensions in architectural models and city
planning. We may avail ourselves of nature as both an inspirational
model as well as a view of the progress of bio-materials and
a means to break away from stagnant patterns and realise the
expanded possibilities afforded by technology and biocentric
thinking.
Every sector of society needs to be involved
in the race to save the environment. Tourism, an industry
which generates over 10% of global gross domestic product
and directly employs 200 million people, is no exception.
Bio-tourism can lead to environmental sustainability and reduce
poverty. It is an approach to travel and recreation in which
the tourist comes into intimate contact with the environment
and culture of the area being visited in a manner that is
not destructive, but constructive. The tourism industry and
the products constructed and promoted affect both the natural
and cultural environment in irreversible ways. It is therefore
crucial to develop effective guidelines in tourism to prevent
harmful activities to the environment and to ensure the future
viability of the industry.
Genetic banks - saving the wealth of biodiversity
We live in an age where the state of a nation`s wealth is evaluated
increasingly upon economic factors such as stockmarket performance
and shrinking budget deficits. Booming industrialised economies
have budget surpluses running into trillions of dollars, while
under-developed nations have to
fight for basic survival needs. This unprecedented
spurt of misguided economic growth is seriously jeopardising
the environment and threatening biodiversity on a global level.
The protection of the environment and of the life that prospers within
it are low on the list of priorities of near-sighted decision-makers,
demonstrating just how crucial it is to adopt a long-term
vision in policy. The real wealth of our planet is in the
sheer breadth, richness and beauty of the plants and animals
whose species are quietly reduced every year by an insatiable
hunger to feed material desires that have grown all out of
proportion to our needs.
One of the ways to safeguard this wealth of life is Genetic Banks,
which preserve the genetic material of endangered plant and
animal species and thereby protect the enormous wealth and
biodiversity of wildlife. These Genetic Banks should be established
locally to preserve genetic variety in endemic species. If
we succeed in introducing a biocentric vision into a world
currently subservient to the existing anthropocentric system,
the extent of biodiversity will in the future be a real indicator
of wealth on our planet.
World referendum - participatory democracy
and e-governance
Present breakthroughs
in the field of communication technology can provide the opportunity
for the public to be actively involved in issues concerning
our daily lives and be able to cast a vote, anytime, through
computer networks and communication link-ups, which can make
immediate feedback possible from any corner of the globe.
This can open up new pathways for a participatory democracy,
where opinions will be actively expressed and politicians
will no longer be able to evade their responsibilities. It
is the purpose of the B.I.O. World Referendum to transcend
national boundaries and bring the world together in a common
cause. In today's complex society, nations seldom share priorities.
Developing and industrialised nations are faced with entirely
different challenges, and even neighbouring countries lock
horns over incompatible priorities. Environmental protection
is possibly the only issue that is relevant to all the nations
of the world. A simultaneous ballot on saving bios is a brilliant
opportunity to demonstrate that as citizens of the world we
can all agree on safeguarding the Earth for the generations
to come.
A strong international
environmental governance is important in preventing conflict,
restoring peace, and building a society that can resist destructive
tendencies. With the tools made available by communication
technologies and with the expanded use of the internet and
computer resources, governments everywhere can better focus
on the true needs of their citizens. In their attempts to
deliver better services and information, the emerging e-governments
in many countries should use the resources at hand to change
the way government works. By providing faster and more flexible
services, e-governance can give priority to environmental
issues and elicit the cooperation and personal involvement
of every individual in the race to save the environment.
Bio-education for a global responsibility
A major change in economic, social and educational
priorities is shaping world views and ways of life and is
creating new challenges for humanity. To meet these challenges,
education for the new millennium requires a radical shift
away from intra-disciplinary entrenchment and into creative
and thoughtful action for the development of the highest potential
of each individual for the benefit of the world and future
generations. The purpose and responsibility of bio-education
is to uplift the spirit of humanity and to reverse the crisis
in values that has resulted in serious environmental deterioration.
By providing interdisciplinary models with environmental considerations
and biopolicy in every speciality, bio-education seeks to
apply environmental protection to every human endeavour.
To
further this vision, B.I.O. launched the International University
for the Bio-Environment (I.U.B.E.) in 1990. The I.U.B.E. urges
scholars, decision-makers, diplomats, business leaders, teachers
and students to actively contribute to the development of
a biocentric society. Bearing in mind that universities should
be, by definition, "universal," the International
University for the Bio-Environment (I.U.B.E.), launched by
B.I.O. in 1990, promotes a model bio-education by introducing
interdisciplinary educational reforms on a world-wide basis.
Rather than focusing on the award of degrees, the I.U.B.E.
acts as a catalyst to accelerate environmental awareness and
impart a biocentric message to students and training professionals
around the world. Leading educators and decision-makers infuse
existing educational institutions with bios promoting values.
The aim is for the I.U.B.E. to become a world-calibre initiative
for the development of multidisciplinary environmental concepts,
beyond the confines of conventional environmental science,
leading to a revised educational system for the entire planet.
Major
goals of the I.U.B.E. include:
-
international
educational reforms and the promotion of an efficient global
bio-education through the internet and the use of satellites
and other media channels
-
the
development of a comprehensive Bio-Syllabus
for every educational level demonstrating how environmental
concepts apply to all academic areas
-
international
cooperation in environmental protection leading to a new era
of bio-diplomacy
-
international
legislation on bios rights and human obligations towards the
environment
-
the
re-evaluation of business and management concepts and the
development of new economic strategies compatible with environmental
preservation
-
raising
public awareness of the ramification of the biological sciences
-
an
international campaign for Environmental Olympics and the award of Bios Prizes to individuals or institutions that have
contributed to the preservation and appreciation of the environment
-
a
global bio-assessment of technology, to ensure technological and economic progress
that support the bio-environment, and to help bridge the gap
between technological progress and societal values.
e-Learning - placing bio-education at the fingertips of every concerned
citizen
Education is evolving. More than ever, educators
and trainers are seeking innovative ways to achieve quality
teaching and motivate students. In the digital age, the tools
provided by technology can promote higher order thinking and
make knowledge accessible to virtually every citizen on the
planet. B.I.O. is working harder than ever to place a wealth
of educational material and resources online and to prepare
a broad range of e-learning courses promoting pioneering dimensions
in bio-education.
The
recently released "Bio-Syllabus for European Environmental
Education," a textbook reflecting 18 years of B.I.O.
achievement in the environmental field, comprises 11 different
volumes on environmental subjects and raises awareness of
past, present and future directions in research and education.
The "Bio-Syllabus" is currently available as a set
of e-learning courses, placing a uniquely rich source of information
and training material at the fingertips of teachers, students
and professionals around the world.
Global governance and a renaissance of
values
Our planet`s health
and survival is our fundamental responsibility to future generations.
To succeed in this endeavour we need to influence decision-makers
to avoid mistakes of the past and to build a new society of
hope. The challenge is to use technology to protect and appreciate
bios - life -the most precious possession on our planet and
the bond that connects all living beings.
In order to exit inflexible thinking processes
that have led to disastrous situations immediate action is
crucial. Solving environmental problems requires a dynamic
approach, combining past experience and present opportunities
to establish enriched models for the future. To meet this
challenge, we need to eliminate stereotypes of fragmentation
and exclusion. The study of the intricate relationships between
all the varied manifestations of our natural and cultural
heritage can provide the missing elements for an integrated
understanding of the future, much like the periodic table
of elements in chemistry, which captured the order of the
universe by classifying and describing known elements but
also accurately predicting the existence and properties of
elements discovered many years later. If we view the future
as a periodic table, then we can begin to search for ways
to enrich it and fill all the empty spaces with new values
and a constructive vision. Modelling the periodicity of chemical
properties in vertical and horizontal patterns, led to the
discovery of the order and clarity of science. A vertical
and horizontal classification of priorities in society reveals
their interdependence and can lead to a harmonious future.
Humanity will never again be able to disregard
the close relationship between its actions and the environment.
Technology has induced the expansion of every field of human
endeavour. Like a new Prometheus, with sensitivity and prophecy,
it has provided light and fire and has made possible the advent
of a new era - the era of knowledge. Knowledge may be viewed
as the revelation of the truth and a pathway leading to a
better future. A future presently at stake due to the absence
of universal values in policy and governance.
In Greek mythology, misguided and destructive progress is
portrayed in the story of the sun god, Helios, and his son,
Phaethon. Phaethon`s precarious driving of the sun chariot
brought him to his own demise. Today, we have the wisdom to
control progress and we should apply it to its full extent.
We can use the knowledge gained to improve our quality of
life and improve the world for the generations to come. We
can fill all the empty spaces of our periodic table with the
beauty and wealth of cultural and historical diversity and
build a positive framework for the future. Once society acknowledges
the urgency of re-evaluating values and priorities, it will
be more efficient in answering to the challenges of the millennium.
Global governance with sensitivity and vision
toward bios can inspire action-oriented programmes between
governments, business and civil society. Existing structures
are weak, and there is a pressing need to create stronger
links between environment and development policies in view
of the new realities of world politics. Bios is a gift shared
by all living beings. It is a message of joy and hope, a source
of inspiration and encouragement. The joy of possessing bios
should infuse every aspect of our lives and lead to creativity
and vision.
Olympic
ideals and cease-fire - biopolicy for peace
Greed and short-term
planning have resulted in a serious crisis in values. The
diachronic ideals of the Olympic spirit and cease-fire during
the Olympic Games can help society to exit this crisis and
move into a new Renaissance. The meaning of the term "athlos"
is achievement. Therefore, guided by the Olympic spirit, athletics
should evolve to include every human endeavour. The Olympiads
should once again be periods of world peace and occasions
for all citizens to celebrate the unifying concepts brought
forth by the Olympic spirit. At the same time, the global
community can be sensitised to the value of a harmonious co-existence
as a vehicle for achieving freedom, opportunity, and a better
quality of life.
Peace cannot be achieved in a world ravaged by pollution, starvation
and disease. We need to build a sound society which can lead
humanity to a brighter future. A bios-promoting vision, one
that places the ethics of bios at the heart of societal structure,
can provide the necessary framework to end wars and civil
strife and to achieve a world in which the gift of bios is
truly appreciated. We cannot envisage a future of hope without
access to culture, active and full participation, meaningful
citizenship. Meeting these challenges requires new ways of
stimulating creativity in politics and policy-making, in technology,
industry and commerce, in education and the arts, and in social
and community development. Culture, tradition and mythos can
inspire this creativity and help us to optimise the cultural
wealth of humanity.
Millennium of Peace
Can you hear the gong
resonate the dawning of the new era
Can you see the bright stars
send messages of light and hope
Can you feel the breathing
of every creature on our planet
the waves of love
the whispers of life
Can you listen to the beat of your heart
embrace us all with warmth
Share the new vision
of joy, peace and harmony
A. Vlavianos-Arvanitis,
1998
Biopolicy can help
us to understand the essence of the value of bios and the
infinite joy and harmony of the gift of life. It can provide
the sensitivity we need to be able to "see" the
trillions of electrons dancing on the cell membrane, the three-dimensional
folding of proteins, and to "hear" the melody of
endless reactions in a living system. Can we "feel"
this symphony?
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Author`s Note: All of the above references are available
electronically at www.biopolitics.gr
