BOLIVIA - "Living Well" in Harmony with the Environment

[ConsAreLiars]

By Franz Chávez

COCHABAMBA, Bolivia, Apr 20, 2010 (IPS) - The philosophy of "Living Well" enshrined in Bolivia's new constitution is being put forward by the government as the basis for a global movement against consumerism, depredation of natural resources for profit, and current models of development.

Presenting the results of indigenous President Evo Morales' four years in office, Raúl Prada, vice minister for strategic state planning and a former member of the constituent assembly that rewrote the Bolivian constitution, exalted the virtues of the new charter, which arose from a social and political process with extensive grassroots participation.

Prada, a sociologist, proposed expanding the Bolivian government programme because it "protects biodiversity, respects the indigenous right to land and territory, and preserves water resources.

According to its proponents, the indigenous concept of "Living Well" contrasts with "living better" because it means having all basic needs met while existing in harmony with the natural world instead of seeking to amass more and more material goods at the expense of the environment.

"It is a proposal that incorporates the traditional indigenous worldview and combines well with anti-capitalist and environmental movements defending the planet," Prada said Tuesday, the first day of the World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, which runs through Thursday in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

The Bolivian constitution is the ultimate horizon, and is linked to the aim of "Living Well" and economic models that are alternatives to capitalism, he said.

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From: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=51125 Seems like the only sur

Seems like a path to survival. Decisions made "for profit" are decisions made without conscience or compassion or concern for the greater good,

[ZeitgeistObserver]

1. After Morales leaves, it will be tossed.

[ConsAreLiars]

2. That's a bit vague.

Are you saying that the Imperial Power That Is will take back control? That he will resign to spend more time doing something else? That he will be defeated in the next election? Or simply that "all is lost, resistance is futile, give up and submit"?

Care to clarify? I suspect not.