Collective Stewardship Towards Life Economies

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter explores how different actors, who drive an urgently needed economic systems change, can become part of a more coherent transformation system by focusing on a unifying future narrative: creating economiesin service to life. The understanding of what gives life to systems is an overarching guiding force of the manifold transformative efforts that already exist. Based on an extensive literature review of new economic approaches, the chapter introduces a combination of guiding principles for new economies that would safeguard planetary and human integrity, while allowing for different interpretations and manifestations. It shows that for most principles, implementation strategies already exist. However, the so urgent systems transformations require combined efforts and an approach of collective stewardship by multiple actors, across societal sectors, cultures and institutions. The chapter elaborates how the adoption of a systems aliveness approach informs collective stewardship. The conscious choice of a constellation of strategic drivers, if applied together, increases the leverage of transformative efforts. The chapter concludes with deliberations on how to use the guiding principles and strategic drivers as an entry point for creating pathways towards regenerative civilizations, in which planetary life-support systems are as much valued as the dignity of people.