EXPLORING BIOREGIONALISM: Re-inventing bioregionalism and bioregioning in the 21st Century - with Sam Wearne

Join us for AELA's "Exploring Bioregionalism" webinar series! In our September webinar, AELA Convenor and Greenprints creator, Dr Michelle Maloney, will be joined by Dr Sam Wearne, UTS, to explore how 'bioregionalism' is being interpreted, re-invented and reinvigorated in the 21st Century, in theory and practice around the world.

Bioregionalism emerged as a Western concept in the 1970s, with a movement in North America that saw poets, artists, writers, community leaders and grassroots 'home-steaders' envisioning a place-based alternative to capitalism. Bioregionalism was also hailed by advocates as being an alternative to 'protest environmentalism', and they argued for rethinking nation-state governance and creating pro-active environmentally based economies, within nature's boundaries. Today, 'bioregionalism' is a term used by people in a diverse range of geographic and cultural spaces, and in this webinar, we discuss some of Sam's recent research, which explores and unpacks a range of Western concepts about bioregionalism, and the emerging ideas of 'bioregioning' which are being written about and experimented with in recent times.

Bioregionalism is a a philosophy that sees human societies and culture as part of nature, and proposes that modern human societies can be more sustainable, successful and meaningful, if our political, cultural and economic systems are organised within natural boundaries such as bioregions and catchments (watersheds). Some have referred to bioregionalism as 'localisation within the foundations of nature'.

'Exploring Bioregionalism' is part of AELA's Greenprints program, and features guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and bioregions, sharing research, insights and stories from around Australia and around the world. Our goal is to show how bioregionalism offers exciting pathways to create Earth-centred systems change. 


ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

DR SAM WEARNE

Sam Wearne is in the Faculty of Design, and Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). His academic research explores socio-cultural dynamics of systems change in the pursuit of sustainable futures. He balances interests in environmental discourse analysis with applied and transdisciplinary projects. His work connects place-based & social-ecological systems research, sustainability and transitions and transformations, and futures studies. Sam holds a PhD from UTS, a Masters Degree in Community and International Development, and Bachelor Degrees in Science and the Arts (Political Science).

DR MICHELLE MALONEY 

Dr Michelle Maloney is an Earth lawyer and advocate for ecocentric and nature based governance. She is recognised internationally and in Australia for her work advocating for Earth centred law and governance, including First Laws and the Rights of Nature. Michelle is Co-Founder and Director of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), and Co-Founder and Director of Future Dreaming, an Indigenous led organisation that works to share Indigenous ecological and governance knowledge with non-Indigenous people and organisations in Australia. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and History) and Laws (Honours) from the Australian National University and a PhD in Law from Griffith University. 

ABOUT GREENPRINTS

Greenprints is a framework for nature based thinking and action. It has been designed by AELA, to make it easier for people to think differently, locate ourselves within our bioregions and ecosystems, understand the options we have to minimise impact and increase nature positive actions - and redesign our relationships with nature. Greenprints draws on bioregionalism and 'bioregioning' as key concepts for rethinking our personal, organisational and community wide governance systems.

Visit our website - www.greenprints.org.au

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN EARTH LAWS ALLIANCE (AELA)

AELA is a not-for-profit organisation working to increase the understanding and practical implementation of Earth-centred (ecocentric) governance, with a focus on systems change across law, economics, education, ethics and community participation in Australia. AELA's vision is an Australian society that embraces an ecocentric or ‘life-centred’ culture, with governance systems that enable human communities to thrive within ecological boundaries, while nurturing biodiversity and ecosystem health. AELA's work includes education programs and project support for people, communities and organisations working to create ecocentric systems change.

For more information, visit our website: www.earthlaws.org.au
or email us anytime: aela@earthlaws.org.au