earthcare connections

| land stewardship |

Land stewardship connects to the statements in the spirituality portion of the principles of Earthcare Connections. Land stewardship requires humans to be responsible for the ways in which we use the land. We must work together toward preserving the natural quality of the land for the wider benefit of all creation. Earthcare follows four Guiding Principles of land stewardship, as compiled by The Land Stewardship Resource Centre. They are as follows:

1. Caring for the system as a whole - understanding the fundamental roles and values of natural systems, building up biological fertility in the soil, incorporating an understanding of the ecological cycles on the landscape (water, energy, nutrients) and how land-use practices can either benefit, be in harmony with, or negatively impact these cycles and other land-users, flora and fauna.

2. Resource conservation - maximizing efficiency and striving to reduce the one-time consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources; aiming for long-term optimization versus short-term maximization of production.

3. Maintaining, building and enhancing stability in Nature - maintaining and encouraging natural biological diversity and complexity; maintaining natural areas and functions on the land (a.k.a. wildlife habitat conservation).

4. Cultural values and ethics - caring for the health of the land for future generations and long-term economic stability; the link between civilization, urbanization, and the land-base and ecosystems that are vital to survival; the intrinsic value and right to exist of all life on Earth

*** Source: The Land Stewardship Resource Centre of Canada, http://www.landstewardship.org/frameset.htm