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Date:   January 2009 - POLYNESIA

Sustainable Development
It is regrettable to observe that ancestral knowledge, based on the rythm of nature and its observation disappeared with the rise of the consumption society. consommation..

It is regrettable to observe that ancestral knowledge, based on the rythm of nature and its daily observation (therefore ecological and in compliance before its time with sustainable developement) has disappeared with the rise of the consumption society. In the old days, the ancient Ma'ohi had accumulated venerable knowledge about their land and sea environment, it was enriched with each generation.They knew perfectly well the consequences of climate variations on fishing and agriculture. This is why they implemented a very precise calendar for fishing and cultures which is still used today by the "Matahiapos" (old folks). It would be unreasonable to presently ignore their principles. The whole of these ecological principles have survived to these daysmore or less indeed, but they are coming back in the spotlight, thanks to some increasingly numerous and more active associations.

For these, it is urgent for the people of Polynesia to take into account the ancients' experiences. namely in the control of natural resources to avoid overproduction and waste, and thus live in harmony with natureThus it would be good to return to some customs that are now being ignored, and which consisted in limiting fishing to protect certain species in order to let them reproduce, or to better manage planting, in order to let the ground rest and to constitute reserves while waiting for more favorable times.

For the Ancients, Mother Nature was at the center of life and of the human cycle.

She was not only to be contemplated and admired for her beauty. She had to be maitained and encouraged. She not only supplied air and water necessary to life, but also food, tools, and medicine, in fact everything indispensableit is therefor normal to respect her, since she brings everything to mankind, as along as mankind makes efforts to safeguard her. This universal old times philosophy seems to be back in fashion and becomes even indispensable to the future of mankind, to preserve the planet for our children. Furthermore, the Polynesian cosmogony often insists on this concept which consists in "borowing the earth to leave it in even better shape to the next generations". A principle to urgently meditate about!

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