Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet. For instance, Bolivians call Mother Earth Pachamama and Nicaraguans refer to her as Tonantzin.
The proclamation of 22 April as International Mother Earth Day is an acknowledgement that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity. Read more http://www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/index.shtml
International Mother Earth Day was celebrated at the UN on Wednesday 20th April with an Interactive Dialogue with the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2011/04/general-assembly-interactive-dialogue-on-harmony-with-nature-english-2.html There were two panels. It is the second panel presentation that is webcast. All panelists are experts in their field. Riane Eisler book “The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics” (2007) is highly recommeded.
Interactive Panel Debate 1: Ways to promoting a holistic approach to sustainable development in harmony with nature
Moderator
- Mr. Martin Khor, Executive Director of the South Center
Panelists
- Ms. Vandana Shiva, Founder of Navdanya, India
- Mr. Peter Brown, Professor, McGill University, Canada
- Mr. Cormac Cullinan, Environmental Attorney, South Africa
- Ms. Riane Eisler, Author of “The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics” (2007)
Interactive Panel Debate 2: Sharing national experiences on criteria and indicators for measuring sustainable development in harmony with nature
Moderator
- Mr. Martin Khor, Executive Director of the South Center
Panelists
- Mr. Paul-Bertrand Barets, Head of International Economic Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France
- Mr. Gilberto Gallopin, Regional Adviser on Environmental Policies, Economic and Social Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
- Mr. Ivo Havinga, Chief, Economic Statistics Branch, UN DESA Statistics Division
- Mr. Mathis Wackernagel, Executive Director, Global Footprint Network