THE ANTI-SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT

from Greg Wilson

    An anti-sustainability movement resulted in the St. Lucie County Commissioners' decision to withdraw from the Seven/50 plan for South Florida, based on fear of the UN Agenda 21. Their fears are expressed by, “they will take away our freedoms and property rights.” There are similar movements against “sustainability” in localities and states across the country.

     I reviewed the actual documents of the Seven/50 plan and Agenda 21. What I discovered is that Agenda 21 and the Seven/50 plans are structured around a policy of decentralization of power and empowering the local community. From local communities managing their own resources (for example, stopping Nestles from draining aquifers for bottled water), to open communications about all business and public intent for a local area. Here are some quotes dealing with local empowerment, a central pillar of Agenda 21 and the Seven/50 plan: “decentralization of decision-making... a decentralized approach to land-resource management... delegating responsibility to rural organizations; decentralize decision-making to the lowest community level... encourage a decentralized decision-making process that would delegate power and responsibility to primary users of natural resources.” Decision-making and funding should happen at the lowest effective level. Local government decision-making and law remains a powerful force in shaping the man-made and natural environments and quality of life.

     The anti-sustainability movement actually fosters outsiders' control by diminishing local control and local efforts to shape the communities in which they live. The outcome of their efforts is the very opposite of what they desire.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilson