Bioregional Economics

Empowering Local Circular Economies and Fostering Regenerative Practices

Introduction

In the face of mounting global challenges and the shortcomings of national debt-based economies, the concept of Bioregional Economics offers a promising alternative. Bioregional Economics is a framework that recognizes the inherent interconnectedness between local ecosystems, economies, and communities within a specific geographic region. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing local economies, fostering community connections, and incentivizing regenerative practices to address the shortcomings of national attempts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This section explores how Bioregional Economics provides a transformative approach to strengthen local economies, promote community well-being, and drive regenerative development. We conclude with a number of deep dives into resources currently available.

Strengthening Local Economies

Bioregional Economics places a strong emphasis on local economic self-sufficiency and resilience. Unlike national economies that often prioritize growth at the expense of local communities and ecosystems, Bioregional Economics focuses on harnessing the resources and talents within a specific bioregion to support vibrant local economies. By encouraging the production and consumption of goods and services locally, Bioregional Economics ensures that wealth and resources circulate within the community, creating employment opportunities, reducing dependency on external markets, and enhancing economic stability.

Fostering Community Connections

One of the key strengths of Bioregional Economics lies in its ability to foster deep community connections and social cohesion. By emphasizing the importance of place-based relationships and shared values, Bioregional Economics encourages communities to work together collaboratively and co-create their local economies. Through initiatives such as Community Inclusion Currencies, cooperative enterprises, and community-supported permaculture, individuals are empowered to actively participate in production and waste decision-making processes, strengthening social bonds and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

Incentivizing Regenerative Practices

In stark contrast to national economies that often prioritize extractive practices and short-term gains, Bioregional Economics incentivizes regenerative practices that restore and enhance the health of local ecosystems. By embracing principles of ecological stewardship and sustainable resource management, Bioregional Economics encourages the adoption of practices such as regenerative permaculture, energy production using suppressed technologies, and ecosystem regeneration. These practices not only nurture the environment back to vibrancy but also contribute to the resilience and long-term viability of local economies by preserving (and in some cases regenerating) natural resources for future generations.

Addressing the Shortcomings of National Debt-based Economies and the SDGs

National debt-based economies have often fallen short in achieving long-term social and environmental goals. The SDGs, while well-intentioned, have faced challenges due to their top-down approach and the lack of localized implementation strategies. Bioregional Economics offers a bottom-up approach that aligns with the unique needs, values, and ecological contexts of specific bioregions. By empowering local communities and encouraging active participation, Bioregional Economics transcends the limitations of national debt-based economies and provides a more effective framework for achieving Sustainable Development Goals on a localized scale.

Deep Dives

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Community Inclusion Currencies⁠

: Designed and adopted by the community, ensure rapid circulation of value for goods produced locally.

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Alternative Economics⁠

: Initiatives focussed on stewarding responsible value flows and supporting local communities to thrive.

Introduction

Strengthening Local Economies

Fostering Community Connections

Incentivizing Regenerative Practices

Addressing the Shortcomings of National Debt-based Economies and the SDGs

Deep Dives

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