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OUR PHILOSOPHY

to safeguarding a rich diversity of Mallee life

REVOLUTIONS

Nicolaus Copernicus, 1473-1543, published “On the revolutions of the celestial spheres” which displaced the idea that the earth was the centre of the universe. Just as we learned that our planet was not the centre of the universe, we now need to learn that humans are not the centre of life on earth.

If we want to understand how our planet works and how to ensure that life on earth can remain stable in the wake of human impact, we need to utilise the studies of ecology.

3 PRINCIPLES

Three basic laws of ecology should guide human behaviour, if we are to live in harmony with our fellow species, or at least if we want our species to survive.

1.

Interdependence

All life forms are interdependent: Prey is as dependent on predators for population control as predators are dependent on prey for food supply.

2.

Complexity

Stability of ecosystems is dependent on their diversity (complexity): An ecosystem that contains 100 species is more stable than an ecosystem that contains only three species. For example, complex tropical rain forests are more stable than fragile arctic tundra.

3.

Finite Limits

All resources (food, water, air, minerals, energy) are finite and there are limits to the growth of all living systems.

PRIORITIES

This leads us to the philosophy behind setting aside natural areas for the Sanctuary of fauna and flora. We strongly support the “Declaration of Interdependence” written by David Suzuki and others for the UN Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

We believe that it sums up our choices as individuals and as a species. Do we act responsibly for future generations, or do we act selfishly for the moment, (the latter leads to destruction of the environment and ultimately our own species).

DECLARATION
OF INTERDEPENDENCE