What is the Earth Charter?
The Earth Charter is essentially a document containing 16 principles. These principles drive a global movement towards a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world.
The Paintings
Interpretative pieces by Graeme Payne
Early in 1997, the Earth Charter Commission formed an international drafting committee. This committee helped to conduct the international consultation process, and the evolution and development of the document reflects the progress of the worldwide dialogue on the Earth Charter.
Beginning with the benchmark draft issued by the Earth Charter following the Rio+5 Forum in Rio de Janeiro, drafts were circulated internationally as part of the consultation process.
I originally created this series of moving images as a backdrop for the 3rd International Science, Philosophy and Theology Festival held in the Jacaranda City of Grafton New South Wales. (AUS)
It subsequently became the focal point for discussion and the stimulus prompting people to learn more about the content and objectives of the Earth Charter.
The paintings were also displayed in Brisbane Queensland (AUS) at The Wesley Hospital and St John’s Cathedral in 2002/2003.
Some of the most gratifying comments I received were from people telling me “…it has stimulated me to think more deeply about the many issues facing our modern world family”.
Principle 1 – Respect Earth and life in all its diversity.
Principle 2 – Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love.
Principle 3 – Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.
Principle 4 – Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future generations.
Principle 5 – Protect and restore the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems, with special concern for biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.
Principle 6 – Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach.
Principle 7 – Adopt patterns of production, construction, and reproduction that safeguard Earth’s regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being.
Principle 8 – Advance the study of ecological sustainable and promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge acquired.
Principle 9 – Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative.
Principle 10 – Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human development in an equitable and sustainable manner.
Principle 11 – Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development and ensure universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity.
Principle 12 – Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being, with special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and minorities.
Principle 13 – Strength democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice.
Principle 14 – Integrate into formal education and life-long learning, the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life.
Principle 15 – Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.
Principle 16 – Promote a culture of tolerance, non-violence, and peace.