living, dynamic and participatory present reality, which cannot be excluded as we rethink the
relationship between humanbeings and the environment.
144. A consumerist vision of human beings, encouraged by the mechanisms of today’s globalized
economy, has a levelling effect on cultures, diminishing the immense varietywhich is the heritage of
all humanity. Attempts to resolve all problems through uniform regulations or technical interventions
can lead to overlooking the complexities of local problemswhich demand the active participation of all
members of the community. New processes taking shape cannot always fit into frameworks imported
from outside; they need to be based in the local culture itself. As life and the world are dynamic
realities, so our care for the world must also be flexible and dynamic. Merely technical solutions run
the risk of addressing symptoms and not the more serious underlying problems. There is a need to
respect the rights of peoples and cultures, and to appreciate that the development of a social group
presupposes an historical processwhich takes place within a cultural context and demands the constant
and active involvement of local people
from within their proper culture
. Nor can the notion of the
quality of life be imposed from without, for quality of life must be understood within the world of
symbols and customs proper to each human group.
145. Many intensive forms of environmental exploitation and degradation not only exhaust the
resources which provide local communities with their livelihood, but also undo the social structures
which, for a long time, shaped cultural identity and their sense of the meaning of life and community.
The disappearance of a culture can be just as serious, or evenmore serious, than the disappearance of a
species of plant or animal. The imposition of a dominant lifestyle linked to a single form of production
can be just as harmful as the alteringof ecosystems.
146. In this sense, it is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural
traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue
partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed. For them, land is not a
commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with
which they need to interact if they are tomaintain their identity and values.When they remain on their
land, they themselves care for it best. Nevertheless, in various parts of theworld, pressure is beingput
on them to abandon their homelands to make room for agricultural or mining projects which are
undertakenwithout regard for thedegradation ofnature and culture.
