http://www.publishaletter.com/readletter.jsp?plid=27989 asian age may 21, 2011 Dear Editor: May 22nd is the International Day for Biological Diversity As per Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development biological diversity refers to the global variety of species and ecosystems and the ecological processes of which they are part, covering three components: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. With the collapse of USSR and emergence of a unipolar world order which is market driven for over two decades, one has seen a reduction in genetic diversity, increase in mono-cropping, increase in genetically modified seeds and emergence of intellectual property rights wherein indigenous knowledge of local people is being appropriated. Coasts and forests are being converted for corporate interests. Corporate and MNC control over agriculture and commons is the norm. Much of the unrest we see around the world is because of such appropriation Similarly, genetic engineering is also being used to select males in countries were son preference exists and in communities within developed countries were son preference exists. Children with even mild levels of differential ability are eliminated. Yet another concern is the cleansing of certain marginalized communities under whatever pretext. What happened in Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Post Godhra riots in India is well known Along with such reduction in diversity in genes, species, eco-system and marginalised groups, there is also a reduction in diversity in culture, with western culture being taken by the elite in growing economies, including India and China, as the norm www.publishaletter.com/readletter.jsp?plid=27900 It is time to reclaim not only biodiversity but cultural diversity, but at the same time address adverse attitudes related to race, caste, class, patriarchy, homophobhia, language, people of other faiths etc within each culture. To reclaim this diversity, an alternative development paradigm which is neither based on unfettered capitalism nor communism is required which places bio-diversity, human diversity and cultural diversity and justice at the center. Alternative indicators to human development index or GNP per capita are required. (for some suggestions see http://www.economist.com/debate/days/view/699/showCommentModule:1) ranjani
-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "humanrights movement" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/humanrights-movement?hl=en.
