The Earth
Charter is a document that highlights the need for mutual cooperation across
borders, races and species. It shows the need to preserve mother earth and the
resources she provides to sustain all that lives in this generation and the
next. The Earth Charter proposes four basic principles which functions as the
pillars for a sustainable livelihood for all. These are: I) Respect and Care
for the Community of Life; II) Ecological Integrity; III) Social and Economic
Justice; IV) Democracy, Non Violence and Peace (Earth Charter, 2013, pp. 1- 6).
Berg en Dal is a
resort of many faces, a true reflection of the Surinamese reality. Maroons,
Indians, Javanese, Amerindians, Chinese, and Creoles work side by side in
unity. Each group has its distinct culture, and preserves their unique way of
expressing themselves in language, food, dress and religion. In order for all of
these differences to come together to form one effective and productive work
force, in order for there to be sustainability and peaceful coexistence,
principles of the Earth Charter must be applied.
In support of
principle IV of the Earth Charter which speaks to the need for democracy,
nonviolence and peace it is seen that Berg en Dal has taken measures to show
the equal value of each culture (Earth Charter, 2013, p. 5).
The respect for the rights of each group, the culture of tolerance and peace is
seen in many simple ways at the resort. For example the lunch buffet of the restaurant
serves items such as the Javanese Soto Soup, the Maroon Cook up Rice, the
Chinese Chow Mein the Indian Curry and Roti amongst many other cultural dishes.
Whenever the
resort has entertainment, this is sourced from the neighbouring Amerindian and
Maroon villages. Hence some nights are themed: Amerindian night or Maroon
Night. Recently the resort has even implemented a Latino night, due to the
presence of a few employees from Central America. This shows that even though a
group may be barely represented at the resort, measures are taken to show that
there is no discrimination or disregard of that culture.
It is also
important to note that by seeking entertainment from the neighbouring villages,
Berg en Dal provides a means of livelihood for the local people. Support is
also given to local farmers as Berg en Dal buys some vegetables and fruits
directly from the villages. For Christmas 2012, instead of buying the regular Christmas
Brood from the country’s leading manufacturer, Berg en Dal ordered directly
from a local baker from one of the villages in the area. This shows that Berg
en Dal adheres to the principle III for Social and Economic Justice (Earth Charter, 2013, p. 4).
In an effort to
promote sustainability, Berg en Dal also plants in specific areas allocated for
gardening at the resort. Even though the crops planted are for the use of the
resort; all employees are allowed to eat whatever fruit or vegetable that the
resort provides, but employees are not allowed to leave the premises with food.
Given that Berg
en Dal is a resort in the jungle of Brokopondo, often times there are guests
outside of the human species. This shows an obvious need for principles I and
II of the Earth Charter which speaks about the respect and care of the
community of life and ecological integrity (Earth Charter, 2013, pp. 1- 3). A
problem that the resort faces is: how to deal with these uninvited guests?
The different
cultures have different views as to what should be done to the diversity that
sometimes invades the human claimed resort territory. For example; when an
iguana or a monkey strays beyond the surrounding wild; the Maroons and
Amerindians may see an opportunity for a tasty meal; whereas the Creoles and
the Javanese may propose that the animal be returned to the wild. How does the
resort propose a view that does not infringe on the rights of others?
There is much
work that needs to be done as it relates to policies to protect diverse species
at the resort. Currently there are rules that prohibit guests and employees from
fishing or hunting on the Berg en Dal premises. Even species such as snakes and
crocodiles which are considered dangerous are protected to some extent. ‘Some
extent’ is used because though it is accepted that
animals are not to be slaughtered at the resort. There is no rule that says the
animal should not be harmed, but be returned to the safety of the wild. So
basically the decision is left up to the employee, which often times does not
result in the animal’s prolonged existence. Berg en Dal therefore has to make
and implement policies to protect its ecological diversity. The management team
of Berg en Dal needs to meet and make a plan to protect the surrounding wild
life. Once this plan is complete, then it needs to be made into a rule and
clearly communicated to all employees. Seminars and workshops should also be
held which educates the employees about the value of ecological diversity.
I will
personally adopt and promote the values and principles of the Earth Charter.
