Via WorldChanging, openDemocracy has published an essay by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai on African development. Maathai returns to her model of a “three-legged stool” of sustainable development, democratic governance and peace, and makes a compelling case for actions that African nations, as well as regional and continental coalitions, can take to address the continent’s poverty. As you might imagine, I was particularly drawn to Maathai’s comment on the role of environmental stewardship in continuing African development:
One cannot build democracy in order later to manage resources sustainably and create peace. Managing resources accountably and responsibly, and sharing them more equitably, are essential to nurturing a culture of peace. This in turn is possible only if there is adequate democratic space for everybody; space where the rule of law and the rights of all, including the weak and vulnerable, are respected.
As always, a thought-provoking read.
Technorati tags: Africa, sustainable development, Wangari Maathai