WISE-World Institute for Society and the Environment
WISE Principles and Values
© Donald M. Jones
WISE Organizational Principles and Values
We believe in the long-term health and well-being of all Earth’s inhabitants. Through active, just, equitable and science-based engagement and collaboration, we are dedicated to reducing the deleterious effects of climate change and environmental destruction and delivering the most ecologically sustainable and innovative solutions to protect biodiversity, critical habitats, ecosystems, and vulnerable fauna and flora from disturbance and extinction. While, at the same time, we are providing vibrancy and balance to society and threatened species and ecosystems through scientifically-informed wise integration of Nature in society with 100% ecological sustainability.
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WISE Principles
Nature-Centrism:
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We believe in a comprehensive Nature-centric world and only by transforming our values, policies, choices and behaviors away from anthropocentrism to Nature-centrism that, individually and collectively, we can ameliorate and transform these most serious systemic and existential threats to the welfare of the biosphere into opportunities for a healthier, just and equitable world for all life on Earth.
Intrinsic Value and Sanctity of Nature:
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We believe in the intrinsic value, sanctity, and rights of non-human species, including their inherent right to exist, flourish and live in protected freedom as principal stakeholders in all relevant decision-making, policies, actions, laws, and treaties.
Interconnectedness and Interdependence:
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We believe in the interconnectedness and interdependence of all species and systems on Earth, including all human, societal and natural systems.
Therefore, we believe in a mutualistic paradigm that advances the indispensable reciprocity between humanity and Nature – that rather than humans having dominion over Nature, our responsible environmental stewardship should be in equitable reciprocity for Nature’s gifts to society. We believe that humanity must embrace the reality of mutualism and these interdependencies and give priority to healthy natural systems. This will create balance and homeostasis among people, society, our socio-economic and governing systems, and Nature.
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Individual and Collective Responsibility:
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We believe that cultural, socio-economic, educational, political, governance, industrial and other societal value systems must shift to a fundamental embracing of human dependence on, reverence for, equitable reciprocity with, and our communal responsibility, stewardship and protection of healthy biodiversity, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
Transformation:
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We believe in bold value transformation of ourselves, humanity and society to a Nature-centric world and that together we have the power to not only mitigate these systemic crises, but transform them into opportunities to create a more healthy, just and equitable world for all species and life on Earth.
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Nature-Centric Decision-Making:
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We believe individuals and society have the inherent capacity for Nature-centric beliefs, attitudes, choices, actions, behavior, and decision-making.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
WISE Values
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Integrity and Authenticity:
We are fully dedicated to scientific facts, truth, honesty, authenticity, and the highest standards of ethical and moral principles.
Partnership and Collaboration:
We strongly believe the most progressive and leading-edge paths to advancement are through robust, positive, supportive and equitable partnerships and collaborations.
Awareness:
We believe that the path to transformation and informed decision-making begins with educated awareness through the respectful dissemination of evidence-based facts.
Innovation:
A foundational cornerstone of WISE is to innovate the most advanced and applicable solutions to create a healthier world for all life on Earth.
Achievement:
Manifesting our vision for a healthier world is fully possible through our unwavering commitment to making the "impossible" entirely achievable.
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Empowerment and Inspiration:
We believe that serving and empowering each other and society creates community and ignites creativity, provides a robust foundation for manifesting common goals, and inspires profound innovation for the best solutions to the world's most difficult challenges.
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Service Leadership:
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We believe in putting the good of others above self-interests and that there is no higher calling than in service to creating a healthy, just and equitable world for all life on Earth.
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Balance:
A healthy balance of ecological sensitivity, 100% ecologically sustainable integration of Nature in society, and wellbeing of all life on Earth are fundamental to our mission.
Respect:
Reverence, appreciation, compassion, and respect for each other and every individual and species on Earth is the only path we believe can sustain a healthy world.
Diversity and Inclusivity:
We believe that honoring and fostering inclusivity in all of our work and the conservation process and that diversity in Nature, individuals, ideas, voices and perspectives are the cornerstones to achieving a positive, just, equitable and healthy world.
Equity and Justice:
In all of our work and individual lives at WISE we strongly believe in standing up against environmental and social injustices around the world. We believe social justice requires environmental justice and environmental justice must address social justice needs throughout the conservation process. The two are inseparable.
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These WISE principles and values inform and direct all of our work and are the foundation of our professional and personal beliefs, standards, and conduct. We firmly believe in and defend objective and sound scientific and ecological principles, enduring ecological sustainability and preservation, exceptional professional and personal integrity, and we share a bold vision and passion for a healthy biosphere and human communities.
We have an unwavering commitment to excellence, a sound and healthy society, full ecological health, good governance, truth, robust scientific and evidence-based facts and decisions, and to providing the highest quality solutions and technology for a healthy, just and equitable world. We understand the complex dynamics of the interface between society and the Earth and we believe in delivering the most innovative and sustainable solutions for maintaining a resilient, vibrant and healthy biosphere for all its inhabitants.
We bear strong reverence for all species on Earth and we value being of service and making a difference with everything we do in our personal and professional lives. We are steadfast in our dedication to honesty, humaneness, compassion, mutual understanding and respect and to promoting resolution, justice, and harmony for all life on the planet.
We believe to our core that every inhabitant on Earth has intrinsic value and the inherent right to clean and healthy air, water, food security, a livable climate, and a full, healthy and secure life.
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