Walas and ECC
Walas Concepts and the Earth Charter
HG van Straaten
For more than 20 years I have been involved in special developments in The Netherlands, Canada and elsewhere in the world. A rich experience and a colourful mix of functions, circumstances and challenges. Quality and responsible business were always leading. Fair Trade, Fair Business and thus, Fair Development as well.
Especially in Canada and the US I had the honour to work with inspiring people on outstanding projects. Since 2000-2001 more work in Europe came along, after we were part of the team that developed the Lagune project at Dolfinarium Harderwijk, in The Netherlands.
I go through different fields of work: urban development in the broadest sense of the word; business development and socio-economic development of vital communities in complex conditions; cultural development; and extensive land developments with all due respect for nature and the social environment. Many projects. That's why the Canadian government on occasion branded me as 'serial entrepreneur'.
I d believe in the value and importance of sustainability and that goes far beyond technical solutions. Economical and socio-cultural structures need to become sustainable as well. Sustainable does not only mean vitality, resilience and forceful (re)development capability, it needs a long term perspective as well. Value creation and financial profits will be effected positively.
Recently I have worked with people from the 'sustainable top 100' list. I am inspired especially by the Earth Charter Intitiative, driven by many former world leaders from politics and business and NGO's. The Earth Charter has good relations with the UN and UN Habitat and such, that are committed to change the way we deal with future developments in the world. With the Walas group, I try to find concrete applications and projects for that.
For the Earth Charter we were author of the Earth Charter Cities Manifesto, which was launched at the Peace Palace in The Hague in the midst of this inspiring community. This Manifesto has been presented throughout the world. Many cities, small and big, from all continents,, have shown interest in it.
With Walas Concepts and other departments of Walas International we use the Earth Charter as a guide for all our developments and projects. This is in no way a handicap. With this focus we can achieve a more technical as well as more socio-economical sustainability at almost no extra cost. Many people and companies have expressed their interest to join our efforts.
Join us too! As they say in Canada: Go for it!
www.earthcharter.nl/itstartswithone
"Cities have the capability of providing
something for everybody, only because, and
only when, they are created by everybody."
Jane Jacobs