“If Nature were to draw a map of the world, what would it look like?” (One Earth, 2020)

Bioregionalism is the effort, and the social movement, striving to redefine and revitalise geographic spaces, which have common historical, ecological, socio-cultural attributes, and overlap with a sense of place and community of those who live within that space. At its core, it is a spatially bounded space (region) where nature and humans (bio) interact without necessarily considering, or being limited by, boundaries of nation-state or smaller governance jurisdictions.

Bioregionalism is a philosophy that argues that political, cultural and economic systems are more sustainable when organized and managed around bioregions. A bioregion is defined by characteristics of the natural environment (geography, climate, plant and animal life) along with human settlements and cultures these attributes have given rise to; rather than by human-made divisions. For example, the trans Himalayas or Sunderbans, Malabar Coast or the Western Ghats can be considered as diverse bioregions of India. 

Bioregionalism thinking is rooted in Indigenous teachings and the wisdom of natural laws. It  emphasizes living in harmony with the ecological and cultural realities of a region  rather than adhering to political boundaries or economic zones.As humanity urgently faces the critical challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, the bioregional approach offers a path to healing and co-creating a sustainable and harmonious future.

Learning Objectives

1. To develop a comprehensive understanding of bioregionalism, its principles, and its importance in addressing ecological, cultural, and social issues.
2. To examine the ecological and cultural characteristics that define distinct bioregions, and understand how they shape human-environment relationships.
3. To evaluate how colonial and industrial paradigms have influenced bioregions, and explore their role in either supporting or hindering sustainable, bioregional approaches.
4. To learn of one living example of bioregional  governance in India
5. To explore and join the emerging South Asian and India-specific movements that advocate for a bioregional framework towards  protecting and conserving our planet
6. To learn some of the tools of applying bioregional principles to real-world scenarios