As we are making our way into the new millennium, mistakes of the past can be replaced by positive action for the future. Global peace, good health and respect for the environment can become a reality, and the participation of every one of us is needed for the construction of this tower of hope and vision. A tower that may allow light and brightness to prevail over confusion and anxiety.
Changes in the attitudes of people throughout the world can be achieved by raising awareness of environmental threats and by eliciting an all-encompassing appreciation of bios – life on our planet. Since its inception in 1985, the Biopolitics International Organisation (B.I.O.) has encouraged institutions, decision-makers and all concerned citizens to adopt progressive innovations and to follow biocentric pathways in their activities. Environmental education, new legislation and bio-diplomacy – international co-operation in environmental protection – can provide the necessary models for change. Moreover, as business is a crucial driver in today’s dynamically expanding global society, B.I.O. urges business leaders to acknowledge the environment as the “real” profit for humanity and as the only vehicle for achieving a better quality of life.
To promote these issues and to set the pace for a millennium of environmental harmony and peace, B.I.O. held three meetings in Athens where renowned speakers presented thought-provoking proposals and creative ideas for their implementation in the transformation of legislation, diplomacy and the economy. This volume of proceedings features the viewpoints presented at these events, stressing that globalisation which respects the environment and proceeds based on a biocentric vision can provide the answer for a harmonious future.
The first event, themed Bio-diplomacy – a new vision in international relations, was held at the Athens Club on February 7, 2000 with the participation of ambassadors and diplomats from 21 countries. The goal was to acknowledge the strong international character of environmental problems and the urgency of adopting bio-diplomacy as a priority in international relations.
The second event, which took place on January 22, 2001, was part of a wider initiative to establish an International Court of the Environment. The International Court of the Environment Foundation and all its distinguished members, the Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Supreme Court justices, law professors and other eminent personalities of international acclaim have been promoting the creation of an International Court of the Environment to impart the leadership and vision necessary to prevent further environmental disasters. B.I.O. is proud to be part of this effort, and it was a joy and privilege to have held this timely meeting in Athens. The meeting was a follow-up to meetings that had previously convened in The Hague, Washington D.C., New York and Rome, all in the hope of launching an internationally endorsed legal mechanism to resolve environmental disputes. For B.I.O. it is important that, rather than developing into yet another punitive institution, the International Court of the Environment function in the spirit of arbitration and conciliation, under the auspices and guidance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). We are very happy to note that, on June 19, 2001, the PCA Optional Rules for Arbitration of Disputes Relating to Natural Resources and/or the Environment were adopted at the extraordinary meeting of the PCA’s Administrative Council.
With environmental deterioration becoming a compelling issue of unprecedented proportions, public expectations of what economic actors can do to resolve this crisis remain high. To encourage business leaders to welcome this critical opportunity and responsibility, B.I.O. held a panel discussion on Profit and the bio-environment within the framework of Athens Money Show on June 9, 2001. In view of the heightened contemporary understanding of the close relationship between environmental protection and development, this panel discussion aimed to prove that environmental protection makes sound economic sense and can maximise returns and increase profits in virtually every business venture.
The price of environmental abuse is high. It is not a matter of money in the bank. It is a matter of jeopardising the very continuation of life on our planet. It is hoped that the proceedings from the three initiatives mentioned above will raise awareness of the political, economic and cultural challenges of our times and will drive humanity towards a common international effort for a global appreciation of bios.
It is the precious co-operation of the B.I.O. team that makes progress possible. The contribution of Helen Papadimitriou to the organisation of these meetings as well as her invaluable assistance in the preparation of this volume of proceedings are deeply appreciated. Grateful acknowledgement is also extended to Angela Bandis for her editorial assistance and to Dimitris Synodinos.
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Greek Ministry of Culture for sponsoring this publication. In addition, I would like to thank all the B.I.O. sponsors for 2000 and 2001 for supporting us in the race to save the environment.
Prof. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis
B.I.O. President and Founder
