15 II Cultural Ecology Ecology also involves protecting the cultural treasures of humanity in the broadest sense Together with the patrimony of nature, there is also an historic, artistic and cultural patrimony which is likewise under threat (143). When solutions are formulated for environmental problems, we must take into account local culture: a living, dynamic and participatory present reality (143). Cultural heritage, which belongs to all humanity, can be overlooked when a consumerist vision of human beings (is) encouraged by the mechanisms of today’s globalised economy (144). When the rights of peoples and cultures are not respected, merely technical solutions run the risk of addressing symptoms and not the more serious underlying problems (144). When the environment is exploited, local communities can be deprived of their livelihood and their sense of the meaning of life and community (145) can be lost. Regarding this, it is essential to show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions (146), since their lands are a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values (146). Large agricultural and mining projects which are undertaken without regard for the degradation of nature and culture (146) create pressure on indigenous people to abandon their homelands which are best cared for by them. III Ecology Of Daily Life The interrelationship between living space and human behaviour In our rooms, our homes, our workplaces and neighbourhoods, we use our environment as a way of expressing our identity (147). The negative effects of limitations to our environment are often mitigated through strong social connections, kindness and friendliness; despite the hardships of those rendered poor, the beautiful human ecology of solidarity and belonging (148) can be found even in undesirable environments. In this way, any place can turn from being a hell on earth into the setting for a dignified life (148) people can experience community, despite the fact that overcrowding and the problems associated The whole is greater than the part. Every violation of solidarity and civic friendship harms the environment (142)
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