Sustainable Couch at Rio + 20

15th Sustainable Wave-Letter: Sustainable Couch in Rio

1. Rio + 20

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, "Rio + 20", was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 20-22, 2012. With the slogan "The future we want", around 100 presidents, prime ministers and delegations from 193 nations gathered in the city to discuss topics such as "green economy", global governance and sustainable development. Even if a final document was approved by the assembly, the results are unfortunately very poor and lack of concrete commitment. The civil society, reunited in the "Cúpula dos Povos" (People's Summit), clearly said it does not feel represented by the final document and called the conference a big failure, giving it the name of "Rio -20".

                       

2. Massi's experience at the Cúpula dos Povos

Massi was in Rio during the Rio + 20. Even though he could not participate to the official conference (where accreditation was needed) he took part to the Cúpula dos Povos and here he shares his memory of this event.

"On 14th June I came back to Rio, my favourite city so far in my South America trip. Being part of the People's Summit was an amazing experience and here are some of my personal highlights:

• participating to two huge street demonstrations with ten thousands of people, peacefully fighiting for a better world
• presenting Sustainable Couch and the eco-project "Eco-Sistemas" together with Albert at a workshop during the People's Summit
• meeting cool sustainable couchsurfers like Dave and Annabelle,
  "(the "Permacyclists")
• listening to inspiring speeches from Marina Silva (former Minister of Environment in Brasil), Vandana Shiva (world famous activist from India) and Yann Arthus-Bertrand (photographer and director of the wonderful documentary film "Home") and from other outstanding personalities

                     

The list could be much longer, but I will stop here. The memory of these incredible days will always stay in my mind, and in my heart. The results of the official conference are very disappointing. But I personally feel more optimistic than before, because I felt the energy of the civil society and of the people. WE believe more than ever that a better world is not only possible. But it is already existing, or it is arising right now. The will and the energies are available. The time is ripe. TOGETHER we can do it. "El pueblo unido jámas será vencido" is not an empty phrase, this is our guideline!"