"We desperately need to recognize that we are the guests not the masters of nature and adopt a new paradigm for development, based on the costs and benefits to all people, and bound by the limits of nature herself rather than the limits of technology and consumerism".

The With this phrase Mikhail Gorbaciov defines the perimeters of the new environmental action through which Green Cross is inspired. Our aim, as a group, is to analyse the complex phenomena of the environment that makes up our planet, to discover its limits, and learn how not to impose the often distorted action of mankind. These are the fundamental precepts that guide us and through which we hope will become the common philosophy of all those who want to deliver to future generations a planet that is in a position to supply energy, well-being and health to all living.

Our position is not against modernity but a critical approach to the current model of modernity. The economic development of the world, which has been at the base of many conquests, has changed to the lifestyle of very many citizens during the past century. The exploitation of energy, the development of mobility and the discovery of new drugs have improved the quality of life for millions, but they have also highlighted the limits of development.

Conquests that seemed to us to strengthen our nations, do not help in under developed countries. The lack of technological resources and their distorted application, in those countries aggravate the living conditions of the greater part of the populations of the nations of the South. Today, however, the new challenge is to expand the rights and the possibilities of life to all the inhabitants of the Planet. We, the citizens of the northern hemisphere world often take for granted electricity, water, refrigeration, medicine and food and healing, and we think that they are a right and a fact of daily life. For the greater part of the inhabitants of the underdeveloped nations, access to such resources is not accessible.


At Green Cross, we believe the distribution of resources market does not regulate itself and worked adequately or represent everyone on the planet and are distorted. There are emerging inequalities in the development of progress and well being for all. There needs to be equilibrium between the preservation of natural resources, and the inhabitants of the planet. Equilibrium and fairness therefore are key words that should be on the agenda of politicians, and for stakeholders of the civil society. Thus, we propose these words as the theme of Day of the Environmental 2005, 5th June. We hope other environmentalists will accompany us on our journey in putting the common good of living things ahead of private interests, which so often people cannot see beyond the horizon. We are ready.


Elio Pacilio
Green Cross Italia Vice - President

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