The
principles I think are the most important and relevant to my service-learning
project are principle number one which is “respect Earth and life in all its
diversity” and principles number five that states “protect and restore the
integrity of Earth’s ecological systems, with special concern for biological
diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.” Principle number one
teaches us to recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of
life has value regardless of its worth to human beings. I feel this connects to
my service learning because the Naples Zoo encourages educating and motivating guests
to appreciate all lifeforms in the natural world.
Principle
five explains that we should make environmental conservation and rehabilitation
integral to all developmental initiatives. It also tells us to establish and
safeguard viable nature and biosphere reserves, including wild lands and marine
areas to protect Earth’s life support systems, maintain biodiversity and preserve
our natural heritage. Additionally, it promotes the recovery of endangered
species and ecosystems.
The
Naples Zoo has done many, if not all, of these things as their mission
statement expresses to continue their proud legacy of delighting and informing
guests, and to inspire conservation through innovative, intimate, and memorable
experiences. David Orr applauds places like the Naples Zoo as he believes “the
attempt to encourage biophilia will not amount to much if we fail to decide to
reshape these kinds of places so that we might become deeply rooted” (Orr, 205).
The
Earth Charter relates to the University Colloquium course goals because the
Earth Charter talks about how the well-being of the community as well as of humanity
depends upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecosystems while one
goal of the course is to develop a commitment and awareness to ecological
sustainability. David Orr even discusses the importance of supporting the environment
in Love it or Lose It as “Natural diversity is the wellspring of human
intelligence” (Orr, 197).
My
major is Human Resources Management and I feel that the Earth Charter relates
to my major in a way, specifically, with principle number sixteen since it articulates
to “promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence and peace.” My future career
will involve developing and encouraging appropriate personnel policies in
addition to enforce those policies which connects to the Earth Charters sub
objective in supporting a mutual understanding and cooperation among all
peoples.
In
my field, I will also be expected to foster a positive work environment and
effective employee-employer relationship tying in with the Earth Charter’s
mission in implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent violent conflict
and recognizing that peace is the wholeness created by right relationships with
oneself, other persons and other cultures. I chose this particular place to
complete my service learning hours was because I have a background familiarity
with this specific facility.
References
Orr, David W. "Love
It or Lose It: The Coming Biophilia Revolution." Earth in Mind: On
Education, Environment, and the Human Prospect. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 186-211.
Print.
Naples Zoo mission symbol
Naples Zoo President and CEO discusses the role of zoo and aquariums in connecting children to animals and natural places
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