EcoPeace, an economic alternative by means of peace
"Through an initiative like EcoPeace, one learns the notion of service. Beyond the limitations of a fixed and defined employer-employee framework, in this socio-economic model the individual rediscovers his limitless inner potential and becomes an actor of development, an instigator of change." Sheikh Aly N'Daw
EcoPeace is a sustainable and conscious socio-economic alternative founded in Senegal in 2006 by the current head of the International Sufi School of Peace and Service, Sheikh Aly N’Daw. As an alternative economic model based on non-violence, EcoPeace repositions the human being, and not profit, at the centre of all its initiatives. EcoPeace promotes peacebuilding, socio-economic justice, sustainable farming and environmental protection and aims through its actions to awaken our consciousness to all these pressing issues.
Since 2012, EcoPeace exports its 100% natural mangoes (now EU certified organic) to France and the UK and through a network of volunteers, sells directly to consumers. This year will be our 7th year running the mango campaign over the summer, distributing directly to customers throughout France and, in the UK, selling on local markets in London, with direct deliveries over London. We also aim to promote a selection of 100% natural herbal teas, dietary supplements, syrups, jams and preserves, all produced on the farm in Senegal.
With the present social and economic crises unfolding globally, it is necessary to propose a new socio-economic model where the means used are not in contradiction with the expected result. In the actual system, everybody talks about peace but at the same time, they are ready to kill and drop bombs to make this peace or to protect it. We keep waging wars and we keep expecting peace. This is pure insanity as Einstein rightly defined it: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." To this insanity, we propose EcoPeace, social and economic development by means of peace.
The Founder, Sheikh Aly N'Daw
How to propose socio-economic development by means of peace?
The current socio-economic system is based on unlimited profit by any means, with little or no consideration for the well-being and health of the human being and his environment. The principle of individual merit in the pursuit of wealth and happiness has led to the creation of a system which is very much violent on all levels. Greed constitutes the basis of this violence as Gandhi said: "The Earth provides enough for every man's need, but not enough for every man's greed."
An alternative to this system has be one that addresses man's greed first. If we do not want such a system anymore, we have to change its essential cause: greed. Greed in fact is a level of consciousness which we need to change to evolve from this system as Einstein explained: "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."
Such an alternative can only be based on goodwill and kindness to all. It is an alternative that pivots around the human being, his needs, his well-being, his honour and his dignity. As an alternative to the current system, it is a model that neither depends on nor promotes individual or collective self-interests, but aims for an ideal that benefits everyone. This model is now being established in several countries around the world through the goodwill and benevolence of volunteers, individuals who have made the choice to commit their human capital to the service of humanity.
