Preface: Earning, Learning and Growing a Future Together

The various papers, discussions and panel presentations given at the International Society for the Systems Sciences conferences (ISSS) which contribute to this volume are based on the work of a community of practice that reflects on seed and food security, earth jurisprudence and accountability to current and future generations of living systems. In this chapter, we consider the importance of being ecologically aware via an extended emotional intelligence. We also refer to the value of distributive (participative) Indigenous leadership. We offer some pointers to a community of practice applied to translating theory into practice and assessing the impact of our systemic engagement socially, economically and environmentally. We propose that the problem—namely an unsustainable food production system linked with the commodification of living systems—can and should be addressed through a regenerative approach based on social and environmental justice that is fair, transparent and accountable. We strive to show how current governance systems could be redressed through praxis that applies and assesses what works, why and how in terms of social, economic and environmental consequences as experienced.