Brazilian writer, humanist and theologian, 77-year old Leonardo Boff encouraged the cultivation of a relationship of harmonious coexistence with nature as the only way to guarantee the future of humanity and the earth. The ecologist delivered the keynote address “The Challenge of Latin America and the Caribbean in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals” at the Presidential Palace yesterday, Tuesday 16 February 2016 in the presence of President Danilo Medina and Vice President Margarita Cedeno.
A former Roman Catholic priest (1962-1993), Leonardo Boff is highly regarded for his active support for the rights of poor and excluded people. He is a professor emeritus of Ethics, Philosophy of Religion and Ecology at the Rio de Janeiro State University.
During his presentation at the Presidential Palace, Boff highlighted that in these new times nature should not be treated as a market commodity. He pointed out that water is a basic human right, as defined by the United Nations.
“The challenge is to understand that the Earth and nature are essential for life, that they are not means of wealth and production for the market,” said Boff during his address. He predicted that the 21st century would be the century for the rights of Mother Earth and called for a change in mindset regarding nature.
He stressed the importance of developing a culture to preserve the elements of nature, upon observing that Mother Earth is ill and requires care as soon as possible.
Boff was awarded the order of Duarte, Sanchez and Mella at the Presidential Palace.
As part of his visit to Santo Domingo, Boff also attended a luncheon event at the Corripio Media Group to continue his campaign for nature. Speaking at the event, Minister of Energy and Mines Antonio Isa Conde reiterated his belief that in mining, water is more important than gold. As reported in El Dia, Isa Conde said that water was a resource that has to be preserved and that Boff’s project seeks to create awareness of the need to protect it. Isa Conde said that the Dominican Republic has been ravaged by mining practices.
http://presidencia.gob.do/noticias/leonardo-boff-en-conferencia-se-requiere-convivencia-armoniosa-con-la-naturaleza
Leonardo Boff, un teólogo que lucha por salvar la Madre Tierra
http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/educacion/leonardo-boff-agotara-agenda-en-el-pais-y-sera-condecorado-por-el-presidente-medina-EJ2748655
http://www.leonardoboff.com
