An alliance to deal with the challenges of the present – Athenaeum

Talking about sustainability today is talking about the future, justice and shared responsibility. In a context of climate crisis, loss of biodiversity and increasing inequalities, the alternatives proposed by the social and solidarity economy (ESS) make more sense than ever. From agroecological production to responsible consumption, from the renewable energy of proximity to sustainable mobility, cooperativism has been located as an active agent in the construction of an economic model that is more respectful of the planet and with people.

It Circle of sustainability From the Ateneu Cooperativa del Baix Llobregat it is the space from which you work to make visible, accompany and connect all these initiatives that, from the territory, are opening paths to a real eco -social transition.

Sustainability from the ESS: a transformative look

Unlike the dominant economic model, which often understands sustainability as a green label or as a marketing strategy, the ESS entoms it as a basic principle. Co -operatives, associations and initiatives are based on a holistic mink that integrates environmental sustainability with social justice and economic democracy.

This involves, for example, promoting non -speculative production models, promoting short chains and local circuits, encouraging resources to reuse and put life at the center of economic activity. In short, it means to move from unlimited growth to the care of the territory and the people.

Good practices in the Baix Llobregat

The region has numerous projects that make sustainability a real praxis: agroecological consumption cooperatives, energy sovereignty initiatives, repair and reuse workshops, community urban orchards, environmental education proposals and cooperative housing projects with ecological criteria.

These experiences not only provide solutions locally, but also generate mutual support networks, closer relationships between people and less dependent life forms of the consumerist model. Sustainability, understood from the ESS, is also a tool for recovering sovereignty: food, energy, productive and community.

What does the Circle of Sustainability do?

This circle is to promote and strengthen the sustainable initiatives of the territory from a cooperative perspective. It does through:

• The organization of meetings, talks and workshops on eco -social transition.
• Accompanying projects that want to incorporate sustainability criteria in its operation.
• The creation of synergies with other circles, such as the care, to address sustainability from a comprehensive look.
• The visibility of good practices and inspirational cases within the ESS framework.

He also works to connect Baix initiatives with Catalan, state and international networks, and to incorporate the sustainability agenda in local public policies.

Current challenges and future perspectives

Despite advances, there are still structural difficulties: lack of reinforcement of environmental projects with social impact, low visibility in institutional spaces, and difficulty accessing infrastructure or public spaces to develop sustainable initiatives.

In addition, we must continue to work on the training and awareness of the citizenry to make it clear that sustainability and ESS are not separate areas, but two complementary paths to build a better life.

The Ateneo, through the circle, is committed to overcoming these challenges with coordinated actions, with the connection of experiences, and with a communicative strategy that helps to consolidate eco -social discourse.

A cooperative sustainability, rooted and transformative

The climate and social crisis we live in demands collective, brave and rooted answers. The ESS provides an ethical, democratic and transformative basis to face these challenges. And in the Baix Llobregat, this answer is already underway.

The Circle of Sustainability is a meeting point for all those initiatives that want to make cooperativism a tool to take care of life and the planet. The Ateneu Cooperativa works to support them, visibility and alliances. Because sustainability and ESS can and must walk together towards a fairer, resilient and community future.