Liga do Bem Viver

ancient paths to a justice that cares for nature and people

Abstract

This article introduces the Liga do Bem Viver, an initiative created in 2023 by staff from the Pimenta Bueno Forum in Rondônia, aimed at promoting ancestral practices of harmonious coexistence with the Earth. Its goal is to demonstrate how the principles of Bem Viver, inherited from Indigenous, African, Andean, and other traditional communities, can guide concrete actions of justice, sustainability, and care for Nature, especially within institutional contexts. The discussion will be driven by a description of the values and principles supporting the Liga, such as biocentric ethics, intercultural dialogue, and collective work, as well as practical actions implemented at the Forum, including community gardens, sustainable transportation, discussion circles, and environmental education. Challenges faced in cultural change, particularly within public institutions, will also be analyzed, along with strategies to overcome obstacles and solidify this transformative approach. Throughout the text, reflections will aim to demonstrate that Bem Viver is a feasible and necessary practice for building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society. Implementing it within public service is seen as a way to promote a justice that cares for Nature and people, through collective responsibility and respect for diversity. The article invites a rethinking of coexistence and management practices that facilitate harmonic living between humanity and the environment.