How to Manage Complexity in Times of Crisis?

Regenerative Solutions to the Climate & Socio-economic Crisis

 

“In 2022, it is believed that the combined 3C factors – COVID-19, conflicts and climate – can have a devastating effect on food security at European and global level.” Virginia Campeanu, Institute for World Economy

“At this point in our global ecological crisis, the survival of humanity will require a fundamental shift in our attitude toward nature: from finding out how we can dominate and manipulate nature to how we can learn from her.” Fritjof Capra

 

Multi-dimensional crisis

The current multi-dimensional crisis, is causing widespread concern and hardship for many families and businesses across the globe.

  • Military conflicts, in addition to the post-lockdown challenges have led to rising inflation and supply-chain disruptions .
  • The costs for living have significantly increased, such as increased prices for food and energy.
  • Climate change and supply chain disruptions are particularly affecting agriculture and food security.

Food & regenerative farms in high demand

According to the FAO, staple goods like grains and vegetable oils are among the worst affected foodstuffs. Low-income families (especially in developing countries) are most affected by the increasing food prices.

Despite the uncertainties in predicting future crises, food is always in high demand, within or without any major crisis. In any case, it seems safe to conclude that there is a growing scarcity of fertile farmland and clean water, while the demand is increasing. Hence, investing in climate-resilient farms & homesteads, allows not only to build profitable assets, but also to support local communities and restore agroecosystems (soil, water and biodiversity).

Window of opportunity, beyond the current situation of ambiguity

Despite the increasing challenges, we can use the crisis as a window of opportunity to regenerate the earth and her people. By evolving ourselves and our communities, restoring our landscapes, growing healthy food and transitioning towards a circular economy.

Edhen recommends to foster and invest in greater agility, regenerative forms of capital & trusted partnerships. Towards a people-centered and ecosystemic renewal, in harmony with natural living systems.

The ecological transition can be challenging requiring higher levels of agility, resilience and focus. Agility is key to adapt quickly and identify creative ways to survive and operate in the digital age. However, this doesn’t mean to compromise on our overall vision or the quality of our services. Such fundamental values and principles are beneficial, both in time of peace or uncertainty. “The time is always right to do what is right” (Martin Luther King, Jr.).

Investing in trusted partnerships is vital, beyond the current situation of ambiguity. A stronger focus on the shared purpose can strengthen teamwork and connectedness. Towards developing exceptional teams and high-performance organizations.

Holistic management is key to balance social, environmental and financial sustainability. “A supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. Hence, a process of continuous improvement is required that addresses the weakest link of a farm, organization or enterprise. With regard to teamwork and partnerships, the success of the entire network depends on the success of each individual member of the group.

The ecological transition requires a broad range of services and innovations. The good news is that more and more organizations are now promoting an ecological transition. Which opens a wide window of opportunity for private and public organizations, as well as for regenerative start-ups.

Agriculture can either be part of the problem or the solution, regarding landscape degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. We need farming systems that restore soils and secure food production, while being resilient against the impacts of climate change.

Agroforestry is a climate-resilient farming system that mimics natural ecosystems. It facilitates the creation of productive and diverse agroecosystems, with improved pollinator and wildlife habitats. Agroforestry systems can not only increase yields, but also withstand weather extremes, regulate water cycles, sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, they can both – mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Hence, despite the extraordinary challenges there is hope that we can achieve both economic viability and long-term resiliency. Through greater agility, regenerative development strategies and higher levels of collaboration. And last but not least, through cultivating personal growth, emotional balance and organizational resilience.

This is our general perspective, regarding the growing turbulence of the world we live in. If you think, it’s high time to co-develop your own strategy towards resilience and abundance, contact us today.