It is worth remembering, however, that the ecocentric approach is one of
the most ancient environmental and sustainability theories, as it is how
Indigenous® communities have always viewed the environment around
them and their role in the natural order.“ With regard to ecocide,
Indigenous peoples are particularly concerned, especially in light of the
growing literature pointing to the close link between genocide and ecocide
(ecocide-genocide nexus). The environment is a complex system, and the
regulatory instruments adopted must respond to this specificity. Man¬
centred instruments alone cannot successfully combat the environmental
degradation of our time, the decline of nature, and we must learn from
the ecological laws that modern scientific research has made it possible
to understand:
“Ecology teaches humility in another way, because from it we recognize that
we do not know everything about the world’s ecosystems, and never will. 747
# Note of the author: Indigenous is capitalised as a mark of respect in the context of this
book.
* See McIntyre-Mills, J.J. - Makaulule, M. - Lethole, P. et al.: Ecocentric Living: A Way
Forward Towards Zero Carbon: A Conversation about Indigenous Law and Leadership
Based on Custodianship and Praxis. Systemic Practice and Action Research, Vol. 36,
2023, pp. 275-319. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-022-09604-0.
# Washington et al. (2021): p. 39.