Elke Nuyens

Transition Doctor

Biodiversity & Health Newsletter - June 2018. Access the full newsletter here.

1. How is the relation between nature & human health part of your work/activities? 

I am a family doctor and work as a TRANSITION-doctor. From my love for the planet and its inhabitants, I want to contribute to a transition to a new paradigm, inspired by the transition movement that was founded in 2006 in Totnes by Rob Hopkins. 

We are natural beings in an eco-system, our health depends on the respect we have for our inner nature and the healthy interactions we have with the surrounding nature. The motor of this eco-system is the care we have for the whole and it is no longer an ”economy of growth“ which is responsible for gigantic destruction. In our work as a family doctor we are confronted with the consequences on a daily base, many diseases have a direct relation with the system that was brought out of balance and the loss of connection. We leave the previous paradigm with its mechanic and materialistic man-and worldview and enter the new paradigm where we CARE for our NATURE.

How important is collaboration between different groups in networks like the Belgian Community of Practice Biodiversity & Health?

It is essential that groups with the same regenerative vision work together. We have to disconnect from the old, unhealthy structures. From our connection with our inner nature and the healthy connection with the surrounding nature we develop new natural networks. Out of our global consciousness we develop local, resilient societies. For example: transitionnetwork.org; participatorycity.org; vitalzone.eu

Where would you like the work on nature-health linkages to be in a few years?

That there would be clarity and general consensus on the new paradigm. That a new economic system also provides a living for all people who work to realize this transition. That a lot of networks cooperate to create this local, resilient societies that are healthy for all the inhabitants and the planet. That there is scientific proof of the positive effects of this transition on the health and vitality of the societies, nature and the individuals.

 

More info : http://elkenuyens.com/elke-nuyens/