The Unseen Revolution: Leadership for Sustainability in the Tropical Biosphere

• In Event: Innovation in Environmental Leadership: Global Perspectives

Short Description

Leadership for sustainability demands attention to the often unseen efforts of diverse stakeholders. This paper explores several cases of Belizean leaders and leadership aimed at increasing the resilience of this ecosystem. Examples will include community non-profits, co-management agreements between NGO’s and the government of Belize, eco-tourism, and other businesses.

Detailed Abstract

Leadership for sustainability demands attention to the multiple efforts of diverse stakeholders and from many perspectives. Edwards (2005) describes the work of multiple small entities simultaneously effecting change with respect to sustainability as an unseen revolution that is currently taking place. These efforts range from a village in Borneo replacing diesel generators with hydro-generators to a model public transportation system in Curitiba, Brazil. At the heart of these efforts is leadership at the local community level. Often, these local and specific actions for environmental sustainability require unique forms of leadership. As such, much can be gained from a more thorough understanding of smaller scale attempts at sustainable development.

Current leadership thought should be examined for verisimilitude when considering these examples of sustainability leadership. Heifetz, Grashow, and Linsky’s (2009) model of adaptive leadership provides a window into how leaders might address complex environmental problems, and the discussion of community change leadership by Couto, Hippensteel Hall, and Goetz (2010) offers a useful framework as well. The chapter will argue that applying these models results in a greater understanding of current theoretical approaches as well as potential areas for improvement in sustainability initiatives.

One of the most vital areas to examine and learn from leadership focused on sustainability is in the intersection of the developing world and the tropical biosphere. Countries like Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Brazil play an essential role in environmental stewardship and leadership given the importance of their ecosystem to the rest of the planet. These areas include tropical rainforests that have been described as the lungs of the planet for their abundant ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

Belize in particular offers important examples of community, government, and business leadership paying close attention to environmental sustainability. This paper will explore several cases of Belizean leaders and leadership aimed at increasing the resilience of this ecosystem. Examples will include community non-profits, co-management agreements between NGO’s and the government of Belize, eco-tourism, and other businesses. Further, the paper will identify key takeaways for leaders of environmental sustainability endeavors around the world.

Participants

• Paul Kosempel, University of Denver

• Linda G. Olson, University of Denver