As a system of thought and action, post-extractivism offers a new and radical approach to the problems caused by mining and extractivism in general. Founded in philosophies of Buen Vivir (Good Living) it proposes radical alternatives to current models of ‘development’ thinking that support an oppressively extractive, non-reciprocal relationship with Earth and each other, and suggests fields of action and transition to change the current status-quo.
“Buen Vivir seeks to ensure people’s quality of life, in a broad sense that goes beyond material well-being (to include spiritual wellbeing) and the individual (to include a sense of community), as well as beyond anthropocentrism (to include Nature). Under Buen Vivir, the values inherent in Nature are recognised, and therefore also the duty to maintain its integrity at both the local and the global level. Tis perspective aims to transcend the dualism that separates society from Nature, as well as breaking with the linear idea of history that assumes our countries must imitate the lifestyles and culture of the industrialised nations.”
-Eduardo Gudynas
This collection of writings draws together the thoughts of scholars, activists, historians and social commentators on post-extractivism in different contexts.
Readings on post-extractivism:
- Transitions to post-extractivism: directions, options, areas of action – Eduardo Gudynas, TNI
- Latin America & Extractivism Debate: The new Left’s extractive model isn’t leading to development -Eduardo Gudynas, Europe Solidaire sans Frontieres.
- Transitions towards post-extractive societies in Latin America – Carlos Aguilar, IBASE-Rio.
- The New Latin American “Progresismo” and the Extractivism of the 21st Century -Carmello Ruiz Marrero, Americas Programme.
- Extractivism and neoextractivism: two sides of the same curse – Alberto Acosta, TNI.
- Post-growth and post-extractivism: Two sides of the same cultural transformation- Alberto Acosta, Alternautas
- Beyond extractivism: Debates and Practices around Post-Extractivism in Latin America– Alberto Acosta, Degrowth Conference Leipzig 2014
- Post-Extractivism: From Discourse to Practice—Reflections for Action– Alberto Acosta, International Development Policy
- Degrowth, postdevelopment, and transitions: a preliminary conversation– Arturo Escobar, Sustainability Science
- Beyond Development: Alternative visions from Latin America -Permanent Working Group on Alternatives to Development. Edited by M. lang and D. Mokrani
- Extracting ourselves from the extractivist mindset – Robert Jensen, Resilience.
- Re-contextualizing Anti-Extractivism: Buen Vivir and the New Left in the Andes – Matt Ford, Climate and Capitalism
- Buen Vivir and “post-extractivism” in Andean countries: notes on the search for a real alternative to “alternative development” -Roger Merino Acuna
- Neo-extractive Realities, Post-extractivist futures: Pacific Women and Feminist Development Alternatives -DAWN
- What Will It Take to Go Beyond Extractivism?-Federico Fuentes
- Latin American Development: Perspectives and Debates – Maristella Svampa
- Between activism and science: grassroots concepts for sustainability coined by Environmental Justice Organizations -Joan Martinez-Alier, Isabelle Anguelovski, Patrick Bond et al.
- The year 2015 is a year of intellectual triumph for post-extractivism– Joan Martinez-Alier, Entitle Blog.
- Revolutionary Extractivism in Bolivia? -Nicole Fabricant and Bret Gustafson, North American Congress on Latin America
- The intrinsic value of geodiversity– Haydn Washington, Ecological Citizen Journal
- Degrowth and post-extractivism: two debates with suggestions for the inclusive development framework– Ulrich Brand, Alina Brand, Tobias Boos, Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability.
