Sociobiodiversity and Ecosocial Regeneration: What is the difference?

Sociobiodiversity focuses on the inseparable connection between biological diversity (biodiversity) and the sociocultural diversity of traditional peoples and communities (indigenous, quilombola, extractivist, family farmers, etc.).

• Emphasis: Sociobiodiversity emphasizes the traditional knowledge, sustainable management practices, and ways of life of these peoples, who historically are the guardians and managers of biodiversity in their territories.

• Applications: It is frequently associated with the sociobiodiversity economy, which seeks to value and strengthen the production chains of products and services generated by these peoples in a sustainable way (e.g., açaí, Brazil nuts, vegetable oils, handicrafts). The goal is to promote conservation, food security, cultural appreciation, and the generation of income and social justice for these communities.

• Nature: This is a concept that describes and values ​​the existing interrelationship between nature and culture.

Ecosocial regeneration, or simply regeneration, is an approach and a transformation process that aims to go beyond sustainability (which only seeks to maintain the status quo or reduce damage).

• Emphasis: The focus of ecosocial regeneration is to recover, rejuvenate, and revitalize degraded systems, both ecological (ecosystems, soil, biodiversity) and social (communities, relationships, economies). The goal is to leave the planet and communities in a better condition than they were found.

• Approach: It involves a systemic and long-term vision, inviting co-evolution and partnership with living systems. It is a transformative action that seeks to increase the health and resilience of systems.

• Scope: It applies to various fields, such as regenerative agriculture, regenerative design, organizational development, and the creation of resilient communities (ecovillages).

• Nature: It is a concept that proposes a path of action for the recovery and flourishing of living systems.

The main difference lies in the scope and action. In essence, the management practices and knowledge of the sociobiodiversity of traditional peoples can be seen as examples. Historical and fundamental aspects of intrinsically regenerative systems, providing crucial models for the broad ecosocial regeneration that modern society seeks.