Belgians act to support the resilience of social-ecological systems

Belgian citizens, businesses and policy makers contribute to the transition towards sustainable consumption and production, by undertaking actions that support the resilience of social-ecological systems, like forests worldwide. In Belgium the support to tackle environmental issues increases, yet there is still insufficient behavioral and policy change. Our consumption and production patterns exceed the capacity of Earth. This causes, i.a., worldwide deforestation and forest degradation, which threatens the livelihoods of indigenous people. BOS+ assists people in transitioning to a society supporting the resilience of social-ecological systems worldwide. In particular, we promote and facilitate actions having a positive effect on forests worldwide, that can be supported by civilians, companies and policy makers. Our interventions focus (1) on building up knowledge about the environment and its threats; (2) on awareness-raising on the importance of protecting, retaining and improving the environment; (3) on inspiring to act. These aspects reinforce each other, eventually leading to independent actions. Children and youth are mainly approached within a school context, by educational material, workshops and trajectories. These are experience-based and transcend regular course subjects. The educational tools question and reshape our current consumption and production patterns and are also inspiring to family and friends of the children. By involving relatives and educators we broadly disseminate our message and call-to-action. Adults are reached by campaigns and inspiring actions. This triggers them to act, change their own behavior, raise their voices and/or actively participate in democratic processes. This develops a favorable public opinion and increases the external pressure on policy makers and companies. Policymakers and companies are engaged in trajectories or through advocacy; all aiming to deliver sound knowledge and (policy) recommendations. Equal opportunities and means for companies with improved and more sustainable investments in their value chains and production process, will make it easier for consumers to change their consumption patterns to a more sustainable life style.