Giving the floor to a resident of the Mediterranean world to launch M22? We preferred to surprise you! Dominique Bourg, although geographically distant, offers a unique perspective as a philosopher and professor in environmental sciences on its challenges. Meeting with a Swiss passionate about Egyptology, lover of Italy, and a member of the Royal Academy of Morocco.
A Sensory Experience of the Mediterranean
My first experience of the Mediterranean was discovering Italy. At 6 years old, I went on vacation to the coast with my parents. At 22, I embarked on a journey with my brother from Florence to Pompeii, passing through Siena and Naples. It is thanks to these trips that I became aware of the magnificence of Mediterranean landscapes.
At that time, I also cultivated a passion for Egyptology, unfortunately without ever having had the opportunity to go to Egypt. I was recently invited to become a member of the Royal Academy of Morocco, which aims to promote culture and reflection with an international perspective. I will deliver my inaugural lecture there next fall.
The Mediterranean, cradle of all our societies and religions
Finally, my intellectual journey has been marked by thinkers from the Mediterranean region.
The Mediterranean is a crossroads of cultures that have met for better or for worse.
The worst part is the violence of "basic" monotheisms, the texts read literally, as illustrated in our contemporary era by Islamist terrorism - whose victims are mostly Muslims. In the past, it was the Crusades and later the colonial enterprises.
The best part is how different cultures manage to enrich each other. For example, philosophy (Aristotle), algebra, etc., were imported from the great civilization that is Islam. Also, I believe that we would have a lot to gain by rediscovering each other, especially by conducting cross-readings of our great mystics, from the Persian poet Rumi to Saint Francis of Assisi inspired by the Bible, and including the Islamic thinker Ibn Arabi. Our great mystics have expressed the most sublime of our civilizations, love and peace, in the midst of brutal times. Not being a Muslim does not prevent me from being moved by the chanting of the recited Quran - as heard, for example, in the movie "The Cairo Conspiracy." I dream of a union of all reasonable people who want to counter violence and have ecological values. Because religious texts carry within them respect for the planet: to respect God's creatures, what is that if not to defend nature and therefore be an environmentalist? A renewed, non-violent spirituality can help us come together to survive - because that is what it is about now - in the face of the climate and ecological threat.
Europe - Mediterranean: an "agri-cultural" partnership to tackle the ecological crisis
Ecological forecasts are alarming. Within 20 years, 1 billion people will no longer be able to live in their current space. At 27-28 degrees of average annual territorial temperature, population density drops; at 29-30°, there is no one left. With a temperature increase expected to be 2 degrees by 2040-50, some countries will experience 200 to 300 days of humid heat per year, with the growing difficulty of producing food, etc., the challenging events to manage are at risk of becoming unmanageable.
The Mediterranean is a particularly sensitive area. The danger is the death of the sea. This expanse of water that gives its name to this region of incredible wealth is prey to many perils. I believe it is essential to focus on a crossroads of our cultural roots, and to partner with all countries around it. The foundations for establishing an agro-cultural partnership exist: agroecological practices can help us move towards a more resilient agriculture and induce a different relationship with living beings than conventional agriculture, whose harmful effects are well known. We have a lot of experiences to share. Local initiatives are a guarantee of the future.
It should be emphasized that a country like France has a good position, at the border between Europe and the Mediterranean. It can easily act as a mediator in these partnerships, both because of its geographical position and the spiritual and cultural roots that its inhabitants share with this beautiful region, in addition to the intellectual talents coming mainly from the Maghreb. That is why I am confident in the ability of Europeans and Mediterranean people, if they act together, to help prevent a +3 degrees scenario.
And, if the ecological prospects are not cheerful, here are two remedies that personally help me manage eco-anxiety: humor, and above all, friendship!
How can I assist you today?