4🌀 Economic Plan: the transformative force of emerging value

As we continue building the Cosmos of Sustainability and Regeneration, we arrive at the Economic Plan, situated along the Axis of Symbiosis.

Here, the interaction between the Individual and Nature reveals itself as a continuous process of creation and transformation. In this plan, we recognize that human well-being, innovations, and all material achievements of our civilization derive from the resources Nature provides. From the food that sustains our bodies to the materials that build our cities, the clothes we wear, and the objects we use—everything emerges from this dynamic exchange between humans and the natural environment.

Figure - The Economic Plan encompasses collective actions in society, the organization of work, the transformation of ideas into projects, entrepreneurship and innovation, and the creation and division of value based on shared identities and purposes. Its purpose is to foster personal transformation through the experience of working with the community in regenerating nature.

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It is precisely within the Economic Plan that this exchange becomes most tangible and measurable, functioning as a space for generating “emerging value”. But what do we mean by "emerging value"? This concept refers to the value that arises in non-linear and unexpected ways from interactions between the Individual and Nature, as well as between individuals within economic systems. It is not a fixed value, like the price of a product in a market, but something that emerges from the unique conditions created by these complex interactions.

For example, when a community engages in regenerative agriculture, it not only produces food (a direct and immediate value) but also contributes to soil health, water retention, biodiversity, and climate balance—all of which are values that emerge from the initial effort. In this sense, emerging value is multifaceted, encompassing economic, social, ecological, and even cultural dimensions, depending on how human activity integrates with and adapts to the natural environment.

Emerging value, therefore, is not merely measured by market transactions but by the cumulative impact of the multiple positive dimensions that an activity can generate, feeding a continuous cycle of renewal and sustainable development. It is a value that is continuously constructed and transformed as new interactions occur and new possibilities arise.

In this context, the Economic Plan is not limited to pursuing profit or accumulating capital. Instead, it explores the potential to create value in all its forms—financial, social, ecological, and even spiritual—through a constant dialogue with Nature, always attentive to its responses and limitations. This is where the Individual, by interacting consciously and sustainably with their environment, can transform not only their own reality but also contribute to a more just, balanced, and regenerative economic system.

Take, for example, the construction industry. Traditionally, this sector relies heavily on natural resources like timber, metals, sand, and water. However, traditional approaches often overlook the environmental impacts of extracting and heavily using these materials. Logging, for instance, can lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss, while cement production is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. When viewed through the lens of emerging value within the Economic Plan, true prosperity is not measured solely by the number of houses built or the speed of infrastructure development but by how materials are chosen, reused, and recycled, and how innovative and sustainable construction techniques can be.

For instance, the growing trend of using recycled construction materials, such as plastic or demolition waste, represents a significant innovation that redefines economic value in construction. The use of biocement¹, which incorporates bacteria to self-heal cracks, exemplifies how innovation can extend the lifespan of structures, reducing the need for new resource extraction and lowering the ecological footprint of construction. Here, the emerging value lies not only in the final product—the built structure—but also in the underlying innovation that ensures reduced environmental impact, greater durability, and sustainability.

Similarly, we see this dynamic of emerging value creation in regenerative agriculture, which differs from conventional farming by restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. From a traditional economic perspective, the value of a harvest might be measured solely by its productivity or financial return. However, considering emerging value, we recognize that agricultural practices that nurture the soil and promote biodiversity generate long-term value that may not be immediately visible in financial statements but is crucial for the resilience of food systems and the planet.

For example, when a farmer adopts techniques like no-till farming, crop rotation, and cover cropping, they sustainably increase soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Biodiversity in the field grows, creating a more robust ecosystem that is less vulnerable to pests and diseases. In this context, emerging value arises not just from the quantity of food produced but also from the quality and sustainability of production, the preservation of natural resources, and the positive impact on soil and water health.

However, emerging value has a flip side. If the market value of unsustainable products truly reflected their emerging value—incorporating all hidden costs and environmental and social impacts of their production—the final price would be much higher. This emerging value would include not only direct production costs but also long-term damages such as ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and even public health consequences.

In reality, the prices we currently pay for unsustainable products are artificially low because these “external costs” are not included. If they were accounted for, consumer prices would rise significantly, making these products unaffordable for most people. This perspective highlights the importance of sustainable models and the need for policies and practices that consider the real impact of economic activities on the environment and society.

Additionally, when discussing the Economic Plan within the context of the Axis of Symbiosis, it is essential to consider how the Individual is transformed through interactions with Nature. How we perceive, use, and value natural resources profoundly influences how we conceive our development and well-being. Our cognitive abilities—arguably the only source of wealth genuinely created by humans without direct reliance on Nature—are shaped by the environment we live in, the needs and challenges we face, and the opportunities for innovation that arise. Thus, the transformation of the Individual is also a result of economic transformation, reflecting a deeper and more conscious understanding of their interdependence with the natural environment.

For example, in developing clean technologies such as solar and wind energy, we see how economic value can be continuously recreated and transformed. These technologies not only provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels but also create new job opportunities, promote innovation, and strengthen local economies. Companies investing in green innovation are betting on the regeneration of their own value, preparing for future market shocks related to resource scarcity or stricter environmental regulations.

Thus, the Economic Plan, within the Axis of Symbiosis, reflects a continuous dance between Nature and the Individual, where emerging value is constantly created, transformed, and reassessed. This value is not measured solely in monetary terms or immediate productivity but in terms of innovation, resilience, and sustainability, built upon a profound understanding of our interdependence with the natural environment. By rethinking economic value in this way, we embrace a more holistic and dynamic vision where human prosperity and well-being are not achieved at Nature's expense but in symbiosis with it, ensuring that the value created today contributes to a sustainable and regenerative future.

1. Biocement is a sustainable construction material produced through the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria, which precipitate calcium carbonate via biological processes. This process, known as microbial-induced calcite precipitation, creates strong and eco-friendly materials used in construction, repair, and erosion mitigation. See more in:

• Dhami, N. K., Reddy, M. S., & Mukherjee, A. (2013). Biomineralization of Calcium Carbonates and their Engineering Applications: A Review. Frontiers in Microbiology.

• De Muynck, W., De Belie, N., & Verstraete, W. (2010). Microbial Carbonate Precipitation in Construction Materials: A Review. Ecological Engineering.