what we do
Vegan Land Movement
introduction
Welcome
The Vegan Land Movement is a collective of like minded people that work as a holistic group to create ideas and solutions that will affect a change in outdated farming practices, conservation and land use based on vegan principles. It focuses on non violence in the use of all land to veganically grow food, create compassionate conservation, wildlife and farm animal sanctuaries with a heightened level of awareness of complex ecological systems, non violence to all species within that system and working with nature rather than against it.
We aim to bring people together to work and solve the mounting problems we, the earth and all life forms face. It is a completely altruistic vision dedicated to enabling others to transform away from all practices that damage any part of the biosphere and exploitation of any non human animal species, wild spaces, biodiversity and habitat.
Giving Land Back To Our Earth
about us
VLM Constitution in brief
- The Earth is the designated beneficiary of the Vegan Land Movement CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). All use of land owned by the CIO must benefit local ecosystems and its inhabitants. (eg taking into account the adjacent ecosystems not owned by the CIO)
- Decisions on the repurposing of land (from animal agriculture) will be taken by majority vote by members of the CIO in accordance with the principles of the constitution.
- All use of the land owned by the CIO must be in line with eco-vegan principles
- All use of the land owned by the CIO must be in line with ethical principles.
- All uses must not inhibit the land’s ability to regenerate and sustain flourishing eco-systems
- Any revenue that is generated by the land will be used to secure further land for VLM, and is strictly limited by the tenets of the constitution (eg, revenue of leasing land for veganic farming that prioritises maintaining wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
- VLM promotes non-interventionist rewilding
- VLM is guided by systems-thinking (eg, we recognise that a parcel of land is part of an ecosystem that exceeds its legal boundaries; we recognise that decisions of use must take into account broader nation-wise trends in us
- VLM commits to promoting eco-vegan education
- Access rights to humans will be taken on a case by case basis, but preference will always be given to leaving ecosystems undisturbed as far as possible. Exceptions may include small groups visits for educational; auditing; managing and recreation.
Terms Explained
- Beneficiary Earth: By Earth we refer to the Earth’s biosphere – its ecosystems and living inhabitants.
- Eco-vegan principle means that which promotes the well-being of individual species members, recognised as persons with interests, and the habitats that support them. Eco-veganism recognises that diverse and abundant ecosystems are preferable to support the good of the whole. Eco-veganism does not sacrifice specimins for the good of the whole. Eco-Veganism is non-violent. Eco-veganism prohibits use of pesticides/insecticides and any substance that is intended to kill organisms and might reasonably be thought to cause harm to creatures. (ie precautionary). In light of climate change, VLM will prioritise reforestation (of native trees). Eco-veganism recognises all creatures as ends in themselves and of intrinsic value, and strictly prohibits their use as means to the achievement of ends beyond themselves.
- Where eco-vegan principles cover how we treat non-human life, sentient and otherwise, ethical principles guide how we treat other humans. VLM prohibits the exploitation of humans, and requires living-wage payment (as minimum) of any staff employed to work on VLM land. VLM also uphold Anti-slavery laws. VLM rejects all forms of discrimination (e.g. on grounds of race; sex or gender; sexual preference; species; ability). All activities carried out by the CIO and by partners operating alongside the CIO must similarly adhere to anti-discrimination principles. (including in correspondence, marketing, repurposing). VLM prohibits the use of its land for the growing or production of narcotics (hemp for purposes of food, milk/protein, legal substance CBD, textiles and building materials is permitted). VLM prohibits the carrying of arms on its land, or the discharging of ammunition over its land (how much vertical space is owned?) You can only own the sky above if you are a separate state apparently
- By flourishing eco-systems we mean, ecosystems that support as diverse species as possible, and encourages the long-term sustainability (ie resilience) of species.
- It is permissible to generate income on VLM land, but such activities are strictly limited by the stipulations of the constitution. Furthermore, all revenue made by VLM through eg leasing land for veganic farming must be used to acquire further land for the Trust. All revenue activities are secondary to meeting the primary objectives of protecting ecosystems and their inhabitants. VLM prohibits profiteering from its Land (by for example selling products/produce at inflated prices; or prioritising profitability over protecting its ecosystems).
- Non-interventionist rewilding means recognising nature’s superior wisdom in this regard, and refraining from over-managing. This would prohibit the introduction of mammals, except where this can be shown to be in the animals’ best interests (eg small rescue wildlife) or species under threat in other sites. VLM prohibits using any being as means to ends, which means introduces animals for the sake of the ecosystem is prohibited.
- Systems-thinking recognises, for example, that systems exist in complex networks. This means that we consider each piece of land’s ecosystem as extending beyond its legal boundaries. We recognise that optimal use of land will be mindful of the broader national land-use matrix and ongoing changes (for example, current arable land is more than sufficient to provide for the UK’s nutritional needs, whereas forested areas are extremely lacking). [Meadow’s ST principles and Guidelines (p194) ]
- VLM is committed to cultivating broad social awareness of eco-vegan principles. The land held by the CIO will provide opportunities for this education. Onsite visits will be strictly regulated; off-site education shall be strongly encouraged (videos; case studies etc).
- Access rights are limited. While we recognise the rights of communities to access land and the benefits of experiencing nature, access rights will be limited in order to cause least disruption. Preference will be given to 1. Educational visits 2. Visits from under-served communities; ecological auditing; land management (eg community orchard/allotments; farming etc). Access rights will be determined on a case by case basis, and will be reviewed in light of each ecosystem’s current state of resilience.
