The West Cork Doughnut Economy Network (WCDEN) takes its name and inspiration from the ideas of doughnut economics. An alternative economic approach, developed by professor Kate Raworth as described in her seminal book, Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist. She calls herself a “renegade economist”.
The focus of the model is to “create a safe space for humanity”, where people can thrive without overshooting the planetary boundaries and destroying what is left of nature and biodiversity. At the same time, it strives to ensure that no one falls short on life’s essentials (from food and housing to healthcare and political voice).
Kate Raworth also cofounded the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL). An online, accessible platform – anyone can become a member – where doughnut groups from across the world collectively develop adaptable tools, games, workshops, and other methods to help translate the ideals into practice. The holistic shape of the doughnut has inspired its name. Yet, each place (and/or group) will need to find its own localised recipes.
The West Cork Doughnut Economy Network was set up in April 2020 as a collective of socially and environmentally active people from across West Cork. Its mission statement: “To establish a network of people, businesses and organisations aiming to provide support, ideas and examples in aid of developing sustainable practices that contribute to a thriving society and healthy ecological system.”
WCDEN is a grassroots and horizontal organisation that seeks to engage all levels of the community. We have organised and (co-)facilitated (topic-based) meetings and workshops, presented in business and educational settings, been involved in tree planting and are talking to politicians, activists, artists, service users, ecologists, students. The network is part of an evolving ‘ecosystem’ of community and other groups that seem increasingly open to the realisation that fundamental economic, ecological, social, and mindset change is imperative. And that this should be done in harmony with nature and its ecosystems – live and let live.
WCDEN (West Cork Doughnut Economy Network) has a presence on DEAL and a Facebook page.
A collective of change-makers, it participates in IDEN, the Irish Doughnut Economics Network.
It is also working closely with 49, North Street, a creative mental health space in Skibbereen where it is organising (product) and other workshops, among others in the context of the West Cork Feel Good Festival 2022/2023.
Launch video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEXpyoWS5CY
More info: westcorkcoughnuteconomy@gmail.com
The Ballydonut is a local doughnut economy group in Ballydehob that is implementing a biodiversity plan and with local schools.
More info: jens.ireland@posteo.ie
Podcasts
https://shows.acast.com/the-green-step-community/episodes/doughnut-economics-the-cycles-of-life
https://westcorkcommunity.ie/podcast-community-social-west-cork/ Episode 3
Upcoming event
Stepping into the Doughnut – the Biodiversity Connection
Part of Biodiversity Week
27 May 2-4pm, CECAS, Leap