ALTERNATIVES TO CAPITALISM FOR HUMANITY, FROM THE COMMONS AND FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNALITY OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Abstract

Contextualization: This work seeks to open a path that makes it possible to articulate viable alternatives to the capitalist system, allowing us to nurture hope for a better world for all of Humanity. This will be done through what is called the common heritage of Humanity, also referred to as the common patrimony of Humanity, adding to this the global commons and also projects of communality. The need is asserted for the management of environments, care, and local knowledge of communities and Indigenous peoples to be carried out based on the recognition of their own ownership, and not administered exclusively under the ownership of States or under the ownership of all Humanity, but under the protection and administration of the United Nations. Indigenous peoples, from a local perspective, teach us to respect and preserve a planet mortally wounded, offering small flames of hope to all of Humanity through their life projects based on the common good and communal organization.

Objectives: The objective of this work is to critically reflect on the limits of the global capitalist system and to propose alternatives grounded in the notion of the common heritage of Humanity, with an emphasis on global commons and the traditional practices and knowledge of Indigenous peoples. It aims to contribute to the debate on models of management and ownership of essential life-sustaining goods, proposing more just, sustainable, and communality-based forms of social organization.

Methodology: The article adopts a theoretical-critical approach, with conceptual analysis and bibliographic review, of a qualitative and interdisciplinary nature, with strong decolonial and ecosocial inspiration. From a reflective standpoint, the work engages in dialogue with contemporary authors and traditional knowledge systems, aiming to understand the social, environmental, and political dynamics that underlie the discussion on the common patrimony of Humanity and the global commons.

Results: As a result, the work highlights the importance of recognizing Indigenous peoples as key actors in the management of commons, valuing their ways of life, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge as legitimate and effective paths for environmental conservation and the construction of a new social rationality. The paper proposes the need to de-commodify essential goods for life, strengthening the sense of the commons and communality as a foundation for sustainable alternatives to the hegemonic logic of capital.