It is not just about the growth of the economy, which is but a means. The paths we explore are about the satisfaction of needs beginning with the basic needs of the poor, excluded, vulnerable and voiceless who constitute the majority of our ever growing population. For us, development should ensure the humanization of man by the satisfaction of his needs for expression, creativity, conviviality, a
nd for deciding his own destiny. That which we seek is an integral, value-loaded, cultural process encompassing the natural environment, social relations, education, production, consumption and well-being. This perspective urges us to the truth that no universal formula or benchmark exists for development. We therefore believe that development is endogenous; springing from the heart of society, which relies first on its own strength and resources and defines in sovereignty the vision of its future, cooperating with societies sharing its problems and aspirations. Drawing from this, we work with communities to enable them come into their own development using participatory methodologies and also with stakeholders and communities to find alternatives to issues of wellbeing and development.
