The National Treasures Project

Members of the Pantai Mas family, both in the Netherlands and in Bali, are working on the development of a grass-roots youth environmental training program. The project is aimed primarily at the young people of Bali, but also at young people from other – also western - countries. In the longer term, we envision that the project can expand to other islands in Indonesia and other countries in the region. But the start is right here, in Bali.

The project (that once started out as “earth restoraton corps”) is in the midst of a deepening on an international level, in connection with Thom Henley and several new people. For now we use the working name “Natural Treasures project”. A renewed name for the project will be introduced soon. Also see the October news letter.

The Natural Treasures project is aimed at training talented and motivated young people who are still studying and developing themselves, in an experience-based way and from a spiritual vision.

The training is based on four principals:

It is clear to see that our world is out of balance in different ways. A dominant model of unlimited economic growth has been followed for several decades and the natural resources of mother Earth have been exhausted, without allowing time for recovery. Cultural riches and and social conhesion have also declined in many places and the young generation (both in the west and in the developing world) often has little hope, little perspective. Worldwide, the young generation - aged between 16 and 25 - is now larger than ever before. And for a large part they will meet difficulties in finding work and supporting themselves.

The Natural Treasures project seeks to engage youth in a new model, that will subsequently relieve the daily struggle of poverty, “restore” the human spirit and make progress towards a more balanced life through green economic opportunities and practices. These wil at the same time strengthen social conditions within the own surrounding communities, while also making notable progress in repairing damaged ecosystems.

In the training the students first make a renewed connection with nature and her natural laws and with themselves. From this ‘resetting' of the consciousness, they next work towards an understanding and possible restoration of their own natural and cultural environments.

Through this training program, which is adapted to the natural and cultural surroundings, knowledge and practical skills are passed on to the students about restoring especially the Earth. The program connects students from different cultural backgrounds in a shared goal to restore the earth and create sustainable livelihoods for themselves. Also, the training provides a portal to start implementing these practices within their own communities (among other things by developing local programs and training others). All of this is done in harmony with the own natural and cultural environment. After the trainings itself there is an extensive follow-up program, so the graduates are supported to put their insights and creative ideas into practice.

The project is in the initial planning phase. The team is oriented towards making connections with people and organisation, further renovating the facilities and obtaining the funds needed.

Also take a look at: www.thomhenley.com – www.in-touch-with-nature-education.com

The Natural Treasures project is supported by several foundations including the Sho-Na Foundation (The Netherlands).

< back to Workshops      < back to Projects