The Contract

Here we are proposing a basic contract, in trust form, for holding property in a commons. This is taken through the Zero Hour framework.

=The Theory=

The underlying theory in a nutshell.

We propose to test the theory that property is maintained best in the form of a commons with a well-defined participation contract. We theorize that productive resources should not be privatized if the greatest benefit for all of humankind is sought. One of the corollaries to this is that land should not be for sale. It is to be stewarded by responsible hands, with eternal principles guiding the stewardship of this land.

We theorize that there is an effective mechanism - the Commons Trust - which we call OSE Trust herein - that, by virtue of its governance contract - remains productive in perpetuity, contributes to distributive production in perpetuity, increases in its quality in perpetuity - and is taken out of commerce as we know it today. Note that we are aiming to set new ground here - we are interested in land stewarship with full usufruct productivity - but productivity that truly meets human needs without any geopolitical compromises. As such, the aims are those of creating Sanctuary, in many senses of the word.

The governance contract that achieves this, we theorize, is one that puts simple, self-governing regulations on the land, and any disputes are solved immediately by agreement of all inhabitants of a given trust. If a problem has no immediate solution, it is subjected to the binding determination of a Council of Elders - a respected group whose authority is both gained and respected.

=Existing problems=

-in the real world that relate to this theory, a brief description.

Wherever civilization touches, it leaves behind deserts - see []. Land is a prime target for speculation today, as it has been for as long as land has been enclosed. Abuse of land - pollution, loss of biodiversity, soil loss - is a common practice. Moreover, enclosure of land or control of its use

=Proposed way= - to apply the theory to those existing problems, the context or pre-requisites for this solution

=Related existing work= - that verifies feasability with context summary of links to those references

=Related existing data= - or facts that support theory
 * Land trusts are a proven, tax-free form of land tenure

=Existing constraints= - and barriers to deploying

=Related existing work that argues against= - theory (or summary and link to a place where this already exists)

=facts and data= - that support arguments against theory

=A brief summary= - about how this is related to Open Source Ecology (Relevance to OSE) core values

=Links= - to partner site references

=The Contract Indenture=

Parties
The Creator, Trustees, Stewards, Council of Elders, and Greater World.

Trustees
3 in number

Governance
The Creator is the overseer. All activity on land shall be consistent with the founding principles of Open Source Ecology, below.

Philosophical

 * 1) To create Sanctuary or Heaven on Earth
 * 2) Provide needs

Corresponding Operational Procedure

 * 1) Improve quality of natural, ecological, and human features on the Land
 * 2) Produce ecological, life sustaining goods for healthful, integrated, right livelihood lifestyles

Details
Right livelihood implies that your duty is voluntary, and you're your own boss.

Council of Elders
Provides binding decision in any disputes. ==Reparation of Wrongdoing= Usage policies are intended to be clear. Priciples are straightforward and any violation will be accounted. First remedy for violations is helping the violator to immediately cease further damage and provide reparations. Violators are given ample chance to repair damages in a stated time period. Council of Elders will evaluate repair, and if it is insufficient, the Steward is exiled with no questions asked. Steward may reapply for inclusion at a later date.

Procedure
Prospective Stewards shall contact OSE Stewardship Trust for an initial consultation. Thereafter, they shall write a Proposal for the objectives to which they would like to commit. The Creator, Trustees, and Council of Elders review the proposal, and if accepted, a detailed contract is written. The prospective Steward begins their activities, and if no objections arise, permanent tenure is guaranteed, until any further decisions are made.

Short-term visits are also allowed, and these require a standard procedure of consultation and application.

=External Contracts=

Non-commercial Trust
=See Also=
 * Contract