Instructions
Explain the concept of how different systems work in natural and human environments. It is important to get across the idea that in sustainable development there are many interconnected parts in any global system. You can choose to explore a natural system, such as a forest or water, or examine the global food or trade system.

Have everyone sit in a large circle. Each participant selects one component of the chosen system to represent (or you can assign roles if necessary). For example, if the system being explored is the forest, participants could decide to represent trees, soil, animals, insects, a stream, loggers, farmers and so on. If you wish, people can make themselves labels to remind the others of what they represent.

After the roles are determined, hand a ball of string to one person and ask that participant to name another component he is connected to and explain how. In the forest system, for instance, the tree might say she is connected to the soil. While still hanging onto one end of the string, the "tree" then passes the ball of string to the person representing soil. That person now names a component he is connected to and how, then passes the rest of the ball to that participant while keeping hold of the string. This continues until everyone has been included or all the string has been used. The resulting web clearly shows the interconnections between the different parts of any a system.

Have the participants reflect on what it means to them to be interconnected in this way. What are the positive aspects of these connections? What kinds of interdependencies are created?

Related Resources
Communities: Around the World, Around the Corner—available at www.worldvision.ca/resources