UBEC Terms of Participation
Commitments for Ubuntu Bioregional Economic Commons Members
Document Version: 1.0
Date: December 31, 2025
Purpose: Terms and commitments for all UBEC DAO ecosystem participants
Preamble
By participating in the Ubuntu Bioregional Economic Commons (UBEC) DAO Protocol, you join a regenerative economic community rooted in the ancient African philosophy of Ubuntu. These terms establish mutual commitments between you and the UBEC DAO ecosystem, ensuring that our shared values translate into aligned action.
Core Commitments
1. Ubuntu Philosophy Alignment
As a UBEC participant, I commit to:
- Recognizing Interconnection: Understanding that my wellbeing is inseparable from the wellbeing of my community and ecosystem
- Practicing Reciprocity: Giving generously and receiving graciously, maintaining balance in my economic relationships
- Honoring Diversity: Valuing different perspectives, cultures, knowledge systems, and ways of being
- Supporting Mutual Flourishing: Making decisions that benefit the collective, not just myself
2. Regenerative Practices
I commit to engaging in practices that:
- Restore Rather Than Deplete: Supporting activities that renew soil, water, biodiversity, and community health
- Think in Generations: Considering the impact of my actions on future generations
- Honor Traditional Knowledge: Respecting and learning from indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge
- Build Resilience: Contributing to systems that can adapt and thrive through change
3. Transparent Participation
I agree to:
- Act with Integrity: Being honest in all my dealings within the UBEC ecosystem
- Maintain Accurate Records: Providing truthful information in applications and reports
- Communicate Openly: Sharing challenges as well as successes with the community
- Honor Commitments: Following through on what I agree to do
4. Community Engagement
I will:
- Participate Actively: Engage in community discussions, governance, and mutual support
- Share Knowledge: Contribute my learning and expertise for collective benefit
- Respect Others: Treat all ecosystem participants with dignity and respect
- Resolve Conflicts Constructively: Address disagreements through dialogue and mediation
Token Holder Responsibilities
If I receive UBEC tokens (Air, Water, Earth, or Fire), I understand that:
Token Stewardship
- Tokens represent participation in a regenerative economy, not speculative assets
- I will use tokens in alignment with their intended purpose within the ecosystem
- I will maintain appropriate security for my wallet and credentials
- I will report any security concerns or suspicious activity
Holonic Evaluation
- My participation will be evaluated across five dimensions: transaction patterns, reciprocity, network diversity, balance stability, and regenerative impact
- I understand the holonic categories (Observer → Exemplar) represent my Ubuntu alignment
- I will work to improve my holonic score through genuine regenerative participation
Compliance
- I will comply with applicable laws and regulations in my jurisdiction
- I understand UBEC tokens are not securities or investment contracts
- I will not use UBEC tokens for money laundering, fraud, or illegal activities
Core Beneficiary Commitments
If I am approved as a Farmer, Community, Community Activator, or Living Lab, I additionally commit to:
Project Implementation
- Implementing my approved project plan in good faith
- Using allocated tokens for their stated purposes
- Reporting progress according to agreed schedules
- Notifying UBEC promptly of any significant changes or challenges
Accountability
- Maintaining records that demonstrate token usage
- Participating in periodic reviews and evaluations
- Accepting site visits or verification activities as appropriate
- Being transparent about outcomes, including setbacks
Knowledge Sharing
- Documenting lessons learned from my experience
- Sharing insights with other ecosystem participants
- Contributing to the collective knowledge base
- Mentoring newer participants when able
Governance Participation
All participants are encouraged to:
- Participate in governance discussions and decisions
- Vote on proposals affecting the ecosystem
- Propose improvements to protocols and processes
- Serve on committees or working groups as capacity allows
Privacy and Data
Your Information
- UBEC collects information necessary for ecosystem operation
- Your data will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws
- Blockchain transactions are public and permanent by design
- You may request information about how your data is used
Consent
- By participating, you consent to necessary data collection
- You may withdraw from participation at any time
- Withdrawal does not affect blockchain records already created
Dispute Resolution
Informal Resolution
- Most disputes should be resolved through direct communication
- Community Activators can facilitate difficult conversations
- Mediation is available for persistent disagreements
Formal Process
- Unresolved disputes may be submitted to the Governance Council
- The Council will review and provide a decision
- Decisions of the Council are binding on participants
Changes to Terms
- These terms may be updated through governance processes
- Significant changes will be communicated to all participants
- Continued participation after changes constitutes acceptance
- You may withdraw if you disagree with changes
Acknowledgment
By checking the "I agree to the Terms of Participation" box on any UBEC application or registration form, I confirm that:
- I have read and understood these terms
- I commit to the principles and practices described
- I understand my responsibilities as a participant
- I will engage in the UBEC ecosystem with integrity and Ubuntu spirit
Contact
Questions about these terms can be directed to: - Email: stewardship@ubec.network - Community Forums: forums.ubec.network - Support: support@ubec.network
Ubuntu Values Summary
| Value | Meaning | My Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| 🌬️ Diversity | Honoring all forms of contribution | I value different perspectives |
| 💧 Reciprocity | Balanced giving and receiving | I maintain fair exchange |
| 🌍 Mutualism | Mutual benefit in all relationships | I seek win-win outcomes |
| 🔥 Regeneration | Renewing what we touch | I leave things better |
Closing
"Ubuntu does not mean people should not address themselves. The question is: are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?"
— Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Welcome to the Ubuntu Bioregional Economic Commons DAO. Together, we are building an economy that serves life.
"I am because we are."
Attribution
This project uses the services of Claude and Anthropic PBC to inform our decisions and recommendations. This project was made possible with the assistance of Claude and Anthropic PBC.
Document Version 1.0 | December 2025 | UBEC DAO Protocol