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Manifesto · Becoming Planetary

06

The Ten Missions

The functions of Homo biospheris toward the Biosphere

A production of the Planetary Lab

From metaphor to programme

Ten functions derived from biology and anthropology

An organ is defined by its functions. The liver filters blood, the lungs exchange gases, the hypothalamus regulates temperature. For Homo biospheris, ten functions have been identified. Each corresponds to a real need of the Biosphere, and to an analogous biological system. Together, these functions sketch the profile of a new conscious planetary organ.

Each mission corresponds to a biological function to fulfil in the living body of the Earth.

Homo biospheris fulfills toward the Biosphere what an organ fulfills toward its body.

An organ differs from ordinary tissue by its functions. In Jean-Pierre Goux's novel La Clef des songes, the ten missions of Homo biospheris were developed through a collective intelligence exercise at the scale of all humanity. Each enriches the resilience, complexity, or beauty of Gaia. The analogy with a human body organ is noted for each mission.

01

Caring for the Biosphere

Preserving, regenerating, and honoring ecosystems. Guarding the purity of air, water, and soil.

AnalogyImmune system
02

Human harmony and fulfilment

Ensuring dignity, freedom, and health for every human being, within planetary limits.

AnalogyEndocrine system
03

Prosperity of all living beings

Sharing resources equitably across humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms, on the understanding that every form of life has a role in the whole.

AnalogyCirculatory system
04

Wonder

Cultivating awe and contemplation as a source of gratitude, creativity, and connection with the Earth.

AnalogySensory nervous system
05

Living in resonance

Attuning to the rhythms of life, multiplying connections, and finding beauty in each intentional action.

AnalogyAutonomic nervous system
06

Circulating love

Cultivating love as vital energy, building networks of mutual aid, trust, and compassion across all living things.

AnalogyHeart
07

Enriching the material world

Advancing science, technology, and art in service of the Biosphere, with knowledge guided by wisdom.

AnalogyBrain
08

Connecting to the immaterial

Exploring the invisible dimensions of the Universe, respecting the plurality of beliefs, and remaining open to what we do not yet understand.

AnalogyLimbic and pineal
09

Exploring the Cosmos

Venturing beyond Earth to understand and extend consciousness, carrying Gaia's awareness further into the cosmos.

AnalogyMirror neurons and axons
10

Protecting from space hazards

Developing strategies to shield all species from asteroid threats and cosmic dangers.

AnalogySkin and immune barrier

Synthesis

Ten functions, one organ

These ten missions are not a political programme. They describe the functions Homo biospheris fulfills for the living body of the Earth. None is optional: an organ that loses its functions becomes a burden. The biospheric economy is the system that makes them viable at planetary scale.

A production of the Planetary Lab

© 2026 Biosphere Economics · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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Go deeper into this chapterResearch note: Homo biospheris