Lautònoms

The Lautònoms are a group of autonomous communities located on the island of Mallorca, in the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands, Spain. They are characterized by their self-governance and decision-making processes, which are similar to those of indigenous communities.

The concept of Lautònoms emerged in the 1960s, particularly in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, where indigenous peoples maintained a strong cultural identity. Starting from this period, villages in the area began to develop autonomous systems of governance based on traditional practices and community decision-making. Today, these communities have become a model for sustainable development and community governance in Spain and around the world.

The Lautònoms' organizational structure is primarily based on the assembly-based democratic process. When decisions are to be made, members of each community gather to discuss and decide on the best course of action. Decisions are based on consensus, rather than majority rule, which leads to bottom-up decision-making processes. This style of governance also enables inclusive decision-making and promotes the participation of community members.

Among the key principles of Lautònoms are the distribution of natural resources and the allocation of social responsibilities within the community. Land and resources are managed in a way that ensures the long-term sustainability of the community's environment. For example, forests are protected, harvesting is regulated, and all factions use their resources efficiently.

The rise of the Lautònoms has also attracted international attention for the idea ofalternative, post-colonial and post-industrialization governance models.