They’ve been coined “boineers” – for biological
pioneers – and they look to nature for models of sustainability and
ecological and social restoration. This translates into topics as
varied as transforming toxins using natural shamanic rituals to
exploring the role of marine ecosystems.
Now,
you can see what these cutting-edge scientists, artists and
activists have to say at the annual Bioneers Conference in San
Rafael, Calif., which features an impressive list of workshops and
speakers. Listen to life stories from economist and documentary
photographer Sebastiao Salgado, and thoughts on the importance of
preserving marine life by biologist Sylvia Earle. Among the
hundreds of workshops offered are a hands-on lesson in creating a
“backyard ecosystem” that provides food, income and beauty; a
session on correcting the ecological and social ills of the War on
Drugs; and an anthropological analysis of the scientific relevance
of shamanistic rituals.
Bioneers is from Oct.
18-20 in San Rafael, Calif. For more details, visit
www.bioneers.org, or call 505/986-0366.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Magical, mystical and down-to-earth.
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