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Bioneers

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This article is about the organization and annual conference. For the history and usage of the word bioneer, see Bioneer.

Bioneers, under its parent foundation, Collective Heritage Institute, is a nonprofit environmental and social justice advocacy organization based in New Mexico and California.[1] Founded in 1990[2] their philosophy recognizes and cultivates the value and wisdom of the natural world, emphasizing that responses to problems must be in harmony with the design of natural systems.[3] Official Programs include Moonrise Women's Leadership,[4] Restorative Food Systems,[5] Indigeneity (Indigenous Forums,)[6][7]), Education for Action,[8] and the award-winning Dreaming New Mexico community resilience program.[9]

Bioneers produces innovative media covering subjects such as environmentalism, rights of nature, social justice, sustainability and permaculture. Bioneers Radio is broadcast on local radio stations across the U.S., as well as having segments featured on national NPR stations.[10][11]

The organization also organizes the annual National Bioneers Conference, which is credited with inspiring a generation of leaders in sustainability.[12] Conference presenters have included Michael Pollan, Andrew Weil, Gloria Steinem, Jane Goodall, Philippe Cousteau, Eve Ensler, Bill McKibben, Paul Hawken, and more.[7] Plenary (Keynote) sessions from the national conference are also webcast to Beaming Bioneers satellite conferences held simultaneously in various locations throughout the United States and Canada.[13]

Origin of name

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Bioneer (root: "biological pioneer") is a neologism coined by founder Kenny Ausubel.[14] It describes individuals and groups working in diverse disciplines who have crafted creative solutions to various environmental and socio-cultural problems rooted in shared core values, including whole systems, (anticipatory) thinking, a view of all life as interdependent, and sustainable mutual aid.[15]

Annual conference

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The first National Bioneers Conference, organized by Co-Founders Kenny Ausubel and Nina Simons, took place in 1990.[2] For many years the conference took place annually in the fall in San Rafael, California.[12] In 2023, the Bioneers conference moved to Berkeley, California.[16][17]

The national conference brings together a wide array of scientific and social innovators.[18][19][20] Conference speakers come from interdisciplinary fields: environmental and socio-political activism; "green" biology, chemistry, design, architecture and urban planning; organic and "beyond organic" farming and gardening; indigenous perspectives; biodiversity, bioremediation, and wildland preservation; alternative energy; engaged spirituality, literature and the arts; holistic and "ecological" medicine; ethnobotany; socially responsible entrepreneurship, business and philanthropy; the environmental justice, women's and youth movements; independent media; etc.

In many cases the technological or social solutions to problems showcased are founded on emulation of natural self-organizing systems.[21]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bioneers". InfluenceWatch. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  2. ^ a b Nelson, Amy (2019). "Bioneers / Expert Q&A: Bioneers Co-Founders Kenny Ausubel & Nina Simons". Bioneers. No. XVII. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Bioneers Come to Chicago to Build a Future Guided by Nature | Natural MKE". Natural Awakenings. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  4. ^ Murray, Elizabeth (25 March 2014). Living Life in Full Bloom: 120 Daily Practices to Deepen Your Passion, Creativity & Relationships. Rodale. ISBN 978-1-62336-120-4.
  5. ^ Crossland, Felicity (2 December 2020). "Bioneers - A Revolution from the Heart of Nature". Sierra Club Angeles Chapter. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  6. ^ Nelson, Melissa K. (16 January 2008). Original Instructions: Indigenous Teachings for a Sustainable Future. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-59143-931-8.
  7. ^ a b Hunter, Kate (September 9, 2013). "Bioneers Hosts Leading Voices Addressing Nature-Inspired Solutions For Social, Cultural, and Environmental Change". PRWeb. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  8. ^ Ausubel, Kenny (7 January 2011). "Bioneers Launches Formal Education Program Focused on Town-Gown Collaboration for Systemic Change". Second Nature. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  9. ^ Ermacora, Thomas; Bullivant, Lucy (1 July 2016). Recoded City: Co-Creating Urban Futures. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-59142-9.
  10. ^ Patten, Terry (6 March 2018). A New Republic of the Heart: An Ethos for Revolutionaries--A Guide to Inner Work for Holistic Change. North Atlantic Books. ISBN 978-1-62317-047-9.
  11. ^ "Bioneers". National Public Radio. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  12. ^ a b Schein, Steve (8 September 2017). A New Psychology for Sustainability Leadership: The Hidden Power of Ecological Worldviews. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-351-28602-2.
  13. ^ ""Eco-nomics" Programs Shine at the 2011 Bioneers Conference". 3BL CSR Wire. June 30, 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  14. ^ Utne Reader. (1999 Mar-Apr). "15 Ideas That Could Shake the World". Utne Reader. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  15. ^ Ausubel, Kenny (October 1998). "Where the sidewalk ends". Yoga Journal (142). Active Interest Media, Inc.: 90–98. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  16. ^ Kwok, Iris (2023-04-05). "Berkeley to host major environmental, social justice summit this week". Berkeleyside. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
  17. ^ "Save the Date". Bioneers. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  18. ^ Mosser, Michelle (19 September 2015). "GreenMoney Interview Series". GreenMoney Journal. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  19. ^ Birnbaum, Elisa (29 May 2018). In the Business of Change: How Social Entrepreneurs are Disrupting Business as Usual. New Society Publishers. ISBN 978-1-77142-259-8.
  20. ^ Ross, Chelsea (December 5, 2006). "Bioneers Bridge the Color Gap". In These Times. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  21. ^ O'Reilly, Katie (November 6, 2017). "Innovators Compete for $100,000 to Revolutionize Global Food Systems". Sierra: The Magazine of the Sierra Club. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
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