SEMINARS IN MEXICO
To encourage comprehensive and transdisciplinary dialogue and the co-creation of knowledge, two alumni seminars will be hosted in Mexico, with a specific emphasis on agroforestry as a public policy strategy for biodiversity conservation and food sovereignty. These seminars will provide a valuable opportunity for universities, government entities, and non-governmental organizations in the Veracruz and Puebla regions to come together and explore potential improvements for the Sembrando Vida public policy program and related initiatives. The accompanying virtual exchanges between seminar participants and invited guest speakers will deepen the co-creation of knowledge and broaden opportunities for future collaborations.
Alumni seminar 2024
The first seminar was hosted by Dr. Víctor Daniel Ávila Akerberg, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMex) / Consejo Mexiquense de Ciencia y Tecnología (COMECyT) between August 22nd and 30th, 2024.
The aim of the first seminar was to identify strengths and weaknesses of the agroforestry research and implementation programs with respect to the conservation of biodiversity and food sovereignty. Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge exchange, the seminar provided a platform for experts, researchers, and stakeholders to share insights, experiences, and best practices.
We aimed to bring together local decision makers and government officials, allowing them to gain insights from the academic community and diverse perspectives from experts in the field. This could be one way to develop effective conservation strategies, informed policies, and sustainable procedures to safeguard Mesoamerica's biodiversity for future generations.
Focus of the seminar
- Agroforestry related presentations (one program example Sembrando Vida, other programs of invited alumni)
- Inter- and transdisciplinary discussions and dialogues with different stakeholders
- Excursions in the region (Sembrando Vida program, local producers, natural protected area)
- Video-audio documentation of seminar
Alumni seminar 2025
The second seminar hosted by Dr. Thorsten Krömer, Dra. Rosaura Citlalli López Binnqüist and Dr. Jorge Antonio Gómez Díaz from the Universidad Veracruzana (UV) between March 3rd and 10th, 2025.
The aim of the seminar was to provide a writing retreat for researchers, teachers and practitioners from Mexico, Mesoamerica and Germany working in agroforestry and biodiversity related fields. They worked together on proposals for planned research or teaching projects and publications. Daily writing sessions were framed by exchanges in plenary, with other researchers and stakeholders in Xalapa, or through online meetings. The programme also included field and cultural excursions in the surrounding area.
Focus of the seminar
- Presentations related to biodiversity crisis in Mexico and Mesoamerica, biodiversity conservation strategies
- Expert panels
- Excursions to local biodiversity conservation projects
- Joint proposal and policy brief writing in alumni teams