INSO – Institute of Nature and Society of Oaxaca (Oaxaca City, Mexico)
Institute of Nature and Society of Oaxaca/Instituto de la Naturaleza y la Sociedad de Oaxaca
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Website: http://www.insooaxaca.com/insoeng.html
Mission Statement
We seek new theoretical approaches to conservation, promote the exploration of nature and society through research, and support the implementation of alternative technologies. Furthermore, we aim to merge modern knowledge and technology with the social structure and wisdom of traditional communities. The Institute’s members hope that our work will be a flexible, collaborative, and efficient vehicle to assist Oaxacan communities in their search for better living conditions and a more harmonious relationship with their natural environment.
Issue Areas – Action Issues
INFORMATION AND DISSEMINATION: This includes maintaining a library, exchange programs with national and international universities, academic initiatives and support for the Oaxacan Network for Community Tourism.
ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY: We continue to document, test, and promote alternative water and soil conservation technologies.
CONSERVATION: Water is the unifying element in our efforts, exemplified by projects such as in the ecological regulation of the Manialtepec River watershed. We are currently concentrating our principal project, Aguaxaca, in the Oaxaca city watershed, the Cordillera Norte.
El Pedregal: Permaculture and organic production center in SAN ANDRÉS HUAYAPAM:
- Assist initiatives of social groups in the region who intend to develop ecological restoration and sustainable production projects in their ecosystem in a way that is socially just and ecologically sound.
- Assist in the construction of an environmental education center and an exhibition space for alternative technologies which can host trainings and classes for the general population on best practices for the management of natural resources.
- Contribute to the dissemination of initiatives and experiences, at the local, regional, state, and national levels, through visits to the alternative technology exhibition area.
Student Name and Class Year: Nolan Garder, MS ’12; Simon Topp, MS ’12; Michelle Phillips, MS ’12; Sebastian Pillitterri, MS ’13; Altje Hoekstra, MS ’08; Lindsey Lusher Shute, MS ’07; Kristen Wilson, MS ’07
Relevant blog posts:
- I come from down in the valleys
- Hay Agua o No Hay Agua (Is there water or not?)
- ¿Hay agua o no hay agua? La situación en la ciudad de Oaxaca de Juárez, México
- Time Management in Oaxaca: An Academic Lucha Libre
- Rockin’ Oaxaca
- Los Maestros de Muestras
- ¡Adios Oaxaca!
- Hola desde INSO
If you are interested in getting in touch with this student/alum, please contact Caroline Ramaley, [email protected]