Today, I speak with Patricia Moguel Viveros - an ecologist and environmental educator, and the co-founder of the NGO Etnoecologia A.C.

An expert on issues of sustainable community development, agroecology, resilience and environmental education, Patricia received her Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainable Development Studies from National Autonomous University of México (UNAM), a Ph.D. in Agroecology from the University of Andalucía, Spain and she is associated with the Sustainable Development and Environment of the College of México.

During her career as an ecologist, she has focused on projects related to the conservation of indigenous agroforests, community resilience, environmental education, and artistic human development. Her vast experience led to her creating and founding the Art Ecology and Culture Center, also known as ECOFE, to help train and educate aspiring environmental leaders and also NIDO (a Cultural and Artist Center in Morelia) whose name refers to the bird shelters that house the artistic and cultural communties projects.

As of late, Patricia has focused on reconstruction and resilience through the means of dance, music, and movement as seen with her “Affective Resilient Ecopedagogy” ideology, and her methodology of combining the arts and environmentalism has been applied to workshops at institutions in Mexico and Japan.

Published in national and international journals and books, Patricia has been an advisor to multiple organizations in the rural and urban sector in Mexico, as well as in other countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Japan on the issues of sustainable development, conservation of biodiversity and biocultural richness in indigenous agroforests, and environmental education.

KEY THEMES

• The global human psyche is experiencing a civilizational crisis due to multiple ecological, climate, and energy risks.
• Flourishing means beautifying every place, building trust, and living with hope and the belief in our capacity to transform ourselves and the world.
• Indigenous agroforestry practices can help preserve nature and culture, and contribute to the defense of human rights and the strengthening of local economies.
• Art and culture provide social cohesion, encourage hope and joy, and develop empathy, generosity, and creativity.
• Effective resilient eco-pedagogy combines ecology with art to work on resilience and restore healthy capacities.
• Art, including dance, music, and other forms, can help us express and transform our emotions, develop empathy, and imagine and create a better world.
• Engaging in artistic practices can help us navigate stress and anxiety, and tap into our creativity and imagination. Caring for animals and participating in local and regional movements are important ways to connect with and protect life.
• The connection between the body and the earth is crucial, and empathy is essential for healing and transforming our relationship with the earth.
• Building resilience through various activities, such as dance and music, can help navigate difficult times.
• Changing our perspective on our personal history can lead to a more positive outlook and growth.
• Connecting with others in solidarity and love is a powerful way to overcome egocentrism and work towards a better future.

WEBSITES

• https://www.ecofe.eu/
• www.centroculturalnido.com