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Welcome to the
Ecology Center of Uruguay
A nexus for biodiversity research, eco-solutions,
and positive inspiration for our shared future.
Who are we?
The Ecology Center is being developed by
Ahimsa International, a California-based, non-profit organization.
•
Ahimsa is an ancient word from India which means non-harm and non-violence,
based upon a broader sense of protection and kindness toward all living beings.
•
A viewpoint of ahimsa fosters a connection with nature, and a sense of reverence
for the whole of creation.
What are the Center’s goals?
Our Vision
• is to advance and accelerate biodiversity research and conservation
worldwide.
•
to openly and effectively meet the increasing challenges of rapid climate
change and species extinction.
• to present a global model for sustainable development in order to help bring
human activities back into harmony with Nature.
Our Mission
•
The mission of the Ecology Center of Uruguay is to establish an
international research and educational portal for the study and conservation of
South American biodiversity,
•
To set forth a global model for the demonstration of eco-technology, biofuels
and organic agriculture,
•
To establish a world class biodiversity laboratory, with both land and sea
based facilities, in order to serve local and international universities and
organizations in conducting effective biodiversity research,
•
To promote and accelerate environmental conservation through collaborative,
interconnected, international land and sea-based biodiversity research across
the globe.
Where Are We?
The Ecology Center is located in the nation of Uruguay,
situated between Argentina and Brazil
Uruguay has a pleasant, Mediterranean climate, and
proximity to an array of bio-diverse regions including the
Brazilian and Paraguayan rainforest. Uruguay also offers a
major international seaport and airport.
• The Ecology Center is
located 20 minutes from the
Montevideo International
Airport...
Uruguay
…and a 1 1/2
hour flight to
the rainforest
of Paraguay.
Uruguay
The natural beauty, mild climate and peaceful culture of Uruguay is why it has often
been referred to as the “Hidden Jewel” of South America.
Uruguay’s long history as an international nexus for European society has created a
cosmopolitan, multi-lingual culture with a strong tourist industry. The presence of
Spanish, Italian, German, Swiss, Danish and British educational and business centers
further supports the development of international programs and collaboration.
The Ecology Center
will focus on two related areas of ecological sustainability:
Biological Diversity and Human Activity.
Ecology Center
of
Uruguay
The Ecology of Biodiversity
The Ecology of Human Activity
The Ecology of Biodiversity
The Ashoka Biodiversity Center
"The real cure for our environmental problems is to understand that our job is to salvage
Mother Nature…”
Jacques Cousteau
"Climate change is for real. We have just a small window of opportunity and it is closing
rather rapidly. There is not a moment to lose."
Dr. Rajendra Pachauri
Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Objectives
•
To foster international scientific collaboration in support of South
American biodiversity research
•
To make available state-of-the-art laboratory and computer
technology to facilitate international universities and research
institutions in order to discover and preserve marine, freshwater,
terrestrial and atmospheric ecosystems.
•
To create a new platform for scientific collaboration, supporting an
international ethic for stewardship of the environment. This
collaboration would become, in effect, a scientific Round Table of
diagnosis and discovery, involving collaboration across specialties,
in order to ensure a high degree of respect for the collaborative
process, for the environmental necessity of shared knowledge, and
for the sovereign rights of the natural resources of all nations.
•
To promote an international, collaborative, ship-based bio-mapping
and seed banking initiative in order to accelerate conservation and
urgent transmission of information concerning rapid, changes across
global eco-systems.
•
To establish the first University of Biodiversity and Sustainability
Activities
•
Regional laboratory for South
American biodiversity research
•
Research: Marine, estuary, freshwater,
forest, grassland, savannah
•
Bio-mapping of
ecosystems
•
Endangered
flora and fauna
reserve
•
International university collaboration
•
International biodiversity database
•
Botanical research gardens
•
Seed banking and tissue culturing
Key Focus: Bio-Mapping
•
According to the World Conservation Union, species are disappearing faster than
biologists can identify and document them. Mindful of this crisis, nearly 200
countries (under the Convention on Biological Diversity) have agreed to staunch
the loss of biodiversity by 2010.
•
Supporting global efforts, The Ecology Center will center upon bio-mapping and
seed banking of living systems, in order to better conserve whole ecosystems for
the future.
•
Biomapping is a total recording and analysis of all of the members of an
interdependent ecosystem. Bio-mapping is intended to lead to the discovery and
protection of relationships within ecosystems, as well as the discovery of new
species, new medicinal plants and new foods which may play a central role in the
future of human health.
•
Biomapping and seed banking are urgent global priorities. The natural timing of
weather patterns, migration patterns, and seasonal flowering is rapidly altering
worldwide, disrupting the dependent timing of global ecosystems, and the viability
of agriculture.
•
Comprehensive research will serve future ecosystem restoration projects, and
agriculture, in a changed environment.
Facilities and Exhibits
• Laboratories
• University
• Botanical Gardens
• Living seed banks
• Research Aquarium
Botanical Gardens and Ponds
Accommodations and Services
•
Eco-hotel, academic residential facilities and dormitories
•
Organic restaurant and cafe
•
Gardens, waterfalls and ponds
•
Health and therapeutic facilities (natural swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, massage
facilities)
•
10 minutes from beach, resort, restaurants, supermarkets, taxi service and all
amenities available, laundry service on site, 20 minutes to airport
Support Structure
For Efficient Biodiversity Research
State of the art
Laboratory
Accelerated
Research
University
Auditorium
Complete research facilities
Dining Areas
Accomodations
Available transportation
Ideal Location
EDUCATIONAL
FACILITY
Research ponds
Aquarium
Conference Space
Botanical Gardens
Events Space
RESTAURANT
CAFE
FACULTY QUARTERS ECO-HOTEL,
DORMITORIES
EXCELLENT ROADS AND HIGHWAY NEAR
ENTRANCE
RENTALCAR, TAXIS
MILD CLIMATE, NEAR AIRPORT, RAINFOREST, RESORT,
BEACH, RESTAURANTS, SUPERMARKETS and ALL AMENITIES
Ecology of Human Activity
Developing an Eco Technology and
Sustainability Project in Uruguay
“Mankind has probably done more damage to the Earth in the 20th century than
in all of previous human history. If we go on the way we have… and if we are
not willing to change, we will disappear from the face of the globe..."
Jacques Cousteau
"The good news is we know what to do. The good news is, we have everything
we need now to respond to the challenge of global warming. We have all the
technologies we need; more are being developed. And as they become available
and become more affordable when produced in scale, they will make it easier to
respond. But we should not wait, we cannot wait, we must not wait.”
Al Gore
Objectives
•
To establish a global model of ecological, sustainable living in the agricultural nation of
Uruguay.
•
To foster organic agriculture, bio-energy production and green technologies in order to
promote ecological prosperity
•
To reduce petroleum based global warming.
•
To tie profitable bio-fuel production to the creation of local, regional and, ultimately, a
national health plan.
•
To help ensure future food supply through research on crop adaptability and species
suitability in changing climates.
•
To promote this model to other nations to help offset climate based crop loss, global
warming and to uplift failing health services through eco-industry.
Activities
• Biofuel research, farming and education
• Alternative energy demonstration and promotion
• Organic agriculture and climate research
• Development of bio-fuel cooperatives, supply and distribution
channels
Eco-Technology Exhibits
Wind Energy
Exterior exhibits will include small
wind turbines, solar, algae and biodigester energy technology.
•
•
Uruguay’s average temperature of 75
degrees, steady wind at 22 km,
excellent agricultural soil and
extensive coastline are ideally situated
to support a wide range of solar
energy, wind energy, wave energy and
biofuel production.
There is no history of natural hazards
such as tornadoes, tidal waves, or
earthquakes in the area, making it
ideal for a global showcase.
Solar Energy
Organic Agriculture Research
The Ecology Center agricultural research will focus on organic methods to offset damage
caused by climate change. and on educational programs to help farmers transition away
from toxins. Agro-chemicals and petro-fertilizers produce global warming, depleted soil,
toxic food supply, and polluted waterways, harming life on land and sea. Organic methods
enrich topsoil, support human health, and help protect crops from climate change.
• Organic agriculture, and soil protection
• Climate tolerant methods and crops / strains
• Education / local demonstration
• Non-fertilizer plant nutrients
• Research to promote bee populations
Organic Market Opportunities for Uruguay
•
According to the Organic Trade Assocation: “The US market has grown from six billion
in 2001 to over fourteen billion, in 2006, with demand exceeding supply.” There is a
booming international demand for organics - one which Uruguay can help to meet in
the decade ahead.
•
In Europe, the ban against genetically modifed foods has increased the demand for
organics, particularly for off-season fruits, which can be produced and exported by
Uruguayan farmers.
•
Argentina has become one of the top three global producers of organics. Uruguay can
benefit from the same market opportunities.
Circle of Sustainable Living
ECO ENERGY
HOMES,
INDUSTRIES
ECO STORES / COOPS
BIO FUELS
ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE
Development Phases
Phase One: Renovation and Construction
We are renovating a 70 year old Spanish Style Estate and farm to become The
Ecology Center.
Overhead Photo of 21 Acre
Ecology Center Property in Canelones, Uruguay
Eucalyptus forest
Eco Facility / Eco Hotel
Agricultural Research
Eco-facility
Algae Biofuel
University
Biofuel production
Organic Garden
Alfalfa
L
A
B
H
O
T
E
L
Eco-facility,
apartments
Botanical
Gardens,
Pathways
Site for University, Lab and Ponds
Preliminary Rendering of Eco Hotel
Preliminary Rendering for Property
Laboratory
Lawns,
Botanical Pathways
University, Organic Gardens and
Algae Biofuel above, on Southern section of property.
Eco Hotel
Fountai
n
Courtyard
Bridge
Lawns,
Botanical Gardens
Entrance
Designing with Nature in Mind
We will create a stained glass biodiversity exhibit of endangered and extinct plants
and animals, sized for the archways and French doors of the estancia.
Now Underway
• Conversion of estancia to Eco-Center
• Organic agriculture
• Student dormitories under construction
• Eco-technology showcase
• Designing of Eco-hotel and University
Climate Change and Crop Protection
We are testing climate-flexible crops, such
as goji berries, to provide options for
farmers facing climate related citrus
decline in the region.
We are researching organic soil inputs and
natural growth enhancements on eight
acres of sorghum, and alfalfa, in order to
develop agricultural methods to counter
climate based crop damage.
Phase Two
Following the renovation of the estancia, student dormitory, infrastructure of
property, and basic functionality of spaces, the project will enter it’s second
phase. This will include:
Construction of greenhouses
Algae biofuel and bioreactor in production
Construction of basic laboratory
Eco Facility to open exhibits on biodiversity and eco-technology
Expansion of botanical gardens, stone gardens, fern grotto, waterfalls,
walkways, ponds, endangered species gardens
Organic café, and expansion of organic garden
The existing Eco-Hotel, (renovated estancia) and the student dormitories
will receive guests and students.
Phase Three
Phase Three launches the final green building phase of construction. This includes:
Construction of world class laboratory
Grand eco-hotel
University
Initiation of ship-based research missions
Fundraising and Self Sufficiency
•
Ecotourism, hotel and dormitories
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Algae biofuel production and sales
•
University, lab and facilities rental
•
Campus restaurant / café
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Sale of organic herbs, fruits, vegetables, alfalfa
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Fundraising campaigns, grants, events, donations
In Conclusion
The Ecology Center is being developed as a model for the future, and as a call to action to
help maintain our beautiful planet beyond our own lifetime, for the benefit of our children,
and for the children of the future.
Taking action now will make all the difference.
"Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth,
seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future,
eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster peaceful
progress in the human adventure.”
John McConnell, founder of International Earth Day
“ This we know: The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are
connected like the blood which unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely
a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
Chief Seattle
Thank You