In a captivating exploration of the intricate dance between culture and biodiversity, undergraduates participating in Stanford’s Bing Overseas Studies Program summer global seminar in Oaxaca delved into the rich tapestry of ancient connections between indigenous communities and local ecosystems.
Under the guidance of Stanford biologist Rodolfo Dirzo, 17 undergraduates enrolled in the seminar “Bio-Cultural Diversity and Community-Based Conservation in Oaxaca.” The program aimed to provide a firsthand experience of the symbiotic relationship between human cultures and local ecosystems, emphasizing the interplay that has shaped biodiversity and cultural diversity over millennia.
The seminar commenced at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City, where students engaged with scientists exploring plant domestication ecology and ethnobotanists documenting indigenous knowledge of plant ecology. Their journey continued to the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), unraveling the vast biodiversity and agrobiodiversity within the country.
Upon reaching Oaxaca, students immersed themselves in the vibrant cultural and agricultural scene. Navigating through open-air markets, they engaged with local vendors showcasing a plethora of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The revelation that most crops originated in Mexico and were cultivated by local farmers highlighted the profound biological and cultural diversity that Oaxaca boasts, ranking among the highest in the world.
A visit to the town of San Martín Tilcajete brought students to Palo Que Habla, an environmental and agricultural conservation organization, translating to “The Tree that Speaks to Us.” Focused on the copal tree, crucial for crafting intricate sculptures known as “alebrijes,” the community showcased the delicate balance between economic sustainability and environmental conservation.
The seminar explored the community of Ixtlán de Juárez, where communal ownership of a timber pine forest highlighted the Indigenous custom of “tequio”—community service to manage biodiversity. The experience broadened students’ perspectives on social aspects of biodiversity management, challenging conventional notions prevalent in the U.S.
As biodiversity and cultural diversity face existential threats, the seminar shed light on the profound impact of language loss on indigenous cultures. The diminishing use of native Zapotec languages not only erodes cultural expressions but also endangers vital relationships between communities and biodiversity.
Rodolfo Dirzo, the visionary behind the course, sees it as a response to the crisis facing biological and cultural diversity. The interconnectedness of these two forms of diversity, exemplified by the cultivation of maize, underscores the importance of recognizing their essential link for a sustainable world.
For students like Hope Adhanom-Shipman, the seminar’s interdisciplinary focus on the intersection of humanities and sciences offered a unique perspective. It highlighted the interwoven nature of human and environmental systems, dispelling artificial distinctions and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all elements.
In unveiling the timeless dance between culture and biodiversity, Stanford’s Oaxaca seminar provides a transformative journey, fostering an appreciation for the interdependence of diverse ecosystems and human societies. As participants return with newfound insights, the hope is that they carry forward the lessons learned, contributing to a more sustainable and interconnected world.
