GSF 2023

Global Sustainability Fellows Summer 2023

The GSF program accommodates 20 fellows with cohorts representing multiple disciplines and countries. The 2023 summer session will comprise a three-week on-site experience that combines theoretical work with hands-on experience during July, on the island of La Palma in the Canaries, Spain. The on-site session will follow a three-week virtual orientation period in June that requires a commitment of approximately eight hours per week, including a weekly three-hour live session plus readings and self-managed assignments. Fellows will apply a multidisciplinary approach, guided by a rigorous definition of sustainability, in service to the island and its people who have recently faced a major natural disaster.

The Lab’s GSF session in La Palma illustrates an approach to sustainability that is as equally valid to the island’s development challenges as it is to humanity’s broader sustainability challenge. Planned together with our partners at the Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the 2023 GSF program aims to help strengthen collaborations among local stakeholders and sectors involved in advancing alternative visions of the island’s future development.

2023 Core Curriculum

The 2023 GSF program will take place in La Palma where a select group of international fellows will explore the applications of The Lab’s sustainability principles to the island’s development challenges while experiencing a uniquely diverse, rich, and fragile island ecosystem.

In La Palma, Fellows will have an opportunity to evolve innovative, practical approaches to issues of future sustainable development of the island, in collaboration with our partners at the Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria and key local stakeholders.

As a group, Fellows will be tasked to sketch out a comprehensive design including a draft vision and a strategy for a long-term, actionable development blueprint for the island.

EXPLORING LA PALMA

La Palma is one of the seven main islands in the Canary archipelago. La Palma recently experienced a cataclysmic volcanic event and is in the process of recovering and considering its development future.

In addition to coursework and project assignments, participants, led by experienced, knowledgeable, local experts, will have opportunities to explore many exciting local places of interest.

Biosphere Reserve La Palma
Comité Español del programa MaB, UNESCO. “Biosphere Reserve La Palma”. La Palma, Red Española de Reservas de la Biósfera, RERB, 2006.
Cosmological Society Santa Cruz de la Palma Museum of Natural History & Ethnography
Ortego, Alicia. “Cosmological Society Santa Cruz de la Palma Museum of Natural History and Ethnography”. What to see in Santa Cruz de la Palma, one of the most beautiful cities in the Canary Islands. Los viajes de Ali. January 10th, 2022.
National Park La Caldera
“Into the National Park La Caldera (PR LP 13)”. La Palma Isla Bonita Canarias. 2015.
Volcano route in La Palma
Turismo de Canarias. “Volcano route in La Palma”. Islas Canarias, Latitud de Vida. 2022.

For more information about La Palma, please visit: https://www.visitlapalma.es/

KEY ITEMS IN THE CURRICULUM

The 2023 GSF program will combine theoretical topics with practical experiences all related to The Lab’s signature approach. The educational experience involves individual and group assignments that foster lively exchange, opportunities for peer teaching, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Emphasis is on enhancing methods and technical skills while focusing on enriching the inner experience and a commitment to ethical values.

The GSF program is designed in two major components: a three-week virtual introductory orientation session, and a three-week on-site experience.

Virtual Orientation Period 

The three-week virtual orientation period in June requires a commitment of approximately eight hours per week, including a weekly three-hour live session plus readings and self-managed assignments. The intensive virtual program will introduce key elements of The Lab´s core sustainability curriculum, including an introduction to system thinking, and systems modeling; a pioneering theory of change; The Lab’s rigorous definition of sustainability and the derived five core sustainability principles.

A perspective on evolutionary processes and complexity will be explored to foster a holistic view of the world, including the history of the cosmos, the history of the biosphere, and the history of humanity.

On-site Program

The three-week, on-site experience in La Palma will focus on deepening the conversation on core sustainability issues and applying systems modeling and project design methodologies.

During this stage, Fellows will have opportunities to explore the island and interact with local stakeholders and experts to better understand the island´s ecological and socioeconomic conditions as steps in crafting an actual sustainable development plan.

As a step in developing our plan, we will experiment with applying a unique methodology, Syntegration, that facilitates consensus building on complex questions.

EXPLORING CRITICAL ISSUES WITH LOCAL EXPERTS

During the on-site experience in La Palma and as a part of working on a comprehensive sustainable development plan, Fellows will engage in sessions exploring critical issues with local experts that will include:

  • Energy
  • Water
  • Agriculture
  • Tourism
  • Commerce
  • Waste
  • Landscape
  • Science and Technology
  • Local Culture
  • Ecology
  • Governance

THE GSF PROGRAM’S UNIQUE VALUE

The GSF is a respected brand in sustainability education, and graduates of the program form the foundation of an interdisciplinary alumni network where a common language and framework serve as the basis for game-changing sustainability innovations and initiatives worldwide.

The Alumni Network connects GSF graduates and other distinguished members of The Lab’s global network, including scientists, academics, and social entrepreneurs, enabling opportunities for collaboration, employment, news, research, and more; helping to bring about a global shift in paradigm.

2023 GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Deep Exploration of Sustainability Issues

goals

OUTCOMES

Thorough understanding of sustainability, the concept, and related issues, taking a holistic, designed-based system view

Fellows are better equipped to address urgent sustainability challenges facing the planet individually and as a group

Individual Transformation

goals

OUTCOMES

Catalyze professional, pedagogic, and personal transformation, combining technical skills with enhancing inner awareness and empathy via special program experiences

Fellows experience a deep personal shift as necessary for addressing and implementing major change

La Palma Sustainable Development Plan

goals

OUTCOMES

Synthesize, in collaboration with local stakeholders and experts, long-term sustainable development for the island

The La Palma sustainable development plan is an effective model for The Lab’s approach to development in an island ecosystem, and it serves as a testament to the session’s contribution to the island

2023 GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Deep Exploration of Sustainability Issues

Goals

Thorough understanding of sustainability, the concept, and related issues, taking a holistic, designed-based system view

Outcomes

Fellows are better equipped to address urgent sustainability challenges facing the planet individually and as a group

Individual Transformation

Goals

Fellows experience a deep personal shift as necessary for addressing and implementing major change

Outcomes

Catalyze professional, pedagogic, and personal transformation, combining technical skills with enhancing inner awareness and empathy via special program experiences

La Palma Sustainable Development Plan

Goals

Synthesize, in collaboration with local stakeholders and experts, long-term sustainable development for the island

Outcomes

The La Palma sustainable development plan is an effective model for The Lab’s approach to development in an island ecosystem, and it serves as a testament to the session’s contribution to the island

Faculty

Michael Ben Eli,
Founder of The Sustainability Laboratory | GSF Faculty
Vanessa Armendáriz,
GSF Program Director | GSF Faculty
Bernard Amadei
Bernard Amadei,
GSF Faculty
Diego Barrera de Paz,
Canary Islands Faculty
Andrea Bassi,
GSF Faculty
Therese Bennich,
GSF Faculty
Mia Black,
GSF Faculty
Peter Dean,
GSF Faculty
Carlos Fernández-Hernández,
Canary Islands Faculty
Lee Frankel-Goldwater,
GSF Faculty
Matías González,
Canary Islands Faculty
Carmelo J. León,
Canary Islands Faculty
Constantine Malik,
GSF Faculty

INVITED LOCAL EXPERTS

CULTURE

  • Pedro Gil Larrañaga: PhD in Theology; Specialist, Anthropology of Education and Social Development
  • Jorge Pais Pais: PhD in Prehistory; Archeologist; Head of Historical and Archaeological Heritage of La Palma Island Council
  • Vicente Zapata Hernández. PhD in Geography. Professor of Human Geography at the University of La Laguna. Director of the Revivir el Valle program.

 

ECONOMY

  • Fran Domínguez San Luis: Agricultural Engineer; Manager of the Rural Development Association of La Palma Island
  • César García Rodríguez: Bachelor in Economic Science; Commerce, Industry and Navigation Chamber of Tenerife
  • Matías González Hernández: PhD in Economy; Professor of Applied Economics of Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  • Raúl Hernández Martín. PhD in Economy; Professor of Applied Economics of Universidad de La Laguna.
  • Carolina de León García. Bachelor of Humanities. Identity, values and economy. World Biosphere Reserve of La Palma
  • José Germán González Leal. Degree in Economics. Technician of the Economic Service of funds intervention of Cabildo Insular de La Palma.

 

ENERGY, WATER, WASTE

  • Nuria Albert-Torres: PhD in Science; Co-founder and Coordinator, La Palma Renovable Project; Member, Som Energía and Energía Bonita Cooperative
  • Luis Hernández Cabrera: Bachelor in Economic Science; Manager, Island Services Consortium of La Palma Island Council
  • Rafael Lorenzo Rodríguez: Agronomy Engineer; CEO, Awara Engineers
  • Noemí Padrón Fumero. PhD in Economy. Professor of Applied Economics of Universidad de La Laguna

 

ISLAND ECOLOGY

  • Antonio Fernández: PhD in Veterinary Science, Professor, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
  • Fran GarLáz: Bachelor in Ocean Science; CEO in Platano Logico
  • Vanessa Sancho: Bachelor of Biology; Representative, Anima Cosmos
  • Alfonso Montes de Oca Acosta. Law graduate and jurist. President of the La Palma Isla Azul Association.
  • Laura Concepción Francisco. Bachelor in Biology. Department of Habitat and Biodiversity in the marine and terrestrial environment. World Biosphere Reserve of La Palma
  • Carlos Javier Reyes. Agricultural Technical Engineer. Master in Agroecology. Director of the Agrarian Training School of Los Llanos de Aridane.
  • Zoe Costa. Agronomist Engineer. Permaculturist and bioconstructor of the Pachamama project in La Palma.

 

LANDSCAPE

  • Edvina Barreto Cabrera: Architect; Chief, Territorial Ordering of La Palma Island Council
  • Silvia González Gómez. Architect; Land Management and Planning Service of La Palma Island Council
  • Juan Palop: Architect and Urbanist; Founder, LPAStudio
  • Nieves Yanes Marichal. Bachelor in Biology. Master in Environmental Impact and Management of Protected Spaces. World Biosphere Reserve of La Palma
  • Gustavo Pestana Pérez. Geógrafo. Head of the Climate Change and Environmental Information Service. Vice Ministry of the Fight against Climate Change of the Government of the Canary Islands

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • Juan Antonio Bermejo Dominguez: Bachelor of Geography; Master of Management and Professional Public Leadership; Master of Big Data and Business Intelligence; Master of Cartography, Teledetection, and GIS; Digital Transformation Chief, La Palma Island Council
  • Juan Carlos Pérez Arencibia: PhD in Physical Science; Manager, Astronomical Observatory Roque de los Muchachos
  • Felipe Lorenzo Rodríguez: Telecommunications Technical Engineer; Technician, Association for Rural Development of La Palma Island; CEO, Sepropyme SL
  • Ana García Suárez. PhD in Astrophysics. Stargazing Promoter. CEO of Astrolapalma.
  • Emilio Murias Aumente. CEO Murias Digital. Adviser of New Technologies of FEDEPALMA. Member of the Institute of Circular Economy.
  • Antonia Varela Pérez. PhD in Astrophysics. Researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. Director of the Starlight Foundation. President of BPW Canarias.

 

SOCIAL ISSUES

  • Goretti Álvarez Pérez: Social Facilitator; Promoter, Palma Club Aventura; Representative, Todoque Association; Representative, Communities Affected by Volcano Eruption
  • Celsa Cáceres Rodríguez: PhD in Employment and Rural Development; Vice-Dean of Academic and Teaching Coordination, Social Sciences and Communication; Faculty, Universidad de La Laguna
  • Eduardo Calderón Piñero: Specialist, Social Work; President, ISONORTE Foundation
  • Azucuahe del Rosario Martín: Specialist, Social Participation; Operational Director, Revivir el Valle Project; CEO, Rural Area
  • Carmen Nieves González Lorenzo: Bachelor of Law; Employment Services, Canary Islands Government
  • Carmen Riverol Rodríguez. Graduate in Social Work. Integration service for people affected by the volcano. Community service teacher.
  • Antonio Ángel Moreno González. PhD in Tourism from the ULPGC University. Expert in health tourism. Professor of the CIFP Virgen de Las Nieves.

 

INSULAR VISION

  • Antonio Fernández: PhD in Veterinary Medicine; Professor, Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  • Ernesto Aguiar Rodríguez. Executive Manager, La Palma World Biosphere Reserve
  • Hector Izquierdo Triana. Special Commissioner for the Reconstruction of the island of La Palma. Government of spain

 

DECISION MAKERS

  • Sergio Rodríguez Fernández. President of the Insular Council of La Palma
  • Mayors of municipalities affected by the volcano
  • Minister of Safety and Emergency, La Palma Island Council
  • Minister of Tourism, La Palma Island Council
  • Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Waters, Canary Island Government