Welcome to the Ecology Center of Uruguay

1. Welcome to the Ecology Center of Uruguay

2. A nexus for biodiversity research, eco-solutions, and positive inspiration for our shared future.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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... …and a 1 1/2 hour flight to the rainforest of Paraguay. Uruguay

7. 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.

8. 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

9. The Ecology of Biodiversity The Ashoka Biodiversity Center

10. "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

11. 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

12. Activities • International university collaboration • International biodiversity database • Botanical research gardens • Seed banking and tissue culturing • Regional laboratory for South American biodiversity research • Research: Marine, estuary, freshwater, forest, grassland, savannah • Bio-mapping of ecosystems • Endangered flora and fauna reserve

13. 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.

14. Facilities and Exhibits • Laboratories • University • Botanical Gardens • Living seed banks • Research Aquarium

15. Botanical Gardens and Ponds

16. 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

17. Support Structure For Efficient Biodiversity Research Accelerated Research State of the art Laboratory Research ponds University Aquarium Auditorium Conference Space Complete research facilities Botanical Gardens EDUCATIONAL FACILITY Events Space Dining Areas RESTAURANT CAFE Accomodations FACULTY QUARTERS ECO-HOTEL, DORMITORIES Available transportation EXCELLENT ROADS AND HIGHWAY NEAR ENTRANCE RENTALCAR, TAXIS Ideal Location MILD CLIMATE, NEAR AIRPORT, RAINFOREST, RESORT, BEACH, RESTAURANTS, SUPERMARKETS and ALL AMENITIES

18. Ecology of Human Activity Developing an Eco Technology and Sustainability Project in Uruguay

19. “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

20. 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.

21. 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

22. Wind Energy Eco-Technology Exhibits Exterior exhibits will include small wind turbines, solar, algae and bio-digester 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

23. 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

24. 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.

25. Circle of Sustainable Living ECO ENERGY HOMES, INDUSTRIES ECO STORES / COOPS BIO FUELS ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

26. Development Phases

27. Phase One:Renovation and ConstructionWe are renovating a 70 year old Spanish Style Estate and farm to become The Ecology Center.

28. Overhead Photo of 21 AcreEcology Center Property in Canelones, Uruguay Eucalyptus forest Eco Facility / Eco Hotel Agricultural Research Algae Biofuel Eco-facility H O T E L University L A B Biofuel production Eco-facility, apartments Organic Garden Botanical Gardens, Pathways Alfalfa Site for University, Lab and Ponds

29. Preliminary Rendering of Eco Hotel

30. Preliminary Rendering for Property Laboratory University, Organic Gardens and Algae Biofuel above, on Southern section of property. Lawns, Botanical Pathways Eco Hotel FACILITY FACILITY Fountain Courtyard Bridge Entrance Lawns, Botanical Gardens

31. Designing with Nature in MindWe will create a stained glass biodiversity exhibit of endangered and extinct plants and animals, sized for the archways and French doors of the estancia.

32. Now Underway • Conversion of estancia to Eco-Center • Organic agriculture • Student dormitories under construction • Eco-technology showcase • Designing of Eco-hotel and University

33. Climate Change and Crop ProtectionWe 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.

34. 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 greenhousesAlgae biofuel and bioreactor in productionConstruction of basic laboratoryEco 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 gardenThe existing Eco-Hotel, (renovated estancia) and the student dormitories will receive guests and students.

35. Phase ThreePhase Three launches the final green building phase of construction. This includes:Construction of world class laboratory Grand eco-hotel UniversityInitiation of ship-based research missions

36. Fundraising and Self Sufficiency • Ecotourism, hotel and dormitories • Algae biofuel production and sales • University, lab and facilities rental • Campus restaurant / café • Sale of organic herbs, fruits, vegetables, alfalfa • Fundraising campaigns, grants, events, donations

37. In ConclusionThe 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

38. Thank You