Cosponsored by the International Society for Ecology and Culture and The Ecology Center. Humanity has lost nearly three-quarters of our agricultural biodiversity in the last century. Now, in the face of an increasingly volatile climate, conserving the remaining seed diversity is a matter of survival. A growing body of scientists, farmers and activists have rejected the technological fix of genetically engineered crops in support of the conservation of traditional seeds and the promotion of agroecological farming techniques. Join us for an intimate dialogue about the value of traditional crop varieties and ecological agriculture in an unstable world, with special guest, Dr. Debal Deb - ecologist, scholar, author and founding director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in West Bengal, India. This is a benefit to support Dr. Deb's inspiring Vrihi and Basudha initiatives which have conserved and regenerated over 600 varieties of traditional rice to date—the largest non-governmental rice seed repository in eastern India. Dr. Deb will discuss the crucial importance of this agricultural heritage to food security and resilience in the face of climate change.
Time: 7 pm - 9 pm.
Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Cost: No door fee; donations encouraged. Proceeds benefit the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in West Bengal, India. More information is here.