One fundamental axis of debate in the conservation movement and in the formulation of environmental policy originates in the framing of the relationship between ‘nature ’ and ‘culture ’. Should we conceive of ‘culture’ as (epistemologically and ontologically) distinct from nature, or should we reject this dichotomy, Integrating or reconciling the ‘natural’ and the ‘cultural’? Despite its apparently abstract character, this question plays a critical role for designing and mobilizing environmental policy because the answer shapes how humans are understood and engaged with to explain and respond to environmental challenges. And if it makes sense to recognize that there are elements of ‘culture’ (or ‘cultures’?) That are more compatible or consistent with Sustainability and regeneration than others, how should this be translated into policy approaches across sectors, both globally and locally?
Participants will be invited to share their views on this debate on the basis of their own experiences, and to discuss its impact by grounding it on particular fields of action.
Javier is a public and social entrepreneur. He currently serves as the Environmental Culture Lead at the Directorate of Citizen Culture at the Secretariat of Culture of Bogotá. He recently worked as director of the Colombian Public Innovation Team (EiP-DNP), and as cofounder of Círcula, a social enterprise that creates more engaging and consistent ways to deal responsibly with the challenge of trash. In 2018, he was recognized in apolitical’s global “100 Future Leaders” list.
Twitter : @jeguillot
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/javiguillot
Images: Javier Guillot (c)
© City of Helsinki. Photographer: Maarit Hohteri. 
