Program
Ecological transformation is not possible only by technological advancement but requires also changes in the way of governance in the fields of science, technology, administration, education etc.
A) Mental and Emotional Level
B) Communication Processes
C) Social and Economic Level
1. Motivation
Ecological transformation is not possible only by technological advancement but requires also changes in the way of governance in the fields of science, technology, administration, education etc. It requires a transformation of human behaviour by deeper knowledge in all action fields of individual and institutions. However, different studies have shown that mere knowledge does not provide sufficient motivation for changing human’s behaviour. Rather, 4 factors have been identified, which would play a crucial role in this respect. Accordingly, any ecological engagement
(1) Must create joy and satisfaction,
(2) Must make sense,
(3) Must strengthen self-confidence and a sense of meaning for the persons
concerned,
(4) Must obtain a higher goal that transcends the horizon of the individual.
2. Purpose
The Winter School 2020 starts with the mental and emotional motivation on the one hand and the social and economic incentives on the other hand, mediated by the media which have such an enormous influence on the strategies of action by individuals, companies and governments. Investments, capital flow and other far-reaching decisions direct the economic incentives and production as well as consumption processes. Government regulations and tax systems set frames for rational choices. Transforming these systems locally and on a worldwide scale might work only if this transformation fulfils the 4 factors mentioned. So, in projects designed to create a creative learning experience to students and faculty together, students would have to ask which changes could be implemented locally and globally so that these 4 factors might be addressed properly.
3. Local Cooperating Partners
University of Yangon
State Pariyatti Sasana University, Yangon
Lampi Marine National Park, Myanmar (Istituto Oikos, Milano)
4. Persons involved
Faculties:
Prof. Dr. Michael von Brück, Human Science Center, Ludwig Maximilians University
Dr. Tadeu Caldas, Global Expert on Sustainable Development, Ecotropic Consulting GmbH
Prof. Dr. Peter Edwards, Chairs of Sustainability Research Initiative of Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences
Ms. Elisa Facchini, Project Manager, Lampi Marine National Park, Myanmar
Prof. Dr. Nay Htun, Founder of Green Economy Green Growth, Former U.N. Assistant-Secretary-General, (UNDP, UNEP), USA
Prof. Kenneth Pugh, President and Director of Research at Haskins Laboratories, Yale University and University of Connecticut
Prof. Dr. Eva Ruhnau, Scientific Director, Human Science Center, Ludwig Maximilians University
Ms. Tammy Turner, Permaculture Institute, Taiwan
Prof. Dr. Ovid Tzeng, Chancellor, Taiwan University System
Prof. Dr. Anastasia Zabaniotou, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessalonik
Advisors:
Dr. des. Alexander Benz, Human Science Center, Ludwig Maximilians University
Prof. Dr. Ruben Habito, Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas
Prof. Dr. Myint Thu Myaing, Dept. of Law, University of Yangon, Myanmar
Dr. Maria Reis-Habito, Program Director Museum of World Religions, Taiwan
Prof. Dr. Khin Khin Soe, Dept. of Geography, University of Yangon, Myanmar
Dr. Larry Wong, Senior Advisor in various institutions Myanmar
5. Structure
The Winter School 2020 will be built upon the experiences and feedbacks of the Winter school 2019. It will develop the topics discussed into more detailed directions. There will be a focus on 3 dimensions of the Ecological Transformation:
(1) Mental and Emotional Factors for Decision Making on local and global levels
(2) New Communication Strategies
(3) Incentives for Changing Behaviour – Social and Economic Reward Systems
All these dimensions will be dealt with by internationally leading specialists, their findings and suggestions shall be combined by interdisciplinary approaches in 4-5 Project research groups which will develop suggestions for concrete solutions for Ecological Transformation. Topics and Strategies for the Group Projects will be determined in cooperation with all the members of the Faculty, Advisors and Students during the first days of the Winter School.
Structure of Panels:
-Panels will be introduced by the respective speakers (5-10 min each),
-followed by a controversial panel discussion (20 min) and
-an open space discussion (plenary), inviting comments and suggestions from the students, leading to questions and proposals for themes of the Project Groups (40 min).
Papers:
Students accepting our invitation agree to write an academic paper after the Winter School in due time. On that basis they will be given a certificate, issued by the Human Science Centre at the University of Munich, Germany.
6. Four/Five Project Groups
The Project Groups shall identify topics which would link the content of the interdisciplinary Lecture/Discussion-Program to the local situation in Myanmar, Brazil (and elsewhere). Depending on the cooperation partners which Dr. Larry Wong and others would find in Yangon (see 3. above), the work of the groups will be planned in close contact with the local partners, so that opportunities and needs of the local situation on the one hand and the expertise of the international faculty members, advisors and students on the other hand would be combined.
Faculty and Advisors will work with the students on the Group Projects during the whole workshop period.
January 13 Constitutive Session for Project Groups:
(1) Special constitutive meeting for the Project Groups. After sufficient
discussions in the Panels certain topics and areas will emerge as being crucial for transformative action, and students should identify them in the meeting.
(2) Their suggestions will be written on a blackboard; the most interesting
ones will we selected.
(3) Students shall decide which group to join.
(4) Faculty and Advisors will be asked to participate in the groups they are most
interested in.
7. General Program
Jan 7 Arrival of Faculty, Advisors and Students
Jan 8 Morning: Opening Ceremony
Afternoon: Ice Breaking Session, Outlines, Expectations, etc.
KeyNote Speech by Prof. Dr. Nay Htun:
The Root Causes and Triggers of Environment and Natural Resource Conflicts
Discussion
Jan 9 - 10
Introductory Panels by Professors from different disciplines Groups working on Virtual Projects
Jan 11 Lectures and Introduction into the Ecological Situation in Myanmar Morning:
Special lecture Elisa Faccini: Lampi Marine National Park Project
Afternoon:
(1) Heng Ming Shih, LJMBS: Agricultural Farm and Education in
Neung Mon Myanmar
(2) Transformative Leadership for Ecological Action – Legal and
| Administrative Opportunities in Myanmar
(3) Prof. Dr. Khin Khin Soe: Rural and Urban Development in Myanmar
(4)Prof. Dr. Myint Thu Myaing: National and International Law Relating to Environmental Conservation
Jan 12 Visit Ecological Projects near Yangon (Bamboo Project)
Jan 13-15 Introductory Panels and Project Group Discussions
Jan 16 Project Group Discussions and Yangon City Tour
Jan 17 Presentations/ Final Discussions
Jan 18 Closing Ceremony, Lunch, Departures
8. Further Strategies
- Morning yoga (MvB) and Evening Meditation (Master Hsin Tao);
- Each session starts with 5 minutes Mindfulness Practice;
- Special Lunch on Jan 16;
-
Special Ceremony at Shewdagon Pagoda on Jan 13 evening
(led by Dharma Master Hsin Tao).
