“Knowing the strategies of living beings and making proper use, I think we would earn a lot”

2018/09/01 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Elkarrizketak
• Berdintasuna
• Etika
• Biologia
• Ekologia

Like many, I was surprised by the development of new technologies. In the two areas where I work, both in research and in teaching, it has meant a radical change. And that produces contradictory feelings: on the one hand, I think it opens us great possibilities, but on the other, I also worry where we are going and where we are going to get there.

On the other hand, I would like to see that competitiveness prevails over ethical principles, especially in research, which unfortunately represents a confrontation rather than cooperation. In teaching, on the other hand, I am disturbed by the attitude of the teachers who disregard the interest of the students.

Finally, I love nature in general, especially the ecosystems of the high mountain: its biodiversity and its strategies of plant and animal life…

It has cost me a lot to make the answer, but I think what I really would like is to change the consumption habits and models. For example, I am very concerned about the intensive food production systems, the origins of food, and I would like to bet on food sovereignty, formulas that achieve sustainable production systems linked to the territory.

To do this, it is essential to know and understand the trophic network of ecosystems. Clarify the mechanisms that are given in these ecosystems for the recycling of food and the diversification and richness of production, putting the emphasis on the place (the territory) and using the strategies that nature itself provides us. For example, among living beings there are many examples of symbiosis. Knowing these strategies and making proper use, I think we would earn a lot. In addition, with this production everything is linked: culture, land, landscape, people…