Workshop Call- Interface in INDEMINI-Climate Change, Anthropology and the Commons

Dear friends and colleagues,

We are thrilled to invite you to ‘Interface in Indemini’ a workshop on Climate Change, Anthropology and the Commons.

This is our first workshop inspired by the Ascona Charter and is oriented to the climate crisis and solutions oriented anthropological engagement. We are committed to community-based methodologies that emphasize collective stewardship as a pathway to climate resilience.

Anthropological perspectives on the commons can inform responses to climate change by examining shared land, water, and governance traditions.

Engaging with the of case study of Indemini, this workshop will facilitate dialogue between anthropologists, land protectors, community stewards, lawyers and other practitioners to explore how cooperative practices shape environmental resilience.  Our local access to Indemini is thanks to Prof Tobias Haller who has a house there, and has maintained longstanding relationships to key organisations and groups in the village and nearby. His recent co-edited book ‘Balancing the Commons in Switzerland’ is the definitive resource on the commons in Switzerland.

Some of the potential themes we will explore through a field trip, interactive and informal presentations include:

• Challenges & Opportunities of the Commons

• The Commons vs Nature Rights

• The Commons & Climate Resilience

• Re-storying & Restoring the Commons

• Regenerative Anthropology & Biodiversity

• Land & Water Rights

The workshop starts on Friday afternoon/evening. On the Saturday we will hike to the local commons on the Saturday and have the opportunity to learn more about local challenges and plans from people from the village.  The workshop finishes after lunch on Sunday.  

The workshop will foster a deeper understanding of how cultural and social practices sustain the commons in times of ecological uncertainty.  A media tool kit will summarise the key outcomes, useful resources and outline future actions.

Please submit your short email of interest in the commons by August 5^th  to : mikepoltorak@gmail.com  . Please include a short bio that explains why you would like to join and where your research or expertise resonate with the themes of the workshop. On confirmation of your place, we will send you a small package of material to read before the event.

We are offering travel compensation, with accommodation in the local youth hostel and food provided for participants. It's a first-come, first-serve opportunity, so please submit your interest as soon as possible. We can host between 12-15 people. We look forward to hearing from you soon,

All the best,

Dr. Mike Poltorak

Co-President SEG Interface Commission