Workshop

From Canopy to Cosmos: Mapping the Anthropocene Through Poetry

Organizer(s):

Though we find ourselves living in a moment of profound environmental transformation, this era also offers a unique chance to envision more hopeful, resilient futures. This workshop embraces poetry as a powerful companion to scientific inquiry, uniting researchers, conservation practitioners, community leaders, and creative writers. By engaging with the complexity of tropical ecosystems and the enduring knowledge that supports them, we will harness the potential of verse to illuminate ecological intricacies and cultural values. In doing so, we aim not only to understand our changing world, but to spark new possibilities as we collectively reimagine tomorrow’s landscapes.

Participants will be guided through exercises that translate scientific observations, field data, and experiences into verse. We will draw inspiration from tropical biodiversity, conservation efforts, cultural traditions, and pressing environmental challenges. Our goal is to foster new modes of communication that bridge the gap between disciplines, encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, and deepen our collective understanding of tropical ecology and conservation.

While the session will be anchored in literary practice, it will be accessible to anyone curious about alternative approaches to environmental discourse. No prior poetic experience is required. Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for the creative potential of language, as well as practical techniques for integrating narrative and artistic expression into their professional work. By “mapping” the Anthropocene through poetry—tracing imaginary cartographies from the forest canopy to the cosmos—we open up new pathways of understanding and possibility, empowering us to envision more just, biodiverse, and sustainable future worlds.