How Merging Science & Indigenous Wisdom Fuels New Discoveries with Rosa Vásquez Espinoza | TGS 201 скачать в хорошем качестве

How Merging Science & Indigenous Wisdom Fuels New Discoveries with Rosa Vásquez Espinoza | TGS 201

(Conversation recorded on October 22nd, 2025) For centuries, modern science has relied on the scientific method to better understand the world around us. While helpful in many contexts, the scientific method is also objective, controlled, and reductionist – often breaking down complex systems into smaller parts for analysis and isolating subjects to test hypotheses. In contrast, indigenous wisdom is deeply contextual, rooted in lived experience, and emphasizes a reciprocal, integrated relationship with the rest of the natural world, viewing all parts of the system as interconnected. What becomes possible when we combine the strengths of each of these knowledge systems as we navigate humanity’s biggest challenges? In this episode, Nate is joined by Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, a Peruvian chemical biologist with Andean-Amazonian indigenous roots, to discuss how she is actively merging modern science and indigenous knowledge through innovative research in the Amazon Rainforest. Rosa explains how the integration of these two ways of knowing unveil more effective paths forward for conservation and ecological wisdom that simultaneously offer economic opportunity for the people who live there. She also shares her biggest successes to date bringing this vision to life, including documenting and protecting Earth’s oldest known bee, the stingless bee. Were the indigenous people of ancient cultures the original scientists? How can modern science learn from indigenous knowledge – and vice versa? And, rather than siloing ourselves into one ‘right’ way of seeing the world, what types of insights become possible when we learn to embrace the validity and importance of multiple ways of learning and knowing? About Rosa Vásquez Espinoza: Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning artist whose work bridges indigenous knowledge and modern science to protect the Amazon Rainforest and its communities. With Andean-Amazonian indigenous roots, she is the founder of Amazon Research Internacional, where she has pioneered groundbreaking research on extreme Amazonian ecosystems and biodiversity, while advocating for policies that recognize the intrinsic value of nature. Rosa was the first microbial explorer of the Amazonian Boiling River, led the first chemical analysis of stingless bees and their medicinal honey in Peru, and contributed to scientific advancements that supported Peru’s Law 32235, granting legal protection to stingless bees for the first time. Her work as an International Ambassador for the Ashaninka people further highlights her commitment to conservation and indigenous advocacy. She also co-authored the first scientific paper with Ashaninka leaders, blending traditional wisdom with modern science to safeguard the rainforest. Rosa’s passion for exploration and conservation is reflected in her new book, The Spirit of the Rainforest: How Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Curiosity Reconnects Us to the Natural World, which is available now. Show Notes and More: https://www.thegreatsimplification.co... Want to learn the broad overview of The Great Simplification in 30 minutes? Watch our Animated Movie:    • The Great Simplification | Film on Energy,...   --- Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future: https://www.thegreatsimplification.co... Join our Substack newsletter: https://natehagens.substack.com/ Join our Hylo channel and connect with other listeners: https://www.hylo.com/groups/the-great... --- 00:00 - Introduction 03:44 - Were Our Ancestors Scientists? 09:17 - Rosa’s Background 14:47 - Balancing Western and Indigenous Medicine 17:20 - Plants Co-evolving with Humans 20:24 - Balancing Scientific Knowledge and Indigenous Wisdom 24:16 - South American Indigenous Attitude toward the Modern World 28:40 - What Conventional Science is Missing and Vice Versa 32:27 - Modern Science Inadvertently Influenced by Indigenous Knowledge 34:26 - Land Battle between Indigenous Peoples and Discovery Scientists 37:41 - What Western Educational Systems are Missing 39:54 - Stingless Bees Project 49:16 - Rosa’s Other Projects 53:56 - Local Economic Development in the Amazon 58:33 - Entrepreneurship Opportunities that Protect Biodiversity 1:00:29 - Challenges Rosa and Her Organization Face 1:02:11 - Rosa’s Hopes and Advice 1:05:19 - Rosa’s Wildlife Experiences 1:10:44 - Closing Questions