It is not possible to separate ideas from education, and neither can ideas be separated from action. As the concept of the five intelligences explains: what is the use of all the academic knowledge, all the arts, the emotional intelligence and ecoliteracy if we are not able to undertake the most important step of it all: implementation.
Move From Living Laboratories to Megaprojects
Since its inception, Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI) has always been closely linked with implementation. It must be very selective about where to invest its energy and resources. ZERI operates as a nonprofit organization without a central headquarters, relying on a network to sustain its operations. One of the key challenges for ZERI is transforming ideas into pilot projects and scaling those from living laboratories into large-scale projects. At the same time, we must avoid the expectation that outsiders will take on this work. In fact, ZERI’s role is mostly to act as a facilitator. We always rely first and foremost on local resources and human capital.
Undoubtedly, a series of micro-projects might spread risk, but they do not provide the platform needed to advance the pace required to build better societies and communities. Therefore, we must accelerate our progress. Thanks to pioneering leaders like Paolo Lugari in Colombia and Ashok Khosla in India, who independently created tangible realities, we have inspirational and scientific evidence. If we take a long-term view and choose a direction rather than a model, we can attempt to scale from a living laboratory to a large-scale project.
We must take the time to establish specialized teams to gradually implement these projects and to motivate those teams to undertake initiatives that surpass what is currently thought possible.
If these initiatives make a real impact on the ground, citizens worldwide will easily take the lead as if they have acquired tanks, without waiting for external funding or government support. They will push forward and carry it through to completion. Based on our previous experiences, once the train starts moving, no one wants to be left behind. Therefore, the key to success lies in laying the tracks and ensuring the engine’s momentum. Large projects like Gaviotas 2 may succeed or fail, but based on the reference to Paolo Lugari’s original Gaviotas, we know things can change from now on. Ten years ago, Gaviotas seemed like a utopia, but today it has become a reality. And it is this reality that allows us to envision a new utopia.
Product Cascading
The concept of Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI) began with the desire to transform production systems. Based on the real opportunities provided by natural systems, it is now time to devote equal effort to the design of consumption systems. This is why the design and implementation of large-scale projects must be accompanied by innovative marketing efforts aimed at bringing these systems into homes.
In this context, the concept of the product cascade will be strengthened. A series of partnerships will be established between marketing strategy departments and distribution companies to sell products through integrated systems. For example, if organic coffee is grown, herbal plants should be used to control pests (herbal tea); if soil erosion is to be avoided, soil-stabilizing shrubs should be planted (herbal tea); if banana trees are needed to provide shade (dehydrated snacks), we will also have coffee waste, which serves as a substrate for tropical mushrooms (dehydrated mushrooms).
Now, we can sell to consumers: (1) organic coffee, (2) herbal tea, (3) dehydrated bananas, and (4) tropical mushrooms. These are all products of the ecosystem. When production becomes part of the system, consumption must also become part of the system.
Innovative Financing
The design and implementation of large-scale projects without prior experience can only succeed if supported by a solid financial strategy. This does not mean that the project must be fully funded or that cash needs to be in the account before the project starts. It simply means that people must know how to generate the cash flow necessary to operate and expand the business. We cannot rely on loans, microcredit, soft loans, donations, technical assistance, or government guarantees alone; experience has shown that these methods, or even a simple combination of them, are insufficient to bridge the wide gap between rich and poor. We need and welcome the generous contributions of charitable foundations and government grants, but these must be supplemented or even replaced by smart financial engineering.
In the coming decade, ZERI will focus on enriching the concept of "smart purchasing." Companies should be capable of buying products from system-based raw material producers. For example, as previously mentioned, suppliers purchasing coffee from farms producing organic herbal teas are using their purchasing power for "smart buying." These companies engaging in smart purchasing not only respect the natural environment but also follow a business model that co-evolves with nature. They honour indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions, and they build on these foundations to help them thrive.
ZERI plans to fully utilize new financing systems and combine them with innovative labelling systems to stimulate creativity and address the needs of all species.