Presenter Mark Plotkin seemed to enjoy being back in his native New Orleans earlier today as he talked about native cultures, Western science, and finding ways to use one to enhance the other. He encouraged attendees to make evolution relevant to their students by talking about the “cool Darwin.” Instead of the common photo of an aged, bearded Darwin, Plotkin shared an image of the man from his youth. He noted kids could identify with Darwin, who rebelled against his father’s wish that he become a doctor to sail on the HMS Beagle. Encouraging student interest in science is particularly important, Plotkin maintained, since science will be instrumental in solving most (if not all) the problems we face. As he said, “We need more science and we need it now.”
Plotkin’s presentation focused on his work with native peoples in the Amazon. He has worked with shamen (and women). Using maps created by tribal members on Goggle Earth, Plotkin showed his audience how their presence helps preserve the forest from illegal loggers, drug traffickers, and other threats. He says native peoples are “the best hope for turning conservation dreams into reality.” It was a fascinating look at how people anywhere can benefit from and contribute to scientific knowledge, and how that knowledge can make a real and immediate impact.