HEAD IN THE SKY, FEET IN THE MUD:
CONVERSATIONS WITH ECO-INNOVATORS

The Institute at the Golden Gate is proud to present a unique lecture series in collaboration with Conservation International, "Head in the Sky, Feet in the Mud: Conversations with Eco-Innovators". The lectures will be held in Cavallo Point — the Lodge at the Golden Gate, and the series is generously underwritten by Northern Trust.

First Lecture: September 18, 2008
The Costa Rica Success Story: The Mouse that Roared
Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Vice President, Conservation International

Costa Rica provides a pioneering example of how a government and society can, with bold policies and investments, reverse environmental decline. As Costa Rica’s former Minster of Environment and Energy, Carlos Manuel Rodriguez guided the development of policies that recognize the tremendous economic value of Costa Rica’s ecosystems and resulted in income being paid to people who commit to conserving forests and watersheds for the benefit of all society. The “Payment for Environmental Services” concept is gaining global attention as one of the solutions to climate change.

• Climate Change listening session with Marin Community Leaders (May 12, 2008)
• Comments about the Institute, by Greg Moore, Executive Director of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, from the Fort Baker opening ceremony (June 14, 2008)
• Travel and Tourism Sustainability Session (June 19, 2008)

• Cross-sector Conferences. Today’s complex environmental challenges can’t be solved in isolation. They require a systemic approach, which, in turn, demands collaboration among individuals from the nonprofit, government and private sectors.
• Collaborative Leadership Trainings. These programs bring together leaders from around the world, teaching them to effectively manage their own organizations as well as integrate perspectives from other sectors into their ideas and actions.
• Action Summits. The Institute and its partners will design and facilitate gatherings that produce defined outcomes, such as guidelines for protected areas in urban environments or recommended standards for sustainability in national parks.
• Emerging Leaders Trainings. Building on work at the Conservancy’s Crissy Field Center, these summits and conferences are designed to engage and inspire future environmental stewards. They will likely draw young people from around the world.
• Community Engagement. The Institute will offer public events, such as lecture series, for San Francisco Bay Area residents and Cavallo Point guests.
• Place-based Activities. The Institute can tailor guided off-site hikes, program tours and other adventures for meeting participants.