ABOUT US
OUR VISION: A world where education is rooted in nature and culture, reconnecting students, teachers, and communities with their natural selves and fostering a kinship worldview that honors the interconnection of all life. We envision a society that values and protects biodiversity and cultural heritage, leaving a legacy of care, curiosity, and responsibility for future generations.
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Through educational experiences that are hands-on, place-based, and inquiry-driven, we aim to inspire both children and adults to engage deeply with the natural world and with each other, building a resilient and harmonious future.
We do this by:
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Connecting students to nature in meaningful and lasting ways, giving them direct experiences that spark curiosity, wonder, and care.
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Supporting teachers with practical tools and training in nature-based, biocultural, and inquiry-driven approaches that bring learning to life.
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Using Panama’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage as our classroom, helping students and teachers see the world through the lens of interconnected systems and deep ecological knowledge.
OUR MISION
To realign education with nature’s deep patterns, fostering a reconnection with our natural selves and a kinship worldview that recognizes all life is interconnected. By bringing nature and culture back into learning, addressing educational inequalities, and inspiring children and adults to engage deeply with the living world, we aim to cultivate a society that protects biodiversity, honors cultural heritage, and builds a resilient, harmonious future for generations to come.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Biocultural Learning, we start by rethinking education so it works more like nature itself. Nature has solved many challenges over millions of years, and we can learn from its patterns:
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Nature Optimizes, Not Maximizes
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In nature: Systems use resources wisely, avoiding waste.
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In education: We focus on quality over quantity, encouraging deep understanding rather than rote memorization.
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Nature Is Resilient to Disturbances
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In nature: Ecosystems bounce back from challenges.
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In education: We teach adaptability and problem-solving, preparing students to face uncertainties.
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Nature Is Driven by Collaboration and Mutualism
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In nature: Species thrive through cooperation.
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In education: We promote teamwork and community, valuing diverse perspectives.
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Nature Runs on Information and Feedback Loops
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In nature: Systems adjust based on feedback to maintain balance.
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In education: We use assessments as tools for growth, not judgment, encouraging continuous improvement.
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Nature Is Locally Attuned and Responsive
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In nature: Organisms adapt to their specific environments.
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In education: We tailor learning to local contexts, honoring cultural and ecological uniqueness.
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Through our Biocultural Learning approach, we aim to cultivate regenerative cultures, dedicated to realizing the evolutionary potential of all life. By integrating these nature-based principles into education, we prepare students to become thoughtful, resilient, and connected stewards of the Earth.
Our
Story
Get to Know Us - Our History
Biocultural Learning began in 2016 under the name Sostante. During our first six years, we launched our first community-based programs, built strong relationships with local schools and families, and laid the foundation for our approach to nature-based, inclusive education.
From 2022 to 2024, we operated under the umbrella of Geoversity—a chapter that offered valuable mentorship and collaboration as we refined our mission and identity, including changing our name to Biocultural Learning.
In 2024, we stepped out from under the Geoversity umbrella to continue independently with a laser focus on our mission. Since then, we have strengthened our programs by working at the grassroots level—starting small, ensuring each program is high-quality and inclusive, and preparing for thoughtful replication and scaling.
Collaboration remains at the heart of our work. Today, our strongest partners include the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Parque Municipal Summit, and we continue to welcome new alliances to expand the reach and impact of nature-based education.
EXPLORE BIOCULTURAL LEARNING
Let’s Learn Together