In this talk, Prof. Lucero discusses her recent book (just released on Jan 27. at Oxford University Press), Maya Wisdom and the Survival of Our Planet, presenting its major themes. The book explores the Maya inclusive, non-anthropocentric worldview, in which humans coexist with nonhumans as part of the world rather than being separate from it. It highlights how the ancestral Maya collaborated with nonhumans, shaping a tropical landscape that included green cities, rural farmsteads, gardens, fields, biodiverse forests, and sacred places.
For millennia, the Maya sustainably farmed without destroying their environment while also providing tribute to their kings in hundreds of cities. In return, the kings performed vital ceremonies and maintained reservoirs through the annual dry season—a delicate balance that endured for over 1,000 years. The speaker emphasizes that Maya insights are crucial for the survival of the planet, advocating for collaboration with, rather than domination over, the nonhuman world. Their traditional knowledge offers concrete solutions for sustainably addressing climate change and environmental degradation. The resilience of the Maya serves as a model for the future, and the book provides a roadmap for individuals, families, and global corporations to follow in achieving sustainability.
