Marijke Kalinowski is studying Environmental System Science at Osnabrück University (UOS). For her bachelor’s thesis, titled Developing Positive Visions for Sustainable Food Systems in Costa Rica, she completed a two-month field stay in Costa Rica from October 6th to December 5th, 2023. Most of her time was spent in Atenas, which is located in the center of Costa Rica. Atenas Campus offers courses in Food Technology, Forest and Wildlife Management, and Animal Production Systems. Her thesis is part of the project Transformative Research and Capacity Building to Protect Livelihoods and Biodiversity in Costa Rica. Johannes Halbe from UOS is serving as Marijke Kalinowski’s thesis mentor.
When inquired about her thesis and experiences during her stay in Costa Rica, Marijke Kalinowski shared the following insights:
Hello, I am Marijke Kalinowski, a student at UOS who is about to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Systems Science. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in this exciting project, which crosses borders and creates interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of sustainability.
The global food system is closely linked to challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It requires a deep understanding of both local and global contexts. A sustainable food system has the potential to respond to climate change, create safe working conditions, and balance the needs of people and the environment (FAO, 2019). In times of overwhelming sustainability challenges, “positive visions” are crucial. They allow us to envision a future in which our food systems are not only sustainable, but also to think about a desirable way of life. These visions can serve as guiding principles to align solutions accordingly.
Participatory modeling is the core of this work. My aim was to collaboratively develop models of the food system with UTN students. The idea was to reach as many study programs as possible to get a broad picture. This method is crucial to incorporate local knowledge and ensure that the solutions are relevant and effective. The study allowed the students to get heavily involved and make a significant contribution. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and innovative ideas were crucial to the success of my study. Their participation emphasizes the importance of intergenerational collaboration on the road to sustainability.
My time in Costa Rica was characterized by a warm welcome and exposure to many facets of the country that will continue to inspire and guide me. The path to sustainable food systems is complex and challenging, but with positive visions, participatory models and a spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration, we are on a path that will enable a better, more sustainable future.