In May 2024, VERDMX presented the project "A Prototype for Sustainability: Tezcotzingo in Australia" through a webinar organized with the support of the Global MX Network Chapter Australia. Over two days, this event brought together prominent experts from various fields to explore the legacy of King Nezahualcoyotl and its relevance to contemporary sustainability challenges.
The event was moderated by a team that included notable figures such as journalist Malkah Nobrigot, Dr. Emanuel Rodriguez, and Dr. Edgar Caballero Aspe, who guided discussions and facilitated enriching dialogues between speakers and the audience.
The webinar began with a warm welcome from Gabriela Rodríguez, CEO of VERDMX, and Francisco Tobar, Director of the Global MX Chapter Australia, emphasizing the importance of sharing Mexico's invaluable heritage with the world. Juan Patricio Riveroll, Director of Cultural Diplomacy and Tourism at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Santiago Cortés Alcocer from the Mexican Embassy in Australia enthusiastically supported the initiative, underscoring its role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Dr. Alejandra Moreno Toscano opened the presentations with a fascinating exposition on the Codex Cruz Badiano, offering a deep dive into 16th-century herbal medicine and highlighting the importance of preserving ancestral knowledge. Architect Miguel Medina then detailed Nezahualcoyotl's ingenious hydraulic system at Tezcotzingo, which transformed a semi-arid landscape into a model of sustainability, inspiring contemporary solutions to environmental challenges.
Marco Antonio Lavariega and Diego de Santiago Lázaro explored Nezahualcoyotl's enduring wisdom, drawing comparisons with figures like Leonardo da Vinci. Sarah Buck shared insights into Nezahualcoyotl's vast library, emphasizing the importance of preserving memory in the digital age and its global relevance.
Dr. Geraldine Patrick Encina revealed the deep connection between Nezahualcoyotl, revered as an embodiment of Tlaloc, and ancestral water management in the Valley of Mexico. Architect Desirée Martínez presented the Tezcotzingo System as pivotal to sustainability in the Mexico Basin, showcasing how the past can guide modern practices.
Ana Lara Heyns contributed innovative methodologies on sustainable water use in Melbourne, blending ancient practices with contemporary technologies. Dr. Gustavo Fimbres closed the first day with reflections on circular economy and case studies in Australia, connecting ancestral practices with modern solutions.
The second day celebrated gastronomy and cultural entertainment. Chef Iván del Razo shared his passion for traditional Tlaxcalteca cuisine and its viability in sustainable insect consumption. Francisco de Santiago explored barbacoa as a culinary tradition in Texcoco and its significance within Mexican cuisine. Renowned chef and entrepreneur Mónica Patiño shared valuable insights on the connection between gastronomy and sustainability, emphasizing her journey from urban restaurateur to her current life managing sustainable land in Tuscany. Meanwhile, chef Jo Corrigan discussed the importance of diversification, scientific observation, and collaboration among local producers in sustainable food production, drawing from her experience transitioning from Melbourne's restaurant scene to farming in Australia.
Patricia Ríos explored how new technologies enrich cultural experiences, while Roberto Montiel presented immersion examples connecting past and present through video mapping and augmented reality.
This webinar not only highlighted the brilliant legacy of Nezahualcoyotl but also demonstrated how the wisdom of the past can inspire solutions to current global challenges. This event marked a milestone on the path towards an immersive exhibition that will bring Mexico's cultural richness to Australia and the world, fostering intercultural dialogue and the pursuit of a more sustainable and shared future.