A Day in the Life of a Biohub
Reimagining Our Relationship with Nature
Discover how biohubs are transforming sustainable living by blending advanced technology with traditional wisdom, fostering resilient communities across the globe.
Introduction
In the evolving landscape of sustainable living, biohubs are emerging as a transformative model for the future. These innovative settlements, sprouting as an evolution of ecovillages and smart cities, have found a way to co-evolve with nature, serving as acupuncture points for empowering communities and fostering economic and resilient sustainability. Particularly in regions like Chile and the northern part of Brazil, such as Terra Manglar, biohubs are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Biohubs are designed to integrate advanced technology with traditional ecological knowledge, creating harmonious environments where human activity enhances rather than depletes the natural world. They provide a blueprint for living in balance with the earth, promoting practices that support both environmental health and human well-being.
This narrative follows a typical day in the life of a practitioner inhabitant of a biohub. It offers a glimpse into the daily routines, community interactions, and personal reflections of those who have chosen this path, illustrating how biohubs function as thriving ecosystems of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
Logbook Entry
Date: May 9th 20XX
Location: Where the Region of the Lakes meets the Pacific, 90 minutes from the airport of Puerto Mont.
The Early Morning Bath
The alarm’s shrill beep pulls me from sleep. It’s 5:30 AM, and the air is frigid. Shivering, I slip out of bed, the cold seeping into my bones. With practiced efficiency, I don my 4.3 wetsuit, the snug neoprene offering some respite against the biting air.
The Biohub, nestled in the south of Chile near Chiloé, sprawls out around me, a living testament to the potential of conservation and regeneration. This seven-kilometer stretch of beach has been transformed into a sanctuary for biodiversity, where the symbiotic dance of the river and sea creates a thriving wetland.
It’s an estuary teeming with life, where the edge effect of the mingling waters fosters an abundance of species.
Stepping out of the cabin, I breathe in the crisp morning air, tinged with the scent of salt and earth. The damp sand, cold and unforgiving, squelches underfoot as I make my way toward the beach, each step a reminder of nature’s raw beauty. The horizon is just beginning to lighten, the first hints of dawn painting the sky in soft pastels.
I stop at the edge of the ocean to stretch out with a couple of yoga poses. I love this moment before getting into the sea. A flock of pelicans flies above the swell, skimming the surface of the water. I strap on my leash and resume my jog towards the sea.
I break into a run, the chill morning air stinging my lungs. My feet pound against the damp sand, the rhythmic thud blending with the distant roar of the ocean. Reaching the water’s edge, I hesitate for a moment, the icy waves lapping at my feet. I curse myself for forgetting my neoprene cap as I plunge into the water.
The cold is a shock, stealing my breath away. But the purity of the water, so clear and pristine, is a balm for my soul. As I acclimate to the frigid embrace, I glance around, taking in the scene.
A couple of fishermen are visible in the distance, harvesting algae along the coast. This particular species, rich in protein, is a staple for many in the area.
The fishermen are a family, the same family that rises early each morning to gather cochayuyo.
I watch them for a moment, their movements precise and practiced, a testament to generations of tradition. The father, a weathered man with deep lines etched into his face, moves with the ease of long familiarity. His wife and son work alongside him, their hands deftly plucking the nutrient-rich algae from the waves.
The cold water sharpens my senses, bringing the world into crystalline focus.
This is the Biohub, a place where the rhythms of nature and humanity intertwine, where each day begins with the promise of regeneration and the hope of a sustainable future. I take a deep breath, the cold air filling my lungs, and let myself drift in the moment, a small part of the larger symphony of life.
Paddling Out
I paddle out on my surfboard, feeling the rhythm of the waves beneath me. I know the tide is receding, creating shallower water and better waves. I take advantage of the receding current against the rocks. As the sea comes in, the pressure of water against the sandy coast needs to escape and usually does so at the ends of the beach, near the rocks. That’s where I am now.
There are a couple of surfers already at the point, their backs to me, watching the incoming set. This place is known for its good waves year-round. The water glistens in the early morning light, the waves rolling in with a promise of exhilarating rides.
I join the other surfers, positioning myself to catch the best waves, feeling the pull of the ocean as I prepare for the perfect moment.
The other surfers acknowledge me with nods, their focus unwavering on the horizon. We wait in silence, each lost in our thoughts, united by the anticipation of the next big wave. The ocean is a living entity here, its mood ever-changing and its power undeniable. It demands respect and rewards patience.
The first wave of the set rises in the distance, a dark line that grows taller and more defined as it approaches. I paddle hard, muscles burning, heart pounding with the effort. Timing is everything. As the wave reaches me, I push down on the nose of my board and feel the surge of water lift me up. I pop up to my feet, the board slicing through the water as the wave propels me forward.
The thrill is indescribable. The speed, the rush of wind and water, the sheer joy of being one with the ocean. I carve along the face of the wave, feeling its energy course through me. The ride is perfect, and for a few moments, nothing else exists. It’s just me, the board, and the wave.
As the wave dissipates, I glide back into the lineup, my heart still racing. The other surfers cheer and exchange knowing smiles. We live for these moments, the brief seconds of pure exhilaration that make all the early mornings and cold water worth it.
I paddle back out, ready for the next wave, ready to repeat the cycle. The ocean is our playground, and each wave is a new adventure. Here, at the Biohub, amidst the raw beauty of nature, I find a sense of peace and purpose. This is where I belong, where I am most alive.
The Co-Working Space
After an exhilarating surf session, I quickly dress in my cabin, grab my thermos of water, and head to the co-working space.
At 8:00 AM, I have a Zoom call with our Head office in NY.
I find a spot overlooking the sea, where I can watch the waves roll in and keep an eye on my fellow surfers. I barely have time to order a local tea through the app from the cafeteria — coffee is something we still can’t grow here. Everything we consume is local or from the bioregion, a core principle of the Biohub’s self-sustaining philosophy in food and energy.
The co-working space fills up quickly. Young people, digital nomads from around the world, settle into their spots, preparing for a day of remote work. It’s a cacophony of different languages, each adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Most of them are here for a term between one and three months, choosing this place for its unique blend of nature and productivity.
As remote work and digital nomadism continue to rise in popularity across the globe, with over 35 million people currently identifying as digital nomads, the Biohub has become a magnet for many. This surge in interest has led to a two-year waiting list for those eager to join this Biohub’s innovative and sustainable community.
I settle into my routine, working from eight to noon. The internet connection is superb, thanks to Elon Musk’s Starlink network. My desk is a hub of activity, the sound of Zoom calls blending with the distant roar of the ocean. The view keeps me grounded, a constant reminder of why we’re here — to live in harmony with nature and to contribute to a regenerative future.
The time flies by, and before I know it, I’m running to my community service commitment after my last meeting. The team is already waiting for me on the boat, ready to continue our work in this incredible place.
Community Service
My group's community service focuses on identifying the biodiversity services that the land and conservation efforts provide. We are working to understand the ecosystemic behavior of this wetland. To do this, we have installed audio, video, and photo trap cameras, along with other sensors that measure the health of the soil, the purity of the water, and fish populations in the river.
The river meanders gracefully alongside the beach, weaving an incredible estuary of wetland. As it embraces the ocean, it conjures a symphony of edge effects, where the mingling waters breathe life into a flourishing tapestry of flora, fauna, and birds, creating a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty.
I love the boat trip with this group, checking our devices, but also seeing the swans, black-faced ibises, and other different types of birds feeding on the river’s debris. There are no caimans here, but an incredible mix of different species.
We have a specific task today: to see if a species that hasn’t been seen for a decade might return. It’s the Huillin, a Southern River Otter. No luck yet. We head back to the camp.
Lunchtime and Courses
During the boat ride, I order a healthy lunch: a fillet of sustainable fish provided by the community of fishermen in the bay to the south, along with vegetable produce from the agroforestry and greenhouses that supply the Biohub. In a nice Tupperware, I take the food to my course.
I’m taking a course called the Regenerative Practitioners Program by the Regenesis group. This course is compulsory for new entrants like myself.
I am also taking a course on human flourishing. This latter course is an extension of Monterrey Tech University in Mexico.
This is my first stay in a Biohub, but I’m planning to move from here to the one in Costa Rica. This will give me a certification. These certifications are part of a broader educational program that can be integrated across different Biohub locations. Additionally, they provide better access to other Biohubs around the world, even guaranteeing entry despite the high demand and long waiting lists.
Afternoon Work
It’s 3:30 in the afternoon, and I work with the East Coast in the afternoon. I work now for another two hours, as I need to deliver a paper and technology recommendations to the startup I’m working with.
It’s based in New York City, so the time zone alignment with the Americas works fine for me. The afternoon is a blend of intense focus and occasional glances at the ocean, the waves a constant reminder of the balance between work and nature that defines life at the Biohub.
I take a break during the afternoon work and find myself crossing paths with Alice, a fellow Biohub practitioner. There’s an undeniable spark between us, a budding connection that feels as natural as the rhythms of the earth we both strive to nurture. Alice, who is part of a residency program at the Biohub, shares my passion for regeneration and sustainability, and our shared moments are beginning to weave a deeper bond.
Regenerative Design and Development Residencies at the Biohub
The Biohub’s Campus offers unique residencies focused on regenerative design and development. These residencies provide designers, developers, and innovators with an immersive environment to explore and work on sustainability and ecological restoration projects.
Historically, residencies emerged as artistic retreats where creators could escape daily distractions to focus on their work. One of the earliest and most renowned examples is the MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire, established in 1907. It has hosted thousands of artists, fostering significant creative achievements and collaborations.
Our regenerative design and development residencies build on this tradition but with a focus on ecological and sustainable innovation. Participants live and work in a dedicated space at the Biohub, engaging with the natural environment and integrating regenerative principles into their projects.
These residencies include courses, workshops, collaborative projects, and solo time for deep focus. Innovators can explore themes such as ecological restoration, community resilience, sustainable architecture, and the intersection of technology and nature. The immersive setting encourages a symbiotic relationship between creativity and the environment, promoting innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
The goal is to create a nurturing space where groundbreaking ideas can take root and grow. The program not only supports individual development but also contributes to the broader mission of the Biohub, fostering sustainable and regenerative practices globally.
Evening Ride to the Fishing Village
After wrapping up my work, I grab a bike through the app to join some friends at the fishing village. They are also engaged in more advanced community services. At this level of their hubbing stage, the work provides them with a tokenized currency, which is minted at the Biohub as a combination of ecosystem services and social services that the Biohub provides or enables.
The ride to the village is invigorating, the cool evening air refreshing after a day spent balancing work and study. The village has a rich history, with generations of fishermen and farmers working in harmony with the land and sea. The community’s deep connection to nature is evident in every aspect of their daily lives.
As I arrive, I’m greeted with warm smiles and the comforting sounds of the village winding down for the evening. My friends and I gather near the docks, where the day’s catch is being unloaded and sorted. The smell of fresh fish mingles with the salty sea air, creating a sense of home and community.
We sit together, discussing the day’s events and our various projects. The work being done here is inspiring; it goes beyond simple conservation, aiming to integrate advanced technologies with traditional practices. The community services they provide range from ecosystem monitoring to sustainable agriculture, all contributing to a holistic approach to environmental stewardship.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the water, I take a moment to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this place. The Biohub is more than just a location; it’s a living, breathing experiment in how humans can coexist with nature in a mutually beneficial way. The progress we’ve made here is a beacon of hope for other regions looking to adopt similar models.
A Brief History of the Town
The fishing village has a storied history that dates back centuries. Originally founded by indigenous peoples, the area has always been rich in natural resources. The confluence of the river and the ocean created fertile ground for a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for settlement.
The town settled in the bay to the south of the river. Here, their boats are sheltered from the ocean waves and winds. It’s a very quiet bay, perfect for anchoring and providing a secure haven for the fishing boats.
Over time, the village grew as settlers arrived, bringing with them new techniques for fishing and farming. These newcomers learned from the indigenous population, adopting sustainable practices that allowed them to thrive without depleting the environment. This blend of old and new traditions laid the foundation for the community’s enduring relationship with the land and sea.
Historically, this small town thrived on the sustainable practices of fishing and harvesting cochayuyo. This highly protein-rich algae, valued for its use in cosmetics and as an edible resource, has been a staple in the local diet for generations. At the Biohub, we eat cochayuyo regularly, appreciating its nutritional benefits.
For years, the town’s economy flourished as its inhabitants skillfully balanced their needs with the bounty of the sea. The sustainable fishing practices and careful harvesting algae were not just economic activities but a way of life that honored the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
However, the relentless march of climate change, combined with the pressures of ocean overfishing, pollution, and tourism, has drastically altered this balance. The sustaining economics of this once-thriving community have significantly diminished. This is not just the story of one town, but a narrative echoed throughout the fishing communities of Chilean Patagonia.
My friends and I understand the gravity of this current situation. The Biohub settlement is committed to restoring this habitat on multiple levels — community, ecological, and biodiversity. Our efforts at the estuary of the river up north are aimed at improving the oceanic conditions that underpin the survival of this small town.
The Biohub initiative aspires to bring renewed focus and energy to the village. By combining modern technology with traditional wisdom, we seek to enhance the natural productivity of the area while maintaining its ecological integrity. The introduction by the Biohub’s organization of a tokenized currency also aims to further bolster the local economy, ensuring that the benefits of our efforts are shared equitably among all residents.
The Power of Local Currencies
Local currencies offer significant benefits in revitalizing local economies by encouraging residents to spend money within their communities, keeping financial resources circulating locally.
This supports small businesses, reduces economic leakage to large corporations, and enhances economic resilience. By increasing demand for locally produced goods and services, local currencies stimulate local production and employment. They also provide alternative capital sources through mutual credit systems, supporting local entrepreneurship and bypassing conventional credit channels. Additionally, local currencies help reduce the carbon footprint by minimizing the distance goods travel, promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Overall, they empower communities to control their economic activities, fostering cooperation, sustainability, and resilience amid broader economic challenges.
Here are some Case studies of Local Currencies (1). (2). (3)
This tokenized currency program is a testament to the innovative approach of the Biohub. It recognizes and rewards the invaluable contributions to maintaining and enhancing the local ecosystem. This currency can be used within the Biohub for various goods and services, and it is already accepted in a number of local shops in the village, including mom-and-pop stores and the small supermarket. This fosters a self-sustaining economy that aligns with our principles of regeneration and sustainability.
The work of my fellow hubbers draws inspiration from the principles of Elinor Ostrom’s commons design process, striving to strengthen the resilience of this community. By applying these principles, they aim to foster a sustainable relationship between the town’s inhabitants and their environment, ensuring that both can thrive together once again.
The Ride Back from Town
Back on my bike, now with a group of friends, we discuss our findings as we ride. There’s a chilly wind, but we don’t mind — it makes the biking easier. The town isn’t far away, a deliberate choice in the placement of Biohubs. Being close to communities is essential, as part of our challenge is to catalyze mutualistic, symbiotic relationships between humans and nature.
As we ride, the conversations flow freely, blending insights about ecological health with practical strategies for community resilience. The wind bites at our faces, but the camaraderie and shared purpose keep us warm.
As we bike back, Alex, a fellow Biohubber, reaches a road that opens to our right and says, “Bye, see you later.” He is part of the community service at the agroforestry project of the Biohub. Every Biohub has an agroforestry campus where both Biohubbers and local community inhabitants work on agroforestry and permaculture, providing organic food and vegetables to the town and surrounding communities. This school has captured the essence of syntropic farming, inspired by the teachings of Ernst Götsch and the Instituto da Toca in Brazil. It is a place where the principles of regeneration and harmony with nature are not just taught but lived, creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and the land.
Upon arrival, I head straight to my community service gathering, this time held in a lounge. The cozy room buzzes with activity and anticipation. Here, amidst the warm glow of shared purpose, we continue our work to restore and sustain the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem and its community.
Designing Ecosystem Metrics
The work we have to do now involves designing the metrics captured by our monitoring devices to measure the ecosystem services of the wetland. Assisted by artificial intelligence, we delve into understanding how the digital twin we’ve created — a digital representation of the underlying ecosystem — behaves and what the living interactions tell us about potential restoration.
Biodiversity measurement today employs a range of techniques, from our expert field observations to satellite-based earth observations, tailored to the specific conservation goals of a project.
Monitoring the health of ecosystems involves a balance between direct observation and practical modeling. For instance, to protect endangered freshwater fish, we look at water quality and quantity as reflective indicators, while proactive measures include managing land pollution, maintaining canopy cover, and stabilizing riverbanks. In projects aimed at connecting terrestrial habitats, we prioritize the landscape’s connectivity and the presence of key species. When direct measurement is challenging, modeling offers a practical solution, capturing the interdependent relationships between flora and fauna, metrics on pollinators, levels of flourishing, seed production, and the presence of soil organisms like bacteria and fungi. This approach also considers levels of humidity, rain, and climate patterns, ensuring efficient and sustainable environmental management.
Once this data is uploaded to the digital twin and the metrics are reliably verified, powerful algorithms and artificial intelligence will assetize and securitize the underlying natural assets into Living Capital, which can then be transformed into biodiversity credits, land stewardship tokens, and nature-based currencies.
The social well-being of the local community and neighboring sites is also accounted for. An advanced group is working to understand how to value this and combine it with biodiversity health. Given today’s technology, this complex task has become feasible. I remember when Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, spoke about the possibilities of digital biology. His words resonate deeply with the work we’re doing here.
A digital twin is a dynamic digital representation of the ecosystem and community well-being, integrating data from sensors and AI to reflect soil health, water purity, biodiversity and community weelbeing. This digital model supports regenerative economic models and fosters deeper community-environment connections.
The Biohub initiative aspires to bring renewed focus and energy to the village. By combining modern technology with traditional wisdom, we seek to enhance the natural productivity of the area while maintaining its ecological integrity. The introduction of tokenized currency also aims to further bolster the local economy, ensuring that the benefits of our efforts are shared equitably among all residents.
Evening Reflections
After the meeting, I agree to join a group of friends at the local bar, where they serve beer made with incredible forest yeasts found only in this region. But first, I walk to my cabin. My 45-meter cabin, designed with local materials and biomimetic architecture, is highly efficient in regulating heat and cold. There is a small stove for winter, but I rarely use it. The cabin consists of a small room with a bed, a lounge, and a kitchenette, which I also seldom use since most of my meals are at the local restaurant.
As I prepare to head to the bar, I reflect on the day’s work and the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines life at the Biohub. The balance we’ve struck here between ecological stewardship and technological advancement feels like a blueprint for a sustainable future.
A Night Out
I had only one beer. I want to be ready for surfing tomorrow morning. Today, there was a crowd gathering, so I will go earlier tomorrow. I love to see the sunrise. A week ago, I saw some Toninas — Commerson’s dolphins that love to bump up close to surfers.
After the bar, we moved to the restaurant where Charles Michel, a French-Colombian chef, is spending some time teaching local cooks about regenerative food. He only uses products that can be obtained in this region, and it’s incredible the menus we’ve had while he’s been here. During the day, he certifies local cooks in regenerative cooking.
The food was delicious. We had a stew of Jaiba, a crab found only in this region, some locos (mollusks), and local clams, all fished sustainably as part of this commons principles. The fishermen understand the limits of extraction and sustainability. They have known this for years, passed down from their ancestors. There is enormous knowledge in the local community.
There is another group of us, more advanced, that is in relationship with the indigenous tribe called the Mapuches. In their language, Mapu means earth and Che means people.
Heading to Bed
I walk back to my cabin, a small but cozy space. I throw myself on the bed and open my computer to FaceTime with my family. My mom jumps on the screen and shouts to my father, “John is on the line!” The connection is very good, and I see the happiness on my mom’s face. Love can be sensed digitally. She sees the brightness in my eyes and my smile.
“I’m so happy for you John John. I see it in your smile and in your eyes, and I’m so proud of you for following your dreams. I remember when we walked together on the sandy beaches of Encinitas when we lived there. You loved the sea. And now you’re fulfilling your purpose. And as you have told me so many times, you feel that you are helping nature.”
My little sister runs through, saying, “Hello, I love you!” before running off. I see her disappear in the corridor behind my mom as my dad jumps in and says, “Hello.”
I spoke with him for a long time yesterday, exchanging ideas about my future and my upcoming stay at the Biohub in Costa Rica, where I hope they can come and visit me. Biohubs have incredible visitor programs.
I close my computer and as I turn off the light, ready for another day of surf, work, and community, I ponder the blessings in my life. Here, at the Biohub, I have found a place where I can fulfill my purpose, balancing life in nature with nutritious and healthy foods. I am surrounded by intelligent, purposeful spirits, all striving to restore nature and discover new ways of enhancing the quality of life. Each day, I practice sports, live near the ocean, and contribute to helping local communities navigate and evolve in this complex world.
In this serene moment, I reflect on the harmony I have found — immersed in a setting that nurtures both body and soul, engaged in work that resonates deeply with my values. It is a life where the pursuit of personal and collective regeneration goes hand in hand, fostering a community that not only dreams of a better world but actively works to create it. For me, the Biohub is more than just a place; it is a living testament to the power of human ingenuity and the potential for a harmonious existence with the earth. In the quiet darkness, with the sound of the ocean as my lullaby, I know I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Postscript
I forgot to mention that the Biohub aims to be self-sustaining in energy. We’re starting to believe that it’s possible. In one of my hackathons, I met a community group working on harnessing energy from the flow of the tides. They think it’s possible that by next year, we can be entirely self-sustaining, tapping into the powerful wave flow of the Pacific Ocean. This would be another step towards realizing the vision of a regenerative, self-sufficient community, where our energy needs are met by the natural forces around us.
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