We will explore Costa Rica’s mangroves by kayak, snorkel among parrotfish in the coral reef, hike through the unique páramo and learn about the wonders of the rainforest with a local expert. Each day of our workshop is meticulously tailored to the local ecosystem, ensuring that every moment is packed with training and discovery. As we immerse ourselves in the inspiring world of biomimicry, you’ll want to clear your agenda to fully experience the beauty and brilliance of nature’s solutions.

Upon completing this immersion workshop, you will be equipped to begin integrating the practice of biomimicry into your work and life.

Our workshop experience will educate you on how to:

• Identify sustainable and regenerative innovation strategies in nature
• Understand functional objectives being achieved by forms, processes, and systems in nature
• Recognize and use Life’s Principles—design lessons from nature—as inspiration for innovative strategies and sustainability benchmarks
• Translate biological intelligence into relevant and applicable strategies and solutions

Why Join?

• Strategic Edge for Climate-Resilient Solutions: Your organization demands the next big thing, and with our workshop, you can immerse yourself in nature-positive and biodiversity-centric strategies. Learn the keys to transforming the world to one where people, economics, and nature thrive.
• Nature as Mentor: ‘Nature Positive’ isn’t just a buzzword. Biomimicry cuts through the noise by learning from nature to concretely create conditions conducive to life. This immersion will show you how to immediately apply these principles. Dive deep now; explore further with our extended programs.
• Delve into the Heart of Biodiversity: Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Around half a million species are known to live there, which is equal to about 5% of the estimated species on Earth. 
• Global Network: Connect with professionals and visionary leaders alike. Their insights, combined with nature’s wisdom, can reshape how you approach challenges.
• Expert Guidance: The team of biomimicry experts from Biomimicry 3.8 will guide you, ensuring you learn the most from this experience.

The all-inclusive price for the workshop includes overnight accommodations for six nights; all activities during the week; delicious, locally harvested breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks; tuition and course materials; transportation from the San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) International Airport; and administration costs. A variety of accommodations are available at La Cusinga Lodge to meet your needs and budget, from bunk rooms to private en suite rooms. See photos of the rooms on La Cusinga’s website.

Participants are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) Airport and any needed lodging and transportation before and after the workshop.

All of La Cusinga’s rooms are built from sustainable reforested wood and designed for your comfort. Each room has a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, the Ballena Marine National Park and the rainforest. Walk to the private beach, take a dip in the waterfall fed swimming hole or the swimming pool during your down time.

All rooming types are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Shared bunk room | $4,350
These large rooms have bunk beds, a private bathroom, and a terrace. There will be a maximum of 4 people in each room.

Shared room ensuite | $4,500
These shared rooms have two queen beds and a private en suite bathroom with a balcony or patio. You can request a roommate or we will assign you a roommate of the same sex.

Private room ensuite | $4,750
These deluxe rooms provide a comfortable queen or king size bed and your own en suite bathroom and either a balcony or patio.

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available. The scholarships are intended to make the workshop accessible to individuals who are early adopters, innovators, and change agents in their fields, and are excited to  empower the world with nature’s genius. We especially encourage Indigenous scientists, engineers, designers, and educators to apply! The scholarship is open to applicants from anywhere in the world. The purpose of the scholarships is to build a broad and diverse cohort of participants, and the workshop leaders will award them based solely on the applicant’s answers to the application.

Scholarship applications are due December 1, 2023.

All discounts have limited availability, are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and may not be combined.

Student Discounts:

• Student discount: Enrolled university students save $250.
• ASU Students: Enrolled ASU students save $500.

The registration period for this workshop is now closed.

Brittany Jerlinga | Brittany Jerlinga regularly gets excited about mucus, misunderstood creatures, and things that go bump in the night. Holding a Masters of Arts in teaching, she has spent the last 16 years using storytelling and the arts to teach science. Brittany’s interdisciplinary, experiential approach, combined with her boundless curiosity and love of biology, has made her a cherished educator. Her course “How Nature Works” at ASU is often cited as a favorite among students. In collaboration with fellow staff at Biomimicry 3.8, Brittany’s research and storytelling skills supported a series of 6 micro-museums featured in the World Expo in Dubai. Considering herself a “connector of silos” Brittany currently inspires action with the change-makers of today’s global economy, working with clients such as Microsoft and Jacobs Engineering. Brittany is a biologist, storyteller, and educator for Biomimicry 3.8, holds a M.Sc. in Biomimicry from ASU, and is a Certified Biomimicry Professional.

Karen Allen | Karen Allen is a Certified Biomimicry Professional, biologist, and facilitator who is passionate about sharing the secrets of the natural world to inform sustainable innovations. She is a seasoned biomimicry educator, researcher, and consultant who has been practicing biomimicry on a variety of projects since 2000. An interdisciplinary science background and love of natural history help Karen translate nature’s strategies for architects, engineers, and designers. She teaches the Biology Taught Functionally and BioBrainstorm Practicum courses as Faculty for the ASU Online Master of Science in Biomimicry Program, co-created the Biomimicry Specialist Program, teaches Biomimicry Immersion Workshops, and protects and restores ecosystems, bringing a systems perspective to the practice of biomimicry.