BROWN BAG LUNCH SEMINAR - FIRST SESSION

What if a 19th-century explorer helped shape the foundations of modern environmental thinking?

The first Brown Bag Lunch Seminar will address the theme “Richard Francis Burton and the Birth of Environmentalism,” exploring the historical and intellectual contributions that helped shape early environmental thought.

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Richard Francis Burton (1821–1890) was a British explorer, writer, and translator widely known for his extensive travels across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His detailed accounts of landscapes, natural resources, and human–environment interactions provide valuable insights into how early perspectives on nature and conservation began to emerge.

This session aims to foster critical discussion on the development of environmental thought, connecting historical observations to contemporary environmental challenges.

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Taking place during World Water Week, this session carries special significance: Burton was among the explorers who ventured deep into Africa in search of the source of the Nile — the world's longest river — making his legacy particularly alive in conversations about water, ecosystems, and human impact on the environment.

👉 How did his perspective on the natural world contribute to the emergence of modern environmental awareness?

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🎯 What to expect:

• Practice English in an academic setting

• Engage in critical and interdisciplinary discussions

• Share knowledge with students, researchers, and professionals from diverse fields

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Event details

📅 March 25, 2026

⏰ 12h15

📍 Watershed Management Laboratory — Department of Forest Engineering · UnB

🥪 Feel free to bring your lunch

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Participation is open to all — students, faculty, and the broader community are welcome.

Spots are limited to 12 participants. Sign up now and secure yours.

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