Omagua Institute for Sustainability
About us
The Omagua Institute for Sustainability (OIS) is a non-profit organization founded with a singular and profound purpose: to advance sustainability through a commitment to degrowth principles. By fostering a global community dedicated to ecological balance, social equity, and alternative economic paradigms, OIS serves as a beacon for innovation and collaboration in the sustainability movement. Recognizing the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly emerging scholars, OIS provides platforms that bridge research, advocacy, and action to address pressing environmental and social challenges.
Mission & Vision
At the heart of OIS lies a mission to challenge conventional economic and sustainability frameworks that prioritize growth over balance. Our work focuses on fostering a world where degrowth—the intentional reduction of economic activity in favor of ecological health and human well-being—is embraced as a cornerstone of decision-making in government, industry, and civil society.
Our vision is to transform how society understands sustainability, shifting from growth-dependent models to approaches that prioritize resilience, community well-being, and the planet's finite resources. By cultivating a global community of researchers, advocates, and practitioners, we aim to drive tangible change and secure a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Our mission is threefold:
Research: Promoting groundbreaking, interdisciplinary studies that examine degrowth as a pathway to sustainability. We encourage innovative approaches that challenge traditional paradigms and offer actionable solutions.
Advocacy: Amplifying diverse and underrepresented voices in the global degrowth and sustainability discourse, ensuring that new perspectives are heard, valued, and acted upon.
Knowledge Dissemination: Providing accessible platforms for publishing and sharing ideas, such as our journal, which focuses on emerging degrowth perspectives.
We believe that fostering knowledge and engagement leads to transformative action. Through our initiatives, OIS aims not only to disseminate ideas but to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace systemic change that reflects ecological and social priorities.
Story & Inspiration
The name "Omagua" embodies the ethos and vision of our institute. It pays homage to the Omagua people, indigenous stewards of the Amazon rainforest in regions of present-day Peru and Brazil. Known for their profound understanding of ecological systems and their ability to thrive in harmony with their environment, the Omagua exemplify the principles of sustainability that guide our work.
The Omagua's practices—rooted in respect for nature and an intricate balance between human activity and the ecosystem—serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when communities prioritize stewardship over exploitation. By adopting their name, we honor their enduring legacy and draw inspiration from their wisdom, seeking to embed their values in our advocacy for sustainability through degrowth.
Our organization reflects the Omagua people's commitment to preserving ecological integrity while fostering resilience, a lesson of increasing relevance as we face global environmental challenges. Through our work, we aim to emulate their vision, championing balance and interconnectedness as essential to a sustainable future.
Disclaimer
The Omagua Institute for Sustainability is a non-profit organization registered in Estonia, committed to providing high-quality continuing education in the field of sustainability. While we are not an accredited degree or credit-granting institution—nor do we wish to imply such status—we focus on offering practical and impactful learning experiences to individuals passionate about environmental and social issues. As an academic publisher registered with the National Library of Estonia, we also contribute to the global conversation on sustainability by disseminating innovative research and ideas.
Our operations align with Estonian laws and regulations governing non-profit organizations and non-formal adult education. We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of educational integrity and excellence. By collaborating with leading experts and organizations, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN), we ensure that our programs are relevant, up-to-date, and effectively address current sustainability challenges.
Our approach and values
Our approach is rooted in a commitment to fostering meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Sustainability challenges are complex and evolving, and addressing them requires bold ideas and interdisciplinary efforts. Our core values guide every aspect of our work:
Inclusivity: We prioritize diversity in perspectives, welcoming contributions from all regions, disciplines, and backgrounds to enrich the sustainability dialogue.
Collaboration: Partnerships with researchers, educators, and organizations amplify our collective ability to advance degrowth principles and promote systemic change.
Innovation: We encourage creative thinking and the exploration of novel methodologies to address ecological and social challenges in transformative ways.
Integrity: Transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility are central to our operations, ensuring trust with stakeholders and communities.
Through these principles, OIS remains committed to advancing degrowth as a vital component of global sustainability.
Leadership
Miklas Pascal Sauermann
Founder & President
Miklas Pascal Sauermann founded the Omagua Institute for Sustainability with a strong commitment to addressing environmental and social challenges inherent in growth-driven economic systems. With experience in management consulting, he brings valuable industry insights that help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application in sustainability.
Currently pursuing his Ph.D. in American Studies (focusing on degrowth) at the University of Munich, Miklas has an academic background that spans studies in sustainability science and business administration across Germany, Sweden, Spain, and the USA. This diverse education equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of sustainability issues.
Under his leadership, OIS seeks to empower young scholars and emerging thinkers to challenge conventional paradigms and contribute innovative solutions. Miklas envisions OIS as a catalyst for change, bridging academic research with practical applications that drive meaningful, systemic impact.
We are here to listen, answer your questions, and explore opportunities to collaborate!