What is a Techno-Sociologist? How far has photographer Jimmy Nelson (follow on Twitter) traveled to take pictures of vanishing native tribes?How can we shrink the vastness of the digital divide for people who cannot access technology due to economics or geography? These are just a few of the questions one might have after seeing the line up of leaders and pioneers for TEDGlobal 2014 South! in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This five day celebration showcases men and women who are making sure we preserve the past, changing how we resolve conflict, and who make art and dance look easy.

Audiences will be presented with twelve segments entitled Stories, Digital Reboot, Crossing Boarders, Field Work, Urban Canvas, Empowering Tech, Blueprints, Lenses, Basic Needs, Lateral Action, Mighty Spaces and Fighters. Each session’s theme embodies the talents and talks of the speakers presented in them. The internationally curated groups represent the dynamic talent from around the world who are changing our world.

Amazonian ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin’s work communicates the value plants native to the ever-disappearing rainforests for the medicinal world. The field of ethnobotany studies how cultures use and perceive plants as medicines, rituals and as other elements of daily living. Plotkin’s studies of native plant-based therapies and their application in fighting present day illnesses have made the medical community take notice of why the Amazon must be saved.

From the same part of the glove comes one of the most intriguing speakers of TEDGlobal 2014, Tashka Yawanawa (follow on Twitter). Chief of Brazil’s Yawanawa tribe who was raised in the tribes village and educated in the United States, he fights to preserve the past in the ever advancing present. His leadership and voice for Brazil’s native tribes has been missing in the conversation of securing the rich history of this South American country.

These men, along with 64 other artists, scientists, educators, researchers and visionaries, will gather together for one week to share their ideas. If you are unable to get your passport stamped and fly off to Rio, you can always soak up all of that amazing TED energy online. Get your fix and learn about the international TEDGlobal line up of speakers at the TEDGlobal’s speaker page. 

Maria Pinkelton is the Communication Specialist for the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. She lives in Decatur with her husband and son, along with a fine collection of books, craft beers and size 11 shoes.