A man of the world, Yossi Ghinsberg was born and raised in Israel. He served three years in the Israeli Navy on the Red Sea, during these years he befriended the Bedouin of the Sinai desert and was greatly influenced by their philosophy and nomadic lifestyle.
He graduated from Tel Aviv University with Philosophy and Business degrees followed by a thorough study of the Kabala for several years in academic and authentic environments.
In 1986 he released the international bestseller 'Heart of the Amazon', based on his harrowing survival experience in the jungles of South America. The booked was translated into 6 languages and published in 15 countries.
In 1992, Yossi returned to the Amazon to initiate The Chalalan Project proving that the best strategy to conserve biodiversity is sustainable development in cooperation with indigenous forest dwellers. Chalalan is a biological research station and one of the most celebrated Eco-Tourism resorts in the Amazon.
The projects Yossi initiated in the Bolivian rainforest helped to form the biggest nature reserve in the Amazon, known as The Madidi National Park. His work on the protection of intellectual properties and sustainable development of the Amazon won him international acclaim.
In 1995 he was recruited to and appointed Vice President of The Center for Investigation & Treatment of Addiction (CITA). Yossi promoted a new approach to treatment of opiate addiction, establishing 12 treatment and research centers around the world from Mexico to China.
In 1999, based in Australia, Yossi founded 'The Alma Libre Foundation', dedicated to assisting opiate addicts in their reintegration to society.
In 2001 during the peak of the Palestinian intifada, Yossi returned to Israel as CEO of a reconciliation festival. Despite the escalation of violence in the region, the festival managed to attract unprecedented audiences. Spiritual leaders of both Islam and Judaism conducted special prayers for peace.
In between projects one of Yossi's passion is the exploration of remote corners of the planet and guided by the Atlas only, he continues to explore the uncharted. Recent travels have taken him to the islands of Papua New Guinea and Madagascar and to the sub-continents of India and China where he studied Buddhism and ancient insight meditation techniques.
Yossi is an internationally sought after motivational speaker. |
