Yossi Ghinsberg

A philosopher of life, Yossi Ghinsberg is a man of passion, fixed resolve, and a connector of people. He believes that nothing promotes growth more than an unexpected experience and unconventional thinking. In these times of great challenge and change, his "Power to Survive" message is timely.

Ten years after almost losing his life in the Amazon after getting separated from friends and spending three weeks living off the jungle, he returned to the river valley that had been the site of his remarkable adventure and made it his home. During this period, he was instrumental in creating and building Chalalan, a model eco-tourism village that inspires the Amazon basin and the world to this day. His work with indigenous Amazon tribes contributed to the creation of the Madidi National Park, the largest biosphere conservation belt in the Amazon.

Since then, he has initiated several different business ventures, published two books and two albums of original music, and been involved in grassroots efforts for reconciliation and healing in the Middle East. Today, he is the founder of a new interior and landscape design label, "collecteco," which represents his never-ending roaming of the planet, his commitment to ecology, his connection to nature, and his respect for indigenous cultures.

The next phase of his life was dedicated to the treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of opiate addicts throughout the world as Vice President of The Center for Investigation & Treatment of Addiction (CITA). Ghinsberg promoted a new approach to the treatment of opiate addiction, establishing 12 treatment and research centers around the world from Mexico to China. He also founded 'The Alma Libre Foundation' based in Australia, dedicated to assisting opiate addicts in their reintegration into society.

Ghinsberg was born and raised in Israel and served three years in the Israeli navy on the Red Sea. During this time, he befriended the Bedouins of the Sinai Desert, whose wholesome philosophy and nomadic lifestyle greatly influenced his life's path. He studied Jewish Philosophy and Business Administration at Tel Aviv University, followed by a comprehensive study of the 'Kabala' in authentic environments. As a truth seeker by an inner calling, Ghinsberg continues to study the religions and philosophies of the past and present, including the ancients, the classical, Eastern, contemporary, and shamanic paths.