ICEERS | January 22, 2025
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear colleague Ricard Faura Cantarell, who died in the early hours of January 18, 2025. His departure leaves a deep and irreplaceable void, not only among those of us who had the privilege of working with him, but also in the countless fields to which he contributed with passion, dedication, and wisdom.
Ricard Faura was a scholar in the field of social sciences, especially in topics related to psychology, anthropology, and communications. Ricard earned a PhD in Social Psychology and a Master’s degree in Anthropology and Audiovisual Communication from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). He dedicated his life to generating a positive impact on communities and promoting a respectful dialogue between tradition and innovation. For more than twenty years, Ricard played an essential role as a collaborating professor at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), where he transmitted not only knowledge, but also a human and transformative vision that inspired generations of students.
His work transcended the classroom. During his time at Spora Sinergies, Ricard Faura consolidated his vocation for service by designing and advising projects that positively impacted the lives of many people. As co-founder of the project, together with Aleix Caussa and Miquel Domènech, he applied his extensive experience in health, social inclusion, and public policy management, contributing to the development of innovative approaches to integrate a harm reduction perspective with respect for cultural and human diversity.
Cultural sensitivity and respect
Ricard was one of the founders of the Drug Policy Unit at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where he led pioneering initiatives in the evaluation of drug prevention and harm reduction programs. His approach was always marked by cultural sensitivity and respect for people, valuing human experiences in all their complexity. These qualities led him to become a key consultant at Episteme Social, where he advised projects focused on social justice and sustainability, establishing himself as a figure who promoted change through knowledge and collaborative action.
At ICEERS, Ricard stood out as an ally and leader committed to the preservation and recognition of traditional medicines and the cultures that harbor them. His work as an advisor to the Indigenous Medicines Conservation Fund reflected his passion for protecting and honoring the ancestral knowledge of native peoples, where his work on the iboga technical committee was instrumental. In every project he undertook, Ricard championed the importance of human rights, cultural diversity, and social justice, pillars that defined his vision of the world. His great talent for weaving cross-cultural alliances led to collaborations that will continue to grow in the future.
Among his most outstanding contributions, Ricard was the main author of key reports on iboga, consolidating a bridge between modern science and traditional practices. In addition, Ricard left unfinished a trilogy on which he worked until his last days, investigating the roots and historical processes of the “Kurgan culture” – the culture of domination, homogenization, and violence – and the spiritual ancestral cultures that were exterminated in this process, reflecting on their impact on our social structures. This project, like his life, was imbued with a profound and refreshing vision.
Ricard was also initiated into the Bwiti tradition, an experience that profoundly marked his life and work. His connection with these ancestral practices allowed him to understand, in a unique way, the importance of honoring and protecting the spiritual and cultural knowledge of Indigenous peoples.
Beyond his professional work, Ricard was a person of multiple talents and passions. In his youth, he played in a melodic hardcore band, Innocents, with whom he opened for Green Day in their early days. These experiences were part of his rebellious and creative character, reflecting his ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Bridge weaver
In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Ricard will be remembered for his closeness and generosity, his deep empathy, and his unwavering commitment to causes he considered just. His ability to bridge disciplines, cultures, and people touched all of us who had the privilege to spend quality time with him. Those of us who worked with him witnessed his unique ability to listen, learn and generate transformative solutions. The echo of his laughter, so warm and characteristic, will forever resonate in our souls.
In his final hours, Ricard left us with a profound teaching about love, humor, and acceptance of life and death, even in the most difficult moments. That evening, while his body was facing the limit of his strength, his spirit was still intact, sharing jokes about his impending journey, and being true to himself until the end. In a sacred act of unconditional love and connection with life, he also married Marina, his soul mate, surrounded by his mother, his sister, his loved ones, and the unbreakable love that united them.
During his farewell, the whole team remained there with him, in spirit and heart, connected to accompany him in this transcendental step. Amid smiles, hugs, and deep emotion, Ricard said goodbye to this plane as he lived: With authenticity, lucidity, and the certainty that love and human connection are the most valuable gifts we leave in this world.
Ricard’s departure leaves us with an immense legacy and a responsibility: To continue his work with the same passion and dedication that he put into everything he did. At ICEERS, we honor his memory and express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. His splendor and mastery will continue to guide us on the path to a future that is more just, inclusive, and respectful with the richness of our differences.
Farewell, Ricard. Your essence will live on, the seeds you sowed will continue to sprout, and your light will always illuminate our hearts.
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Tags:
grief
, human
, wisdom
, transcultural
, death
, iboga