One who participates in the creation of new ecologies.

To arrive at the origin and perambulations that led to the invention of this word - read on.

Let us first examine the Greek suffix that is housed within 'Ecopoetist':

Poiesis: (po i eh siss) lit: to make or create… as in a work of art

Poietic: creative, formative, productive, active
--from OED / Britannica
 

Ecopoiesis

A new combination from Greek root words meaning the creation of a new ecology. The term was coined by biologist Robert Haynes of York University.

A few examples of its use in current literature:

"To make Mars suitable for animals and humans, its atmosphere would have to be made more similar to Earth's, which is composed primarily of nitrogen, with oxygen levels close to 20 percent and carbon dioxide levels less than 1 percent. The process of generating such an Earth- like, oxygen-rich environment--also called terraforming--would be much more difficult than simply thickening Mars's atmosphere. But to make Mars habitable, generating a carbon dioxide atmosphere--a process that biologist Robert Haynes of York University has dubbed ecopoiesis--would be the logical first step."

Christopher P. McKay, Scientific American, "Bringing Life to Mars", 1999.
Http://www.sciam.com/1999/0399space/0399mckay.html

"When a barren planet is in the process of being terraformed, there will come a point where the first life forms can be introduced into the natural environment. The implantation of this pioneering biosphere is often referred to as ecopoiesis. Initially, and perhaps well before plants and animals can be introduced, such a world is going to be suitable only for bacteria hardened to environmental extremes---the so called extremophiles. Here, we review some of the ecopoiesis candidates nominated by various authors. It's possible that one of the microscopic creatures described below could be the first terrestrial life form to truly colonize an alien world."

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~mfogg/pioneer.htm

"According to the scriptures, the oceans of the earth were storm tossed, and filled with dangerous creatures. But on Covenant, the oceans were calm, and the angels created nothing in the ecopoiesis that would harm their own mortal incarnations. The four continents and the four oceans were rendered equally hospitable…"

Oceanic, by Greg Egan, www.fictionwise.com, 1998

"The moors just east of Sabishii resembled what he had in mind, and he called up ecopoets who lived on those moors, and asked about species compatibility, growth rates, soil amendment and the like."

Blue Mars, by Kim Stanley Robinson, 1996

Useful Terms for Ecopoetists:

Ecesis ( i (as in trip)-see-sus) [New Latin, from Greek oikesis - inhabitation] - The establishment of a plant or animal in a new habitat.

Ecologist - One who studies the interrelationship of organisms and their environments.

Ecopoet - An aesthete in the introduction and selective elimination of species within a new or fractured ecology with the end goal of producing a self-sustaining dynamically balanced ecosystem that provides beauty and usefulness to humans.

Ecopoetist - One who assists in the creation of new ecologies.  The combination of Ecopoet and Ecologist.

Ecopoiesis - The term Ecopoiesis should have a broader use, encompassing more than just the current definition as the creation of new ecologies on other planets. New ecologies are being created continually here on earth. Consider for a moment our aquariums and terrariums. Into these, we rigorously control the introduction of new species, and watch as some species encounter a tragedy of conditions unfavorable to them, while others become tremendously successful and far too prolific. Species are constantly being combined that did not evolve together. On a broader scale we slice the land into parcels that become islands to many of the organisms that inhabit them. The strip malls and highways imprison them as securely as an ocean - setting them adrift to adapt or die. These intentional and accidental creations are a stirring together of alien and indigenous, of old behaviors mixed with new personalities. The creation of a new habitat island should also come under the heading of ecopoiesis.

Ecopoiescience - The scientific study of the breakdown (biological simplification via trophic cascades) of ecosystems and the processes involved in the re-diversification of species.

Ecopoietist - an alternate spelling of the more euphonious 'Ecopoetist'.
 

Why Ecopoetism Should Become a Career Choice

It is always bizarre, somewhat depressing, yet magical to watch the interwoven tapestry of life unravel when faced with invasion by alien species. Although it is natural for species to migrate into new territories because of climate shifts and other phenomena, human transportation technology has provided many free tickets to traveling plants and animals. These new arrivals die almost immediately due to inhospitable temperatures or formidable local predators. But what if the local ecology proves favorable and the new predators are no match to the ones back home? The invaders wreak havoc and all of the other 'native' species must scramble to adjust or face extinction.

Let's examine for a moment humans as an invading species. We arrived on the scene some five or more million years ago and now here we are - the dominating influence in world ecology. We alter our environment in extraordinary ways. The changes we make often have unforeseen consequences because we don't fully (some would say not even partially) comprehend nature. Still, we plow our way forward and adapt to the poisons we introduce. Through technology we extend the carrying capacity of the human race to the far edge of tolerance. From far above we must resemble fire ants, always building more and bigger mounds - searching for new ways to pack more ants in less space. How many ants does it take to make too many? What happens then? Life is vigorous and adaptable, but it also requires a balance of elements. All of the myriad species alive today want to survive. Diversity of species helps to assure the continuance of life in the face of ecological disaster. Which of the plants and animals we see around us today will survive the next hundred years? We must encourage biodiversity to insure our own survival.

Are humans competent enough to step in and stabilize newly isolated or altered parcels of wild? No. Far from it. It is clear, however, that we have caused the emergence of these island ecologies and it is our responsibility to assist in fostering diversity and stability within them. Happily, living organisms show great plasticity in the face of adversity. Despite our inadvertent bludgeoning and blundered interventions, life will continue to be successful. Our task is to become humble stewards to these wild remnants - to celebrate and collaborate with the non-human cohabitants of this existence.
 

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