Culture – Conservation Connection
Why would EALT be interested in expressing links between conservation and culture? Well, communities are, and have been the stewards of natural resources.
Many traditional cultures established reciprocal relationships between people and living systems, which came from intimate relationships with their natural setting, marked by deep love, spirituality, knowledge, and respect for their land. The unique biodiversity of landscapes often generated equally diverse and rich cultures.
While culture can be content (e.g., use of local language, clothing, objects) or expression (through tangible dynamic and creative elements linked to beliefs, values, feelings and emotions) or context (e.g. methods of conflict resolution, governance or gender roles) it can also be method – a medium to convey messages (e.g., through dance, music, art, photography, poetry, literature).
The relationship of culture and land frequently motivates responsible action, informed by traditional and scientific knowledge, and driven by a caring relationship. EALT wants to reveal culture as a medium to convey emotions, messages or links, related to conserving and sustaining our environment.
