Will all be well ...?

Aug 13

Word of the moment: “Kasiyanna” - an indigenous term meaning “all will be well”, an affirmation that balance will soon be achieved. To indigenous peoples, the global coronavirus pandemic is a reflection of an imbalance in the world; to resolve it is to restore balance.

The thoughtful gaze of this young Karen Padaung woman I photographed in Thailand resonates with me today, in reading about indigenous people's responses and coping mechanisms – grounded in traditional knowledge, customs and practices. Their resilience and determination is founded on fundamental principles of cultural identity and to ensure that their community survives.

If traditional resource use and management practices are respected and strengthened, we could live in greater balance with nature, and perhaps reduce the risk of these diseases developing.

Featured

In praise of the matriarch …

This year’s World Elephant Day celebrates the matriarch, the ‘elder stateswoman’ of the herd. They hold a pivotal role in elephant society, guiding their family groups to vital resources and shaping their responses to potential threats. A matriarch’s ability to make sound decisions, especially during stressful times, significantly enhances the group’s chances of survival.

Time will tell …

Older persons in Myanmar are caught in a terrible cycle of targeted violence and arbitrary detention. They are not incidental victims but are being deliberately singled out - be it for perceived political affiliations or simple their inherent vulnerabilities making them easy targets. Mobility issues, health conditions, and cultural ties make them unable or unwilling to flee - where would / could they go? - turning them into prime targets for military persecution ... or worse…

We are one

Indigenous Peoples represent around six per cent of the world's population, and their knowledge and traditions are believed to help solve many of today’s challenges in the areas of climate action and biodiversity. As keepers of knowledge that help safeguard some of the most biodiverse areas of our planet, and as guardians of the environment, their survival is our survival.

Will all be well ...?

Word of the moment: "Kasiyanna" - an indigenous term meaning "all will be well", an affirmation that balance will soon be achieved. To indigenous peoples, the global coronavirus pandemic is a reflection of an imbalance in the world; to resolve it is to restore balance.

Time for tea

I was lucky enough to visit tea plantations in Kenya some years ago and this was one of my favourite images from the trip - a local worker was gathering up handfuls of freshly picked teal leaves and she paused to allow to take this shot of her handing the 'green gold'.

Francesca Lanata https://www.rowdydigital.com