Azimuth World Foundation - Connecting the Dots

Azimuth World Foundation - Connecting the Dots

por Azimuth World Foundation

Sin lucro Noticias Sociedad y Cultura

Temporada 1

Connecting the Dots with ABY SÈNE-HARPER

In a rapidly changing world, the urgency to protect nature is undeniable. However, there is an uncomfortable truth we must confront. The climate change and biodiversity crisis, largely caused by the West's lifestyle and consumption patterns, disproportionately affects communities in Africa and all of the global South. And that's not all. In the West, we often envision conservation through romanticized images of pristine natural landscapes inhabited by charismatic megafauna, leading to generous financial support for conservation organizations. . These conservation organizations often displace communities by creating pristine nature wildlife reserves or parks, and thus conservation refugees expelled from their ancestral lands. Ironically, it is these very communities that have conserved the areas through their lifestyles and ancestral knowledge of the land and ecosystems. Conservation is an exceedingly intricate reality, deeply entangled with the history of colonialism and the global capitalist market. Its geopolitical implications and impact on Indigenous and local communities should not be underestimated. While the concept of protected areas appears deceptively simple and universal, it masks a complex and at times violent and corrupt reality. Stripping away the powerful myth-making machine surrounding conservation requires a candid and unflinching gaze into its inner workings. . Guiding us on this journey to explore the path of decolonizing conservation is Dr. Aby Sène-Harper, a distinguished faculty member in Parks and Conservation Area Management at Clemson University, South Carolina. Her groundbreaking research delves into the intersections of parks and protected areas governance, livelihoods, nature-based tourism, and the relationship between race and nature. With her extensive writings on the colonial structures of power and conservation, Dr. Aby Sène-Harper has shed light on essential issues that demand our attention and action. We are eager for our listeners to join us in exploring her extraordinary work, as it inspires all to embark on a transformative journey towards decolonizing conservation. . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with ANA ROSA DE LIMA of MELI BEES NETWORK

It's impossible to discuss the global climate and biodiversity crisis without talking about the Amazon. Deforestation, illegal mining and logging have reached alarming levels in recent years, pushing crucial ecosystems to the brink. The Amazon bears the visible scars of our collective impact on the planet: pollution, overconsumption, inequality, alienation. In Brazil, Indigenous communities continue to struggle for their right to inhabit and manage their land. Their lives are under constant threat, despite their globally recognized invaluable contribution to our environmental well-being. Colonization is far from over, and survival is on the line for many of these communities. It's a critical time to listen to people like Ana Rosa de Lima, the founder of Meli Bees Network, who works to protect Indigenous Peoples' rights and self-determination. Drawing from her Indigenous ancestry and driven by the ecological, cultural, and social tragedy unfolding in the Amazon, Ana Rosa and a generation of Amazonian leaders established Meli Bees. Their goal is to strengthen land protection and regeneration through Indigenous and local-led projects. Ana Rosa is committed to amplifying the voices of the communities she works with and creating networks of knowledge, solidarity, and allyship to tackle the enormous challenges we face. . WATCH a video version of this interview (English and Portuguese subtitles available) or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-ana-rosa-de-lima.html . Learn more about Meli Bees Network: https://www.meli-bees.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with CHRISTINE KANDIE

Earlier this year, Azimuth World Foundation, in collaboration with Jamii Asilia Centre and Global Wisdom Collective, co-hosted a side event at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. This event provided a platform for our partners to share the framework of "Revitalize the Roots," an intergenerational knowledge-sharing project they have developed for the Endorois community in Kenya. But the event also allowed us to hear from remarkable speakers who shared their experiences in passing down traditional Indigenous knowledge to the younger generations. Among these inspiring speakers was Christine Kandie, a member of the Endorois community and the Executive Director of the Endorois Indigenous Women Empowerment Network (EIWEN). Founded in 2016, EIWEN initially served as an advocacy platform for the rights of Endorois women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. Over the years, it has grown in its ambition to champion the rights of Indigenous communities all over Kenya and across Africa. The Endorois people have twice faced forced evictions from their ancestral lands. The first was prompted by the government to create a game reserve for tourism development, and the second was due to the devastating impacts of climate change. Christine's unique perspective as an Endorois woman and a person with a disability enables her to present the importance of intersectional approaches in securing the rights of Indigenous Peoples with much more clarity. EIWEN's distinctive approach encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, aiming to holistically improve the lives of those it serves. From empowering Indigenous women to assume leadership roles to documenting traditional knowledge and integrating it into resource management through the creation of the Endorois Biocultural Protocol, EIWEN has made significant strides. Ms. Kandie has taken her experiences and powerful message to international platforms, gaining visibility and garnering support for her community's struggles. She has also forged global alliances and is a shining example for countless communities facing similar challenges. We are truly honored that she has joined us on "Connecting the Dots." . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Spanish here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-christine-kandie.html . Keep up with EIWEN’s inspiring work: https://endoroisindigenouswomen.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDER LAW CENTER

According to Global Witness, three people are killed every week while trying to protect their land and their environment from extractive forces. Many are Indigenous Peoples, whose stewardship of their territories has been key to the maintenance of balanced, biodiverse ecosystems. Drilling, mining, logging, intensive agriculture, the threats are too many to count, as are the ways in which they affect these communities, whose relationship to the land is often their material, cultural and spiritual backbone. Indigenous rights are not only violated by these aggressors, but also by governments who fail to implement crucial articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, such as the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent. More than ever, Indigenous communities need legal assistance to protect environmental defenders from unjust criminalization, to identify and take legal action against invaders, to hold aggressors responsible and to guarantee that the laws that are supposed to protect Indigenous communities are enforced and implemented. That’s exactly the kind of of support that EDLC - Environmental Defender Law Center has been providing for over 20 years. EDLC finds private lawyers to work for free on the behalf of communities looking for legal assistance, but also provides resources and grants. The organization specializes in cases of international significance, where innovative legal strategies can be developed and later replicated to help other environmental defenders. During this year’s International Funders for Indigenous Peoples global conference we crossed paths with EDLC staff attorney Fernanda Venzon, who generously shared with us extremely valuable insights from EDLC’s vast, global experience defending environmenntal defenders. . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Spanish here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-the-environmental-defender-law-center.html . Learn more about Environmental Defender Law Center’s current and past cases, and overall mission here: https://edlc.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with SOFÍA CHAPAY MARCOS

An inspiring conversation with the Asháninka activist and filmmaker in training, who is bringing visibility to the struggles of Indigenous women and girls in her native community of Cushiviani (Satipo, Peru). . Throughout history, cinema has often perpetuated stereotypes and misrepresented Indigenous Peoples, their communities, aspirations, and wisdom. Today, storytelling still tends to prioritize narratives about Indigenous Peoples rather than amplifying Indigenous authors’ own voices. But initiatives such as the Indigenous Cinema program developed by Chirapaq (Centro de Culturas Indígenas de Perú) are working to bring Indigenous creators to the forefront. By providing equipment and building capacity in filming and editing skills among Indigenous youth in Peru, Chirapaq's workshops enable them to explore and shed light on the issues that matter most to them. The result is a collection of original and powerful short films that challenge conventions. Among these talented creators is Sofía Chapay Marcos, a young Asháninka activist who recently presented her community's short film, "Noñantarí," at the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples Global conference. Translated as "what I really live and feel" in Sofía's Native Asháninka, it’s a strikingly honest portrait of the profound violence experienced by the children in her community. The courage displayed by these young storytellers has sparked intergenerational reflection within the community, brought attention to the crisis of violence perpetrated by outsiders near Sofía's village, and resonated deeply with international Indigenous audiences. The issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls is a global crisis, and films like "Noñantarí" are instrumental in fostering global solidarity among Indigenous communities. We are immensely honored that Sofía accepted our invitation to be interviewed for "Connecting the Dots." Her inspiring work, profound wisdom, and unwavering love for her community make this interview a very special one for us. Sofía’s story is for her to tell. . WATCH a video version of this interview or READ an English transcript here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-sofia-chapay-marcos.html . Learn more about Chirapaq’s Indigenous Cinema program: http://chirapaq.org.pe/en/secciones/indigenous-cinema . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with NDN COLLECTIVE

Earlier this year, Azimuth attended the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples global conference in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This was such a special moment for us, as we got to connect with like-minded funders, meet Indigenous organizations and so many inspiring people working on the frontlines for their Indigenous communities from all over the world. We had been following NDN Collective’s work for a long time, developing a great admiration for their Land Back, Climate Justice and Racial Justice campaigns, just to name a few. And when we learned that NDN Collective would be at the IFIP Conference, and more specifically their grantmaking arm, NDN Foundation, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to have a conversation about Indigenous-led funds and the unique role they play in decolonizing philanthropy. Associate Director at NDN Collective's Foundation Tina Kuckkahn and Director of Grantmaking Nicole Yanes were incredibly generous to spend some time with us, and the passionate way in which they describe the work of NDN Foundation can only make us hopeful for a future where Indigneous communities are more empowered, their rights fully respected and their self-determination upholded. As both Tina and Nicole told us, NDN Collective is just starting, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. . WATCH the video version of this interview (English and Spanish subtitles available) or READ a transcript in English or Spanish here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights.html . Keep up with NDN Collective’s campaigns and learn about ways to directly support their extraordinary work: https://ndncollective.org . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with VICTORIA BUSCHMAN

They make up less than 5% of the global population, yet Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities support about 80% of the world's biodiversity. Still, again and again we hear about Human Rights violations, land dispossession and offences that limit these communities’ self-determination in the name of conservation. The vast Arctic region is home to many Indigenous communities, who in the face of numerous challenges, have been developing and implementing successful conservation strategies. Iñupiaq Wildlife and Conservation Biologist Victoria Buschman, our guest in this episode, is uniquely positioned to help us understand how these communities’ efforts can be valued and defended, and also how we can build bridges between conservation movements worldwide. As the first Inuk Doctor of Conservation Biology in the world, Victoria tirelessly works to promote the role Indigenous Peoples must play in every aspect of Arctic conservation strategies. This fascinating conversation was guided by Azimuth Advisory Committe member Thea Bechshøft, a Marine Biologist and researcher with Polar Bears International, who has done extensive field work in Greenland and Canada. . WATCH the video version of this interview or READ a transcript here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights.html . LEARN MORE ABOUT VICTORIA BUSHMAN’S WORK: https://www.victoriabuschman.com . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with GALINA ANGAROVA

At the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples' Global Conference in Mexico, we videoed a very inspiring conversation with Cultural Survival's Executive Director, Galina Angarova. A member of the Abzai Clan of the Ekhirit Nation of Buryat Peoples in Siberia, Galina has dedicated her life to Indigenous Rights, Climate and Land Rights activism. . In her role directing Cultural Survival, an Indigenous-led organization on the frontlines for 50 years, she oversees their Advocacy, Capacity Building, Communications and Grant Making efforts, which directly impact the lives of millions of Indigenous people worldwide. Cultural Survival has a vast scope. Examples include managing a global network of Indigenous radio stations, supporting Indigenous-led projects through their Keepers of the Earth Fund, or meeting with members of the European Parliament to work on the EU battery regulation and defend Indigenous territories against mining for transition minerals. . Galina also discusses one of the great achievements of the Conference in Merida—after the first meeting of Indigenous-led funds in 2018, this working group has now become the Global Alliance of Indigenous-led funds, encompassing 36 funds and growing—a hopeful development that points towards the future of philanthropy. . Learn more about Galina’s work at Cultural Survival: https://www.culturalsurvival.org . You can watch a video version of this episode, with English or Spanish subtitles, or read a transcript in both English and Spanish here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-with-galina-angarova.html . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with TARCILA RIVERA ZEA

Last month, Azimuth attended the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples’ Global Conference in Merida, Mexico. That’s where we had the wonderful opportunity of sitting down with Tarcila Rivera Zea, Quechua Chanka from Peru, who for over 40 years has been a leading Indigenous activist and recognized defender of the rights of Indigenous girls, women, youth and peoples. A founder of CHIRAPAQ - Centre for Indigenous Cultures of Peru, and of the Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas (ECMIA), the International Indigenous Women's Forum (FIMI-IIWF) and the Abya Yala Indigenous Forum (FIAY), Tarcila was also a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the International Civil Society Advisory Group of UN Women, and the International Commission on the Futures of Education of UNESCO. Just reading through this outstanding trajectory, it’s easy to understand how much Tarcila has to share about the vindication of ancestral cultures, the training of indigenous leaders and the fight against all forms of violence. But getting to hear directly from Tarcila in this new episode of “Connecting the Dots” was truly an honour. . Learn more about Tarcila’s work: - CHIRAPAQ - Centre for Indigenous Cultures of Peru: http://chirapaq.org.pe/en/ - Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas (ECMIA): http://www.ecmia.org - International Indigenous Women's Forum (FIMI-IIWF): https://fimi-iiwf.org . You can watch a video version of this episode, with Spanish subtitles, here: https://youtu.be/UvRQtZlmToc . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

Connecting the Dots with KILIII YUYAN

One of our current grantees is the Fundación Sobrevivencia Cofán, an Indigenous-led organization working to protect the Cofán-Bermejo Ecological Reserve. Shortly after awarding our grant, we asked the FSC to share some pictures of the Cofán-Bermejo Reserve. We were very happily surprised to learn that the stunning images they sent us were taken by photographer Kiliii Yuyan, whose work we've been following over the past few years. We're obviously not alone in this respect to Kiliii’s work. As an award-winning contributor to National Geographic Magazine and other major publications, his stunning images have become powerful conveyors of the stories of human communities connected to the land. Kiliii’s work offers an exploration of the human relationship with the natural world from different cultural perspectives. But this approach and Kiliii’s biography are inextricably connected. Raised by refugee parents in the US, informed by ancestry that is both Nanai/Hèzhé (East Asian Indigenous) and Chinese-American, photography was, as he puts it, “one of the ways that would bring me home”. . EXPLORE KILIII'S WORK AT HIS OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://kiliii.com/ . LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GRANT TO THE FUNDACIÓN SOBREVIVENCIA COFÁN: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/grants/entry/projects/control-management-and-protection-of-the-cofan-bermejoecological-reserve.html . AND IF YOU WISH TO DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE COFÁN, VISIT THE FSC's OFFICAL WEBSITE: https://www.cofan.org/ . You can find the video versions for out "Connecting the Dots" episodes here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights . AZIMUTH WORLD FOUNDATION - JOIN THE CONVERSATION: - WEBSITE: https://www.azimuthworldfoundation.org - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/azimuthworldfoundation - THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@azimuthworldfoundation - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/azimuthworldfoundation - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azimuth-world-foundation/

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