How arts & culture work for our planet
Art triggers emotions Art gives a human voice to societal or environmental ‘complications’ (yes, avoiding the ‘p’ word here on purpose). Art can bring attention to certain aspects of specific magnitude like injustice, exploitation… or wonder. Art triggers an emotional response. We all know that the response differs significantly and is unpredictable. Art can bring forth cognitive activation, too. You linger on the...
Culture’s transformative power Have you ever wondered what role culture plays in the ecological sustainability debate? In it, culture – in a broader sense as in a way of life – has come a long way. Finally, in 2019 the United Nations (UN) report highlighted it to be a fundamental component for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The...
From New Zealand New Zealand is the first country that has granted personhood rights to natural entities and landmarks; landmarks that are of divine and spiritual importance to the Māori, the native population of Aotearoa – New Zealand. In the worldview of the Māori, these landmarks are perceived as ancestors as we humans together with all animals and plants...
On the 5th of June 2020 we celebrated the United Nations‘ World Environment Day 2020 hosted by Colombia with this year’s theme “Time for Nature” and focus on biodiversity. As this year coincides with the 250th anniversary of the birth of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), known for nature to be his biggest love, a project has...
Have you ever wondered why landmarks under Indigenous stewardship are so much more efficient with rich flora and fauna? Here’s an idea. Indigenous, place-based communities have developed an environmental learning that was passed onto them by their ancestors. These ancestors had developed a sustainable way of tilling their fields, harvesting and settling in sustainable relationships with the new environment....
Three months ago, I spent a couple of days at the university and indulged in the simple pleasures of physically being inside a library and reading physical books, something you do miss when you study online and spend all your days over a computer. In these days I read a publication about the Māori culture which examined the influence of our...
