Southbank Centre’s Post

#IndigenousPeoplesDay is today. I felt moved to share some knowledge and perspective despite the potential for it to be seen as performative allyship. In 1992, the city of Berkley, CA, eliminated Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. California has officially celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 2019. 17 states still observe the second Monday in October as an official public holiday called Columbus Day. It's important to denounce Columbus' violent history and recognize Indigenous communities today. I am taking steps to learn about Indigenous resistance and liberation movements, including the Pueblo Revolts of 1680. These resistance movements have always existed and will continue until colonization is dismantled. Indigenous people protect the environment by acting as stewards of the land, utilizing traditional knowledge to manage natural resources sustainably and safeguard biodiversity. There’s a big connection to those who preserve our original ways of living in the world and a deep connection to #climateresiliency. I believe in land restoration, regenerative agriculture practices, #degrowth, #decolonization, and climate justice. So, for today, I encourage you to check out: 🌿 “Tending the Wild,” a book a short film that shines a light on the environmental knowledge of Indigenous peoples across California by exploring how they have actively shaped and tended the land for millennia, developing a deep understanding of plant and animal life. 🕊 The Peace and Dignity Journeys, an Indigenous and First Nation ceremonial run that invites the participation of Native and non-Native individuals committed to preserving Native American culture and uniting the Indigenous people of Turtle Island (North, Central, and South America). 🌎 “The Land Back Movement”, a decentralized campaign to reclaim ancestral lands and restore Indigenous sovereignty. If you have any resources to share, let me know. I'll be adding links in the comments.

Earlier this year, Ocean & Coastal Futures (OCF) invited Yvette Curtis to speak at the 2024 Coastal Futures conference "An inclusive future for our seas". Yvette's talk was titled "The Importance of Ensuring all Voices Stand Together for the Future of our Ocean"👇we invite you to watch her talk. Inequality of access to blue spaces, the brand imagery of #marine science, the ‘leaky pipeline’ in universities and the lack of belonging experienced within the marine and coastal sector workplace are issues OCF want to tackle🌊. "Ethnic Diversity in the UK Marine and Coastal Sector - Accelerating Change" is a new report from OCF and Pelagos highlighting the pressing need to diversify the marine and coastal practitioner community. Read here: https://lnkd.in/ee7EuM2w 📑 🎥Watch Yvette's full presentation here: https://lnkd.in/eBBXEqSV #marineScience #Diversity #edi #science #stem #inclusivity #ocean #equality #openaccess

Leaving a wonderful APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Workshop in Taipei focusing on inclusivity in the green skills training, I now travel to Oaxaca Mexico to speak at Latimpacto as we discuss how a blended capital finance structure can benefit Latin America and the Caribbean in the green economy and workforce. When we created GreenTech Noir - we thought of ALL people of African descent globally, and I am often reminded that the state of Oaxaca has the 2nd highest population of AfroMexicanos. This article is one of many that shows the impact of climate change on the villages of Costa Chica en Oaxaca.

Mending bonds with native species of present-day North America cannot be understated. If we do not make an effort to (re)connect with species our peoples have had deep relationships with for thousands of years, vital traditional knowledges and ways of being, will be lost. Ecosystems will degrade, local (and large-scale) extinctions will be commonplace—the Indigenous community feeling some of the greatest effects of our ever-changing landscapes and climate. The driving forces of my work are the land and Indigenous community. Our people cannot be separated from the land, as our cultures are deeply rooted in the soils of North America. I will do everything in my power to help Indigenous Peoples reclaim and revitalize their knowledges. It is our right, responsibility, and duty to do so. For our human and non-human relatives of past, present, and future generations. For Mother Earth.

In a world where development often prioritizes profit over preservation, the value of land goes far beyond its monetary worth. It represents heritage, ecosystems, and the very essence of our existence. Let's cherish and protect our land for future generations. 🌱🌎 #LandConservation #EnvironmentalProtection #HeritagePreservation #NatureIsPriceless #ProtectOurPlanet #SustainableDevelopment#ValueBeyondMoney #FutureGenerations

🌿 Bay Leaf: Boosting Economic Growth in Tobago 🌿 Discover how Tobago's green spaces and the bay leaf industry are driving economic growth and sustainability. Dive into our latest story to learn about the innovative ways this natural resource is benefiting the local community. | Kandace Jackson

Preserving our cultural legacies has never been more critical as we step into the future. From climate threats to urban sprawl, our heritage sites face numerous challenges but also hold incredible opportunities for revitalisation. Dive into our blog to explore the obstacles and innovations shaping the world of heritage conservation today. Let’s talk about how we can all be a part of preserving the past for future generations. >> https://zurl.co/XLtA

In these challenging times, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of consciousness and valuing each tradition. Our established customs and institutions provide stability and continuity in society, representing the accumulated wisdom of past generations. Advocating for a limited role of government, especially in economic matters, aligns with the principles of free markets and individual responsibility. The rule of law is the bedrock of all life forms, ensuring that laws are applied equally and fairly to all, maintaining order and justice. National pride and identity are essential, and policies that protect sovereignty and cultural heritage are vital. Many hold traditional moral values influenced by religious or cultural beliefs and support policies that uphold these values. A blend of conservative and libertarian principles offers a balanced perspective, advocating for minimal state intervention, individual liberties, and free-market capitalism. While the end of the Cold War marked a significant historical moment, perhaps we should revisit the fundamental principles of conservatism—nationalism, isolationism, and traditional social values. There's a need to critique modern conservative movements for being too interventionist or progressive. As someone who has awakened to the reality of global warming, I advocate for the conservation of natural resources and the environment. It's essential to promote market-based solutions to environmental issues, emphasizing responsible stewardship. Let’s honor our traditions, uphold the rule of law, and strive for a balanced approach to governance and environmental conservation.

🌿🏛️🌍 Delighted to complete the "Living Heritage and Sustainable Development" course by UNESCO and SDG Academy! Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) encompasses the traditions, practices, and knowledge passed through generations. This course illustrated ICH's possible role in #DisasterRiskReduction, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution. We explored how traditional practices help communities adapt to climate change and manage disasters. Additionally, the course emphasized how ICH can support peacebuilding by fostering reconciliation and social cohesion in #conflict zones. For instance, ICH practices may offer psychological support, preserve cultural identity amidst displacement, and aid in the recovery and rebuilding of communities affected by conflict. Integrating these practices into disaster risk strategies and #peacebuilding efforts can enhance resilience and promote long-term stability. #LivingHeritage #Resilience #CulturalHeritage #SustainableDevelopment

Exploring the impact of Costa Rica’s pioneering efforts to prioritise environment over economic growth for its people. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse nations on Earth. Its entire west coast is lined by the Pacific Ocean. The whole east coast borders the Atlantic. While this contributes to its stunning beauty, it also leaves Costa Rica particularly susceptible to the impact of climate change. With South America deemed to be the “second most vulnerable” part of the world, Costa Rica has been forced to confront the challenges this encompasses in a unique way. This is particularly evident in their unique approach to all that pertains to energy and its consumption as well as the preservation of its environment. The film, Nothing Grows Forever, looks at how Costa Rica has become a pioneer in the fight against climate change and how urban planning can be harnessed to benefit both humans and wildlife. In a world obsessed with economic growth, this film highlights how this small South American country is achieving high levels of wellbeing that have very little to do with money.