@amivitale1
Ami VitaleTomorrow is International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and we honor the communities who are protecting the planet’s last wild places. These powerful images from South Sorong, Southwest Papua, are part of the upcoming exhibition VITAL: Our Irreplaceable Earth, opening August 26 at the Muscarelle Museum honoring William & Mary's of the Environment. Through photography, VITAL highlights Earth's most vulnerable landscapes—places rich in irrecoverable carbon that if released into the atmosphere will accelerate climate change in ways we cannot undo. They tell one of many stories featured in the show, stories about irrecoverable carbon and the people fighting to protect it. This particular story comes from Indigenous communities in Southwest Papua, whose ancestral lands were nearly lost to palm oil companies. But the people refused to give up what was most sacred. They have faith that “The forest is our mother, the sea is our father.” With support from @konservasi and Conservation International, they began mapping their territory, asserting their land rights, and organizing their resistance. After years of effort, the government has acknowledged the existence and territories of Indigenous communities. But this recognition is only the first step. Full rights to forests and the management of customary lands have yet to be fully granted. Their journey is far from over, but hope continues to burn bright. Their path for victory doesn't benefit them alone, it serves as a global reminder of the power of community, cultural strength, and a deep connection to nature. When we listen to and support Indigenous voices, we take a step closer to a more just and sustainable future for everyone. #InternationalIndigenousDay #OurIrreplaceableEarth #ConservationInternational #KonservasiIndonesia #WestPapua #MuscarelleMuseum
On the profile · Aug 8, 2025