https://www.brentstirton.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158492358-087VF06UUHHAVN3M7H3B/BrentHeadshotsForWebsite.jpg Contact https://www.brentstirton.com/projects daily 0.75 2025-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878039-NEN5A24TFWD0UH65JHA0/AmboTuskers_018.jpg Projects Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805138-PYDJEHW3S4F3721P3832/LGBT_001.jpg Projects LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727557-OXS1WH6PJKRAPKEGVOEH/BadenShow_001.jpg Projects Post-Pandemic ME/CFS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745323-ZNUCZWIQVP15P688K05Q/AsianElies_001.jpg Projects Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805353-M7L84HLB5GKDY214NYG4/Coloured_060+copy.jpg Projects Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727509-DEDWQOFJBSB1ASZKCWJ3/Virungaweb_001.jpg Projects Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727645-QSU9Y3S83GRH6YXFTQO2/phtjn_001.jpg Projects Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727744-OQK5919W8JLCN9TAPB6V/Hunters_001.jpg Projects Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825863-MLGTQE6QKOC6XPBY14PJ/livingwithlions_0001.jpg Projects Living with Lions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820988-0GQLB9P2G4AOS0CTKTOX/Ndakasi_002.jpg Projects Ndakasi's second life and death https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873120-MWD8PCUTD3GXXOJGVP4Y/Pantanal_010.jpg Projects The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727676-G0PYPXPQ8FBU7VZURQYM/Lwiro_001.jpg Projects Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776008-KNR8FDDEP2DY1CW47G0S/CapitolRiots_001.jpg Projects Capitol Riots, Washington DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833119-N0UC1CP6QJE70N851OYJ/Pangolins_001.jpg Projects Pangolins in Crisis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727613-1QAUQP2YP52VKN53SPHA/AfricaParks_001.jpg Projects African Parks Network 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733727-9S84JIEATISK0VUOMV4P/FalconsLrg_001.jpg Projects Falcons Today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727527-XVFUH6AUKOJY13DBJ7DV/farms_001.jpg Projects Farm Murders South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727619-KNC7888UFB95J9NBP7R5/Navajocovid_001.jpg Projects Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798015-N28PVNO89YNLE4YAGV5Z/ADFweb_001.jpg Projects ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761166-THB55J069YMTATKKJPJ1/Musangwe_001.jpg Projects Musangwe Fight Club https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891625-FVN8WB5BBWBT377T85UX/AkashingaWeb_001.jpg Projects Akashinga - The Brave Ones https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780877-NSKYO5ZDXZEKIPI7W3ZO/Omo_001.jpg Projects Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727732-HSRGNMDM95AQ0NJO5O6O/Rhino_005.jpg Projects Rhino Wars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788126-GX15QAD65GU1AH4HMXYG/Rhino2_001.jpg Projects Rhino Wars II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727589-HFXLPLDE2BK5RTN09MYX/IvoryWars_001.jpg Projects Ivory and Terrorism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727490-3TNXKD1OOAD8W38PPZ22/JapanIvory_001.jpg Projects Japan's Ivory Industry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727625-6TIX602JO7ETHOIKESQM/Godsivory_001.jpg Projects God's Ivory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755484-2IZAAY1IZOMD2QSUDVTO/Timbuktu23_001.jpg Projects Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765046-HAX4OHW31GJHM4Z41GF7/Tuaregrebels_001.jpg Projects Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727775-6ILXEFBMADCO2MNSPUZ9/Tuareg_001.jpg Projects The Tuareg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727459-0Q2KPLSLD2VEWIV5FX17/Blind_001.jpg Projects State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519352-2G00USG98FHQZ6CT3N9G/Xhosa_001.jpg Projects Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727576-MR2LZDEEXR2W8FJFPPKJ/UkraineAids_01.jpg Projects AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727763-E3S4IGEELDSUD3RGJ4YC/riverblind_01.jpg Projects River Blindness - DR Congo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727769-K47039YLZYPYN91DZOJY/FB_001.jpg Projects Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727725-PTV7I0YGXBO1BN4J99C7/mandela_040.jpg Projects Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727446-N5BNU1ZEE4HUU65M7OYP/MaleBreastC_009.jpg Projects Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727539-AGPBJH0JALHCSHKXGGAF/Orania_001.jpg Projects Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727533-YV3PTDQOI6SEGHSK6RA0/NavajoEDITOrial+_001.jpg Projects Glimpses of the Navajo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727665-SKT7JRK956PHVCC7E2CN/Blindportraits_012.jpg Projects Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769117-6AZ55S25FPN2KMENFAJN/Water_001.jpg Projects Water Issues - work in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727582-BTL4ED39HX217JGUO71B/burnsindia_055.jpg Projects India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270631-IELHUF3IZUKCTZ7MRJ77/MogadishuDev_001.jpg Projects Mogadishu Develops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883834-GKDU4PTME2TD0EPPZFF8/BlindAlbinism_01.jpg Projects Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158727607-B3UM9DNWNRHZENBV0CNJ/Disenfranchised_014.jpg Projects Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661157-8WAEB2ZPXX8EHHNDGBPB/NTD_002.jpg Projects Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024896876-IP4DBF3NFE7D69T83NKE/AmazonDefenders_001.jpg Projects Brazil's Amazon Defenders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025130857-2N45GLYBOROQTQ7MALGZ/SportRehab_001.jpg Projects Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025921237-N98ZQLLC2B82EWU690L9/49-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Projects Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840003-SDYCOUYSD12T8EU4QUFI/AfghanNarco_001.jpg Projects Narcowars, Afghanistan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301911-R36GOCO3J78WNPLBEB25/Pastoralists_004.jpg Projects Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250571-IRIPPVUKASVFG7OMU6EC/samurai_001.jpg Projects Legacy of the Samurai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555390-LV1K8Q9T6QXNSQN35NRF/FoodSecurity2_001.jpg Projects Food Security Asia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175290-23BBXSB2OJRADA8ZTO9M/PNG_001.jpg Projects Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751140257414-D671GVT3XDU86XPCIIP7/AidsIssues002.jpg Projects HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031260648-BGXEOKM3PLNYUAL9UE22/MalapaFinds_001.jpg Projects The Sediba Discovery, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031942936-ZQT4FKRI59C5Y6ARCHB0/SL_Liberia_001.jpg Projects Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032919972-ABUOQJMOH66XXIQR4DDF/Tibet_005.jpg Projects Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://www.brentstirton.com/video2 daily 0.75 2025-06-18 https://www.brentstirton.com/african-parks-network-2019 daily 0.75 2025-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485049-6RUSJDY0QUAU78IXT7SF/AfricaParks_001.jpg African Parks Network 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485254-H19KS2093UJK139CLVR5/AfricaParks_005.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 18TH 2019: A Garamba conservation ranger stands outside an ivory seizure room with tusks visible on the wall next to him. these tusks are consfiscated from clashes between the parks ranger force and poachers that range from armed locals to heavily armed militias like the Lords Resistance Army and militarized Sudanese poachers. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES F https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751199106945-YT97H3SML9V5KOQFWVWW/AfricaParks_012.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Head of Law Enforcement for Garamba National Park, Major Pascal Adrio Anguezi. Leadership is always a key issue for these rangers and there will be new officer training in the park shortly. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485021-PW8SU3OGHK8A7WQ2XW1O/AfricaParks_002.jpg African Parks Network 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484948-VD507I93DBTTYV30YSWD/AfricaParks_006.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 18TH 2019: ICCN conservation ranger Dog handlers receiving training on tracking and detection from Invictus K9 group. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485178-VP8DY2WV9YAKWB3CKGK3/AfricaParks_003.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Young Congolese conservation ranger Izako Vungunyesi is casevacked by helicopter after an incident with poachers inside the park. He was shot through the wrist and the AK 47 round also grazed his bicep. Two suspected south Sudanese elephants poachers were killed by his ranger group but not before they threw a grenade at the rangers, 4 poachers fled the scene and are being pursued by the Garamba authorities. Garamba has a very sophisticated GIS intelligence system which allows for some predictability in poacher movement. Two years previously 9 elephant were killed in this location. Today the rangers prevented a larger herd of 30-40 elephants from fired upon by these poachers, which would have led to a certain massacre. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. T https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485241-5XS42U7E8CWWJ69I18ZM/AfricaParks_007.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 18TH 2019: Deputy Chief of Wildlife Police John Dieu Atafo Aloma is seen inside the confiscations room doing inventory on recent seizures. He is holding a Okapi skin, two of which are visble in this image. This is a severely endangered animal of which only a handful remain. These skins were seized frm traffickers that Garamba’s intelliegence units tracked and captured. There is also a fresh lion skin and two leopard skins. All of these seized products will be sampled and DNA and SNP data will be used to add to the body of knowledge on Garamba’s animal population. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the p https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485198-A1TAOZG7XQZ8ZUGX726C/AfricaParks_004.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 18TH 2019: ICCN conservation ranger Dog handlers receiving training on tracking and detection from Invictus K9 group. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484943-OXL7EIHR7DB0ILWN9QBF/AfricaParks_011.jpg African Parks Network 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484960-JEEDT495YFP3QK395EH0/AfricaParks_008.jpg African Parks Network 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484913-EI80KR7CJ6YHIQH3GCJZ/AfricaParks_009.jpg African Parks Network 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485235-1XDB3BNMXZ36CTEFO1BC/AfricaParks_010.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Easter church services for the familes of Rangers and Staff inside Garamba National Park. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484997-CZDW5AK2CJ4AOQ2XEY81/AfricaParks_013.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 24 2019: Magunda hill is one of the tallest areas inside Garamba and African Parks have built an observation post at this strategic site. Rangers are rotated in and out of this site on a weekly basis, on the lookout for people and militia groups entering the park to hunt its animals. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485224-6MPHF063BJBYDENNJOAM/AfricaParks_014.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Illegal gold mining operations in the Sambia region on the border regions of Garamba National Park. The Park runs a Artisinal mining program, communicating directly with the 20, 000 informal miners, this is run by African Parks Pauline Voga. This is a sensitive issue and the Park desires to confine the mining to where it is and not have it spread further into the park. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485038-UIEPASKZZTBW93X47BRW/AfricaParks_015.jpg African Parks Network 2019 GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Illegal gold mining operations in the Sambia region on the border regions of Garamba National Park. The Park runs a Artisinal mining program, communicating directly with the 20, 000 informal miners, this is run by African Parks Pauline Voga. This is a sensitive issue and the Park desires to confine the mining to where it is and not have it spread further into the park. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484900-THLIY9W1V92805S16R7U/AfricaParks_016.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Newly qualifed Mamba teams conservation rangers and small teams rangers are seen marching at their graduation ceremony in Zakouma National Park. The Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help protect the park for five years. Elephant protection efforts expande https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485159-1A5DHDFNPDNALT85K5LZ/AfricaParks_017.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Members of Mamba Team One travel through the bushy on top of their vehicle in ready position as a security precaution against heavily armed poachers. A number of rangers have died in deadly clashes and military style defenisve techniques are part of their training. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484882-GSYBETLPUMDARA7Y2BYL/AfricaParks_018.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Trainees and seasoned rangers from newly developed small teams and established Mamba units practise fire and movement in a live fire excercise at Zakouma National Park.. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help protect the park for five year https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485107-PD39T90UCZHB8Y2FL84M/AfricaParks_019.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Chief of group, Muhammad Ali Abakar, 32, of Mamba Team One, performs his prayers and writes his daily report at the end of the day while on a long patrol through Zakouma National Park. They are in a constant ready position as a security precaution against heavily armed poachers with at least one member of the 6 man team on lookout at all times. A number of rangers have died in deadly clashes and military style defenisve techniques are part of their training. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484870-D3IKMJUZJ50TZIWNAXJW/AfricaParks_020.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: The bones and skulls of three endangered Kordofan Giraffe seen at a researcher’s home inside Zakouma National Park. This parks holds more then half of the global population of Kordofan giraffe. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484972-2WFX6608DEVEVT7IFRKB/AfricaParks_021.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Endangered Kordofan Giraffe seen around an open plain and small water hole inside Zakouma National Park. This parks holds more then half of the global population of endangered Kordofan giraffe. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help protec https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485166-3PLMFNIAMANQXZQFTYV3/AfricaParks_022.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Endangered Kordofan Giraffe seen around an open plain and small water hole inside Zakouma National Park. This parks holds more then half of the global population of endangered Kordofan giraffe. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help protec https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485093-W8ZUUDEE5A3CUNQQ8SSU/AfricaParks_023.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: One of a number of schools supported by African Parks around Zakouma NP. African Parks helps to subsidize the school and also offers environmental education. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help protect the park for five years. Elephant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484832-V8NSTIJAFMWPT7UTUT9H/AfricaParks_024.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: A community clinic on the outskirts of Zakouma National Park. African Parks conservation NGO supports this clinic and others in the area and helps to pay the salary of the midwife and the physician’s assistant who run the clinic. They are seen innoculating children and taking care of a child with a respatory illness. This relationship between the clinic, community and African Parks helps to produce mutual understanding and respect, it also cuts down poaching inside the park. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air supp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485004-LY93QQSV3243TIA1QEUO/AfricaParks_025.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: A community clinic on the outskirts of Zakouma National Park. African Parks conservation NGO supports this clinic and others in the area and helps to pay the salary of the midwife and the physician’s assistant who run the clinic. They are seen innoculating children and taking care of a child with a respatory illness. This relationship between the clinic, community and African Parks helps to produce mutual understanding and respect, it also cuts down poaching inside the park. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air supp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485056-YEM61P4O60ARHUN2NXZM/AfricaParks_026.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Two remaining black rhino females are what remain of 6 originally brought into Chad from South Africa for release into the wild of Zakouma National Park. The other 4 died of different complications: Pneumonia, Hypothermia, Twisted gut and West Nile disease. The last domestic black rhino were killed in the nineteen seventies. Africa Parks is attempting to reintroduce these fragile animals into Zakouma. Rwandan expert Kenny Babilon lives with these two while a strategy is devised for their future. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484978-74HS992RWREGMQZR7S8L/AfricaParks_027.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help protect the park for five years. Elephant protection efforts expanded outside the park's boundaries in 2012, and an airstrip was constructed in Heban to make monitoring of the migrating animals easier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485260-DBW0D846VO0TJHKN1WEO/AfricaParks_028.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help protect the park for five years. Elephant protection efforts expanded outside the park's boundaries in 2012, and an airstrip was constructed in Heban to make monitoring of the migrating animals easier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484826-EYFOJTJXD12TDVU771J1/AfricaParks_029.jpg African Parks Network 2019 SANJOU VILLAGE, BOUNDARY OF PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: The villagers of Sanjou engage in a fishing festival that occurs every 3 years. All the villagers wade through this lake with nets and baskets for a few days catching as many fish as possible. Fishing camps are banned within the National Park as they often become poaching camps. Fishing within Pendjari has been banned for two years and the park attempts to emply locals for all work as a means of compensating. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485032-WFBORZ0KCIJL9P0TCQWO/AfricaParks_030.jpg African Parks Network 2019 SANJOU VILLAGE, BOUNDARY OF PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: The villagers of Sanjou engage in a fishing festival that occurs every 3 years. All the villagers wade through this lake with nets and baskets for a few days catching as many fish as possible. Fishing camps are banned within the National Park as they often become poaching camps. Fishing within Pendjari has been banned for two years and the park attempts to emply locals for all work as a means of compensating. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485069-VBUUREZXYP7XPYL92TBW/AfricaParks_031.jpg African Parks Network 2019 SANJOU VILLAGE, BOUNDARY OF PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: The villagers of Sanjou engage in a fishing festival that occurs every 3 years. All the villagers wade through this lake with nets and baskets for a few days catching as many fish as possible. Fishing camps are banned within the National Park as they often become poaching camps. Fishing within Pendjari has been banned for two years and the park attempts to emply locals for all work as a means of compensating. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485082-AIFY02FUGWXKKFMO069U/AfricaParks_032.jpg African Parks Network 2019 SANJOU VILLAGE, BOUNDARY OF PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: The villagers of Sanjou engage in a fishing festival that occurs every 3 years. All the villagers wade through this lake with nets and baskets for a few days catching as many fish as possible. Fishing camps are banned within the National Park as they often become poaching camps. Fishing within Pendjari has been banned for two years and the park attempts to emply locals for all work as a means of compensating. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484985-04YKSX2W1OYMBHC400F3/AfricaParks_033.jpg African Parks Network 2019 PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: A skittish collared lioness peers from cover at the sound of a monitoring team. A young male lion was close to her and it is hoped they will mate soon. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484888-XPT9A98LK1AQ2HI0KLWG/AfricaParks_034.jpg African Parks Network 2019 PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: A young West African lion seen inside Pendjari National Park, Benin. There are only about 120 of these lions left in the world and this park now forms a vital safe haven for them after years of lawlessness and poaching. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485266-LMTQICT69QKAC5A88QE1/AfricaParks_035.jpg African Parks Network 2019 PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: African Parks lion specialist Aurlus, is employed from the local area. He has a masters in conservation science and has been monitoring West African Lions inside Pendjari for the last 6 months. He is part of a AP staff that has been deliberately recruited from local areas as a means of strengthening communinty relations. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484906-8I50VK51892FCR3TFTYV/AfricaParks_036.jpg African Parks Network 2019 PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: Benoit Kpagali, 39, is a former poacher now employed by African Parks as part of eco-monitoring inside the park. Benoit says that he killed two lions in the park before and was often poaching to feed his family. He says his father did the same thing. Benoit adds that now that he is employed his situation is far better and he no longer poaches. He says his attitude towards animals has changed and he is hopeful that the park will bring revenue to the area. Employment of locals from the villages around the park is part of the anti-poac hing strategy for the park under the AP mandate. As much work and employment as possible is given to these local villages as a means of relationship building. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485087-972Q6TX6I3CQUOCEURVA/AfricaParks_037.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Two elephant cows with calves are seen inside the park, Majete was the recent recipient of over 500 elephants, one of the largest translocations in history. the population there has become so successful that elephants have now been moved from there to other regional parks. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485043-ITINV332F63RR7RVUG7B/AfricaParks_038.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Elephants seen drinking and socializing inside the park, Majete was the recent recipient of over 500 elephants, one of the largest translocations in history. the population there has become so successful that elephants have now been moved from there to other regional parks. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484991-M9SISJ4UEY4I9E2BQ3IJ/AfricaParks_039.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Schoolkids from the local Mthumba school are taken on a game driver within the park as part of an African Parks initiative that exposes them to wildlife and conservation values. This is a part of a long term community relations program that AP has established in the area. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485218-SCNCCDOZD6CN38EJML9I/AfricaParks_040.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Dancers from Tsekera village practise the Gule Wamkulu dance, an old tradition that is sent to invoke the spirit of ancestors who will come to assist the villagers with rain, conflict etc. The locals believe that ancestors manifest in birds and animals found in the park. Nowadays the village performs this dance for tourist groups who come to visit Majete. The revenue generated goes to communities who then see the benefit of support conservation efforts for the park. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485113-XO0FYWKNZBLRHDWE2QV6/AfricaParks_041.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Pisan Hamton, 49, collects bricks and other surviving materials from his devastated home. Cyclone Idai destroyed all he had and Pisan has been relocated to an area farther from the river and flooding risk. African Parks helped him and other villagers to escape flood and gave them shleter, food and clean water. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484856-YCAHE2BTUUENMAXJ49L8/AfricaParks_042.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Members of the “Honey with Heart” community project that African Parks initiated with a community in Njolomola Village on the outskirts of the park that had a small bee-keeping initative. The program is largely female bee-keepers and their honey productiuon is about to be part of an initiative that ships honey to South African and China. African Parks provided training and equipment and the members take the business very seriously in an area where unemployment beyond agriculture is the norm. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485062-ZBEKEYNKAKMYTCCENYI8/AfricaParks_043.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Members of the “Honey with Heart” community project that African Parks initiated with a community in Njolomola Village on the outskirts of the park that had a small bee-keeping initative. The program is largely female bee-keepers and their honey productiuon is about to be part of an initiative that ships honey to South African and China. African Parks provided training and equipment and the members take the business very seriously in an area where unemployment beyond agriculture is the norm. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485125-08BZ5SZ9PRQ2433JBDZ2/AfricaParks_044.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Giraffes seen close to the airport runway inside Majete National Park. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484863-YHB9MH22X5MPLY3KRSST/AfricaParks_045.jpg African Parks Network 2019 MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Watson Amos, 52, has been making a living with Charcoal production for 3 years now. He would like a different job but he has no alternatives. He is a former employee of African Parks inside Majete but was laid off when construction work ceased inside the park. This is an area of minimal employment opportunity and Watson feels he has no choice but to make Charcoal. He is one of 15 men from his village who does this, he makes 4 bags every 4 days and makes around 4 dollars a bag. He and his wife have 6 kids and they survive on this income along with what they can plant. Watson says that all the charcoal producers know that their wood supply is limited and dwindling. Hardwood makes the best charcoal and the best source for this is inside the National Park. This is likely to present a threat to Majete in the coming years. Charcoal is the majority fuel source for many Africans and it remains a threat for all conservations spaces across the continent. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485193-58MCZPM0GEL0DOY4OHOL/AfricaParks_046.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. African Parks Chief intelligence officer Ali Fodia watches local people drive their camels to water in the Guelta d’Archei, one of the few water bearing canyons in the region where camels and livestock come to drink. Water is scarce in this desert region and AP has a difficult job convincing nomads to be careful with the water in the few Guelta’s that have the resource. The Guelta d’Archei is a famous location where for hundreds of years nomads have brought their camels and livestock to water. It also features some of the very last of Chad’s West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485211-FGZJX53QYLS0Y219LMH7/AfricaParks_047.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: African Parks drivers walk around the surreal landscape of the Bichajara Massiff in Ennedi, North East Chad. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485015-LV7MM17K0EX2T8R7EAT9/AfricaParks_048.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: African Parks Special Projects manager Dr Elsa Bussiere, Crocodile researcher Chiara Fraticelli and croc wrangler Dr Byron Du Preez, work to capture and sex the remaing three West African Crocodylus Suchus in the Guelta Archei in Ennedi. These are extemely endangered crocs from relic populations that have survived climate change. Finding a way for these crocs to survive amidts the competition for water with humans is the priority for AP. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484851-RZKNO0LHI7ATRECSH219/AfricaParks_049.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: African Parks Special Projects manager Dr Elsa Bussiere, Crocodile researcher Chiara Fraticelli and croc wrangler Dr Byron Du Preez, work to capture and sex the remaing three West African Crocodylus Suchus in the Guelta Archei in Ennedi. These are extemely endangered crocs from relic populations that have survived climate change. Finding a way for these crocs to survive amidts the competition for water with humans is the priority for AP. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485146-2PJ74XYFPPBEKSPBXD3O/AfricaParks_050.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: African Parks Special Projects manager Dr Elsa Bussiere, Crocodile researcher Chiara Fraticelli and croc wrangler Dr Byron Du Preez, work to capture and sex the remaing three West African Crocodylus Suchus in the Guelta Archei in Ennedi. These are extemely endangered crocs from relic populations that have survived climate change. Finding a way for these crocs to survive amidts the competition for water with humans is the priority for AP. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484839-Y4C9Y2QXZSOA1KC12U3B/AfricaParks_051.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: African Parks Special Projects manager Dr Elsa Bussiere, Crocodile researcher Chiara Fraticelli and croc wrangler Dr Byron Du Preez, work to capture and sex the remaing three West African Crocodylus Suchus in the Guelta Archei in Ennedi. These are extemely endangered crocs from relic populations that have survived climate change. Finding a way for these crocs to survive amidts the competition for water with humans is the priority for AP. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485138-KDHOZ453K0VMWODSQUAN/AfricaParks_052.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. African Parks Ali Fodia, AP’s Chief intelligence officer for the region, and AP’s Special projects manager, Elsa Bussiere, talk with local nomads over their water use. Water is scarce in this desert region and AP has a difficult job convincing nomads to be careful with the water in the few Guelta’s which have the resource. The Guelta d’Archei is a famous location where for hundreds of years nomads have brought their camels and livestock to water. It also features some of the very last of Chad’s West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual. Three of these crocodiles survive in only a few pools in river canyons and are threatened with extinction. Competition for water between the nomads and the crocodiles is increasing and African Parks is seeking a solution to the problem in order to save these crocodiles. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484875-Y9MH6I6703R57YO4QOQX/AfricaParks_053.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. These images show Guelta d’Archei, one of the few water bearing canyons in the region where camels and livestock come to drink. Water is scarce in this desert region and AP has a difficult job convincing nomads to be careful with the water in the few Guelta’s that have the resource. The Guelta d’Archei is a famous location where for hundreds of years nomads have brought their camels and livestock to water. It also features some of the very last of Chad’s West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual. Three of these crocodiles survive in only a few pools in river canyons and are threatened with extinction. Competition for water between the nomads and the crocodiles is increasing and African Parks is seeking a solution to the problem in order to save these crocodiles. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484919-7TD6GUJTWPE9SEY74EM7/AfricaParks_054.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Chiara Fraticelli, African Parks crocodile researcher, interviews local familes on their feeling about the crocodiles, she does so with the assistance of Ali Fodia, AP’s Chief intelligence officer for the region. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. Water is scarce in this desert region and AP has a difficult job convincing nomads to be careful with the water in the few Guelta’s that have the resource. The Guelta d’Archei is a famous location where for hundreds of years nomads have brought their camels and livestock to water. It also features some of the very last of Chad’s West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual. Three of these crocodiles survive in only a few pools in river canyons and are threatened with extinction. Competition for water between the nomads and the crocodiles is increasing and African Parks is seeking a solution to the problem in order to save these crocodiles. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485100-TG32JMCLR9JDPGIHO1AL/AfricaParks_055.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Camel herders rest while their camels drink in the Guelta D’Archei. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. These images show Guelta d’Archei, one of the few water bearing canyons in the region where camels and livestock come to drink. Water is scarce in this desert region and AP has a difficult job convincing nomads to be careful with the water in the few Guelta’s that have the resource. The Guelta d’Archei is a famous location where for hundreds of years nomads have brought their camels and livestock to water. It also features some of the very last of Chad’s West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual. Three of these crocodiles survive in only a few pools in river canyons and are threatened with extinction. Competition for water between the nomads and the crocodiles is increasing and African Parks is seeking a solution to the problem in order to save these crocodiles. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485153-RC6VL7JCRD2PFKN37MOQ/AfricaParks_056.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: A young uneducated camel herder inside Guelta D’Archei. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. These images show Guelta d’Archei, one of the few water bearing canyons in the region where camels and livestock come to drink. Water is scarce in this desert region and AP has a difficult job convincing nomads to be careful with the water in the few Guelta’s that have the resource. The Guelta d’Archei is a famous location where for hundreds of years nomads have brought their camels and livestock to water. It also features some of the very last of Chad’s West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual. Three of these crocodiles survive in only a few pools in river canyons and are threatened with extinction. Competition for water between the nomads and the crocodiles is increasing and African Parks is seeking a solution to the problem in order to save these crocodiles. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484937-DW405YFBLU1W1BF8N2SO/AfricaParks_057.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: African Parks Special Operations manager Else Bussiere and researcher Chiara Fraticelli work with Touka Moussa, 55, and his sons to place camera traps on the plateau to see what animals remains. Foxes, Hyenas, cervals and other animals have been seen so far. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks and defeated them after a long Libyan o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484930-27Q34VLGHAK54E2RMXF8/AfricaParks_058.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Pierre-Armand Roulet, Regional manager for African Parks for Chad, is seen talking with the Chief of district in the village of Archei. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. Pierre is constanly negotiating and communicating with leadership across Ennedi to bring people onside for AP’s plan for conservation of this unique area. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks and d https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485119-NW32B4ME2M8BOTIBZIUX/AfricaParks_059.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Images from the remote villagre of Ouai, where African Parks plans to recruit some of its conservation rangers and build a small outpost. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485026-IWW4FRP6EZ5472P0A0RV/AfricaParks_060.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Pierre-Armand Roulet, Regional manager for African Parks for Chad, is seen talking with the Chief of district in the village of Archei. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. Pierre is constanly negotiating and communicating with leadership across Ennedi to bring people onside for AP’s plan for conservation of this unique area. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks and d https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485172-T2AW93G0I9QBLF3HMW76/AfricaParks_061.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: The landscape of Lake Anoa, which is saline and to which locals animals both domestic and wild have adapted.. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485186-4VWUJ66BKXRXXK0STM0J/AfricaParks_062.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Pierre-Armand Roulet, Regional manager for African Parks for Chad, changes a punctured tyre as they make their way around the Ennedi reserve. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. Pierre is constanly negotiating and communicating with leadership across Ennedi to bring people onside for AP’s plan for conservation of this unique area. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484954-YE5NHKW0F35Y8YKSFPZ1/AfricaParks_063.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Images of the surreal landscape of the Bichajara Massiff in Ennedi, North East Chad. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485248-E3BJI3BBY57YS7C2T9ZP/AfricaParks_064.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: The landscape of Lake Anoa, which is saline and to which locals animals both domestic and wild have adapted.. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485204-IOCPS8TVXXD3CTPI2ZM0/AfricaParks_065.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: The landscape of Lake Anoa, which is saline and to which locals animals both domestic and wild have adapted.. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484924-23KFMJYCZ491R5UHN891/AfricaParks_066.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Lakes of Ounianga are a series of lakes in the Sahara Desert, in North-Eastern Chad, occupying a basin in the mountains of West Tibesti and Ennedi East. It was added as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012. According to the UNESCO description, the lakes are in a hot and hyperarid desert that features a rainfall of less than 2 millimetres (0.1 in) a year. The lakes exhibit a variety of sizes, depths, chemical compositions and colorations.There is a total of 18 lakes in groups. These lakes form a hydrological system that is unique in Earth’s deserts. Ordinarily when water is exposed at the surface in highly arid environments it becomes saline due to a high rate of evaporation. In this case, even though the rate of evaporation from Lake Yoa is equivalent to 6 metres (20 ft) a year, the total lake depth is 25 metres (82 ft), unique physical factors combine to keep all of the lakes, except the central Lake Teli, fresh. First, water accumulated in an underground aquifer during the wet millennia is supplied to the lakes. Second, wind blown sand separates the basin into 10 lakes with Lake Teli occupying a lower position than the lakes around it. Third, thick mats of reeds cover the surface of the fresh water lakes where they slow evaporation, but are absent from the saline waters of Lake Teli. As a result, greater evaporation takes place from the surface of Lake Teli, keeping its water level low. This allows water from the adjacent lakes to flow through the permeable dune barriers into Lake Teli keeping their waters fresh. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484845-0QH88TVZU115NLJUEZYM/AfricaParks_067.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: The cave paintings of Madajulli, representing three periods in African Cave painting. These paintings are some of the finest examples in the world and there is talk of setting up an academic institution in Ennedi to study the area further. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks and defeated them after a long Libyan occupation in the ni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485075-3YFUX4OIN2Q4OM4V9MRB/AfricaParks_068.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: Newly recruited African Parks driver, Abderaman Hamit, stands for a portrait at the famed Elephant Arch in Ennedi reserve. African Parks very recently took over the reserve and is poised to become the biggest modern employer in the region. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks and defeated them after a long Libyan occupation in the ni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485009-DKXE8N1E59BC1NPUCNE8/AfricaParks_069.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: African Parks regional Manager Pierre-Armand Roulet walks with his Intelligence chief through Arche Aloba as they tour the region talking to local leadership. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks and defeated them after a long Libyan occupation in the nineteen eighties. Wrecks are still to be seen and landmine clearance is only rece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158484894-WALC5T0N30EUUGMXJXJS/AfricaParks_070.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: A local man tends to Red-necked ostrichs just outside of the town of Fada in the Ennedi Reserve, a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. These Ostriches used to be endemic to this region but for various reasons have died out. African Parks is planning on breeding more and releasing them back into this area in conjunction with the Minister who owns this small ostrich population. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual (other such remnant populations are or were found in Mauritania and Algeria). They survive in only a few pools in river canyons in the area, for example the Guelta d'Archei, and are threatened with extinction. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158485131-VGDSS6DB45RASJ048HAV/AfricaParks_071.jpg African Parks Network 2019 ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: A former battleground that became a graveyard for Libyan tanks when Chadian forces fought back against a Libya’s occupation of the North of Chad during the nineteen eighties. This became known as the Toyota Wars, so called because Chadian forces took on Libyan tanks in Toyota 4x4’s. Recently cleared of landmines, Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. The Ennedi plateau also has a rich collection of fauna, including examples of the West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. The Ennedi Plateau, located in the northeast of Chad, in the regions of Ennedi-Ouest and Ennedi-Est, is a sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara. It covers an area of approximately 60,000 km2 (23,000 sq mi), and its highest point is approximately 1,450 m (4,760 ft) above sea level. The last lions (West African subspecies) in the Sahara also survived here, until they became extinct; the last lion was seen in the 1940s.[3] Also, any surviving scimitar Oryx antelopes that might still live in the wild and the vulnerable Sudan cheetahs are likely to be found in the remote regions of the Ennedi Plateau. A great deal remains unknown due to the remoteness of the locations, the dangers until recently of landmines and the lack of experts in the region. There are also some of the oldest rock paintings in Africa to be found in Ennedi. It is a unique desert landscape with fantastical rock shapes and oasis pools. It is emerging from a period of isolation, the “Toyota Wars” were fought here, Chadian forces in 4x4’s battled Libyans in tanks and defeated them after a long Libyan occupation in the nineteen eighties. Wrecks are still to be seen and landmine clearance is only recently completed. This unique park is also home to “Le Treg,” a desert ultra-marathon race. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/the-tuareg daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621447-JSFB27029FTO8VNHNYRO/Tuareg_001.jpg The Tuareg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621502-5IKJX871WF6O1GFN338U/Tuareg_006.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A young Tuareg artisan boy, Anara Ag Hamay Cisse, 13 years old, stands in the dunes outside of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, January 18, 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621696-CGA5HBW35E1C13O96HHK/Tuareg_007.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men drive a traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets on twenty camels making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621459-MXCF5TEOKGFQBL0DDO51/Tuareg_010.jpg The Tuareg ASSEKREM, TASSILI DU HOGGAR, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: Achmed, a Tuareg guide and elder photgraphed in a mountain cabin in the Tassili Du Hoggar, a series of beautiful rock plateaus that begin approximately 300km's south of Tamanrasset and extend all the way to the Niger border, 17 April 2009, Assekrem, Tassili Du Hoggar. These images were photographed from a small mountaintop cloister run by followers of the Frenchman Charles De Foucald. Foucald, once a hedonistic 19th century playboy, became devoutly religous and moved to Tamanrasset and in 1911 chose Assekrem as the site of his hermitage. He was assasinated by Tuaregs in 1916 after he was suspected of being a French spy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621581-LHJQ47JAJ1WTAJ29FHXY/Tuareg_011.jpg The Tuareg TASSILI 'N AJJER, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: Images of famed tourist site and traditional Tuareg land, Tassili 'n Ajjer, in the south of Algeria, 02 May 2009. (photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621544-QFHQAC6WS5QYN7XIGEFY/Tuareg_027.jpg The Tuareg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621383-HN8GEGLEXE408E9IHTHI/Tuareg_028.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, TIN-TELOUT VILLAGE, SEPTEMBER 2009: Tin-Telout Tuareg village scenes on the outskirts of Timbuktu, September 10, 2009. This village is made up of sedentary Tuareg people who fled the Tuareg Rebellion and subsequent Mali Tuareg purges. They lived as refugees in Mauritania in poor conditions, having left all their possesions and livestock behind when they fled Mali. They only returned to Mali after the peace accord was signed and their leader had personally been back to see for himself if it was safe. They now live sedentary lives alongside Songhay people in Tin-Telout raising goats and cattle, they have adoped this sedentary practise as a joint result of long periods of drought and instability. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621483-07CYH02E5HIQHEYKJCCQ/Tuareg_002.jpg The Tuareg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621376-91FCBU36958NUMLIU7F9/Tuareg_008.jpg The Tuareg AGADEZ, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: Scenes at the Agadez animal market, Niger 29 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621660-ODO1IAKFU2STCZCBZ1OH/Tuareg_012.jpg The Tuareg ASSEKREM, TASSILI DU HOGGAR, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: Images in the Tassili Du Hoggar, a series of beautiful rock plateaus that begin approximately 300km's south of Tamanrasset and extend all the way to the Niger border, 17 April 2009, Assekrem, Tassili Du Hoggar. These images were photographed from a small mountaintop cloister run by followers of the Frenchman Charles De Foucald. Foucald, once a hedonistic 19th century playboy, became devoutly religous and moved to Tamanrasset and in 1911 chose Assekrem as the site of his hermitage. He was assasinated by Tuaregs in 1916 after he was suspected of being a French spy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621690-4HD5O2PIXSQNUZLQGU9A/Tuareg_029.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg nomads and their families camped on the outskirts of Timbuktu during the rainy season, September 6, 2009. The nomads have used this route for centuries, using the same campsites as their forefathers for centuries. They remain in place to fatten up the animals on grasses produced during the rainy season and then head out back into the desert on their nomadic routes. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621672-RAK7OHMATB4ESRIDJH2P/Tuareg_003.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU REGION, MALI, 21 SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg Nomads end the Ramadan fast in the desert about 50 kilometers outside of Timbuktu with prayer and dancing, Timbuktu Region, Mali, September 21 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621678-98RE5SK36IV0BUHN25WV/Tuareg_009.jpg The Tuareg AGADEZ REGION, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg master sword maker Abda Ahmoudou, 35, works on Tuareg swords in his workshop in Agadez city, Niger, 30 September 2009. Tuareg swords are seen as an important symbol for a Tuareg man but functions primarily as decoration and less as a defensive weapon nowadays. The best swords says Ahmoudou are made from the driveshafts of 1960's LandRover driveshafts which apparently produce the best weight and the straightest piece of metal with which to fashion the sword. The swords can fetch prices often in excess of 150 000 CFA, around $350. "A man without a sword is missing something. Every Tuareg man must have a sword. It would take me a month to explain the reasons behind the Tuareg sword, every sword has a name based on the quality of the blade and the swordmaker. "(Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621606-BHQ86DBSRS5E6RYIWZJ9/Tuareg_013.jpg The Tuareg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621630-GICQN7MELRWINETUYEQ5/Tuareg_030.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621617-PVUHENLUGYCHR53X0GPS/Tuareg_004.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Two young Tuareg women have their hair dressed by other Tuareg women inside a traditional nomad tent at a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621667-NCI0JQ4271PKSPZ8PWAN/Tuareg_014.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Tuareg men and their camels at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621653-XM1FGRD05SJVFZ0BUJ95/Tuareg_031.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621346-9A83I4YR4PBFRLNE84QJ/Tuareg_005.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621401-VZTOHLEVW5Z8LTQ2M26B/Tuareg_015.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Tuareg Nomads on the move to a place of better grazing and water supply, Ingal Region, Niger, 10 October 2009. This group has been in this region for the rainy season, taking advantage of easy water access and good grasses for the animals. The moving is done in stages, usually the Camel herd goes first with a few men, then come the goats and then the rest of the Nomads follow with all their possessions mounted onto donkeys. Tuareg nomad tents are lightweight using wood from the south of Niger, the matting and material which cover them fold down easily. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and now have to move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621515-K23WT0NOOX3F4BH0F9T0/Tuareg_032.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU REGION, MALI, 21 SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg Nomads end the Ramadan fast in the desert about 50 kilometers outside of Timbuktu with prayer and dancing, Timbuktu Region, Mali, September 21 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621562-W93BOWC2XSBHO34CINCQ/Tuareg_016.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men drive a traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets on twenty camels making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621635-5GXURQBKPJK2RZJFRNC6/Tuareg_033.jpg The Tuareg TOUWA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: A young Tuareg girl, Mariam Francois Acosta, 17, a girl descended from mixed Tuareg French blood, prepares for her wedding in the Niger city of Touwa, Spetember 25 2009. She is tended by the female members of her family and her friends. It is similar to a traditional wedding except for the nature of the clothing which is worn. She is dressed and made up, a meal is eaten, there is dancing with a Tuareg band on electric guitars, everyone goes to the Mosque at 3pm to give thanks for the wedding and after that she is considered married. That evening a party is thrown with more music and dancing. The bride and groom do not appear together for an official nuptials, it all occurs seperately. The name of the groom is Ibrahim Mahmoudane. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621453-4JQALRHYKGR3LV7ZDJPW/Tuareg_017.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men drive a traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets on twenty camels making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621556-X50YUVDP1CVRJTF78KCO/Tuareg_034.jpg The Tuareg TOUWA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: A young Tuareg girl, Mariam Francois Acosta, 17, a girl descended from mixed Tuareg French blood, prepares for her wedding in the Niger city of Touwa, Spetember 25 2009. She is tended by the female members of her family and her friends. It is similar to a traditional wedding except for the nature of the clothing which is worn. She is dressed and made up, a meal is eaten, there is dancing with a Tuareg band on electric guitars, everyone goes to the Mosque at 3pm to give thanks for the wedding and after that she is considered married. That evening a party is thrown with more music and dancing. The bride and groom do not appear together for an official nuptials, it all occurs seperately. The name of the groom is Ibrahim Mahmoudane. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621465-EQT7HC06BKDLV7SHMJCE/Tuareg_018.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men drive a traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets on twenty camels making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621532-JUH2NNTY99SAMJJY4ZUK/Tuareg_035.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Evening scenes in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 04 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621588-45553X1TTY3UUBXNGZBC/Tuareg_019.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men drive a traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets on twenty camels making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621441-BO4XLNP9UX3GDT3PS07I/Tuareg_036.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621641-CXEE19MM13NCKN4J18V8/Tuareg_020.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men drive a traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets on twenty camels making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621612-46BE49OKER9HMB5EUHX3/Tuareg_037.jpg The Tuareg ZAGADO, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of Tuareg Nomad people gathered around a well site in Zagado, Nothern Niger, 7 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621538-H47GJUCX3F5BORMHUYVD/Tuareg_021.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men arrive in Timbuktu with their traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets after making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The men are greeted warmly by the Arab traders who will now move the salt both across Mali and further afield. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621489-BDFKOYMW3I87L1RV4AGU/Tuareg_038.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Evening scenes of a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621594-A2K6HMFGOIZG8A1KO0VT/Tuareg_022.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Tuareg men gather in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. The men are here to discuss things with a local Tuareg political candidate. They will eat together, drink traditional tea and then sleep during the afternoon heat. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621569-ZIHZVWB12MQT65YJOQC7/Tuareg_039.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Early morning scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621623-VIMJ3MKLEE3S40WXZF4T/Tuareg_023.jpg The Tuareg TAMANARANSSET, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: A Tuareg Nobleman related to Tuareg royalty stands in a courtyard in Tamanarasset, Southern Algeria, 14th April 2009. Tuareg Nobility is no longer recognised by the Algerian authorities but continues to matter to the Tuaregs themselves. The Tuareg Royal line ended in 1902 when the Tuareg were finally conclusively defeated at the Battle of Tit, an area 45 km outside of Tamanaransset. Tamanarasset is a former Tuareg town which has now been taken over by Algerian Arabs as well as many other immigrant groups, partly as a result of the Algerian Civil War and also as a strategic economic and military base for the Algerian government. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621550-L8OPIWM8PZEQSU09TC54/Tuareg_040.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Evening scenes in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621685-B0GTMXNX6Q1H32Z32MI4/Tuareg_024.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, TIN-TELOUT VILLAGE, SEPTEMBER 2009: Tin-Telout Tuareg village scenes on the outskirts of Timbuktu, September 10, 2009. This village is made up of sedentary Tuareg people who fled the Tuareg Rebellion and subsequent Mali Tuareg purges. They lived as refugees in Mauritania in poor conditions, having left all their possesions and livestock behind when they fled Mali. They only returned to Mali after the peace accord was signed and their leader had personally been back to see for himself if it was safe. They now live sedentary lives alongside Songhay people in Tin-Telout raising goats and cattle, they have adoped this sedentary practise as a joint result of long periods of drought and instability. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621352-898NRDPXPZ2EVVM7IDWA/Tuareg_041.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Early morning scenes at a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 08 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621389-8QJRRYDY59DHH2UYF1BW/Tuareg_025.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Two young men go through the Tuareg Chesh ceremony where each is ceremonially turbanned in front of their families by an elder man, Timbuktu, 20 September 2009. This signifies their coming of age and elegibility to marry and be recognised as a man of the clan. These Tuaregs are Bela, a former slave of the Tuareg dating back to the 15th century. They are now considered Tuareg and have adopted all the customs of Tuareg as well as the Tamashek language. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621370-2IWF26PHXTXZ9KUOAASK/Tuareg_042.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Early morning scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621395-WDR8J68CSUF08B65B5V5/Tuareg_026.jpg The Tuareg TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Two young men go through the Tuareg Chesh ceremony where each is ceremonially turbanned in front of their families by an elder man, Timbuktu, 20 September 2009. This signifies their coming of age and elegibility to marry and be recognised as a man of the clan. These Tuaregs are Bela, a former slave of the Tuareg dating back to the 15th century. They are now considered Tuareg and have adopted all the customs of Tuareg as well as the Tamashek language. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621428-1U4GIIH597SRYTV0AX7S/Tuareg_043.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621600-WJB7UMW07DUVO0MO8DOG/Tuareg_044.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Early morning scenes at a water well used by a number of nearby Tuareg Nomad camps, Ingal Region, Niger, 04 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621364-0QKWBOU8S2463T52H0S0/Tuareg_045.jpg The Tuareg DAG ALLAL, TIMBUKTU, MALI, SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg men plant grass in the banks of the Niger River to grow a forage crop for their animals and for sale in the markets in the sedentary Tuareg village of Dag Allal in Mali on 11 September 2009. Unusual amongst Tuareg for their sedentary, non-nomadic existence, these Tuaregs remain in place all year and care for their animals by utilising agricultural techniques. They have received help from the Millenium Village Project which aims to empower local communities through education. They grow rice and forage grass in the nearby Niger river, using a canal and small pump to divert water into ricepaddies. Their leader, El Hadg Agali Ag Mohammoud, 70, explains that reasons of drought, rebellion, identity issues and a lack of union amongst the Tuareg caused this group to choose to remain in one place, "We live here all year, we take care of our animals by growing the grass that they wouldn't normally have in the hot summer months, other Tuareg don't always understand this, they think that this grass grows naturally. We sometimes have to prevent them taking it, we have to explain that we grow it for our animals and it is not free. Sometimes there is a confrontation as a result, this is not the traditional Tuareg way so we have to explain it to them. I think in the future there will be more Tuareg living this way. "(Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621434-WA25OCAOKB75AJB5B84L/Tuareg_046.jpg The Tuareg TABALAK, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: Impoverished Tuareg lift water from a very deep well using donkey teams, Tabalak, Niger, September 26, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621358-PMTDTGAL8E3BJMV7MW8X/Tuareg_047.jpg The Tuareg MARARABA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER , 2009: Scenes of Tuareg semi-nomadic life from the small transit town of Mararaba, Niger, September 27 2009. This small town is an intersection point for Agadez and Niamey. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621414-GYLBL45TTV6SSLGD1KTZ/Tuareg_048.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Tuareg Nomads on the move to a place of better grazing and water supply, Ingal Region, Niger, 10 October 2009. This group has been in this region for the rainy season, taking advantage of easy water access and good grasses for the animals. The moving is done in stages, usually the Camel herd goes first with a few men, then come the goats and then the rest of the Nomads follow with all their possessions mounted onto donkeys. Tuareg nomad tents are lightweight using wood from the south of Niger, the matting and material which cover them fold down easily. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and now have to move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621521-J0K03V7XEKZLZ6BTM47K/Tuareg_049.jpg The Tuareg MARARABA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER , 2009: Scenes of Tuareg semi-nomadic life from the small transit town of Mararaba, Niger, September 27 2009. This small town is an intersection point for Agadez and Niamey. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621508-HL9XR4QXPIFJ18PTJNK3/Tuareg_050.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Early morning scenes at a water well used by a number of nearby Tuareg Nomad camps, Ingal Region, Niger, 04 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621495-TJGXHKEMYQ65E1C6II9J/Tuareg_051.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Early morning scenes of Tuareg Nomads bringing their animals to a well for drinking water, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source and grazing for their goats, camels, cows and donkeys. Every morning the animals are milked and then walked to water at a busy well 3 kilometers away. The main family in this group is Amitame Bouloume and his wife Bitti Taowa, the other families are all their relatives. They have been utilising this camp area since 1984. There is a well here which was originally build for a nomad school but which now supports a number of nomad groups in the region. Amitame says, "Living in the city is like living in prison. Nomads love this way of life. If we have easy access to water then everything is good. Our only concern is healthcare for our children and for pregnant women and water for our animals." The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621340-PS481A1DBJ206MCKA3RH/Tuareg_052.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Tuareg men gather in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. The men are here to discuss things with a local Tuareg political candidate. They will eat together, drink traditional tea and then sleep during the afternoon heat. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621407-42X967TPSSUECM2BFR42/Tuareg_053.jpg The Tuareg INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Tuareg men repair a small engined motorcycle in a Tuareg Nomad camp while a man on the more traditional camel looks on, Ingal Region, Niger, 09 October 2009. Motorbikes have become the emergency vehicle of the Tuareg nomads. They are used to get sick people to help quickly and to convey messages in areas where there is no cellphone coverage. For most nomad transport the camel is still the vehicle of choice. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621575-DKFRJ0IM2F6PLTGDKMHE/Tuareg_054.jpg The Tuareg TAMANARANSSET, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: Algerian Arabs load camels for sale at the local camel market in Tamanarasset, Southern Algeria, 14th April 2009. The Camel trade used to be a Tuareg business but Arabs have largely taken it over in Tamanarasset. Tamanarasset is a former Tuareg town which has now been taken over by Algerian Arabs as well as many other immigrant groups, partly as a result of the Algerian Civil War and also as a strategic economic and military base for the Algerian government. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621471-6RZ4OTOGPDMPRCCAAPIN/Tuareg_055.jpg The Tuareg MARARABA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER , 2009: Scenes of Tuareg semi-nomadic life from the small transit town of Mararaba, Niger, September 27 2009. This small town is an intersection point for Agadez and Niamey. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621702-HM3KEJ61CFXUGWW9VG2F/Tuareg_056.jpg The Tuareg TOUWA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: A "Griot," profesionalpublic announcer broadcasts the wedding of young Tuareg girl, Mariam Francois Acosta, 17, a girl descended from mixed Tuareg French blood, in the Niger city of Touwa, Spetember 25 2009. She is tended by the female members of her family and her friends. It is similar to a traditional wedding except for the nature of the clothing which is worn. She is dressed and made up, a meal is eaten, there is dancing with a Tuareg band on electric guitars, everyone goes to the Mosque at 3pm to give thanks for the wedding and after that she is considered married. That evening a party is thrown with more music and dancing. The bride and groom do not appear together for an official nuptials, it all occurs seperately. The name of the groom is Ibrahim Mahmoudane. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621647-70U6FVO79SAD32D5LQND/Tuareg_057.jpg The Tuareg AGADEZ, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Elections scenes with supporters of popular Tuareg Candidate Karada Aboubacar on the streets of the Northern Niger city of Agadez, Niger, October 2 2009. This is the first year in history where there have been no Arab candidates and many Tuareg Candidates, a move linked to Niger President Tangier's anti-corruption policy which reputedly has removed many other candidates from eligibility. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621476-8FXQ2EAPMXO6ACO311NH/Tuareg_058.jpg The Tuareg AGADEZ, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Elections scenes with supporters of popular Tuareg Candidate Karada Aboubacar on the streets of the Northern Niger city of Agadez, Niger, October 2 2009. This is the first year in history where there have been no Arab candidates and many Tuareg Candidates, a move linked to Niger President Tangier's anti-corruption policy which reputedly has removed many other candidates from eligibility. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621423-4MI1RI266R41B42WDHPS/Tuareg_059.jpg The Tuareg AGADEZ REGION, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: The Sultan of Agadez, Niger, 29 September 2009. The Sultan is not Tuareg but is chosen by the Tuareg as a neautral mediator between all three Kels of the Tuareg in the northern Niger region for the resolution of disputes and other mediations. His postion is solid evidence of the lack of unity between Tuareg tribes today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158621526-Y4LA1LK34XYBSJPKBML2/Tuareg_060.jpg The Tuareg DJANET, ALGERIA, 3 MAY: A Tuareg man poses with the sword handed to the Tuareg leader by the French after the Tuareg were finally defeated at the battle of Tit, photographed in the desert outside the Tuareg town of Djanet, on April 9, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://www.brentstirton.com/corporate daily 0.75 2025-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853258-WH9X5CZ9M0VSV66EABQ7/TimbuktuCorporate.jpg Corporate NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: TIMBUKTU, MALI: Darhamane Moulaye Haidara, a scholar of ancient manuscripts in the city of Timbuktu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853689-7XN021TFBK06LKU786MD/coporate_005.jpg Corporate CNN - promo for Anderson Cooper's show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853563-DJA02AHSXDEH3MK8LBI9/coporate_002.jpg Corporate DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seen inside the foyer of his home in Dubai. He is holding his favourite Gyr Falcon and is surrounded by other high end falcons that were bred especially for him. The mural behind him depicts his sons Rashid and Maktoum in the desert with falcons. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditioned vehicles with special perches to and from the training grounds. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. Falcons were severely threatened 50 years ago by the advent of chemicals like DDT, the Arab world has been at the forefront of restoring falcon populations and it is the Arab world that is the epicenter for breeding and the largest client for these birds. This resurgence has elevated Falconry to Intangible Heritage status by Unesco. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853310-H7709XAUSAPJUXUQB0LH/coporate_006.jpg Corporate DRUGS FOR NEGLECTED DISEASE: BALEKE VILLAGE, BENGAMISA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Drugs for Neglected Disease Biologist Dr Sabine Specht spent seven weeks in Congo in the summer looking at onchocerciasis, also know as riverblindness. Specht is currently working on four different compounds that could help eliminate African river blindness. Her ideal is to arrive at a single compound that addresses multiple conditions and is tolerable for the human body. Primary amongst these candidates is TylaMac, produced by the pharmaceutical company AbbVie. This trial has been running since 2015 in Congo, specifically in Masi-Manimba in Kwilu Province and in Kimpese in Bas-Congo Province, both prolific onchocerciasis areas. So far, according to Specht, 40 patients have participated in a new phase IIb efficacy trial. A total of 150 are expected to participate. Her current visit is a follow-up appointment, where she and the local team will take tissue samples from the first 40 patients who received TylaMac in the summer, which will then be examined histologically by Prof. Hörauf at the University of Bonn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853247-JSKJ45RI8RP2GN9T671H/coporate_015.jpg Corporate Campaign with Mitt Romney at Republican Convention https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853672-PM841X6PLVV1EPA68XNB/coporate_022.jpg Corporate JET PROPULSION LABS - BUILDING THE MARS ROVER https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853299-EYWDRFX1N88TCTQGQ8KK/coporate_018.jpg Corporate MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE: Angela Ngwenya is a recently confirmed nun at the Catholic Church in Msvingo. She says she entered the church to be of service to other and that her main influence growing up was the grandmothers in her area. She sees a natural alliance between the Friendship Bench initiative and it’s grandmother counsellors and the church for offering mental health support to those who have none. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853575-MQI8X0HDYVX0J6OC0OC6/coporate_020.jpg Corporate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853276-MT45LC6V3N8H8AA1FJMA/coporate_007.jpg Corporate FONTENAY-LE-FLEURY, FRANCE, 8TH JUNE 2023: Farmer Dorothy is seen in her pristine wheat fields in the Fontenay-le-Fleury region of France with local Syngenta manager Damien Lenglet. Syngenta has a relationship with farmers in this region who utilize their products. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853683-AV62ZRDZSBZGD3NMCUX6/coporate_023.jpg Corporate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853443-RTOAQSZDJ2883W9ERTWP/coporate_024.jpg Corporate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853593-ISX0VWMH541Y0NWTYXF7/coporate_025.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT - NATCHEZ, LOUISIANA, 29 JULY 2022: Van Lacour, 80, is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed in 2007 and fought a long battle that included radiation and other tough treatments. Unfortunately, Van continued to worsen. His ordeal finally ended when Van started taking Pluvicto, a new medication developed by Novartis. As a result, Van is now in a stable condition and living a good life in his long-time home of Natchez, Louisiana. Van likes to read, take photographs, work on his record collection of old 45’s, visit his friends and eat out in his cousin’s restaurant in Natchez. Sometimes, he says, he just likes to sit in his rocking chair in the backyard and read a good biography. Van feels like he has a longer life ahead of him courtesy of the Pluvicto treatment and regularly expresses his gratitude in prayer at the nearby St Augustine’s Church where he is a member. Van likes to go for short walks alongside the nearby Cane river and reflects often on the fact that his father was a long standing member of this community and that its close-knit residents are a constant source of support for him. He is optimistic about the future and hopes to see more of his children and grandchildren now that he has his life back. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Novartis.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853654-Y4EI2ZS5ASYVUCWT9UX4/VolvoCapeT_054.jpg Corporate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853498-KNVUM29G7EXPMM27WJPZ/Malaria_018.jpg Corporate CHONGWE DISTRICT, ZAMBIA, 14 JANUARY 2014: Rural community health care worker Dismuss,44, seen with his bicycle ambulance in the Chongwe district in rural Zambia. Dismuss lives a distance of 14 kilometers from the nearest clinic and services over 500 households in his area. He adminsters rapid testing for Malaria and adminsters Coartem anti-Malarials for both adults and children. Dismuss is a volunteer worker and receives no pay for this work. He has 9 children and his wife was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Chongwe District, Zambia. (Photo by Brent Stirton for Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853287-2W1KG5Q45368V50LCW76/coporate_058.jpg Corporate Novartis Pharmaceutical Annual report - work on Malaria as seen through trained nurses in remote areas of Africa working with bicycle ambulances and mobile testing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853344-5JSE60SJDLF72NUU3TLP/coporate_060.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT - SICKLE CELL DISEASE: Accra, Ghana: Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong is the head of the Ghana Sickle Cell Foundation and a world expert on the disease. He lost his son to the disease and has always been a passionate advocate since his days as a medical student. Novartis is partnering with the government and the Sickle Cell Association of Ghana, which is headed by Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, a former Olympic athlete who earned a medical degree at Yale and led sickle cell clinics at Tulane University and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before returning to Ghana to fight the disease in his home country. Novartis aims to expand a newborn screening program, expand distribution of the drug hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell, and begin clinical trials in Ghana for a new, experimental sickle cell treatment. Sickle Cell disease is the leading cause of strokes in young children. Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include a low number of red blood cells (anemia), repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalized for more serious complications. Sickle Cell is the leading cause of strokes in young children between the ages of 3 to 6 years of age. The signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease are caused by the sickling of red blood cells. When red blood cells sickle, they break down prematurely, which can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and delayed growth and development in children. The rapid breakdown of red b https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853513-X8T1WCG0PHPYQGD84JO2/coporate_065.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS CHINA - ANNUAL REPORT IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853666-9CQU5N2JBSMZAHHV7YKO/coporate_069.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS CHINA - ANNUAL REPORT IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853253-CNTHNOTQ5X1QDTFHUC08/coporate_073.jpg Corporate PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, USA, 15 JULY 2015: Dr Carl June, head of the Cart19 cancer program at UPenn surveys the Philadelphia skyline from the construction platform for his new laboratory. The lab is being built with help from Novartis who have supported Dr June for a number of years. Dr June has pioneered new Gene therapy in the search for a cure for cancer, revolutionizing how we may come to conquer the disease. He and his team have developed a means by which to use the HIV virus as a targeting vector for cancer cells, allowing the patients own T-cells to go to war once they have been turned into super cells and re-injected into the patients body. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853504-X47D99XTKRYQTVCVHUMB/coporate_086.jpg Corporate SILIGURI, DARJEELING DISTRICT, INDIA, JULY 22 2015: Dr Janak Shah is an accomplished and prolific eye surgeon who volunteers his services to the global poor via SEE International, an NGO with a focus on curing blindness. He is seen examining and performing eye surgery at the Baba Loknath Eye Mission hospital. This is a long established religious mission that offers facilities to SEE where Janak can run a blindness camp as well as perform the surgeries required. Janak graduated from the University of Bombay in 1991, and completed his residency in ophthalmology in 1996. He’s been volunteering with SEE International as an eye surgeon since 1996, and in 2013, passed the milestone of 100 SEE expeditions. He is SEE’s most prolific doctor and has worked in places like the Peruvian Jungle, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Mongolia, China, Brazil and many other remote locations. He has worked all over India and has performed thousands of eye surgeries, addressing every kind of illness. Janak is a proud adherent of the Jainism religion; he is a strong believer in their religious tenants of mankind being one. Janak often works with his wife Preeti, herself a talented eye surgeon. Together they are a formidable force and can work quickly on a multitude of surgeries in a single day. They have two daughters, one of 11 and the other 15. Both girls often travel with their parents on their volunteer trips for SEE and actively assistant in patient diagnosis as well as assisting their parents in surgery. Janak and Preeti both believe this gives the girls a real perspective on their place in the world and helps to bind them as a family unit. The Shahs live in Mumbai, India and run a successful eye surgery practice when they are not volunteering for SEE International. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853316-YUFXHWF9T8JT40DFOL4X/coporate_092.jpg Corporate Novartis Pharmaceutical Annual report - work on brain disease in America https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853648-1OJOJ27CHIOPJI4SX2MS/Vietnam_087.jpg Corporate SON LA, VIETNAM, 19 AUGUST 2016: Thai minority women move amongst Cassava crops that fill the hills close to Son La city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853605-LVCWGCV23RC7YUTFPX0X/MM7866_101025_09479.jpg Corporate CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department sits with his son Matthew at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. Matthew Berger is credited with finding the first Homind fossil at the site, a find which led to a major new Hominid genus being discovered. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853587-NB5WFCLPR1MKVVWKOB5V/Obesity_022.jpg Corporate MICHIGAN, SEPTEMBER 2015: Jacob Jensen, 25, is an engineer who lives near Farmingtion, Michigan. He is a successful member of the University of Michigan's weight management program. Jacob has lost 57 pounds in the 9 months he has been in the program so far. He is seen speaking in consultation with Dr Amy Rothberg as well as Christine Fowler, his dietician in the program. Jacob now runs regularly and has recently done a triathlon. His number is 7169821626. This is an advanced weight loss program that accepts referrals from within the University of Michigan’s Health system and from community physicians. It embraces the notion of long term weight management for obese individuals. The weight management program provides intense educational, dietary, physical, behavioral and pharmacological interventions. The University of Michigan weight management program offers a 2 year intervention. There are 11 visits to a physician and 26 visits with a registered dietician during these 2 years. The first 3 to 6 months involve an intense dietary induction phase. At their first appointment all patients are asked to sign a contract agreeing to attend greater than 80% of their scheduled appointments with the physician and dietician during the initial 2 year period. At the first visit a comprehensive health and weight history is compiled. Anti-diabetic therapy is adjusted at this first visit to optimize glycemic control and to promote weight loss. Weight loss is then initiated by employing a very low calorie diet (800 kcal/day) The rationale is that meal replacement limits food choices and divorces patients from unhealthy consumptive behavior. Patients keep daily diaries of these behaviors. These are then reviewed with the dietician on a weekly basis. Patients are then asked to increase their physical activity to 40 minutes per day. 3 to 6 months after this a weight loss of 15% is the average achievement. Regular foods are then reintroduced and the intervention begins to focus on behav https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853333-JCQV9PDN4P0I6JBOFB5S/corp_007.jpg Corporate - corp_007.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) corp_007.jpg Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 29th 2023: Laurie Brunner is a breast cancer survivor, she is seen taking a breather on her porch in Boston. Laurie underwent 16 months of AC+T chemo, followed by 30 rounds of radiation. She says it was the worst year of her life but the idea of dying of cancer before she even made it to 50 and leaving her young child motherless was huge incentive to keep going. Her treatment has included participating in a clinical trial of a drug to see if it will prevent recurrence, swimming 2–3 times per week, and taking other medications and supplements. “Maybe those are all just “buying time”, too. To which I say, good, because I’ll gladly buy as much time as I can afford so I can spend it with those I love and, I hope, see my kid grow up. Chemo was hard but enduring it was worth it to get my best chance at survival. This life is the only one I’ve got, and I deserve to live as much as anyone else does, so I’m doing what it takes to maximize my chances.” (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853437-SP55SB0QD7OOPSPIV1Y2/corp_008.jpg Corporate - corp_008.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) corp_008.jpg Cambridge, Massachusetts, 29th October 2023: Laurie Brunner is a breast cancer survivor, she is seen with husband Santiago and son Alexander carving pumpkins for Halloween along with her mother in law Migdalia Soto in Cambridge, MA. This is a holiday the family always enjoys, and they often go up to Salem to get into the full swing of Halloween. Laurie underwent 16 months of AC+T chemo, followed by 30 rounds of radiation. She says it was the worst year of her life but the idea of dying of cancer before she even made it to 50 and leaving her young child motherless was huge incentive to keep going. Her treatment has included participating in a clinical trial of a drug to see if it will prevent recurrence, swimming 2–3 times per week, and taking other medications and supplements. “Maybe those are all just “buying time”, too. To which I say, good, because I’ll gladly buy as much time as I can afford so I can spend it with those I love and, I hope, see my kid grow up. Chemo was hard but enduring it was worth it to get my best chance at survival. This life is the only one I’ve got, and I deserve to live as much as anyone else does, so I’m doing what it takes to maximize my chances.” (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853448-3FFRNZLTFMT5T63OZISS/coporate_001.jpg Corporate - 1234567BS_005.JPG (Copy) NAJAF, IRAQ - JUNE 21: General David Petraeus, the three star American General charged with over-seeing the transition of power from the Coalition military authorities to the Iraqis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853390-GX5UKBRJRRV5WF6YUBU6/coporate_003.jpg Corporate CNN - promo for Anderson Cooper's show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853379-ZWCXW9XTA1XM81HVTV4S/coporate_009.jpg Corporate JERUSALEM, ISRAEL-APRIL 2007: CNN's Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour in Israel for CNN special, "God's Warriors." Amanpour was accompanied by Cameraman Rich Brooks, Producer Andy Segal, Executive Director Jody Gottlieb, Sound Technican/Editor Ted Lerner and Israel CNN Producer Mike Schwartz. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853264-1RQ65Y8O1UMGHUGP9VG6/coporate_016.jpg Corporate MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: The president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmagio, the 9th elected president of this complicated country. President Farmagio is an American citizen and part of the Somali diaspora displaced around the world by civil war inside Somalia. He spent much of his time in the US in Buffalo NY advocating for the rights of minorities. Inside his office at Villa Somalia, he has a large portrait of Aden Abdulle Osman positioned directly in his line of sight. Osman was the first president of an independent Somalia, elected in 1960. President Farmagio says he likes to be able to look up and see that portrait because when Osman lost the campaign for re-election by one vote, he willing stepped down in one of the first true acts of African political democracy. Current President Farmagio sees this as an inspiration for leadership in Somalia, a country he hopes to lead to stability and increased prosperity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853356-3SEVX5OURWOCCBV9D6XC/coporate_019.jpg Corporate CNN HERO'S WINNER - SKID ROW, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, 6 NOVEMBER 2022: Charismatic humanitarian Shirley Raines and her organization “Beauty to the Streetz,” are seen dispensing food, clothing, haircuts and beauty services to the Los Angeles homeless community on Skid Row. Raines even brings a portable massager to indulge her homeless friends. Raines is a candidate for CNN’s Hero’s as a result of her tireless efforts. For the past six years, Raines and her organization, Beauty 2 the Streetz, have been a mainstay on Skid Row, providing food, clothing, hair and makeup services -- and most recently health and hygiene items -- to thousands of people. "I would estimate we've got about 8,000 people who are sleeping out on the streets or in some of the shelters," said Shirley Raines. By the last official count in early 2020, more than 4,500 individuals resided in the roughly 50-block area. "There are more women on the street than before," Raines said, noting that a women's shelter had closed down amid the Covid pandemic. "The resources have dried up." Rain or shine, she sets up "shop" weekly at the corner of 5th and Townes to serve those she calls "Kings" and "Queens." Her goal: to make the homeless feel human, whether that means a haircut, a facial, a hearty meal, or a hug. "It's not so much just giving them makeup or doing their hair, it's also the physical touch," Raines said. "People need physical touch. That's what was so hard when the pandemic hit. We had to stop doing hair, we had to stop doing barber services. And that might be the nicest touch they've had all day."Raines, who for years struggled with financial insecurity, grief and loss after the death of her first son, says she knows how it feels to be labeled."The world looked at me and thought probably the same thing they think about the homeless when they pass them by," she said. "You never know what anyone's going through, you know?" Raines sense of purpose came in 2017 when Raines joined a church g https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853339-KPJ961AE9H98KXKOKJIU/SyngentaFrance_030.jpg Corporate FONTENAY-LE-FLEURY, FRANCE, 8TH JUNE 2023: Farmer Alexandre is seen in his pristine wheat fields in the Fontenay-le-Fleury region of France. Syngenta has a relationship with farmers in this region who utilize their products. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853544-ZC5PWOIB6LD1803QX98W/coporate_026.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT: NATCHEZ, LOUISIANA, 29 JULY 2022: Van Lacour, 80, is a cancer survivor. He is seen reading in his backyard while a rainstorm comes down in the background. Van was diagnosed in 2007 and fought a long battle that included radiation and other tough treatments. Unfortunately, Van continued to worsen. His ordeal finally ended when Van started taking Pluvicto, a new medication developed by Novartis. As a result, Van is now in a stable condition and living a good life in his long-time home of Natchez, Louisiana. Van likes to read, take photographs, work on his record collection of old 45’s, visit his friends and eat out in his cousin’s restaurant in Natchez. Sometimes, he says, he just likes to sit in his rocking chair in the backyard and read a good biography. Van feels like he has a longer life ahead of him courtesy of the Pluvicto treatment and regularly expresses his gratitude in prayer at the nearby St Augustine’s Church where he is a member. Van likes to go for short walks alongside the nearby Cane river and reflects often on the fact that his father was a long standing member of this community and that its close-knit residents are a constant source of support for him. He is optimistic about the future and hopes to see more of his children and grandchildren now that he has his life back. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Novartis.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853581-9MUXTFWQGRI3UESN8BF1/coporate_059.jpg Corporate Novartis Pharmaceutical Annual report - work on Malaria as seen through trained nurses in remote areas of Africa working with bicycle ambulances and mobile testing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853557-5LHW87JO372J9ATOI005/coporate_064.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS CHINA - ANNUAL REPORT IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853460-X4Z5R0BLLCRHUGBADAN6/coporate_066.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS CHINA - ANNUAL REPORT IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853635-1F1KNXBJQC99NS632GC5/coporate_077.jpg Corporate MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: Students at Simad University in Mogadishu learn lab skills in the modern laboratory in Mogadishu. The university has two labs, this one specializes in the study of hematology, micro-biology, bio-chemistry and molecular biology. Students are involved in research on antibiotics as well as the testing of traditional medicine in Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853701-N5J7IJ8Z30ZV5C1P3IXK/coporate_096.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT: MORRIS PLAINS, NEW JERSEY: Research scientists process human T cells inside the cell processing facility at the Morris Plains, New Jersey Novartis facility. This laboratory is where the T cells of cancer patients are processed and turned into super cells as part of a revolutionary new Gene therapy based cancer treatment Novartis is a part of. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853367-TFFOSSISVW220K33YAIL/FoodSecuritylaborUSA_033+copy.jpg Corporate Getty Images: HN1 labor in the USA during Covid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853695-A52B94EM7QEG1YQ4CVHG/Novartis_1021.jpg Corporate Omenako, Ghana: Zipline personel service and refurbish drones on a daily basis. Zipline provides a drone delivery service for vital medicine in areas where road logistics and time are a factor. Working with the Ghanaian government, Zipline will operate 30 drones out of four distribution centers to distribute vaccines, blood and life-saving medications to 2,000 health facilities across the West African nation daily. The procedure is relatively simply: Doctors place orders on-demand through a simple app for any medicine they need, when they need it. Medical products are stored centrally at Zipline's distribution centers and are flown quickly to any destination. This maintains cold-chain and product integrity, while eliminating waste. Zipline packages the order, then launches it into flight. Racing along at over 100 km/h, vital products arrive faster than any other mode of transport. The drones fly without a pilot and are battery-powered, reducing the cost and emissions of moving medicine. Drones fly over remote mountains, rivers, and washed-out roads. They require no local infrastructure to serve communities. Within an average of 30 minutes, medical supplies are delivered from the sky by parachute. Recipients don't interact with the drone itself. Medical personal collect the meds and pass them on to the relevant doctors. Novartis is partnering with Zipline, deliveries will include Hydroxyrea, the sickle cell disease drug, ensuring access to patients in difficult to reach parts of the continent. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853551-D2CVCUYECMPD7XAK2M8Y/Obesity_079.jpg Corporate ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, SEPTEMBER 2015: Dr Amy Rothberg seen at home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr Rothberg is one of the foremost medical authorities on the science of obesity medicine in America. She runs the weight management program for the University of Michigan Health system. Amy E. Rothberg, MD, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes and Director of the Weight Management Clinic. She specializes in the treatment of overweight and obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic diseases. Dr. Rothberg is one of the first in the nation to receive certification in obesity medicine from the American Board of Obesity Medicine.This is an advanced weight loss program that accepts referrals from within the University of Michigan’s Health system and from community physicians. It embraces the notion of long term weight management for obese individuals. The weight management program provides intense educational, dietary, physical, behavioral and pharmacological interventions. The University of Michigan weight management program offers a 2 year intervention. There are 11 visits to a physician and 26 visits with a registered dietician during these 2 years. The first 3 to 6 months involve an intense dietary induction phase. At their first appointment all patients are asked to sign a contract agreeing to attend greater than 80% of their scheduled appointments with the physician and dietician during the initial 2 year period. At the first visit a comprehensive health and weight history is compiled. Anti-diabetic therapy is adjusted at this first visit to optimize glycemic control and to promote weight loss. Weight loss is then initiated by employing a very low calorie diet (800 kcal/day) The rationale is that meal replacement limits food choices and divorces patients from unhealthy consumptive behavior. Patients keep daily diaries of these behaviors. These are then reviewed with the dietician on a weekly basis. Patients https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853678-SDI6HZL8X0Q5150IO1AE/corp_006.jpg Corporate - corp_006.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) corp_006.jpg Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 27th 2023: Laurie Brunner is a breast cancer survivor, she is seen with friends Jesse Nicole and Marleigh Norton who shaved their heads in solidarity when it was discovered that Laurie had breast cancer. Laurie underwent 16 months of AC+T chemo, followed by 30 rounds of radiation. She says it was the worst year of her life but the idea of dying of cancer before she even made it to 50 and leaving her young child motherless was huge incentive to keep going. Her treatment has included participating in a clinical trial of a drug to see if it will prevent recurrence, swimming 2–3 times per week, and taking other medications and supplements. “Maybe those are all just “buying time”, too. To which I say, good, because I’ll gladly buy as much time as I can afford so I can spend it with those I love and, I hope, see my kid grow up. Chemo was hard but enduring it was worth it to get my best chance at survival. This life is the only one I’ve got, and I deserve to live as much as anyone else does, so I’m doing what it takes to maximize my chances.” (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853569-D11HPRSRZDLBO51B5RJJ/coporate_010.jpg Corporate MANHATTAN NEW YORK -: Professor Irshad Manji, Human Rights Activist and Director of the Moral Courage Project at New York University, photographed overlooking Manhattan. Professor Manji is an outspoken liberal Muslim with a number of controversial books to her name. She is a lesbian and a strong advocate for the individual rights of women within Islam as well the presence of individual thought over dogma. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Newsweek Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853431-VF94PPBT2BPIC8OM2N6B/SyngentaFrance_058.jpg Corporate FONTENAY-LE-FLEURY, FRANCE, 8TH JUNE 2023: Farmer Dorothy is seen in her pristine wheat fields in the Fontenay-le-Fleury region of France with local Syngenta manager Damien Lenglet. Syngenta has a relationship with farmers in this region who utilize their products. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853466-3407GDPNOIJY794H9B4I/coporate_027.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT: Dan Nomura, specialist in new drug discovery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853527-7H3R4ST7GHPAZEA417NG/coporate_067.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS CHINA - ANNUAL REPORT IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853350-HHF6RJQTZEBLRRTT420A/coporate_085.jpg Corporate SEE INTERNATIONAL - OMARURU, NAMIBIA: Dr Helena Ndume, 54, winner of the Mandela prize and Namibia's most celebrated opthmalogist and a genuine surgeon to the people. Ndume grew up in political exile and studied in East Germany and after the wall came down did her specialisation in West Germany. She has spend many years in government hospitals and performed thousands of eye surgeries, the vast majority of which were for the poorest demographic in Namibia. She is seen outside the remains of the first hospital in Omaruru, where she is currently holding a blindness clinic for people from all over Western Namibia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853305-6ZTRLEKCHP1PSIECTZES/coporate_097.jpg Corporate Novartis Annual Report - Obesity and Diabetes - Michigan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853396-UJL3SNTE8MFGRHLMQB74/Novartis_1041.jpg Corporate NDOLA, ZAMBIA, 16 JANUARY 2014: Researcher Eric M. Njunju prepares samples to identify the DNA strand of the Malaria pathogen at the Tropical Disease Research center at Ndola Central Hospital, Zambia. This technique is the most accurate manner by which to test for Malaria. (Photo by Brent Stirton for Novartis.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853520-WD8FN4VZCB0RNTI6VTX2/coporate_011.jpg Corporate MANHATTAN NEW YORK -: Professor Irshad Manji, Human Rights Activist and Director of the Moral Courage Project at New York University, photographed overlooking Manhattan. Professor Manji is an outspoken liberal Muslim with a number of controversial books to her name. She is a lesbian and a strong advocate for the individual rights of women within Islam as well the presence of individual thought over dogma. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Newsweek Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853612-7MVZC94QTN04PFJ9WDQP/coporate_028.jpg Corporate - Sequestered workers Southern California Edison (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Sequestered workers Southern California Edison CON EDISON ESSENTIAL WORKERS UNDER COVID-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853473-YQMZ6N331OQ6XIAKRGB9/coporate_098.jpg Corporate Novartis Annual Report - Obesity and Diabetes - Michigan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853361-20ABO3IS6QOD4VWFFHFM/VolvoCapeT_048.jpg Corporate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853420-FMKXVPHZI7K81KMFE0RT/corp_001.jpg Corporate - corp_001.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Brooklyn, New York, 22nd October 2023: Shanelle Gabrielle is seen under the Brooklyn bridge in NY, Shanelle grew up in Brooklyn and a lot of her poetry is inspired by her experiences and relationships in Brooklyn. She is a well-known personality amongst the Lupus community and people appreciate her podcasts and advocacy work on behalf of the community. Shanelle Gabriel is a poet, singer, self described lupus warrior and educator from Brooklyn, NY. Widely known for featuring on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Shanelle has competed in both the National and the Individual World Poetry Slams, and has performed at venues such as the Vatican, the Apollo Theater, Howard Theater, Lincoln Center, ADCOLOR Conference, and more. She served as a performer, teaching artist, and consultant for BET’s 2022 Nelson Mandela Project alongside Marsai Martin and for a Black Music Month Campaign She’s released three albums, Start Something, Aim High, and Things I Need to Remember, which showcase her prowess as a spoken word artist and a soulful singer. Diagnosed in 2004, Shanelle is also a lupus advocate who has spoken alongside the President of the National Institute of Health, graced the cover page of USA Today, featured in Women’s Health magazine, and featured on the Lifetime Network about her continued battle with lupus. She currently is on the Patient Advisory Board for CISCRP (Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation) and speaks on the patient experience in various arenas. She currently hosts Better Together, a weekly webinar that explores lupus stories and managing lives and also co-hosts the podcast “The HydroxychloroQUEENZ” which speaks candidly about navigating the world while navigating a chronic illness. Shanelle was diagnosed with lupus in 2004, the summer of her sophomore year. After months of hiding it, she shared her poem “Vanity” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and quickly realized the story of her diagnosis needed to be told. She began her mis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853270-BM9D15J0EN7XERSMX2QT/coporate_036.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT - SEVERE SPINAL ATROPHY FOR CHILDREN - BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT WITH PATIENT ZERO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853641-Y3I08HMXYVGQSG2WUFJ7/coporate_103.jpg Corporate Wonderwork: Campaign images for impoverished burn victims in India with Dr Subodh, a renowned plastic surgeon to the poor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853454-9JDK3E050Z3J7PZ9EV85/corp_002.jpg Corporate - corp_002.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) New York, New York, 21st October 2023: Shanelle Gabrielle is seen at a walk to raise awareness about Lupus, she is a well-known personality amongst the Lupus community and people appreciate her podcasts and advocacy work on behalf of the community. Shanelle Gabriel is a poet, singer, self described lupus warrior and educator from Brooklyn, NY. Widely known for featuring on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Shanelle has competed in both the National and the Individual World Poetry Slams, and has performed at venues such as the Vatican, the Apollo Theater, Howard Theater, Lincoln Center, ADCOLOR Conference, and more. She served as a performer, teaching artist, and consultant for BET’s 2022 Nelson Mandela Project alongside Marsai Martin and for a Black Music Month Campaign She’s released three albums, Start Something, Aim High, and Things I Need to Remember, which showcase her prowess as a spoken word artist and a soulful singer. Diagnosed in 2004, Shanelle is also a lupus advocate who has spoken alongside the President of the National Institute of Health, graced the cover page of USA Today, featured in Women’s Health magazine, and featured on the Lifetime Network about her continued battle with lupus. She currently is on the Patient Advisory Board for CISCRP (Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation) and speaks on the patient experience in various arenas. She currently hosts Better Together, a weekly webinar that explores lupus stories and managing lives and also co-hosts the podcast “The HydroxychloroQUEENZ” which speaks candidly about navigating the world while navigating a chronic illness. Shanelle was diagnosed with lupus in 2004, the summer of her sophomore year. After months of hiding it, she shared her poem “Vanity” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and quickly realized the story of her diagnosis needed to be told. She began her mission to speak up for those living with lupus so they know they are not alone and as a testimony that you ca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853384-P1DC4KJKWL6NA0WH8XHC/coporate_037.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT - SEVERE SPINAL ATROPHY FOR CHILDREN - BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT WITH PATIENT ZERO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853402-HNUPFGR77R2M8HUQB06I/coporate_108.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS MALARIA INITIATIVE - KISUMU, KENYA: Agnes Akoth Onyango, 57, Chief Nurse of the Walter Read Project, Kisumu, Kenya. Agnes has been a front line nurse in the fight against Malaria for over 31 years. She administers the staff at the Walter Read research facility and also has strong relations with the Kombewa District hospital. Agnes works with a number of field surveillance teams who monitor the population of the Nyanza province of Kenya, helping to maintain and update Walter Read’s case studies of over 40 years research into Malaria. Agnes supervises the teams, works with the laboratory staff and the local hospitals in keeping an up to date record on the progress of Malaria, staying one step ahead of the disease which kills over 5 million people annually. She also works with the Kemri group of disease research facilities in the Kisumu area. These provide a valuable database for the mutation of the Malaria parasite, helping to develop effective medication to combat the disease. Agnes has devoted her life to this theme, finding self-worth and tremendous satisfaction in her work. She is well know across her community and still finds time to go with surveillance teams to build case studies as well lecture on Malaria education when she can make the time. Agnes remains hopeful for the eradication of Malaria, believing a cure is within our grasp if research and funding is maintained. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853281-2UEC9VUESHXQRZJPJ310/corp_003.jpg Corporate - corp_003.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Coney Island, New York, 22nd October 2023: Shanelle Gabrielle is seen with her father Earl in Coney Island. Shanelle Gabriel is a poet, singer, self described lupus warrior and educator from Brooklyn, NY. Widely known for featuring on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Shanelle has competed in both the National and the Individual World Poetry Slams, and has performed at venues such as the Vatican, the Apollo Theater, Howard Theater, Lincoln Center, ADCOLOR Conference, and more. She served as a performer, teaching artist, and consultant for BET’s 2022 Nelson Mandela Project alongside Marsai Martin and for a Black Music Month Campaign She’s released three albums, Start Something, Aim High, and Things I Need to Remember, which showcase her prowess as a spoken word artist and a soulful singer. Diagnosed in 2004, Shanelle is also a lupus advocate who has spoken alongside the President of the National Institute of Health, graced the cover page of USA Today, featured in Women’s Health magazine, and featured on the Lifetime Network about her continued battle with lupus. She currently is on the Patient Advisory Board for CISCRP (Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation) and speaks on the patient experience in various arenas. She currently hosts Better Together, a weekly webinar that explores lupus stories and managing lives and also co-hosts the podcast “The HydroxychloroQUEENZ” which speaks candidly about navigating the world while navigating a chronic illness. Shanelle was diagnosed with lupus in 2004, the summer of her sophomore year. After months of hiding it, she shared her poem “Vanity” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and quickly realized the story of her diagnosis needed to be told. She began her mission to speak up for those living with lupus so they know they are not alone and as a testimony that you can live while battling lupus. Since 2007, Shanelle has performed at numerous Walks for Lupus, spoken alongside the President of the National In https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853623-JFPXHGA788EEHX162195/coporate_038.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT - SEVERE SPINAL ATROPHY FOR CHILDREN - BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT WITH PATIENT ZERO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853629-0YEITFVLPRIQ8H6FEOFT/_I9A4968+copy.jpg Corporate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853618-LL9ZQTHNCT9JWCLY5165/corp_004.jpg Corporate - corp_004.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Brooklyn, New York, 23rd October 2023: Shanelle Gabrielle is seen working on her poetry at one of her favorite cafe's "Aunt's and Uncle's" in Brooklyn in NY, Shanelle grew up in Brooklyn and a lot of her poetry is inspired by her experiences and relationships in Brooklyn. She is a well-known personality amongst the Lupus community and people appreciate her podcasts and advocacy work on behalf of the community. Shanelle Gabriel is a poet, singer, self described lupus warrior and educator from Brooklyn, NY. Widely known for featuring on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Shanelle has competed in both the National and the Individual World Poetry Slams, and has performed at venues such as the Vatican, the Apollo Theater, Howard Theater, Lincoln Center, ADCOLOR Conference, and more. She served as a performer, teaching artist, and consultant for BET’s 2022 Nelson Mandela Project alongside Marsai Martin and for a Black Music Month Campaign She’s released three albums, Start Something, Aim High, and Things I Need to Remember, which showcase her prowess as a spoken word artist and a soulful singer. Diagnosed in 2004, Shanelle is also a lupus advocate who has spoken alongside the President of the National Institute of Health, graced the cover page of USA Today, featured in Women’s Health magazine, and featured on the Lifetime Network about her continued battle with lupus. She currently is on the Patient Advisory Board for CISCRP (Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation) and speaks on the patient experience in various arenas. She currently hosts Better Together, a weekly webinar that explores lupus stories and managing lives and also co-hosts the podcast “The HydroxychloroQUEENZ” which speaks candidly about navigating the world while navigating a chronic illness. Shanelle was diagnosed with lupus in 2004, the summer of her sophomore year. After months of hiding it, she shared her poem “Vanity” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and quickly realized the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853707-ZGKY7MHRJWX9EIXXCIKV/coporate_039.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT - SEVERE SPINAL ATROPHY FOR CHILDREN - BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT WITH PATIENT ZERO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853485-GDGFS3AA6WQ6GY428MLK/Ethiopia_066-SharpenAI-Focus+copy.jpg Corporate ADUA, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 22 JULY 2017: A tree nursery run by Green Ethiopia which produces fruit trees for oranges, lemons, avocados, apples and other fruit. This nursery conducts education programs for farmers and also experiments with vegetable production. Their work is of tremendous benefit in reinforcing soil, water tables and generally increasing quality of life in rural areas of Ethiopia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853322-W4ZL39MG6CFJTUJ5Q5LT/corp_005.jpg Corporate - corp_005.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Brooklyn, New York, 22nd October 2023: Shanelle Gabrielle is seen inside the studio at Jahrock’n studios where she goes through strong emotions as she composes poetry about fighting back against Lupus and not allowing the disease to control her life. Shanelle grew up in Brooklyn and a lot of her poetry is inspired by her experiences and relationships in Brooklyn. She is a well-known personality amongst the Lupus community and people appreciate her podcasts and advocacy work on behalf of the community. Shanelle Gabriel is a poet, singer, self described lupus warrior and educator from Brooklyn, NY. Widely known for featuring on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Shanelle has competed in both the National and the Individual World Poetry Slams, and has performed at venues such as the Vatican, the Apollo Theater, Howard Theater, Lincoln Center, ADCOLOR Conference, and more. She served as a performer, teaching artist, and consultant for BET’s 2022 Nelson Mandela Project alongside Marsai Martin and for a Black Music Month Campaign She’s released three albums, Start Something, Aim High, and Things I Need to Remember, which showcase her prowess as a spoken word artist and a soulful singer. Diagnosed in 2004, Shanelle is also a lupus advocate who has spoken alongside the President of the National Institute of Health, graced the cover page of USA Today, featured in Women’s Health magazine, and featured on the Lifetime Network about her continued battle with lupus. She currently is on the Patient Advisory Board for CISCRP (Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation) and speaks on the patient experience in various arenas. She currently hosts Better Together, a weekly webinar that explores lupus stories and managing lives and also co-hosts the podcast “The HydroxychloroQUEENZ” which speaks candidly about navigating the world while navigating a chronic illness. Shanelle was diagnosed with lupus in 2004, the summer of her sophomore year. After months of hid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853327-FBWCRJW38K2GSTCG4AA0/VolvoCapeT_113.jpg Corporate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853599-WG125QNB2OY0N0V4BL3I/coporate_012.jpg Corporate PBS SOUTH WRITERS PROMO - MARY STEENBERGEN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853533-LXEUMKIYJ2B2FIZ19UNJ/coporate_040.jpg Corporate VOLVO - SAFETY AND GETAWAY CAMPAIGN - LOS ANGELES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853293-B0PWEOW40EME198WBIIY/coporate_013.jpg Corporate NOVARTIS ANNUAL REPORT - COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS - PHILADELPHIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853373-88ZBZI2ZR7DX2HR0CBZH/coporate_041.jpg Corporate VOLVO XC60 ASTRONAUT CAMPAIGN - SOUTH AFRICA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853408-TCVNKX80CB3KSWTJN0CK/coporate_014.jpg Corporate Novartis Annual report: Vietnames Doctors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853414-8GE41WI7MUYZGYSY787B/coporate_042.jpg Corporate VOLVO - SAFETY AND GETAWAY CAMPAIGN - LOS ANGELES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853660-MMCD457V8ETLQD9BHEYX/coporate_043.jpg Corporate VOLVO - SAFETY AND GETAWAY CAMPAIGN - LOS ANGELES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853539-LWXD4LB51A1ROMSQN06V/coporate_048.jpg Corporate HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: The cold storage and lab facilities for plant multiplications purposes at the offices of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853492-9ATI98J1L9NDWI9E8AE6/coporate_046.jpg Corporate IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Workers enact quality control over specially produced rice for archiving and distribution at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158853426-SN68R4HTM9V4Y604YEB6/coporate_047.jpg Corporate IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Dr Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, head of the TT Chang Genetic Resources center, Genetics and Biotechnology. He is seen standing in the cold room for the active collection of rice seeds for IRRI, over 120 000 varieties of rice IRRI at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://www.brentstirton.com/gods-ivory daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511681-EYK0HXCOZ15DF0MXZFPM/Godsivory_001.jpg God's Ivory AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511490-90O57CIIGLXJYPZ0L1KX/Godsivory_016.jpg God's Ivory SING RIVER, MINKEBI NATIONAL PARK, GABON, JUNE 2011: An anti-poaching team composed of Gabon Parcs personal, Gabon military, Baka pygmy porters and two Pirouge pilots conduct an anti-poaching mission up the Sing River in Minkebi National Park, Gabon, 26 June 2011. Gabon has recently seen a large spate of Elephant killings as a result of thousands of illegal goldminers that had flooded into the Minkebi region to exploit a lack of the rule of law in the reserve. Approximately a month ago the Gabonese military and Gabon Parcs Department conducted a large joint operation, inviting all these illegal miners to go home to their own countries or face detention. The presence of these illegals also created a thriving illegal ivory industry, fueled by the presence of Chinese traders in Gabon and neighbouring Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon. This expedition up the Sing River was to check for the presence of these illegals and to see if they were carrying out any poaching activity. There were no sightings and now only empty mining settelements remain. It appears the initial operations have put the word out and the illegal miners and poaching villages are no more in this region of Gabon. The operation involved travelling far up the Sing River in Minkbebi Park, cutting river pathways for the pirouges and doing a thorough check for poachers all the way up the river. There are plans for a permanent "Jungle Brigade" for this region within the next 6 months and that should safeguard the borders of Gabon and its wildlife from further poaching threats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511932-TN7IM7R0YKQYIAYRBJEY/Godsivory_017.jpg God's Ivory MAKOUKOU, GABON, JUNE 2011: Gabon National Parks personal catalog recently confiscated poacher's guns and ivory at the Makoukou courts building close to Minkebi National Park, Makoukou, Gabon, June 23, 2011. The combined presence of thousands of illegal immigrant goldminers in the national parks of the north as well as the presence of the Chinese in Gabon has dramatically affected the demand for ivory and had a direct impact on forest elephant poaching in the national parks of Gabon. The rise of the Asian middle class has seen far more money availble for Ivory and an unprecedented rise in elephant killings as a result. In May 2011 the Gabon Military and the Gabon Parks authority launched an all out action against the illegal miners in the park and "politely asked them all the return to their own countries the way they came. " Most illegals have now returned to Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville but there are still a number of illegal hunting camps in the forests. The Gabonese Parks authority and the Gabon Military and Police have combined forces in a campaign to clear the forest of all these illegals who are killing elephants and stealing gold from Gabon. This campaign will go on for the next 6 months and thereafter a jungle brigade of paramilitary police will patrol the parks and the borders. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511786-FLYUWHUMR25EPV1L2DE5/Godsivory_042.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Mr Ramet Yeerum, 34, a master ivory carver at work in a small village close to Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 10th, 2011. Mr Yeerum stated that most of his clients are Monks who buy his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes. He estimates that the vast majority of his business is the carving of these religious pieces. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He further offered his services as a carver in Africa if we could get him there. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511632-9SU02TEI149BG0EOL46B/Godsivory_043.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, walks through the elephant graveyard in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511568-SK5VA54B3GQ5C2ILQOSU/Godsivory_054.jpg God's Ivory MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: The largest Ivory crucifix in the Philippines, located in the University of Santo Tomas Museum in Manila, Philippines, 24 January 2012. The body of Christ is carved from a single tusk and the arms were carved seperately. There is a long history of the use of Ivory in religious icons in the Philippines, this is a trend which continues today, despite the international ban on Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511892-1G3EVD4CPXA1C9J2SMGO/Godsivory_056.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Religious icons in the home of a devout Filipino man who's collection is largely carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. This collection has both new and old pieces, some carved over a hundred years ago but most carved recently. The main pieces in this collection were carved within the last five to ten years. This man has extensive connections to other collectors and talks openly about the ivory trade and the "environmentalists" who are interfering with his and their collecting habits. Many of the piece in his collection are large, and would have been carved from a single large tusk. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511884-7BK4Q6K5XF340FZEOMUH/Godsivory_063.jpg God's Ivory MALOLOS, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Dez Battista, an expert on religious icons in the Philippines, prepares his " Nuestra Senora Reina del Ciela," (Our Lady of Heaven," for a religious procession in the streets of Malolos, the birthplace of the Santo Nino phenomenon in the Philippines, January 28 2012. The Icon has head and hands made of solid Ivory, these pieces were comissioned by Mr Battista 15 years ago. This is post Ban Ivory and it is unknown whether this work is made from illegal ivory, of which there is a great deal in the Philippines, mostly used for the carving of religious iconography. The procession will feature 200 similar icons, many of which are made of Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511743-YJI3XTT2IZT0R6NKHM0A/Godsivory_059.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: The "Walk with Mary," procession in Cebu, Philippines, 13 January 2012. The "Mary" seen on the float is Our Lady of Guidance, traditionally housed in the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu city and she is made of Ivory. This substance has long been used in religious circles for statues and carvings of important icons across all the major religions in a practise that continues today. This devotional walk is part of the Sinulog festival, a larger celebration largely devoted to the Santo Nino, a 15th century religious icon portraying Jesus Christ as an infant, originally brought to Cebu by Ferdinand Maggelan in 1521. There are a large number of Ivory carved Santo Nino's in existence too. Many are owned by private collectors who collect them with some fervour, others are housed behind glass in churches where devotees will often touch the glass or rub material on the glas in order to receive the blessing of the Icon. Ivory has long been a high end material for the creation of these religious pieces. Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521. The remnants of Magellan’s men were able to return to Spain to report the incident and the possibility of conquest. It took 44 years before a new group came and starte https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511675-C37RG7BGSRHPQIFTN0O4/Godsivory_060.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: The "Walk with Mary," procession in Cebu, Philippines, 13 January 2012. The "Mary" seen on the float is Our Lady of Guidance, traditionally housed in the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu city and she is made of Ivory. This substance has long been used in religious circles for statues and carvings of important icons across all the major religions in a practise that continues today. This devotional walk is part of the Sinulog festival, a larger celebration largely devoted to the Santo Nino, a 15th century religious icon portraying Jesus Christ as an infant, originally brought to Cebu by Ferdinand Maggelan in 1521. There are a large number of Ivory carved Santo Nino's in existence too. Many are owned by private collectors who collect them with some fervour, others are housed behind glass in churches where devotees will often touch the glass or rub material on the glas in order to receive the blessing of the Icon. Ivory has long been a high end material for the creation of these religious pieces. Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521. The remnants of Magellan’s men were able to return to Spain to report the incident and the possibility of conquest. It took 44 years before a new group came and starte https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511510-5NUK6B4AFUQRY5F36VKO/Godsivory_064.jpg God's Ivory VALENZULEA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Master sculptor Marcial Bernales carves an Ivory head and hand set for a Catholic religious icon in his worshop in Valenzulea, close to Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. Many of these pieces are made with Ivory. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and workload are co-run by his wife Nene, who also runs his shop in Manila. She is a long running expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. Their brisk trade is evidence of the demand for Ivory, they claims to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of price for ivory at 20000 pesos ($500) a kilo for raw ivory and far more for carved Benales masterpieces. It also illustrates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once it is in the Philippines there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511620-1MBJGILUMIXBH1DWRX9T/Godsivory_002.jpg God's Ivory AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511824-6DJPJN1ZP3ZCUKEUJQTW/Godsivory_018.jpg God's Ivory IVINDO, GABON, JULY 2011: A suspected elephant poacher wounded by an enraged elephant examines his healing injury under the gaze of hip-hop posters which adorn his home in Ivindo, Gabon, July 3, 2011. This man claims he shot at the elephant in self-defence but this is the second time he and two accomplices have been implicated in a self-defence incident involving elephant this year. They claimed to have been hunting bush-pig but the calibre of weapon they were using as well as the fact that they have been involved in two elephant incidents recently has led Gabon Parcs authorities to suspect their true motives to be elephant poaching for ivory. The fact that the ivory of one of the elephants they claim to have killed in self-defence is missing further compounds their guilt in the eyes of the authorities. The man pictured, Hubert Mebouaya, 26, claims they were hunting for bush-pig when he and his two friends were set upon by an elephant, he tried to run but was trapped by vines.The elephant gored him and he sustained injuries to his chest, narrowly avoiding a punctured lung. He walked 8km out of the forest with the help of his friends and ended up in hospital for two weeks in recovery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511792-7MC9ASSUGIUH706QA0S4/Godsivory_044.jpg God's Ivory BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Images from Beijing Jin Mao Bone Carving Arts and Crafts, a 50 year old Ivory carving factory and the largest of the Chinese Ivory carving concerns, Beijing, China, November 15 2011. This company was one of only two Ivory factories in 1989, now there are 35 across China. Most of these companies exist in a state of quasi-privatisation but the government has ownership of a number. This factory has 34 carvers and claims to do over 50 big pieces every year, a big piece is the equivalent of one tusk, as well as "countless" smaller pieces. A large tusk weighs on average 20kg. This is somewhat contradictory with what they claim is their annual ivory allowance of 400kg in total. There is a great deal of illegal ivory coming into China to sate the demands of the fast rising newly wealth Chinese. There has furthermore been a crisis amongst skilled master carvers in China in that most of them are becoming older without sufficient young apprentices. In 2006 the government instituted a program for student carvers and provides subsidies for them. The master carver at this factory is Luan Yan Juao, 56, who has been carving since he was 16. He is seen working on the largest project at the factory, an exceptionally large tusk with a historic scene which is a 3 year project. It appears that China is relying publicly on a bid for new Ivory stocks every 10 years, it bought 60 tons in 2008, and officials talk about another bid soon. It is a public fact that the Chinese and Japanese delegations travelled together to the last Ivory auction, where they bid as one, enabling them to keep the price very low, around $500 a kilo. In turn they are retailing it for around $2500 a kilo, in many cases to themselves and thus quadrupling their profits pre-carving. A large tusk sells in Beijing for a million RMB, roughly $160 000. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511582-LFQ5N7IJPUUBSV5ZATMN/Godsivory_055.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Religious icons in the home of a devout Filipino man who's collection is largely carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. This collection has both new and old pieces, some carved over a hundred years ago but most carved recently. The main pieces in this collection were carved within the last five to ten years. This man has extensive connections to other collectors and talks openly about the ivory trade and the "environmentalists" who are interfering with his and their collecting habits. Many of the piece in his collection are large, and would have been carved from a single large tusk. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511451-CB0PGSMQMR6MME6U94UF/Godsivory_057.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Devotees touch and kiss the glass housing an Ivory icon Our Lady of Manaoag in St Joseph's Cathedral, Cebu, Philippines, 13 January 2012. This devotional is part of the Sinulog festival, a larger celebration devoted to the Santo Nino, a 15th century religious icon portraying Jesus Christ as an infant, originally brought to Cebu by Ferdinand Maggelan in 1521. Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521. The remnants of Magellan’s men were able to return to Spain to report the incident and the possibility of conquest. It took 44 years before a new group came and started the formal Christianization of the islands. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Cebu on April 28, 1565. His ships bombarded the village and in one of the burning huts, one of his soldiers named Juan Camus found inside a wooden box the image of the Santo Nino lying side by side with native idols. Historians now say that during the 44 years between the coming of Magellan and Legaspi, the natives continued to dance the Sinulog. This time however, they danced it no longer to worship their native idols but a sign of reverence to the Santo Nino which is now enshrined at the San Agustin Church ( renamed Basilica Minore del Santo Nino). The Santo Nino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511812-OBB6TMC51F9BYWU6PN44/Godsivory_061.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Armed security guards watch over an ivory carved St Joseph statue on display at a religious exhibit in Park Mall shopping center, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. There is a space to pray in front of the statue and there are also many other smaller icons on display. This is the largest Ivory carved statue of St Joseph in existence. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511856-UQ0LL4V6XQFY8IHANCBY/Godsivory_065.jpg God's Ivory VALENZULEA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Master sculptor Marcial Bernales carves an Ivory head and hand set for a Catholic religious icon in his worshop in Valenzulea, close to Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. Many of these pieces are made with Ivory. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and workload are co-run by his wife Nene, who also runs his shop in Manila. She is a long running expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. Their brisk trade is evidence of the demand for Ivory, they claims to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of price for ivory at 20000 pesos ($500) a kilo for raw ivory and far more for carved Benales masterpieces. It also illustrates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once it is in the Philippines there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511668-9Z3C0PCJDQC4ZDAA68O8/Godsivory_003.jpg God's Ivory AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511731-5LH7TFFP31BY2908IYYH/Godsivory_019.jpg God's Ivory MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The preparation for the burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory to be burnt is originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It will be burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511725-4WACK6N9P3FYU59RC8DZ/Godsivory_045.jpg God's Ivory BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Scenes from China National Arts and Crafts Corporation - Ivory Carving factory, Beijing, China, November 17. Started in 2009 after China's big African Ivory purchase, this is supposedly the world's largest Ivory carving facility, employing more than 20 carvers and carving an alleged 750 kg of raw ivory annually. The director of the factory stated that the factory was started as a State initiative against the demise of the Ivory carving industry. State owned, it is a clear indication of the Chinese government's investment into the future of the Ivory carving trade. This factory also carves a ton of Mammoth Ivory every year. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511693-422PVZ019Y3FQ20507HS/Godsivory_058.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Devotees touch and kiss the glass housing an Ivory icon Our Lady of Manaoag in St Joseph's Cathedral, Cebu, Philippines, 13 January 2012. This devotional is part of the Sinulog festival, a larger celebration devoted to the Santo Nino, a 15th century religious icon portraying Jesus Christ as an infant, originally brought to Cebu by Ferdinand Maggelan in 1521. Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521. The remnants of Magellan’s men were able to return to Spain to report the incident and the possibility of conquest. It took 44 years before a new group came and started the formal Christianization of the islands. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Cebu on April 28, 1565. His ships bombarded the village and in one of the burning huts, one of his soldiers named Juan Camus found inside a wooden box the image of the Santo Nino lying side by side with native idols. Historians now say that during the 44 years between the coming of Magellan and Legaspi, the natives continued to dance the Sinulog. This time however, they danced it no longer to worship their native idols but a sign of reverence to the Santo Nino which is now enshrined at the San Agustin Church ( renamed Basilica Minore del Santo Nino). The Santo Nino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511756-U1XPP3OQYZU2FM9GGD0N/Godsivory_062.jpg God's Ivory MALOLOS, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Dez Battista, an expert on religious icons in the Philippines, prepares his " Nuestra Senora Reina del Ciela," (Our Lady of Heaven," for a religious procession in the streets of Malolos, the birthplace of the Santo Nino phenomenon in the Philippines, January 28 2012. The Icon has head and hands made of solid Ivory, these pieces were comissioned by Mr Battista 15 years ago. This is post Ban Ivory and it is unknown whether this work is made from illegal ivory, of which there is a great deal in the Philippines, mostly used for the carving of religious iconography. The procession will feature 200 similar icons, many of which are made of Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511706-AL0IJ78Y1PHR69GJJ2ER/Godsivory_066.jpg God's Ivory VALENZULEA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Master sculptor Marcial Bernales carves an Ivory head and hand set for a Catholic religious icon in his worshop in Valenzulea, close to Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. Many of these pieces are made with Ivory. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and workload are co-run by his wife Nene, who also runs his shop in Manila. She is a long running expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. Their brisk trade is evidence of the demand for Ivory, they claims to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of price for ivory at 20000 pesos ($500) a kilo for raw ivory and far more for carved Benales masterpieces. It also illustrates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once it is in the Philippines there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511687-RDJTLMN8EKB8T87M88YE/Godsivory_004.jpg God's Ivory AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511806-24PM5OHH1TJI8N0JGTFZ/Godsivory_020.jpg God's Ivory MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The preparation for the burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory to be burnt is originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It will be burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511837-4PSTZZN8MJE2JPGXVDR9/Godsivory_046.jpg God's Ivory BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Scenes from China National Arts and Crafts Corporation - Ivory Carving factory, Beijing, China, November 17. Started in 2009 after China's big African Ivory purchase, this is supposedly the world's largest Ivory carving facility, employing more than 20 carvers and carving an alleged 750 kg of raw ivory annually. The director of the factory stated that the factory was started as a State initiative against the demise of the Ivory carving industry. State owned, it is a clear indication of the Chinese government's investment into the future of the Ivory carving trade. This factory also carves a ton of Mammoth Ivory every year. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511536-QV1F5OAHREXO3L5CHBIJ/Godsivory_067.jpg God's Ivory VALENZULEA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Master seamstress Nene Bernale displays a large cloak embroidered for a large Catholic religious icon in the worshop in Valenzulea, close to Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. Nene's husband Marcial Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. Many of these pieces are made with Ivory. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and workload are co-run by his wife Nene, who also runs his shop in Manila. She is a long running expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. Their brisk trade is evidence of the demand for Ivory, they claims to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of price for ivory at 20000 pesos ($500) a kilo for raw ivory and far more for carved Benales masterpieces. It also illustrates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once it is in the Philippines there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511818-LIBNH7UWQU3ZPAT35KAC/Godsivory_005.jpg God's Ivory AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511638-Y8P2KF319XYT52MXMFCE/Godsivory_021.jpg God's Ivory MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The preparation for the burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory to be burnt is originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It will be burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511869-MAEDH2B3I6XP3OHMZT4L/Godsivory_047.jpg God's Ivory BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Scenes from China National Arts and Crafts Corporation - Ivory Carving factory, Beijing, China, November 17. Started in 2009 after China's big African Ivory purchase, this is supposedly the world's largest Ivory carving facility, employing more than 20 carvers and carving an alleged 750 kg of raw ivory annually. The director of the factory stated that the factory was started as a State initiative against the demise of the Ivory carving industry. State owned, it is a clear indication of the Chinese government's investment into the future of the Ivory carving trade. This factory also carves a ton of Mammoth Ivory every year. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511850-W6KEDPUB39X4LZXL9PAO/Godsivory_068.jpg God's Ivory VALENZULEA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Master sculptor Marcial Bernales's production schedule board for the carving of Catholic religious icons in his worshop in Valenzulea, close to Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. Many of these pieces are made with Ivory. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and workload are co-run by his wife Nene, who also runs his shop in Manila. She is a long running expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. Their brisk trade is evidence of the demand for Ivory, they claims to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of price for ivory at 20000 pesos ($500) a kilo for raw ivory and far more for carved Benales masterpieces. It also illustrates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once it is in the Philippines there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511799-D0WV8GWL6T8I734F81XR/Godsivory_006.jpg God's Ivory AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511712-FNFNT2AZ380PGD4JKWAY/Godsivory_022.jpg God's Ivory MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The preparation for the burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory to be burnt is originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It will be burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511737-PIDC683DAFV0L88037H5/Godsivory_048.jpg God's Ivory GUANGZHOU, CHINA, FEBRUARY 2012: Images of ivory carver Wu Rong Chang, 67, who has been carving for 50 years, photographed working on a large Ivory carving at the Guangzhou Daxin Ivory Carving Factory, the only state owned enterprise specialising in the ivory carving businessin the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou, February 4 2012. Daxin specialising in the Hollow Ball carving of 25 layers, large landscape ivory hillocks and also works with Mamoth Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511762-DB3W94AEIOFXHPFV5AIK/Godsivory_069.jpg God's Ivory MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Catholic icon dealer Nene Bernales and embroidery staff at work in her shop in Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. They are surrounded by Icons that have heads and hands made of Ivory. Nene's husband Marcial Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and store are co-run by his wife Nene. She is a long time expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. The brisk trade and high demand for Ivory icons is evidence of the demand for Ivory, the Bernale's claim to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of the very high prices paid for carved Benales masterpieces. There is not sufficent pre-ban supply to fullfill demand for these pieces in the Philippines. The Icon trade also further illuminates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once raw ivory tusks are in the Philippines, there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims of legal ownership or criminality, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511876-13VYHYWK75Z6V0OC6WX2/Godsivory_007.jpg God's Ivory TSAVO EAST, KENYA, MAY 2011: Images of some of the last of the great Elephant tuskers in Africa, taken in Tsavo Eastm 18 May, 2011. Massive elephant poaching in recent years has seen most of the mature bull elephant population of African countries decimated for their ivory. A Tusker is defined as an elephant with a set of 100 pound ivory tusks, or therabouts. This depletion of the elephant gene pool is having a negative effect on populations, with weak dna being passed on instead of the strongest. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511663-B9BYY48DYR6UN1PPUZH1/Godsivory_023.jpg God's Ivory MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory burnt here was originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It was burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511780-04BWCPWU4JH0DH0C3L8N/Godsivory_049.jpg God's Ivory BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Images of Ivory on sale at government registered White Peacock Arts World, Beijing, China, November 15 2011. Exquisitely carved large pieces of appriximately one large tusk sell for an average of 1 million RMB, approximately $160 000. There has been an explosion in recent years for Ivory in China. As well as stocks purchased legally in 2008, there is a great deal of illegal ivory coming into China to sate the demands of the fast rising newly wealthy Chinese. There has furthermore been a crisis amongst skilled master carvers in China in that most of them are becoming older without sufficient young apprentices. In 2006 the government instituted a program for student carvers and provides subsidies for them. It appears that China is relying publicly on a bid for new Ivory stocks every 10 years, it bought 60 tons in 2008, and officials talk about another bid soon. The Chinese and Japanese delegations travelled together to the last Ivory auction, where they bid as one, enabling them to keep the price very low, around $500 a kilo. In turn they are retailing it for around $2500 a kilo, in many cases to themselves and thus quadrupling their profits pre-carving. A large carved tusk sells in Beijing for a million RMB, roughly $160 000. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511626-FNLLEKFJ2WQYGD8FDLWQ/Godsivory_070.jpg God's Ivory MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Catholic icon dealer Nene Bernales and embroidery staff at work in her shop in Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. They are surrounded by Icons that have heads and hands made of Ivory. Nene's husband Marcial Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and store are co-run by his wife Nene. She is a long time expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. The brisk trade and high demand for Ivory icons is evidence of the demand for Ivory, the Bernale's claim to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of the very high prices paid for carved Benales masterpieces. There is not sufficent pre-ban supply to fullfill demand for these pieces in the Philippines. The Icon trade also further illuminates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once raw ivory tusks are in the Philippines, there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims of legal ownership or criminality, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511718-LN53S7CA1TX4FZ50YS6K/Godsivory_008.jpg God's Ivory LULIMBI, EASTERN DRC, FEBRUARY 2012: ICCN Rangers investigate the corpse of a recently killed sub-adult male elephant in Lulimbi, Eastern DRC, February 29, 2012. The elephant has obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511497-3ICZLQAMSL0VG2PUGEPN/Godsivory_024.jpg God's Ivory MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory burnt here was originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It was burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511556-8O1NNF1JK065500775BA/Godsivory_050.jpg God's Ivory GUANGZHOU, CHINA, FEBRUARY 2012: Images of Ivory shoppers at the Guangzhou Daxin Ivory Carving Factory retail store, Daxin is the only state owned enterprise specialising in the ivory carving businessin the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou, February 4 2012. On this occasion a Chinese man and woman purchased 15 seperate items, spending over 100 000 RMB, over $16000. The store manager says that this is not unusual. This customer was not from Guangzhou and had come specifically to purchase Ivory for his new home and for gifts. Ivory is seen as symbol of wealth and an affirmation of prosperity amongst the Chinese. No other nation in the world has experienced such an growth of wealthy individuals as China. As a result the demand for Ivory continues apace, with potentially disastorous consequences for the elephant. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511644-GYTQNQ7RNWO9M5L3AFNB/Godsivory_071.jpg God's Ivory MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Catholic icon dealer Nene Bernales and embroidery staff at work in her shop in Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. They are surrounded by Icons that have heads and hands made of Ivory. Nene's husband Marcial Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and store are co-run by his wife Nene. She is a long time expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. The brisk trade and high demand for Ivory icons is evidence of the demand for Ivory, the Bernale's claim to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of the very high prices paid for carved Benales masterpieces. There is not sufficent pre-ban supply to fullfill demand for these pieces in the Philippines. The Icon trade also further illuminates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once raw ivory tusks are in the Philippines, there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims of legal ownership or criminality, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511575-5FFQPXSRFEDKYQ44RV4X/Godsivory_009.jpg God's Ivory LULIMBI, EASTERN DRC, FEBRUARY 2012: ICCN Conservation Rangers deploy young bloodhounds for the first time in Virunga to investigate the corpse of a recently killed sub-adult male elephant in Lulimbi, Eastern DRC, February 29, 2012. The elephant had obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. The young dogs reacted with horror at the elephant corpse, their noses are estimated to be 3 million times more sensitive than a humans. After initially recoiling, the lead dog Lily, just over a year old, took the scent and followed it for several kilometers in the exact direction of a fishing village on Lake Edward long suspected in poaching cases in Virunga. She was pulled off the trail once Rangers knew where the suspects came from. Undercover intelligence will now be used in the village to seek out the sellers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511550-OM92EY7SBRB50OVEJQXQ/Godsivory_025.jpg God's Ivory NAIROBI, KENYA, JULY 2011: Inside the Ivory strongroom underneath the Kenya Wildlife Service HQ in Nairobi, Kenya, July 29, 2011. According to the Director of KWS, Julius Kipnegitch, they have around 65 tons of Ivory in storage, some from illegal ivory busts, some from natural mortality in Kenyan elephants. Kenya has a strong public anti-trade stance on ivory trading and claims to have other plans for its ivory, including possibly using it in a wildlife museum setting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511595-QG2Y3AJWSB38M75ALZO6/Godsivory_051.jpg God's Ivory BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Ivory on sale in the Beijing Arts and Crafts Store on Wangfujing St, a popular store with an extensive selection of carved and painted Ivory on sale, Beijing, China, November 17. Certain pieces in the store sell for well over 1 million RMB, in excess of $160 000. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511439-FACXPPO8NHCVS2TYOAG3/Godsivory_072.jpg God's Ivory MALOLOS, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Over 200 hundred Santo Nino Coronas housing Santo Nino icons wait in Malolos Basilica for a religious procession in the streets of Malolos, the birthplace of the Santo Nino phenomenon in the Philippines, January 28 2012. Many of these icons have heads and hands made of solid Ivory, many of these pieces are made recently, in the post Ivory ban period. It is very difficult to tell whether this work is made from illegal ivory, of which there is a great deal in the Philippines, mostly used for the carving of religious iconography. What is for certain is that there is a thriving trade in the ivory carving for religious icon purposes. The Philippines has no elephant population but is one of the largest users of Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511543-TZAN9GOY16MEI5DWL3XU/Godsivory_010.jpg God's Ivory LULIMBI, EASTERN DRC, FEBRUARY 2012: ICCN Conservation Rangers deploy young bloodhounds for the first time in Virunga to investigate the corpse of a recently killed sub-adult male elephant in Lulimbi, Eastern DRC, February 29, 2012. The elephant had obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. The young dogs reacted with horror at the elephant corpse, their noses are estimated to be 3 million times more sensitive than a humans. After initially recoiling, the lead dog Lily, just over a year old, took the scent and followed it for several kilometers in the exact direction of a fishing village on Lake Edward long suspected in poaching cases in Virunga. She was pulled off the trail once Rangers knew where the suspects came from. Undercover intelligence will now be used in the village to seek out the sellers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511517-EGI0EURHDJRGLM3C4JSG/Godsivory_026.jpg God's Ivory NAIROBI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Canine Handler Antony Otieno of the Kenya Wildlife Service Canine Sniffer Dog unit and his dog Tina conduct a routine search of a warehouse in Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya, May 25 2011. Tina has been specially trained to detect ivory and the Canine unit have played a valuable role in the confiscation of over 4 tons of ivory at the airport since 2008. While the Canine Unit have had some successes, they all feel that the light penalties imposed on Ivory smugglers in Kenya make their jobs that much more difficult and would like to see harsher penalties imposed on smugglers. The current average maximum penalty for wildlife crime in Kenya is around 12000 KSH, about $150. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511614-C3EESMVJNN7215MBCUKY/Godsivory_052.jpg God's Ivory GUANGZHOU, CHINA, FEBRUARY 2012: An illegal Ivory store operating in Guangzhou, China on 4 February, 2012. All Ivory sales in China are supposed to carry specific, state issued and supervised identity cards which prove the legality of the Ivory. This is supposed to prevent the use of illegally obtained, smuggled ivory in the commerical market. In this store no cards are visible whatsoever on any of more than 200 pieces. Furthermore, the woman on her phone on the right of the images is an official of the Chinese Arts and Culture institute, an official who did not notice or pay any attention to this illegality. China remains by far the world's largest consumer of Ivory, much of it coming in from smuggled sources. In the course of this investigation, we also discovered a secondary market in forged Ivory identification cards, making it easy for the unscrupulous to pass off illegal ivory as legal. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511483-XCMHBGQP4DLAHU75TYQK/Godsivory_073.jpg God's Ivory MALOLOS, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Over 200 hundred Santo Nino Coronas housing Santo Nino icons wait in Malolos Basilica for a religious procession in the streets of Malolos, the birthplace of the Santo Nino phenomenon in the Philippines, January 28 2012. Many of these icons have heads and hands made of solid Ivory, many of these pieces are made recently, in the post Ivory ban period. It is very difficult to tell whether this work is made from illegal ivory, of which there is a great deal in the Philippines, mostly used for the carving of religious iconography. What is for certain is that there is a thriving trade in the ivory carving for religious icon purposes. The Philippines has no elephant population but is one of the largest users of Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511458-X67BGC7HY36C1NHICWTF/Godsivory_011.jpg God's Ivory CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: A combined team of ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army patrol an area known to have a FDLR rebel presence, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. Since they fled into the DRC and the park after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511750-YTILFUZHHSCPA057YDWC/Godsivory_027.jpg God's Ivory NAIROBI, KENYA, JULY 2011: The personal suitcases of Chinese Nationals caught with contraband ivory seized at Jomo Kenyata International airport, Nairobi, Kenya, July 21 2011. These cases are in the contraband room at Kenya Wildlife Services HQ and are part of evidence in ongoing cases involving illegal trafficking of ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511768-SM68SRMUVYSO63HPBYRH/Godsivory_053.jpg God's Ivory GUANGZHOU, CHINA, FEBRUARY 2012: Gary Zeng, 42, an engineer, seen with his wife Spring Liu, 41 and their son, Andrew, inside their apartment in Guangzhou, China, February 4 2012. Zeng has just purchased two Hollow Ball ivory carvings from Daxin Ivory Carving company, one for $50 000 and the other for $70 000. He is seen unwrapping the carvings in his living room and showing them to his son, who most likely will inherit one of these in the future. The larger of the carvings is a gift Zeng bought to give to a successful entrepreneur friend of his in Shanghai. Zeng says that he bought these carvings as an investment and as a symbol of prosperity for the house he is building. He says he feels no connection to the elephant whatsoever. Zeng is typical of a new wave of wealthy Chinese who have money to spend and see Ivory as an affirmation of success, a very aspirational phenomenon in Chinese culture. Both of these carvings came with the relevant official certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511529-G2WPNXG6045W7Y6LP87K/Godsivory_074.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: A wealthy, devout Filipino man amongst his religious icon collection which is largely carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. This collection has both new and old pieces, most carved within the last 5 years. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511650-9WB26XW7J1D29PVA5HC8/Godsivory_012.jpg God's Ivory CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army capture illegal fisherman, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. Many of these fisherman are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. The fish stocks in the lake are just beginning to recover from the war, thousands of hippos were slaughtered to feed militia groups and this devastated fish stocks. This delicate recovery is what the ICCN rangers are trying to protect. This will allow a viable and sustainable fishing industry to be generated at Lake Edward, for the benefit of all. Since the FDLR fled into Virunga after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511425-B57Z0WHY4EF9TX2XJS0J/Godsivory_028.jpg God's Ivory ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA, MARCH 2012: Fishermen on a traditional Dhow sail past the docks in Zanzibar, Tanzania, March 19 2012. The docks of East and Southern Africa have long formed an essential link in the smuggling of illegal Ivory from Africa to Asia. Last year in Zanzibar and Mombassa significant amounts of illegal ivory were found in containers labeled as something else on their way to the Far East. It is estimated that for every shipment found, at least another 20 make their past customs, often with the complicity of the customs authority. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511432-G15OEETTOCTGYFSW0706/Godsivory_075.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: A wealthy, devout Filipino man amongst his religious icon collection which is largely carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. This collection has both new and old pieces, most carved within the last 5 years. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511918-G9EODTJ2FVCFSB6UY7AJ/Godsivory_013.jpg God's Ivory CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army capture illegal fisherman, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. Many of these fisherman are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. The fish stocks in the lake are just beginning to recover from the war, thousands of hippos were slaughtered to feed militia groups and this devastated fish stocks. This delicate recovery is what the ICCN rangers are trying to protect. This will allow a viable and sustainable fishing industry to be generated at Lake Edward, for the benefit of all. Since the FDLR fled into Virunga after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511588-KM0MYFUKH1S256HW39WR/Godsivory_029.jpg God's Ivory NAIROBI, KENYA, JULY 2011: A baby orphan elephant and her keeper inside her stall at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, July 21 2011. This orphan is the victim of a poaching incident, her mother was killed for her tusks and the baby left to fend for herself. She was fortunate enough to be recovered by the Sheldrick Conservancy and brought to the orphanage, where there are a large number of baby elephant who are similar victims of the illegal ivory trade. She will live with a dedicated keeper who functions as her parent, she spends her days with the other elephants but sleeps at night in the stall with her keeper in an extraordinary relationship which symbolises what is possible between man and animals. After a two year period she will be moved to another orphanage in Tsavo reserve and from there will be acclimatised for a move back to the bush and a natural way of life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511523-5V1RUNXDUAJMYT0NV8F6/Godsivory_076.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: A wealthy, young and devout Filipino man prays in front of his religious icon collection which is carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. The man prays before this icon before he leaves his house every day. His collection has both new and old pieces, most carved within the last 5 years. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511831-YB1AVETT6IOAYVBA8Y7M/Godsivory_014.jpg God's Ivory BOUBA NDJIDA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH CAMEROON, APRIL 2012: The largest mass killing of elephants in recent history took place at Bouba Ndjida National Park in North Cameroon close to the Chad and Central African Republic Borders from January through March 2012. Eye witnesses have so far located 340 carcasses, the ivory poachers themselves told local villagers they have killed over 650 elephants in their hunt for Ivory over the 500 000 hectare region. There has yet to be a proper aerial and ground survey of the dead elephants and the rainy season will make that difficult. The Poachers, numbering over 100 men, were mounted on horseback, led by 6 light skinned North Sudanese men and armed with RPG's, grenades, Light Machine Guns and AK47's. They were in two main groups, with a number of reconnaisance units of 4 men locating the elephants then bringing in a larger force to kill big groups. Intelligence indicates that many of the hunters came from Chad and were led by these Sudanese men. These facts have emerged from a number of eye witness acccounts, mainly by French professional hunters who saw the horsman in the Park and local hunting concessions. They had the appearence and attitude of Janjaweed fighters from the South Sudan Darfur and Chadian conflicts and were disciplined, unafraid, arrogant and extremely efficient hunters. The elephants were herded together by teams of 4 to 8 riders who then decimated them with AK47 fire, killing all the elephants they could find, including babies with no ivory. Groups as large as 53 have been gunned down together, with sections as large as 14 elephants lying within touching distance of each other. These horseman came into the area over the Chadian border, evidence of early carcasses suggests that they may have been in the park as early as October 2011. The main force began their hunt in earnest from January through to approximately 8 March 2012. It is believed there was collaboration with local poachers in this hunt as well as an as https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511601-GDITCF6JRFHGY044PT9H/Godsivory_030.jpg God's Ivory NAIROBI, KENYA, JULY 2011: A baby orphan elephant and her keeper inside her stall at the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, July 21 2011. This orphan is the victim of a poaching incident, her mother was killed for her tusks and the baby left to fend for herself. She was fortunate enough to be recovered by the Sheldrick Conservancy and brought to the orphanage, where there are a large number of baby elephant who are similar victims of the illegal ivory trade. She will live with a dedicated keeper who functions as her parent, she spends her days with the other elephants but sleeps at night in the stall with her keeper in an extraordinary relationship which symbolises what is possible between man and animals. After a two year period she will be moved to another orphanage in Tsavo reserve and from there will be acclimatised for a move back to the bush and a natural way of life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511863-V9HQHFE32F7PW6QY5CV3/Godsivory_077.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: A wealthy, devout Filipino man reads his bible study and cleans his religious icon collection which is largely carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. This collection has both new and old pieces, some carved over a hundred years ago but most carved recently. The main piece in this picture was carved 5 years ago. This man has extensive connections to other collectors and talks openly about the ivory trade and the "environmentalists" who are interfering with his and their collecting habits. Many of the piece in his collection are large, and would have been carved from a single large tusk. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511843-IPXETVWT6JKZ4VH7PKQJ/Godsivory_015.jpg God's Ivory BOUBA NDJIDA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH CAMEROON, APRIL 2012: The largest mass killing of elephants in recent history took place at Bouba Ndjida National Park in North Cameroon close to the Chad and Central African Republic Borders from January through March 2012. Eye witnesses have so far located 340 carcasses, the ivory poachers themselves told local villagers they have killed over 650 elephants in their hunt for Ivory over the 500 000 hectare region. There has yet to be a proper aerial and ground survey of the dead elephants and the rainy season will make that difficult. The Poachers, numbering over 100 men, were mounted on horseback, led by 6 light skinned North Sudanese men and armed with RPG's, grenades, Light Machine Guns and AK47's. They were in two main groups, with a number of reconnaisance units of 4 men locating the elephants then bringing in a larger force to kill big groups. Intelligence indicates that many of the hunters came from Chad and were led by these Sudanese men. These facts have emerged from a number of eye witness acccounts, mainly by French professional hunters who saw the horsman in the Park and local hunting concessions. They had the appearence and attitude of Janjaweed fighters from the South Sudan Darfur and Chadian conflicts and were disciplined, unafraid, arrogant and extremely efficient hunters. The elephants were herded together by teams of 4 to 8 riders who then decimated them with AK47 fire, killing all the elephants they could find, including babies with no ivory. Groups as large as 53 have been gunned down together, with sections as large as 14 elephants lying within touching distance of each other. These horseman came into the area over the Chadian border, evidence of early carcasses suggests that they may have been in the park as early as October 2011. The main force began their hunt in earnest from January through to approximately 8 March 2012. It is believed there was collaboration with local poachers in this hunt as well as an as https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511699-P4GMBQ4XSA7539R50Q8U/Godsivory_031.jpg God's Ivory BANGKOK, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Images taken at the City Pillar Shrine, Thailand, Bangkok, November 1, 2011. There are 6 elephant tusks which form part of this Shrine which was first built in 1782 and displays numerous elephant symbols in recognition of Thailand's strong legacy of the elephant. Thailand is the only country in the world to adopt the Elephant as the National symbol and place it on the flag. Thailand has a domestic elephant population, an ancient ivory carving tradition and a loophole in the law when it comes to domestic and foreign ivory. This loophole has been exploited by illegal ivory traders for a long time and there is speculation that Thailand is high on the list on transit countries for illegal ivory trafficking. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511905-FRHI80YXQMXZHPT0LE0T/Godsivory_078.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: A wealthy, devout Filipino man reads his bible study and cleans his religious icon collection which is largely carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. This collection has both new and old pieces, some carved over a hundred years ago but most carved recently. The main piece in this picture was carved 5 years ago. This man has extensive connections to other collectors and talks openly about the ivory trade and the "environmentalists" who are interfering with his and their collecting habits. Many of the piece in his collection are large, and would have been carved from a single large tusk. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511465-1MMBA6832KGEAE6N3Q37/Godsivory_032.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Images from Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 10th, 2011. There are over 200 elephants at this village, most of whom are used in shows which appeal to tourists. The Thai elephant used to be used in logging but this was banned in Thailand over 20 years ago due to deforestation. As a result there is a lot of pressure on Mahouts for survival and this has led to controversy in elephant matters in Thailand. The Mahouts come from a clan which has been responsible for the capture and rearing of elephants for the kings of Siam for well over a 1000 years. Their way of life is now under threat and some of the Mahouts are involved in the illegal elephant trade with Burma and also the trade in ivory and elephant parts, most of which is used in the manufacture of religious icons for the domestic trade or exported to China for foreign sales. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511925-Y80F57CDUKNZ6GHS2WJT/Godsivory_079.jpg God's Ivory CEBU, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: A wealthy, devout Filipino man reads his bible study and cleans his religious icon collection which is largely carved out of Ivory, Cebu, Philippines, January 19, 2012. This collection has both new and old pieces, some carved over a hundred years ago but most carved recently. The main piece in this picture was carved 5 years ago. This man has extensive connections to other collectors and talks openly about the ivory trade and the "environmentalists" who are interfering with his and their collecting habits. Many of the piece in his collection are large, and would have been carved from a single large tusk. There is a collective of wealthy collectors in the Philippines who both search out and commision new work, thus sustaining a trade which allows for the continuing and growing market for new ivory. This has an inevitable effect on threatened elephant populations worldwide, accelerating demand for a commodity which is growing in value. This feature is about representing a global picture through a new and unseen lens. It places an onus of responsibility on an influential religious and wealthy elite. It offers them the chance to acknowledge their influence for good in the face of accelerating losses that are non-recoverable. It furthermore allows them to do so in the name of a value system integral to their expoused beliefs. It simply requires a reversal of priorities, from one that places iconography above life, to one that places life about iconography. This preaches a new message of compassion for all life, all God’s life, and ultimately benefits the protagonists and allows them to emerge not only unscathed but reinvigorates their standing as leaders in the value system their religious sector expouses. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511562-61QLC1ES388UZMRNYM5U/Godsivory_033.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, photographed with his ivory religous icons clearly visible near a ivory carving master in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511898-AON994VGWVGPH9GMGF9W/Godsivory_034.jpg God's Ivory AMPHUR NADOON, MAHASARAKHAN PROVINCE, THAILAND: Scenes from Wat suan paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme Thee temple complex, a site where elephants are being raised in controversial circumstance by Mahouts and the chief monk Luang Poo Kru Ba Dhammamunee, Amphur Nadoon, Mahasarkhan Province, Thailand, 8 November 2011. The chief monk Dhammamunee was recently accused by Thai elephant conservation groups and national media of slowly poisoning an elephant so that he could take its ivory for use in religious amulets. The monk, who has a large following, denies this and there is currently a lawsuit in the Thai courts regarding both the welfare of the elephant and defamation charges. Ivory is often used in religious artifacts and amulets in Thailand and there is some suspicion that a lot of the illegal trade in ivory is for this purpose. The Thai law also allows for a number of legal loopholes which have been exploited by Ivory traffickers, both for domestic ivory and also for illegally trafficked African ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511504-KRGSZ85795RTIAZZTZA7/Godsivory_035.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, photographed in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511656-VDRFJSOOBW613OWMRHV7/Godsivory_036.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, photographed in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511607-2CUD69KVLA9SWGZH0OI7/Godsivory_037.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, cruises the ivory market looking for bargains in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511911-XSCWKEHLIPID6B1NTICZ/Godsivory_038.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: "Jack," a Mahout at Surin Elephant Village, feeds and bathes his elephant in the early morning in a dam at Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 10th, 2011. "Jack" worked in China for over 13 years as an elephant Mahout. There are over 200 elephants at this village, most of whom are used in shows which appeal to tourists. The Thai elephant used to be used in logging but this was banned in Thailand over 20 years ago due to deforestation. As a result there is a lot of pressure on Mahouts for survival and this has led to controversy in elephant matters in Thailand. The Mahouts come from a clan which has been responsible for the capture and rearing of elephants for the kings of Siam for well over a 1000 years. Their way of life is now under threat and some of the Mahouts are involved in the illegal elephant trade with Burma and also the trade in ivory and elephant parts, most of which is used in the manufacture of religious icons for the domestic trade or exported to China for foreign sales. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511774-1804JLZDPEGTC8B9PX01/Godsivory_039.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: "Jack," a Mahout at Surin Elephant Village, feeds and bathes his elephant in the early morning in a dam at Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 10th, 2011. "Jack" worked in China for over 13 years as an elephant Mahout. There are over 200 elephants at this village, most of whom are used in shows which appeal to tourists. The Thai elephant used to be used in logging but this was banned in Thailand over 20 years ago due to deforestation. As a result there is a lot of pressure on Mahouts for survival and this has led to controversy in elephant matters in Thailand. The Mahouts come from a clan which has been responsible for the capture and rearing of elephants for the kings of Siam for well over a 1000 years. Their way of life is now under threat and some of the Mahouts are involved in the illegal elephant trade with Burma and also the trade in ivory and elephant parts, most of which is used in the manufacture of religious icons for the domestic trade or exported to China for foreign sales. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511472-55AUYGCOU7V7Z3AB9049/Godsivory_040.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: "Jack," a Mahout at Surin Elephant Village, feeds and bathes his elephant in the early morning in a dam at Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 10th, 2011. "Jack" worked in China for over 13 years as an elephant Mahout. There are over 200 elephants at this village, most of whom are used in shows which appeal to tourists. The Thai elephant used to be used in logging but this was banned in Thailand over 20 years ago due to deforestation. As a result there is a lot of pressure on Mahouts for survival and this has led to controversy in elephant matters in Thailand. The Mahouts come from a clan which has been responsible for the capture and rearing of elephants for the kings of Siam for well over a 1000 years. Their way of life is now under threat and some of the Mahouts are involved in the illegal elephant trade with Burma and also the trade in ivory and elephant parts, most of which is used in the manufacture of religious icons for the domestic trade or exported to China for foreign sales. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158511445-X415X2OMAZTP8WX2L0EZ/Godsivory_041.jpg God's Ivory SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Mr Ramet Yeerum, 34, a master ivory carver at work in a small village close to Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 10th, 2011. Mr Yeerum stated that most of his clients are Monks who buy his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes. He estimates that the vast majority of his business is the carving of these religious pieces. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He further offered his services as a carver in Africa if we could get him there. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/scenes-from-mandelas-funeral-1 daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567342-F61T7KGZ7NCDXY0QOC4V/mandela_001.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 6 DECEMBER 2013: ANC supporters show their respect for Nelson Mandela who passed away at 9pm the night before at 95 years of age, they are seen outside of Mandela's one time house in Soweto in Vilakazi Street, Soweto, South Africa, 6 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567335-ZDBY6T1VN9PLQXWI3P8Q/mandela_035.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 DECEMBER 2013: Mandela supporters at FNB stadium for a day of comemoration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic Freedom Fighter of the ANC, Soweto, South Africa, 10 December 2013. Mr Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/© 2013 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567506-1H22HWN30KBCKECCVCW4/mandela_051.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: A young woman watches from her home as a crowd gathers on a hilltop for the Nelson Mandela funeral, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567327-EFGW763QPCKV6PYTY252/mandela_052.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: A young man watches through the window of his home as a crowd gathers on a hilltop for the Nelson Mandela funeral, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567321-LWJTKKGLLHO81N6YEFOM/mandela_002.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567243-7LCM8QMD013QB5O0P83R/mandela_037.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 DECEMBER 2013: Mandela supporters at FNB stadium for a day of comemoration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic Freedom Fighter of the ANC, Soweto, South Africa, 10 December 2013. Mr Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/© 2013 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567315-I5V83CJSLA3QN32I49K2/mandela_054.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: Local Xhosa women watch the Mandela funeral service on a large television situated on a hilltop overlooking the service in the valley below, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567237-LOWNR8JRM6KKW74QX2XP/mandela_013.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: Scenes outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 7 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567382-8ZKY3WK8EMKP36G4HN52/mandela_038.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 DECEMBER 2013: Mandela supporters at FNB stadium for a day of comemoration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic Freedom Fighter of the ANC, Soweto, South Africa, 10 December 2013. Mr Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/© 2013 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567177-XM8YWDT86FZ59LOCBCG3/mandela_055.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567217-8002LUDJ2O7KHH7VW84S/mandela_003.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: Scenes outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 7 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567369-W3IWFIOBBV903DDQI61H/mandela_039.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567297-XFKDRNVZ5QJLEHWSC7I0/mandela_056.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: Xhosa Initiates pass by close to the funeral of Nelson Mandela, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. These initiates have recently been circumsized traditionally and without anesthetic. They will spend up to two months dressed this way and learning the tradtions of Xhosa culture. Nelson Mandela, an icon of democracy, also went through this tradtional ritual. Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567249-KK9WDGP1LBVJ11FK90TV/mandela_004.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567194-8J9CPS8EUYQFKI0FQY2F/mandela_040.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 DECEMBER 2013: Mandela supporters wait for public transport in the rain on their way to FNB stadium for a day of comemoration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic Freedom Fighter of the ANC, Soweto, South Africa, 10 December 2013. Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/© 2013 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567512-XPM64SMN37VUAS343XTC/mandela_057.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567223-WEP11MRDZ2GZNNF5YFFU/mandela_031.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: Scenes outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 7 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567171-AR7PCIZQHKENLO5NOSGF/mandela_041.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: A man collecting firewood with his donkey stands and gives the ANC salute as he waits for the Nelson Mandela funeral procession to pass, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567303-N4WZIREOHYNHZ7C8FCB3/mandela_009.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567183-3LOG5VELV7T3610C6BNC/mandela_042.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567375-B0PRSN31CJEAJELYH3C6/mandela_010.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 DECEMBER 2013: People pay tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela at Mandela Square in Sandton City shopping center, Johannesburg, 8 December, 2013. There has been a massive response the death of Nelson Mandela across South Africa, as people remember an icon of the country. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567279-1EJ0B8BNB3QOGU1VGPY5/mandela_043.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2013: Mourners emerge from paying their respects as Nelson Mandela's body lies in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, 11 December 2013. Thousands of people turned out to see the former South African President and iconic ANC anti-apartheid champion as he lay in state at the Union Buildings while people filed past to pay their respects. Mandela will lie in state for three days in order that people may come from all over to pay homage to a South African hero. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567348-T6HNPD4HKJIN79EZ4Q22/mandela_011.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: A white woman and her domestic worker plus the family dogs attend a memorial book signing and flower laying at Mandela Square in Sandton City shopping center, Johannesburg, 7 December, 2013. There has been a massive response the death of Nelson Mandela across South Africa, as people remember an icon of the country. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567267-SNV7996H2PL33BJOCWCI/mandela_044.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: A women takes a selfie as the Nelson Mandela funeral procession appears on the road to Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567230-7D8GXU4C6E7KUR1AQZRY/mandela_014.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: Scenes outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 7 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567206-O5VCFZJ37B6WCGMRU34G/mandela_045.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: A man waits for the Nelson Mandela funeral procession to pass, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567518-L43QM3KLBAY8JJ3Z79IS/mandela_016.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: Scenes outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 7 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567309-1O0S11IJKXEZBWQSRANX/mandela_048.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: Security is tight for the Nelson Mandela funeral with the Army and Police on full display, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567189-0SG8714IC9WNMO92ZEFC/mandela_017.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: A fire in a shrine to Nelson Mandela veers briefly out of control outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 7 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567261-SZ7ZO8OF66JTPRVVHSAI/mandela_050.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: Security is tight for the Nelson Mandela funeral with the Army and Police on full display, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. An icon of democracy, Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567211-5E8KRD58NSRUO0XIJFO4/mandela_018.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 DECEMBER 2013: Mourners wait out the rain outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 8 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567200-RUJW42CAS21VT1O0LGJB/mandela_019.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567291-NCIZFDDU19KRC5ITYVT2/mandela_021.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HILLBROW, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 7 DECEMBER 2013: African Christians say passionate prayers on a hilltop overlooking Johannesburg, 7 December 2013. There are prayers all over the country at this time as people mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela, an icon of freedom and democracy who passed away on the 5 of December 2013 after a long struggle with illness. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567355-KTF07MV5LARBC0TMDH3J/mandela_023.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HILLBROW, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 DECEMBER 2013: African Christians say passionate prayers on a hilltop overlooking Johannesburg, 8 December 2013. There are prayers all over the country at this time as people mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela, an icon of freedom and democracy who passed away on the 5 of December 2013 after a long struggle with illness. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567362-KA6QW7E82N2QDU8LSYYA/mandela_026.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 DECEMBER 2013: Mourners light candles and leave flowers outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 8 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567274-AI6IASK6D8JL87D0GTGH/mandela_028.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 DECEMBER 2013: Mourners light candles and leave flowers outside of Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home as crowds of people come to pay tribute to the icon of South Africa democracy, 8 December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567285-2QDDAQBT67HVQNWPIQF7/mandela_029.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 DECEMBER 2013: Former member of the armed wing of the ANC run to FNB stadium to be among Mandela supporters for a day of comemoration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic Freedom Fighter of the ANC, Soweto, South Africa, 10 December 2013. Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/© 2013 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567524-24O3XQPSNSXLPWFN6IFW/mandela_030.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2013: Nelson Mandela's funeral hearse comes past a police guard down Madiba Street in Pretoria, South Africa, 11 December 2013. Thousands of people turned out to see the former South African President and iconic ANC anti-apartheid champion as he lay in state at the Union Buildings while people filed past to pay their respects. Mandela will lie in state for three days in order that people may come from all over to pay homage to a South African hero. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158567255-SQ3GB3ML7ZCTPBJT9VVW/mandela_033.jpg Scenes from Mandela's funeral PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2013: People wait for hours in Pretoria as thousands turn out to see the former South African President and iconic ANC anti-apartheid champion as he lies in state at the Union Buildings while people filed past to pay their respects, Pretoria, South Africa, December 11, 2013. Mandela will lie in state for three days in order that people may come from all over to pay homage to a South African hero. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://www.brentstirton.com/photojournalism daily 0.75 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529589-W7HE7TJ5O2O244I8WIZ5/addphtjn_001.jpg Photojournalism CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: A combined team of ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army patrol an area known to have a FDLR rebel presence, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. Since they fled into the DRC and the park after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529564-J5AR84YPEF1N8LWGQ663/phtjn_001.jpg Photojournalism TRANSKEI COAST, SOUTH AFRICA-NOVEMBER 2003: Xhosa boys undergoing the circumcision ceremony walk back to their huts at the end of the day. Every Xhosa male must undergo this ceremony which begins with a unanethatised circumcision and then explores a month long oral history of the Xhosa people. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528467-2ZC5GTGOE8SSKJMCSLET/phtjn_003.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529405-45RUY0I9HF23IMJFQ3S4/phtjn_12.1+copy.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528909-VXARI0HJRBVPKYPSY9NW/addphotojn_009.jpg Photojournalism OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 5 November 2015: Gerd Gamanab, 67, is a completely sightless man hoping for a miracle at a blindness camp in Omaruru District hospital in Namibia. He lost his sight to 50 years of farm labour in the Namibian sun and dust, which destroyed both of his corneas. This kind of blindness is the result of living in remote locations with prolonged exposure to fierce elements and no eye care anywhere nearby. A lack of education as to what was happening to his eyes also allowed this to occur. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528816-V5A8NTREOXSTTZZ8JEII/NewPhtjn_018.jpg Photojournalism WEST BENGAL, INDIA 21 OCTOBER 2013: Blind girls Sonia, 12, and Anita Singh, 5, accompany their parents during a rainstorm while they work in the fields of their rural Indian village. Both sisters are born into poverty with congenital cataract blindness. They must accompany their parents everywhere as they cannot be left alone without risk. The surgery to cure this is simple and takes 15 minutes but because of the level of poverty in this family they have been unable to pursue the necessary operation. India has more than 12 million blind, the majority of which suffer from cataract blindness. Poverty is the main reason these millions of people are trapped in this condition. Donor funding has recently enabled both sisters to finally go for this operation. This essay is an attempt to tell the story of their lives before surgery, during the operation to regain their sight and after as they begin to discover light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528197-9M81W1EXUKSWJ6XLH5VL/addphtjn_006.jpg Photojournalism DR Congo: A young victim of a Chimpanzee attack, the chimp also killed a younger child in the attack after being cornered by villagers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528353-1LOWT4Q70LMP2KT4J8XW/NewPhtjn_039.jpg Photojournalism RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 6 AUGUST 20013: Images from the Senkekwe Orphan Gorilla project as caretakers interact in the early morning with a new orphan mountain gorilla Ihirwe at ICCN headquarters, Rumangabo, DRC, 6 August 2013. It is suspected that this orphan was taken by soldiers who probably killed the mother to get the baby. When they were unable to sell it, the orphan was abandoned and the conservation rangers heard and rescued it. Wounds from a rope were evident on its chest and back, it is slowly recovering now as it lives full time with caretakers who also sleep in the enclosure with the orphan. There are a number of other orphans at the center who will be introduced to the new baby once it has been through quarantine and is accustomed to its new surroundings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528891-LJ5NFBFKREZUBP3T5H63/phtjn_027.jpg Photojournalism RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA-MAY 2004: A young aids orphan stands alone in a field after a church service. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528129-OGF6N75Z4Q6U3FRPK2VG/phtjn_029.jpg Photojournalism - Zimbabe Today: Mugabe's Victims (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Zimbabe Today: Mugabe's Victims ZAKA, ZIMBABWE, 14 JUNE 2009: A man and women suffering from advanced Tuberculosis are taken to a clinic via ox-wagon in a rural area of Zaka, Zimbabwe, 24 June 2009. It is likely that both are HIV positive. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state. As a result of food scarcity in the failed state, malnutrition plays a large role in the rapid decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans. 25% of Zimbabweans are estimated to be HIV positive but there is only one ARV dispensing facility in the capital Harare. Its costs around $20 for the blood work to get on the program, a sum well beyond the reach of most in a country of over 90% unemployment. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528674-WQT2FECO16KAV8YPU9E3/phtjn_041.jpg Photojournalism DHARMSALA, INDIA-DECEMBER 2003: Tibet's longest serving political prisoner Palden Gatso demonstrates how he was tortured by the Chinese prison guard using electric cattle prods. Gatso was imprisoned for peaceful protest. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528454-TKWC0MMPWWF6DLL0QNVF/earlymarriage_001-2+copy.jpg Photojournalism BOR, SOUTH SUDAN, FEBRUARY 2013: A young woman recovers after just giving birth to twins in the Bor Hospital maternity ward, Bor, South Sudan, February 9, 2013. Early marriage is common in South Sudan, with girls as young as 12 essentially sold into a life of indentured labour and childbirth. This young woman was married at 12, she had her first child at 15, with a protracted 5 day labor. She is now 20 and the twins are her 4th and 5th child. There are moves to change early marriage in the legal system in South Sudan but this fledgling country is struggling with many issues and the fact that early marriage is a long established part of the culture is making this transition in thinking very difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461320860-DULAMTMEUQEYCCB53598/phtjn_008.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461382291-IF679YJ4WSMBB6UL2Y3G/Phtojn_006.jpg Photojournalism OSAKA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Fumon Tanaka, 73, Samurai master and descendent of a long line of Samurai warriors in Japan. He is seen at a temple complex in Osaka, Japan. Sensei Tanaka is somewhat controversial amongst the pursuants of the Samurai arts in that he embraces the media and has appeared in films, documentaries and commercials all showcasing his Samurai martial arts skills. This is controversial in Samurai culture as many pursuants believe in secrecy and humbleness and not in ostentatious display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461537319-0DQRXXFJ85G8IUNJHSTO/BoyinPool-Cleaned+copy.jpg Photojournalism Part of an essay on teenagers dealing with mental illness in America https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612937-5CDA0LJM76Z65M97DWPY/WaterBW_004.jpg Photojournalism DAG ALLAL, TIMBUKTU, MALI: Tuareg men plant grass in the banks of the Niger River to grow a forage crop for their animals and for sale in the markets in the sedentary Tuareg village of Dag Allal in Mali. Unusual amongst Tuareg for their sedentary, non-nomadic existence, these Tuaregs remain in place all year and care for their animals by utilising agricultural techniques. They have received help from the Millenium Village Project which aims to empower local communities through education. They grow rice and forage grass in the nearby Niger river, using a canal and small pump to divert water into ricepaddies. Their leader, El Hadg Agali Ag Mohammoud, 70, explains that reasons of drought, rebellion and a lack of union amongst the Tuareg caused this group to choose to remain in one place, "We live here all year, we take care of our animals by growing the grass that they wouldn't normally have in the hot summer months, other Tuareg don't always understand this, they think that this grass grows naturally. We sometimes have to prevent them taking it, we have to explain that we grow it for our animals and it is not free. Sometimes there is a confrontation as a result, this is not the traditional Tuareg way so we have to explain it to them. I think in the future there will be more Tuareg living this way."(Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529437-VBWBE66XV2UOL1LU8REH/addphtjn_002.jpg Photojournalism ISHANGO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 6 MAY 2015: European Union commissioned instructors teach Virunga National Park rangers skills for concealment, bush craft, weapons and survival in their fight against paramilitary groups and poachers in the Park. Groups like the Hutu led FDLR and Ugandan ADF continue to make conservation problematic and dangerous inside Virunga, well known as one of the worlds most dangerous places to practice conservation. This group is a smaller subset of Rangers who will receive specialized training for a quick reaction force. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529153-8D9MTRDGQ89TBZBNQHGL/phtjn_002.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529529-IZ8L5KOTP56ET0XMBY6D/Colour_001.jpg Photojournalism LAVENDER HILL, CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: Two senior members of the Americans gang guard an area where there are frequent drug transactions. Both men show tattoos also connecting them to the 26’s, a numbers gang from South African prisons. These tattoos show their status as accomplished thieves. Gangs on the Cape Flats have long been a feature of the coloured community. They are a classic example of the consequences of drug use, the legacy of apartheid and the ongoing social crisis for many coloured people living on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528414-ZJB5QBCMZR5SHO68YTVX/NewPhtjn_017.jpg Photojournalism WEST BENGAL, INDIA 28 OCTOBER 2013: Anita and Sonia Singh explore the beginning of sight as they walk through bullrushes close to their village after undergoing eye surgery. Both Anita, 5, and her older sister Sonia, 12, are born into poverty with congenital cataract blindness and they will need to excercise their new eyes for at least six months before their sight approximates normal. The surgery to cure cataract blindness is simple and takes 15 minutes but because of the level of poverty in this family they have been unable to pursue the necessary operation. India has more than 12 million blind, the majority of which suffer from cataract blindness. Poverty is the main reason these millions of people are trapped in this condition. Donor funding has recently enabled both sisters to finally go for this operation. This essay is an attempt to tell the story of their lives before surgery, during the operation to regain their sight and after as they begin to discover light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528114-CAWNOP44Y5DHDZQV340Q/NewPhtjn_040.jpg Photojournalism RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 AUGUST 20013: New Mountan gorilla orphan Ihirwe clings to her caretaker at Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage at ICCN headquarters, Rumangabo, DRC, 7 August 2013. It is suspected that this orphan was taken by soldiers who probably killed the mother to get the baby. When they were unable to sell it, the orphan was abandoned and the conservation rangers heard and rescued it. Wounds from a rope were evident on its chest and back, it is slowly recovering now as it lives full time with caretakers who also sleep in the enclosure with the orphan. There are a number of other orphans at the center who will be introduced to the new baby once it has been through quarantine and is accustomed to its new surroundings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529595-6ZXZ8GS6KJ6C6JNFH5Q8/phtjn_032.jpg Photojournalism SOUTHERN SRI LANKA-NOVEMBER 2005: A Tsunami survivor sits and cries in the ruins of the house she used to share with her husband and two children. They were lost in the wave and she now lives in the ruins of the house trying to work out how to reclaim some part of her life. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529172-KUT4YFZME18TQSC0ESPS/earlymarriage_017-2+copy.jpg Photojournalism JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, FEBRUARY 2013: A preganant student at Juba Day Secondary School, Juba, South Sudan, February 3, 2013. Girls who fall pregnant while at school in South Sudan are forced to leave school, but a local teachers union voted to allow pregnant girls and recently mothers to attend school in the afternoon and evening session so as to catch up on their education. Early marriage is common South Sudan and girls as young as 14 are often forced into marriages they have no say over, and fall pregant before their bodies are ready to handle the baby. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461382434-LBM58NT1KZV6411A208A/Photojn_0011.jpg Photojournalism CHINGOLA, NORTHERN ZAMBIA, FEBRUARY 2002: A dying 17 year girl old succumbs to full-blown AIDS as her mother and aunt bathe her for the last time, rural Chingola, North Zambia, 8 February 2002. A lack of access to clean drinking water accelerates the decline of the immune systme for those battling HIV in rural Africa. Their compromised immune sytems are unable to handle the parasites and disease carrried in unclean water. As a result survival rates are far lower and victims die faster in these parts of the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612810-4XABQTJPGS2PWV0Q658P/phtjn_013.jpg Photojournalism BALEKE VILLAGE, BENGAMISA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Pastor Jerome Gendose Kayana, 57, lost his sight to river blindness in 2000. He saw numerous local traditional doctors but ultimately went blind because of a lack of access to western medicine. Jerome says he initially felt suicidal, but his faith helped him to see that this was, “God’s plan for him.” This was a very difficult period, as he had been an avid reader and had only qualified as a priest two months before he lost his sight. Nowadays he actively encourages his congregation to go to Ivermectin distributions, using himself as an example of why this is important. Pastor Jerome condemns other churches who say that this is a western practice and people should only use African medicine. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529090-0N8B1NC5TXX5REC5IH6L/addphtjn_003.jpg Photojournalism BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit work with locals to evacuate the bodies of four Mountain Gorrillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, three females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and the other was pregnant. The two babies were not found and it is thought that they will have died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing is not known but it is suspected that there are political motivations. The local illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 100 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the Gorrillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The Congolese Rangers in this particular group are working with Wildlife Direct, a Conservation organisation. The Rangers receive a salary based on donations to Wildlife Direct and perform one of the most dangerous jobs in the world of wildlife conservation. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 4.6 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529541-83AV3BA10OSZXK5GDAL3/Colour_002.jpg Photojournalism HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Addicts use Meth, Heroin and a local opiod called Mandrax. They are doing this in a drug house run by the Mongrels, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most notorious gangs. Hanover Park is one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and is a hotbed of drug use which has ravaged many parts of the Coloured community. Hanover Park has seen over 16,000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years, according to locals monitoring group Ceasefire. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528539-VI3U1CKG2WQOIA3VGBKO/addphotojn_010.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528322-BVSBNYLFLUYKWJR2A97R/MDCvictim-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Photojournalism ZAKA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A young MDC Zimbabwe oppostion party burn victim, name withheld, sits alone in his room in a rural area of Zaka, Zimbabwe, 24 June 2009. At the conclusion of 2008's March elections in Zimbabwe where the MDC emerged the winner, two Zanu PF sponsored Zimbabwean Army soldiers appeared at the MDC offices in Zaka. The soldiers shot one MDC worker in cold blood outside the office, shot another inside the office and then locked 3 more MDC officials inside and proceeded to pour 20 litres of petrol over the building, set it alight and fled. In the resultant blaze all three men suffered third degree burns before they were able to break down the door and escape. They suffered for three days without any treatment before they could reach a facility which could treat them. Once there, doctors were forced to hide the three men as Zanu PF supporters came looking for them with the intention of finishing the job the soldiers had started. The young man in the picture, a former MDC defence and security activist, now has limited use of his hands and is blind in one eye. In a country currently at 85% unemployment he can no longer even provide manual labour in his village's rural fields. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529069-MWHB7V6J4OJWJNZU4L6Q/phtjn_040.jpg Photojournalism RP047cm3.tif https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529103-IW5MQVGLUSSAS2D87TOH/addphtn_017.jpg Photojournalism TROY, NEW YORK, 5 MAY 2014: Hillary Savoie takes her daughter outside for a bubble blowing session at their home in Troy, New york. Esme' Savoie, 3, suffers from a rare genetic disease know as PCDH19, a genetically mutated orphan disease of the kind which Novartis's N.I.B.R division feels they can learn a great deal, Troy, NY, 5 May 2014. Esme's parents Hillary and Andre Savoie have become experts in Esme's syndrome and are involved in fundraising for continued research and are a study case for Boston Childrens hospital and Novartis. PCDH19 Female Limited Epilepsy has been diagnosed in approximately 200 girls and women worldwide. PCDH19 FLE have been associated with the occurrence of epilepsy, a spectrum of developmental delays, and behavioral issues that occur almost exclusively in girls and women. Novartis is one of the few big pharmaceutical companies which is doing extensive research into diseases of the brain. This is particularly important now as autism numbers are increasing and it is estimated that as many as 1 in 50 children is currently affected by this syndrome in one from or another. Novartis has made remarkable strides in their developments and Ricardo Dolmetsch, head of research, feels confident of major breakthroughs in the next few years. PCDH19 FLE (EFMR) has a spectrum of symptoms. Almost all of the girls affected by PCDH19 mutations exhibit seizures of many types, but the most typical characteristic of PCDH19 FLE (EFMR) is the tendency of the seizures to cluster and interfere with breathing (causing cyanotic spells). Some of the girls affected with PCDH19 FLE (EFMR) have cognitive delays, much of the research indicates that about two-thirds of the girls have Intellectual Delay (ID) ranging from mild to moderate. Additionally, about 40% of the girls with PCDH19 FLE (EFMR) are on the autism spectrum. Many of those with PCDH19 also exhibit behavioral and psychological problems including aggression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and, in some cases, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612751-VOBKVATDAD8807RA1EU3/phtjn_014.jpg Photojournalism KISANGANI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A portrait of a fisherman stretching before he lowers a large wicker fishing net into the rapids outside the city of Kisangani on the Congo River. Fisherman in this region are commonly affected by Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528963-H2F0X8BRLQEG2V6V3CB2/NewPhtjn_037.jpg Photojournalism MIKENO, EASTERN DR CONGO, 8 APRIL 2009: Local villagers help to evacuate the body of a female mountain gorilla who has been shot by poachers. It is believed that her baby had been taken by these poachers so they could try to sell it to the highest bidder. Mountain Gorillas are extremely rare, with just over 700 in the world today. They exist in the Virunga ranges of DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. The group in DR Congo numbers just over 300 and their region is occupied by the M23 rebel group, formerly known as CNDP. Despite the conflict in the region, the gorillas remain, a fragile, threatened group that also have poachers and human encroachment to fear. The Senkwekwe Center is the only facility for critically endangered orphan mountain gorillas in the world. It is located in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, about 50 kilometers from the border town of Goma. Each gorilla at the center has suffered a traumatic poaching experience, injuries from snares, and/or losing their mothers in brutal killings. These baby gorillas were kept in horrifying conditions, close to death, until their rescue by Congolese Conservation forces. Now they are looked after by a dedicated group of conservation ranger caretakers. The center is located in a large forested enclosure with a night house and veterinarian facilities. The caretakers are with the newest orphan Ihirwe 24/7. They sleep in the same room, often holding the new orphan like fathers would a child. They interact like a family, the gorillas displaying extraordinary behavior towards their caretakers indicative of a loving and trusting relationship. In early 2009, the rangers and warden of Virunga National Park re-gained control of the gorillas sector of Virunga National Park following the takeover by General Nkunda and his CNDP rebel army. At that time awareness was raised about two young orphan mountain gorillas, Ndeze and Ndakasi, and their living conditions in a small compound in the city of Goma, full of poll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528828-O80NM6ONU5UJSYDMMY95/Colour_003.jpg Photojournalism HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Tasleem Johnson, 36, is a long-time member of the Mongrels Gang, one of the oldest and most notorious gangs on the Cape Flats. He has been with them since he was a young teenager, with family links to the Mongrels. He has tried to step back from active gang life but still lives in the same street as the HQ of the Mongrels, making it very difficult. He currently lives with his pregnant wife and 5 children in one bedroom in one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa. Hanover Park has seen over 16, 000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Tasleem works as a volunteer “interuptor” for “Ceasefire” an organization that seeks to reconcile gang conflict on the Cape Flats. Seen here with his twin daughters and his wife, Tasleem’s hand was cut last night when he tried to calm a gangster who was “freaking out.” Gang culture is a strong feature of life for many coloured people. In South Africa the term ‘coloured’ is used without offence and refers to people who have multiple heritages. Coloured was a legally defined racial classification during apartheid referring to anyone not white or not a member of one of the aboriginal groups of Africa on a cultural basis, which effectively largely meant those people of colour not speaking any indigenous languages. The Cape Coloured community is predominantly descended from numerous interracial sexual unions, primarily between Western European men and Khoisan or mixed-race women in the Cape Colony from the 17th century onwards and then from Malay workers who came to the Cape. There are close to 5 million coloured people in South Africa, with the majority language being Afrikaans. Most of these people are poud to call themselves coloured and do not see this as a derogatory term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528667-0TY9OB0A6ZJ85FH1SU97/addphtjn_008.jpg Photojournalism Scenes from Nelson Mandela's funeral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528619-JOBST808T2RBR45D2UQO/Zimbabwe_030+copy.jpg Photojournalism JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Noel Mguti, 33, is a recently arrived Zimbabwean refugee living in dire poverty in Johannesburg, South Africa, 3 June 2009. He is the former organising secretary for the opposition MDC party in Midlands, Zimbabwe. Mguti was abducted and tortured by Zanu PF party youth, who broke most of his ribs and destroyed his homestead with fire on the 26 April 2008. Mguti was forced to abandon his family and flee illegally into South Africa, pursued across Zimbabwe by Zanu PF youth who were intent on killing him. Mguti, along with thousands of other Zimbabwean refugees, is entirely reliant on the very few church groups and NGO's who are trying to aid in the Zimbabwean crisis. He works unpaid as a security guard at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg where he sleeps. Mguti is asmathic and diabetic and must often beg for food to survive. His injuries as a result of torture combined with his health problems make it impossible for him to find work in physical labor and his illegal status means he cannot be employed in the white collar work sector. At the time of this photograph Mguti had just heard that one of his children had died of a fractured skull in Zimbabwe. Despite tremendous personal risk, Mguti was trying to raise the funds to go back and bury that child in his home district of Zimbabwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529633-VAHBIRCUSL2Y8IPR2XSW/phtjn_050.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612776-8K5B164XDP3MTMPCL3YX/WaterBW_020.jpg Photojournalism LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been forced off their land by Dassanech tribesman in a conflict over water and grazing rights, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Kenya's Turkana. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is increasing as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam is in full swing. This has reduced the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size, decimating the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo now fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict continues in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, is having a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529412-L6IH49T9K2LR6Q4VPMYP/addphtjn_004.jpg Photojournalism LULIMBI, EASTERN DRC, FEBRUARY 2012: ICCN Conservation Rangers deploy young bloodhounds for the first time in Virunga to investigate the corpse of a recently killed sub-adult male elephant in Lulimbi, Eastern DRC, February 29, 2012. The elephant had obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. The young dogs reacted with horror at the elephant corpse, their noses are estimated to be 3 million times more sensitive than a humans. After initially recoiling, the lead dog Lily, just over a year old, took the scent and followed it for several kilometers in the exact direction of a fishing village on Lake Edward long suspected in poaching cases in Virunga. She was pulled off the trail once Rangers knew where the suspects came from. Undercover intelligence will now be used in the village to seek out the sellers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529515-BJ7NQ5MPBEJZX5N76H3R/Colour_004.jpg Photojournalism MITCHELL'S PLAIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Members of the Dirty Bastards gang sell drugs in a park in a part of Mitchell's Plain known for gang activity and drugs. Gangs on the Cape Flats have long been a feature of the coloured community. They are a classic example of the consequences of drug use, the legacy of apartheid and the ongoing social crisis for many coloured people living on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529553-OJ2L9QRI4LF3HRMX8KKW/NewPhtjn_024.jpg Photojournalism SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 DECEMBER 2013: Mandela supporters wait for public transport in the rain on their way to FNB stadium for a day of comemoration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic Freedom Fighter of the ANC, Soweto, South Africa, 10 December 2013. Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/© 2013 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529639-5AHPCG9GK1A3YY1MJI82/Zimbabwe_006+copy-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Photojournalism ZAKA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A young widow holds her child in a house destroyed by Zanu PF in a rural area of Zaka, Zimbabwe, 24 June 2009. She lost her husband at the conclusion of 2008's March elections in Zimbabwe where the MDC emerged the winner. Two Zanu PF sponsored Zimbabwean Army soldiers appeared at the MDC offices in Zaka. The soldiers shot one MDC worker in cold blood outside the office, shot another inside the office and then locked 3 more MDC officials inside and proceeded to pour 20 litres of petrol over the building, set it alight and fled. In the resultant blaze all three men suffered third degree burns before they were able to break down the door and escape. They suffered for three days without any treatment before they could reach a facility which could treat them. Once there, doctors were forced to hide the three men as Zanu PF supporters came looking for them with the intention of finishing the job the soldiers had started. This young widow is now dependant on the kindness of those around her for the liveliehoods of herself and her two orphaned children. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528259-0S91VSARXEAKH3XXU20A/phtjn_047.jpg Photojournalism The last year South Africa had prisoners on death row. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612764-GIMW48Z6NKC3D9UI362B/WaterBW_049.jpg Photojournalism Maldives: Fishermen in the Maldives raises an empty net, they say that this used to be an abundant fishing area but global warming has killed many reefs in the Maldives and the waters now yield very little fish. This forces fisherman to travel much further to fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529293-OIB23IFMWGIMFPQ4MS2Y/addphtjn_005.jpg Photojournalism ISHANGO RANGER STATION, NORTHERN SECTOR, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH KIVU, RUWENZORI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-27 FEBRUARY 2008: ICCN Ranger Kambale Kalibumba was killed today by a rogue rebel soldier who shot the Ranger 5 times at close range. At the time the Ranger was in the park on the way to the Ishango post with rations for the patrol. More than 140 rangers have died in the last ten years as a result of their work in Virunga National Park. These pictures depict the dead ranger at the local Red Cross clinic in the village and the body being delivered to the Ishango Ranger Station to be driven to Mutsora Ranger station, the headquarters for the Northern Sector region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529503-A7V29HI17DQKU2R5NTD6/Colour_005.jpg Photojournalism CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 22, 2022: Chief Autshumao, a prominent leader of the Khoisan Legislative Council and on the Goringhaicona Khoi Khoi Indigenous Traditional Council, is against the building of a new Amazon headquarters in Cape Town as it is on land sacred to the Khoi people. He is seen arguing with another Khoi group that wants the Amazon building project and the jobs it may provide. The $300 million development had fueled a nasty feud within Indigenous, or First Nations, communities over whether building on what many consider sacred land would desecrate their history and culture, or uplift it, since the developer had promised to include an Indigenous heritage center. A judge temporarily halted construction of Amazon’s first Africa headquarters, in Cape Town, saying the developer didn’t properly consult Indigenous people about building on sacred ground. Judge Patricia Goliath of the Western Cape High Court said the consultation process for the project, a $300 million development on a former golf course, was biased because it omitted many Indigenous groups. She ordered work to be stopped and said its owner must talk again with Indigenous people. Work has since resumed on the Amazon campus and it is now near completion. Cape Town officials last year celebrated Amazon’s decision to choose Cape Town as “a base of operations on the African continent.” They said the development would create 19,000 jobs, almost 500,000 square feet of residential and commercial space, and bolster the region as a technology hub. According to the modern Khoi, most South Africans have been conditioned either by historic colonialist indoctrination or by contemporary Black African nationalist propaganda that this land either belongs exclusively to European imperialists or to the Bantu immigrants. Both claims are factually incorrect and are a gross historical travesty. In contrast to every black, white or brown South African, the Khoisan alone are indigenous to this land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528252-TROWCKLBLSNN3PU70FWI/addphtjn_009.jpg Photojournalism A young women sheds a tear as she watches Nelson Mandela's funeral in her small home in Qunu, the town where he was born and buried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528164-X9AIZ6FJOWE9H8VSHBNC/Zimbabwe_031+copy-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Photojournalism JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Adrian Chirabe, 45, the National Co-ordinator for the Veteran Activists Association of the Zimbabean opposition party, the MDC, photographed in his single room dwelling in Johannesburg, 3 June 2009. Chirabe was a one time successful, apolitical businessman in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, he owned 3 major businesses and was a millionaire enterpreneur. Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party approached him and said he needed to give them a share of his business for "his own protection." Chirabe refused, and within 6 months began to be harrased by Zanu PF thugs. His businesses were vandalised and he was arrested and beaten for 4 days. At the time Chirabe was leasing office space to oppostion party the MDC. In 2003 there was a major crackdown by the Zimbabwean police against the poor and against all likely MDC support. As a patriotic Zimbabwean Chirabe felt he had to become involved and when an MDC plot failed due to a fear-driven lack of support, Chirabe became exposed as an MDC supporter. Police arrested him and took Chirabe to jail where he was tortured for 3 days by suffocation, beatings and torture. When he was released, the CIO, Mugabe's secret police were waiting for him outside the policestation. They took him, blindfolded him, drove him to another base and interrogated him through torture for another 4 days. He was then driven home by members of the CIO to attend his brothers funeral with CIO officers in tow, forced to lie to his family about who they were. Chirabe ran away the next day and was recaptured trying to get to South Africa. This time the CIO took him to a government base where he was held for 10 days. During that time Chirabe was tortured in every conceivable way and gang-raped repeatedly by 20 men. Upon release a shattered Chirabe fled to South Africa with his family as soon as he could walk, 3 years and 4 months later. His torture has left him with multiple long term complications, including permanent rectal damag https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529007-TW89U1UZRX8MWOZWS9VA/phtjn_049.jpg Photojournalism BOLGATANGA, GHANA-JANUARY 2004: A man blinded by Trachoma, a preventable disease of the eyes conected to poor hygiene and lack of access to clean water. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/REPORTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612725-WXMRLMQAJWROBFPD7XGH/WaterBW_058.jpg Photojournalism KAHAWA, SRI LANKA : The Venerable Dr. Talawe Sangharatana Thero stands in contemplation outside a train wrecked in the Asian Tsunami disaster, Kahawa, Sri Lanka. Over 800 people died in the wreck, many of whom were children. Dr Thero is one of the senior monks for the Southern district of Sri Lanka. Over 70% of Sri Lankans are active practioners of Buddhism and monks have been active in the devastated communites after the impact of the Tsunami. Many have sought shelter in their faith and the monks have offered whatever comfort and shelter they can. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529719-QBL5K3VX6LARE17CNPTZ/addphtjn_006.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528230-0XPH8041F8E2QE2924SQ/Colour_006.jpg Photojournalism PLATFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA: Wentzel Katjarra is a former special forces soldier for 31 Battalion, the bushman battalion of the South African Defence Force during the Angolan war. He lives in poverty in Platfontein, the Khoi San Khwe settlement for former bushmen members of the elite bushman brigades of the South African Defence Force under Apartheid. He tries to keep alive his original bushman skills and teaches local boys some of these. The men from these units were recruited first by the Portugese and then joined to SADF because of their exceptional bush craft skills and served with distinction amongst the tip of the spear units of the South African Defence force during the Angolan wars. When democracy came to South Africa, they were seen as fighting for the wrong side and the ANC disbanded their battalions and placed them in very poor conditions in a settlement outside of Kimberley in the middle of South Africa. There are very few jobs and rampant alcoholism. They feel they are “pariahs in the land of their birth” and are calling for the urgent implementation of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The residents of Platfontein say that if the act is implemented, the budget allocated to the House of Traditional Leaders will assist them in creating jobs and deliver them from poverty. Many who live here feel the ANC has failed them and that they need representatives who will preserve their traditions and advocate for their language to be made one of the official 11, before it dies out completely. The act, which was signed into law in November, proposes to recognize all legitimate Khoi-San communities. No commencement date has been announced. The people in this settlement are part of the original bushman nomadic groups that trekked inland from the Cape coast ending up in the border region of Angola to escape persecution from the different race groups that attempted to exterminate them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528810-V35EQYC7ZJBD5E6S3EOK/addphtjn_010.jpg Photojournalism QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: Xhosa Initiates pass by close to the funeral of Nelson Mandela, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. These initiates have recently been circumsized traditionally and without anesthetic. They will spend up to two months dressed this way and learning the tradtions of Xhosa culture. Nelson Mandela, an icon of democracy, also went through this tradtional ritual. Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528578-FVAL4VLMRBAPATOKE726/Zimbabwe_039-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Photojournalism JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Susan Matsunga, 30, is a former MDC Zimbabwean opposition party Secretary for Gender on a National level, she is photographed in her half of a one bedroom shack in Lenasia, Johannesburg, South Africa, 3 June 2009. Susan was a very active organiser for the MDC, her primary role was to identify and build the future female MP's of Zimbabwe. In the run-up to the 2008 election in Zimbabwe Susan and her MDC youth compatriots attempted to hold prayer meetings and galvanise the youth. Police attacked their gathering and beat people until they dragged off to the police station where despite their wounds they were made to keep silent and denied food and water. All MDC supporters were made to lie flat and the police walked amongst them, beating them for over an hour. When Morgan Tsangarai, the leader of the MDC arrived and asked what the police were doing, they said they were waiting for him. The police then beat him to a pulp along with the others. In this beating Susan's right arm and leg were fractured but still she was forced to climb into a cattle truck along with the others where they were driven to Central Police Station in Harare. Here Susan was tortured for a further 4 days, her torture included the use of electric shock devices on her genitals. She was taken to a room with blood sprayed across the walls. The CIO officers holding her said that she must also leave her blood in this room. At this time Susan's mother, 67, was also arrested and badly beaten. After a number of days Susan was told she must drink 5 litres of contaminated water and then she could go. The CIO visited her in hospital where they told her that if she did not campaign for Mugabe they would kill her. They held syringes in their hands while they were saying this. After her ordeal Susan's husband left her as a result of her affiliation with the MDC. Susan fled to South Africa where she had no papers, passport or ID documents. Sympathetic border guards let he https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612738-1DNTEGRAA3HZ189KO16U/NewPhtjn_012.jpg Photojournalism TETE, MOZAMBIQUE, NOVEMBER 2013: Victor Pirez, 28, performs demining operations in the Chinzunga hills close to Cabora Bassa, Mozambique, 18 November 2013. Victor has been a demined for 5 years and says that his grandfather was killed by a landmine in this same region while walking to his farm. Victor's team cleared 15 landmines on this day and detonated them as usual before they left for the day. Victor is also the paramedic for his team and carries a major trauma kit with him. Victor makes $260 a month doing this job, considered a good salary in Mozambique. The HALO deminers in this area are dealing with landmines laid in the 1970's by the Portugese military who were attempting to defend the vital Cabora Bassa Hydro-electric dam, a strategic target for the Frelimo rebels at the time. Today, over 40 years later, these mines still maim and kill the local populace and prevent them utilizing vital agricultural land. This scene was photographed at demining operations close to the HALO Demining camp in the mountains of Chinzunga. Mozambique was one of the most heavily landmined countries in the war, both from its 11 year long War of Libertation as well as its conflicts with both South Africa and Rhodesia for sheltering both the ANC and Mugabe's Zanla freedom fighters. Halo has cleared over 22,700 anti personnel mines and reclaimed of 500, 000 square meters of land for the local populace. HALO runs both mechinical and manual operations. Mozambique is pushing hard to meet its donor obligations to be land-mine free by the end of 2014, under the mandate of the Ottawa convention on the land mine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529676-0RQAQ9YFYQ31GQJE9XW6/addphtjn_007.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529199-33L5MD8C1CRUHV2KQ5ZM/Colour_007.jpg Photojournalism HANGBERG, HOUTBAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Chief Regan James, of the Katzkorana Royal house of Khoi, is seen in his community in Hangberg, Hout Bay. Chief Regan is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Regan and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Regan is part of the Hangberg community that has occupied land high on the mountainside of Houtbay, above the area where “coloured” fisherman were traditionally housed by the Apartheid government. They occupied the land after years of waiting for RDP housing from the SA government, housing that for most has never been given. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529178-4LPTLZMZP3S2OIU4D233/Omo_001.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528122-RFF6TKPX19QPMJGWPKA8/addphtn_015.jpg Photojournalism ALEXANDRA TOWNSHIP, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 7: The Alexandra township Crime Prevention Forum member's patrol confront scenes of domestic violence, June 7, 2008 in Alexandra township, South Africa. The patrol does not receive the backing they deserve from the local police, and often complain of police in-action in cases they initiate. Members of the C.P.F regularly risk their lives to protect the Alexandra community from crime and violence. They have confiscated 611 illegal guns in their history. Three were shot and killed last year alone in Alexandra. The Crime Prevention Forum is an idea that has been around since 1994, and is based on the fact that township people can expect little help from the police who cannot even come into some of these township communities without being attacked. As a result these CPF's conduct weekend patrols and act against rapists, burglars and other criminals. They do this with no financial assistance and very few weapons other than a whip "sjambok" with which to subdue the criminals and one handgun amongst 15 people on foot patrol. Once captured, the criminals are handed over to the police. Controversially, it has emerged that a key member of the Alexandra C.P.F is one of the individuals who, in a meeting in May 2008, called for the attacks on immigrants that have recently raged across South Africa. Alexandra was the genesis point for that most recent violence and it is disturbing that a member of the community anti-crime force should be involved in such a bloody affair. The most recent spate of xenophobic violence has left more than 70 people dead and over 30 000 displaced across South Africa. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612844-QWB1VG0R9WLPR7J92GZQ/NewPhtjn_013.jpg Photojournalism BARRIO CHIUIJO, WEST OF CHIMOIO, MOZAMBIQUE/ZIMBABWE BORDER, 19 NOVEMBER 2013: Bonafacio Mazin, 57, works his vegetable field with perfect balance despite losing one of his legs in 1987 to a landmine laid by Rhodesian forces in the seventies, Mozambique/Zimbabwe Border, West Chimoio, 19 November 2013. Bonafacio was walking home from farm work in Zimbabwe when the incident occured. Mozambique had very few jobs at the time and many people were killed in their way in and out of Zimbabwe by these landmines. "As a man, this is very bad, I cannot find a job, I work hard on the farm but I cannot do enough work. This landmine has reduced me to a beggar." This region is one of the most densely landmined in the world, effectively cutting off 50% of all arable land for these villages. The landmines were laid by the Rhodesean Military to protect against ZANLA freedom fighters in Rhodesia's war of liberation. They have been in place since the early 1970's and Norweigan Peoples Agency have been demining the area for some time. They hope to finish by the end of 2014 but that may be optimistic given the recent discovery of new minefields and resurgent violence from opposition party RENAMO. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for the ICRC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529122-L894SR4X2NLO9VA7YP92/Phtjn046.jpg Photojournalism KIBATI, CLOSE TO GOMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK,NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-23 FEBRUARY 2008: ICCN Rangers conduct a raiding patrol into an area of illegal Charcoal production. They arrested a number of mules, poor people from displaced communities who are being used by the real powers behind Charcoal production in the area. These players include members of the Congolese military, the FDLR Interhamwe rebels and big businessmen in Goma. The ICCN Rangers were shot at by FDLR as they were completing their mission. This is an area known to be under their influence. ICCN Advance Force rangers at the Kibati Station are conducting roadblocks and vehicle searches for illegal charcoal in Virunga National Park. They are being assisted by members of the Congolese military police who are looking to stamp out their own military's involment in the illegal charcoal industry. The ICCN Ranger's job is complicated by the large number of Congolese military travelling on many of the vehicles and also by the fact that the Charcoal producers are increasingly turning to military vehicles as their means of transport as the Rangers until today had no rights to search vehicles of the Congolese Army. There is complicity between bad elements of the Congolese military, the rebel FDLR Interhamwe militias in the Charcoal industry, rumoured to be worth around 30 million dollars a year in the Goma region of DRC. Rwanda recently banned the production of charcoal which has led to increased prices and demand. The ranger's job is further complicated by the fact that the area is desperately poor and people have a hard time accepting this ban on one of the very few opportunities they feel they have to actually make some money. (Photo by Brent Stirton. ) For verification phone Rob Muir +243 997251960 in Goma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528266-YBVVGQIJIIVEBPAAXWRM/ADFweb_001.jpg Photojournalism MBAOU, BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 6 APRIL 2021: Georgette Ndovya Kavugho, 32, was attacked by members of the A.D.F Islamist group in her home on the 16th of November 2019. They struck her with machetes, leaving deep cuts in the flesh of her arms and back, eventually leaving her for dead as they continued to ransack her village. 13 people died that night, and many others were abducted. “At around 1am I heard a woman’s voice shout, “break down that door,” said Georgette, “it was because one of my young children cried out in fear that they knew we were there. When asked why the ADF did this to her, Georgette says she has no idea. She lost the use of her right arm in the attack and shortly after, her husband left her, saying she was useless. He left her with 8 children to care for. She is trying to save money for a sewing machine with pedals so she can make a living for them. For Georgette and her children, one of the worst things is that ADF has stepped up their attacks against civilians recently and they remain as vulnerable as ever. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529332-L3D3RNCKNJ30NU2NWM6K/Omo_002.jpg Photojournalism DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528525-WCD65MFSET3JI50D1F2T/Phtjn082.jpg Photojournalism RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: An emaciated Samburu Elder pastoralist stands in his burnt-out cattle boma at at time of the worst drought in Kenya for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. It is traditional for the Samburu and other pastoralist groups to burn their bomas if they lose their cattle to disease or drought, it is done as a cathartic excercise to remove the bad luck of the old and hopefully bring about better luck for the future. Many Samburu have lost up to 95% of their herds, making starvation a real threat over the coming months. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612910-WU2X5C6ZDIUNUF8LZ5MG/NewPhtjn_014.jpg Photojournalism MOTOLLA CITY, MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE, 25 NOVEMBER 2013: Double amputee Jose Sabonete,54, a former FRELIMO soldier, is seen bathing at his impoverished home in Motolla City, Maputo, Mozambique, 25 November 2013. Jose lost his legs to a fragmentation landmine while serving as a soldier in the war. He and his 5 children exist today on a $100 government pension but he receives no other help for his condition. He is seen bathing in the toilet area of his home. The amputees in this image are all a result of landmine blasts. These veterans receive a $50 pension every month from government but rely on the kindness of their extended families to survive. Most have only brokendown prosthetics in dire need of maintenance as well as crutches that are on their last legs. Most of these men were injured by landmines in their fight against RENAMO, who were eventually defeated by FRELIMO who today makes up the leading party in the Mozambique government. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528791-CALGFGKE4KVXF0XT6VNP/Phtjn003.jpg Photojournalism CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army capture illegal fisherman, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. Many of these fisherman are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. The fish stocks in the lake are just beginning to recover from the war, thousands of hippos were slaughtered to feed militia groups and this devastated fish stocks. This delicate recovery is what the ICCN rangers are trying to protect. This will allow a viable and sustainable fishing industry to be generated at Lake Edward, for the benefit of all. Since the FDLR fled into Virunga after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528605-XJVG968ZI73JXZ6HH3E5/addphtn_003.jpg Photojournalism GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 JANUARY 2015: Benadete Kahindo, 32, seen with her eldest daughter Gift and 3 of her seven children. Benadete's husband was ICCN ranger Hassan Sebuyori, 34. In 2012 Hassan was targeted, killed and beheaded by FDLR, a notorious Hutu led rebel group operating inside Virunga National Park since the time of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Benadete was forced to flee from her home after continued FDLR threats and a year later her eldest daughter Gift was raped at age 14 by the M23 rebels, a group who claimed to be opposed to FDLR. Gift gave birth to a child after the rape. Benadete's husband Hassan had been effective in stopping FDLR's bushmeat trade inside Virunga. They were angry with him for this and ambushed the ICCN vehicle in which he was travelling. FDLR dragged a wounded Hassan away with them and his headless body was discovered not far from the ambush location. His head was not recovered and his body was left as a warning to the other rangers. Benadete and her children survive on funds from the Virunga Widows fund, something dependant on donations and not guaranteed for the future. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528885-VVAVH2MONU0NIV9SMLEY/Omo_003.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528328-ZA4D3SVYNRKGRTHHQXLB/Phtjn083.jpg Photojournalism RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: Images of a massacre site where the Pokot tribesman came out of the Rift Valley, their traditional area, and attacked a Samburu village over cattle grazing rights in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in the region for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. 25 Samburu men, women and children were killed in the attack, over 50 cattle were shot and over 300 died later in the week from not being able to access grazing land because of the threat of the Pokot. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612790-0OVEG5WOPPSX6M7PZGHV/NewPhtjn_015.jpg Photojournalism MOTOLLA CITY, MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE, 24 NOVEMBER 2013: Jose Magleso Nalabo, 48, was blinded while soldiering for FRELIMO during Mozambique's brutal civile war, he is seen outside his squatter housing in abandoned accomodation in Motolla City, Maputo, Mozambique, 24 November 2013. Jose was blinded when the soldier in front of him trod on a fragmentation landmine, killing himself and blinding Jose. 25 families live in these accomodations, the majority are former FRELIMO fighters from the Mozambique civil war. Most of those are amputees as a result of landmine blasts. These veterans receive a $50 pension every month from government but rely on the kindness of their extended families to survive. Most have only brokendown prosthetics in dire need of maintenance as well as crutches that are on their last legs. Most of these men were injured by landmines in their fight against RENAMO, who were eventually defeated by FRELIMO who today makes up the leading party in the Mozambique government. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529097-HKQWQ3LRVWAAHZ98CVSR/add_002.jpg Photojournalism RUMANGABO, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 28 NOVEMBER 2015: The funeral of ICCN Ranger Theodore Mbusa Matofali, 27, after a tragic car accident which left him dead from head injuries. Over 150 ICCN rangers have died in the course of their duties in Virunga National Park, most of those deaths have resulted from conflict. The Rangers have a dangerous job, often dealing with rebel movements, paramilitary Mai-Mai groups as well as the Congolese army all in the name of conservation in this contentious region of the DRC. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529319-8M78K6I5U42ZWX5EXTX6/add_003.jpg Photojournalism VICHUMBI, LAKE EDWARD, DR CONGO, 27 JULY 2013: Mai Mai thugs who tried to rob 5 fisherman had the tables turned on them when the fisherman knocked their single AK47 into the water and subdued them, Vuchimbi, Lake Edward, DR Congo, 27 July 2013. The thieves were handed over to a combined ICCN (Congolese Conservation force) and FARDC (Congolese Army force) troop and searched and arrested. The villagers depend on the lake for water, washing, the staple food of fishing, the transport of people and goods. Plans by Socco oil company to drill for oil in Lake Edward currently imperil all of those things. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528305-9Z4WKU3AQWBWAVJN2B4K/Omo_045.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528841-O952YZVIWKJKPO1AFJ6M/Phtjn085.jpg Photojournalism LAISAMIS, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: A Kenya Police reservist guards Borana cattle which were raided by Rendille Moran tribesman in retaliation for a huge Boran raid in September 2009, North of Kenya, 27 February 2010. The police are being assisted in this matter by the members of the Melako Conservancy who are formed from the local community and are involved in conservancy and other peace-keeping affairs for the region. A cattle exchange is planned between the Rendille and the Borana which will be mediated by the Melako conservancy comittee and the police. North Kenya is currently undergoing an intense disarmament process in which the Kenyan Army and Administrative Police are trying to disarm the local tribes, mainly the Borana, the Samburu, the Rendille and Somalis, amongst others. This process is controversial as the tribes feel they have to have weapons to protect against cattle raids from the other tribes. This is an age old conflict but the Rendille and Samburu feel especially vulnerable as the Borana exist on both sides of the border region with Kenya and can thus access weapons from their fellow tribesmen on the Ethiopian side. This is also true of the Somalis and as such the Rendille and Samburu feel especially vulnerable. Although weapons have been collected there are many stories of violence by the Kenyan authorities against the tribes in this process, especially against the Samburu and the Rendille. This process has not been helped by the fact that many of the biggest cattle raids in history have been made by the Borana against the Rendille and Samburu in the last year. It looks unlikely that of the 23 000 weapons allegedly in the field only a few hundred have thus far been collected. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751461612930-UPTCV9O25G3GQUCVVPNY/NewPhtjn_016.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528692-XPBX3DXU52JEFA3RZMLC/NewPhtjn_001.jpg Photojournalism RIFIJI, SELOUS, TANZANIA, 4 MARCH 2013: Yusuf Shabani Difika, 41, lost both his arms to a lion attack on a fishing trip on the border of Selous National Park, Tanzania. The lion attacked Yusuf and his arms were shredded beyond recovery as he attempted to fend off the animal. He says the lion bit him multiple times on his arms, exposing his bones and ripping off the flesh. Yusuf was rescued by village friends who drove the lion off with sticks and machettes. Yusuf was rushed to a local clinic and then transported to a hospital where doctors had no choice but to amputate what was left of his arms. Yusuf has two children, aged 5 and 3, he has lost the ability to work and is entirely reliant on his father, his uncle and his cousins as well as the kindness of his village for his survival. He says the hardest thing is that he cannot clean himself or go to the bathroom without assistance. His uncle bathes him on a regular basis and his father and cousins help him to dress, eat and drink. Lion attacks on the rural people who farm close to Selous National Park are not uncommon. There is a degree of hypocrisy to the West's expectation that these people should live with lions as if there is no danger. They do not benefit from the wildlife in Selous and they live in danger as there are no fences to the Park and the range of the lions often extends outside of the park. They are especially in vulnerable during the harvest period. Wild Bush pigs are attracted by young maize and rice crops and so people sleep in their fields in order to protect their crops. Rural people are especially exposed to lion attacks at this time. The lions are attracted to the bushpig presence, the pigs are hard to catch and the human beings are close at hand, often completely vulnerable and easy to subdue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528945-OX1NUFOK15ZMCS422E5U/addphtjn_011.jpg Photojournalism KASINDI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 APRIL 2021: Two recently detained ADF fighters who are seen in disguise to protect their identity while they collaborate with the Congolese Army FARDC. The man on the left is Kasereka Mwinid Omar, 19, who was converted to Islam in Beni prison and radicalized. He joined ADF when he was released and become the aid to the ADF leader Musa Baluku. He cooked for Baluku and helped to move money to ADF volunteers outside of DR Congo. He was privy to many of Balukus conversations on his sattelite phone and says that Baluku spoke mainly in Arabic and claimed to be speaking to people in Somalia, Mozambique and Afghanistan. Kasereka claims that he was taught military tactics by a Somali man who came to his camp in the forest. Another Somali man taught IED skills to more senior recruits. Kasereka says many foreign fighters came to the camps, including Nigerians, Mozambicans and Somalis. They often brought “sacks of money USD.” These fighters were treated as elites and given wives if they wanted them. Musa Baluku is said to be number 2 in ISCAP, the province so called by the Islamic State which includes both DR Congo and Mozambique. The man on the right is Palu Regan, 22, a muslim who joined ADF 3 years prior. Both men have participated on attack on the Congolese army and Mai Mai groups as well as attacks on civilians. The ADF attacks on civilians are charaterized by extreme violence and beheadings. Musa Baluku justifies this in the name of the true Islam. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529601-8WI0RUGLAJ8A15C5CMZR/Omo5.jpg Photojournalism LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529583-AL1QZHA1XQQYNLGX8Y7R/Phtjn086.jpg Photojournalism KOYA, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: Melako Conservancy Scouts patrol around abandoned buildings in Koya, an area which became a vast no mans land after extensive cattle raiding between the Rendille tribe and the Borana tribe, Koya, north Kenya, 28 February 2010. Images of tribal conflict and cattle and wildlife raids adorn the walls of an abandoned clinic illustrating the tensions of the area. The Rendille ended up moving 42 kilometers away and the Borana also pulled back, leaving a viable pastoral and conservation area deserted and contentious. The Melako Conservancy community group with the help of the Northern Rangelands trust are trying to rehabilitate the area for both Pastoralists and for wildlife tourism. The scouts are appointed by the community and with the help of a few Kenya Administrative Police are trying to secure the area and the wildlife so that people may safely return and invest in the area for both their cattle and tourism returns. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528499-T7Z59RHVEGI1YGF572G8/NewPhtjn_002.jpg Photojournalism NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: Professional hunters fool around with a dead captive bred lioness after a bow hunt on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529045-A8J3JZW1SDFJB29P9RQS/ADFweb_005.jpg Photojournalism KASINDI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 APRIL 2021: A Congolese man who is a suspected collaborator with Islamic terror group, the ADF, is seen under arrest in a vehicle on his way to interrogation by the Congolese army. He was named by two recently captured ADF fighters as a collaborator with the ADF. The ADF is an islamic terror group that in recent years have developed a relationship with the Islamic state and are one part of the so called province of ISCAP, Mozambique’s “Al-Sunnah Wal Jamaa” is the other. The ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528717-H15B4U1XET5Q0JCCQR77/Phtjn015.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529326-9L9D0NT1OSIBX6M4M1BR/Phtjn088.jpg Photojournalism LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of kids enjoying the lake in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529185-ZWXBGXXD15WMQWG3BVNX/NewPhtjn_003.jpg Photojournalism NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: A captive bred lion is skinned after a hunt close to the South Africa/Botswana border, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529026-GY73S4KW4M5Q8Q5RDPLK/ADFweb_026.jpg Photojournalism KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528612-REKK0V0JHWBCTWQSZ9L2/StephanieB_0822.jpg Photojournalism Dominatrix and lawyer, Stephanie, seen with a man with whom she has a relationship based on his worship of her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528245-MRAZPIH0HZLQPH48V9UJ/Phtjn089.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528626-72C7DP81OC0ZFWN5MMRC/NewPhtjn_004.jpg Photojournalism NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: Over 40 carcasses from lion hunts hang up to dry in a vehicle yard on a farm in the North West Province, South Africa, October 19, 2012. These bones come from lions killed in legal hunts. The dealer requires a local permit for Nature Conservation South Africa as well as a Cites export permit for this trade. There is a large Asian market for these bones, which are crushed and used in Asian medicines and also in Lion Wine. Lion bone has become more popular in Asian culture as a result of the increasing rarity of the Tiger. Tiger parts have long been a part of Asian traditional medicine, but with less than 3000 tigers left in the wild, lion bone is becoming increasingly popular. Conservationists argue that this increasing demand for lion bone will severely impact wild lion populations. Hunters and breeders argue that they can easily meet the demand and that a legal trade means wild lion populations as well as tiger populations will be saved as captive breeding and hunting of those lions can meet the demand. Prices for a lion skeleton vary, from $1200 to $10, 000. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528723-NOYJUKPF8JP3KEPRH4GY/AfricaParks_002.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528872-NMDCJS6ZHGQ4MUMB8ZRN/NewPhtjn_032.jpg Photojournalism VARANASSI, INDIA, 2 OCTOBER 2013: Kumkum Chowdhary, 12, plays by herself on the roof of a small donor hospital in Varanassi, India. Kumkum is a victim of severe burns from a gas fire. India has one of the highest incidents of severe burns per capita yet has very few proper burns units throughout the country. Kumkum was severely burned when a naive boy in her village asked to hold a candle while he tried to transfer gas from one canister to another. He promised Kumkum a sweet if she would help him. The resultant explosion burnt her over most of her body, the boy was uninjured and ran away. Kumkum has been in this condition for more than three years with only basic medical care. Her parents are poor people and they cannot afford the necessary travel let alone medical care she requires. This hospital in Varanassi is one of the very few the poor can access. It is based on the efforts of a single doctor, a plastic surgeon who has made it his priority to serve the poor who would otherwise never be able to access this kind of surgery. Kumkum will first have her hands repaired to offer some use and then her face and body will be attended to. It will require at least a year of surgeries and recovery before she will be able to lead a normal life. This recovery is not something she would ever be able to access without the help of this unique facility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529627-FF98K47Q815SP88ID1Q8/Phtjn090.jpg Photojournalism MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: The interior of a family hut in a Karawari village of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528558-9RT60UQ7NW2F3D6VFDL3/NewPhtjn_005.jpg Photojournalism MPIMBWE, WESTERN TANZANIA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion Dancers from the Sakuma tribe perform the story of their lion killing outside a village in rural Mpimbwe, Western Tanzania, October 27, 2012. Lion dancers are men who have killed a lion in defense of their cattle or their village. They are a deeply superstitious people who believe that once they have killed a lion they have to become a lion dancer for 3 to 5 years to avoid going mad. They spend a year or longer preparing with the local witchdoctor and then go from village to village seeing their relatives and dancing while collecting tribute for their bravery. In a time when lion are very scarce in the region, this practice is actively discouraged by conservation organizations and it is slowly dying out. It is illegal in Tanzania. When the dancers appear in the villages, they are often praised and given money, goats and even sometimes a small cow. It is therefore something that some young men aspire to, even going as far as to venture into the local Katavi National Park in pursuit of a lion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528143-H7FE9LJ9PU919H8TM42Z/AfricaParks_005.jpg Photojournalism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 18TH 2019: A Garamba conservation ranger stands outside an ivory seizure room with tusks visible on the wall next to him. these tusks are consfiscated from clashes between the parks ranger force and poachers that range from armed locals to heavily armed militias like the Lords Resistance Army and militarized Sudanese poachers. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES F https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529116-X4MURMKS78T74PYRMKLV/Photojn_0008.jpg Photojournalism MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: A local fisherman delivers a shark to the fish market in Mogadishu. Fishing remains a vital resource for Somalia, complicated by overfishing by illegal foreign fleets and difficult to police without a navy. Notorious Somali piracy originated with this overfishing as locals fisherman caught less and less. New development in Mogadishu and elsewhere has seen a rise in demand for fish and with potential EU aid, the Somali fishing industry could become a real economic force. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529489-ZJ81TYOUOTM16MYX00LE/Phtjn091.jpg Photojournalism PORGERA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA HIGHLANDS, NOVEMBER 2010: An impoverished Papuan family illegally prospects in a mine tailings river with heavy metal laden waters on the outskirts of the Porgera Joint Venture Mine, Papua New Guinea, Porgera, Papua New Guinea, 21 November 2010. These empoverished people engage in illegal mining on the dumps and tailings outflow areas of the mine in order to survive. They take their five year old daughter and their 7 year old son with them on their daily mining excercises, child workers are a common site on these dumps which are both toxic and a highly dangerous illegal environment. Many of these local people sold their land to the mine for a period of the operational life of the mine. They underestimated how long the mine would keep going and the expansion thereof. The Mine dumps now flow onto the last viable land of these local people and they illegally mine those dumps to eke out a living. The ability to grow vegetable gardens is very limited and there is no hunting anymore. There are regular clashes between these illegal miners and the Porgera Joint Venture mine security force. That security force has regularly beaten, detained and handed these miners over to the police. When the illegal female miners are caught they are often offered a choice of rape or jail. There are a number of reported incidents of gang rape, with the victims too scared to file charges in court. The mine finances both its own security force of ex policeman and military as well as the local PNG government police who they have brought to the area. The environmental damage caused by the Porega Mine is a major threat to this landscape and the wellbeing of the local people who have lived in harmony with their environment for centuries. The Porgera Joint Venture Mine dumps 6.2 million tons of tailings sediment into the local river system every year. Close to the mine the waters are red from these tailings and it is feared that long term damage of the river system is inev https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528928-AUAMCQHIP3W66XZ6XP0T/NewPhtjn_006.jpg Photojournalism AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA, 25 FEBRUARY 2013: Images of "Lion Guardians" using telemetry to locate lions in the ecosystem outside of Amboselli National Park, Kenya, 25 February 2013. Lion guardians is a conservation program which recruits leading Maasai men, many of whom are former lion killers, into a system which monitors lions, confers a sense of ownership and pride in them and forms a Maasai vanguard which seeks to prevent other Maasai from hunting lions in retribution for cattle killing. Retaliatory and traditional spearing by Maasai warriors is the greatest threat to the survival of lions in Maasailand. the Lion Guardians program is unique in employing the traditional enemy of lions to conserve rather than kill them. The Guardians monitor spoor, use telemetry devices to track collared lions, and collect dna samples for analysis. They have also named all the lions in their area and recently produced identity cards which further reinforce notions of lion identity within Maasai communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528647-94EBK701EBBSPVX91WKC/AfricaParks_003.jpg Photojournalism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Young Congolese conservation ranger Izako Vungunyesi is casevacked by helicopter after an incident with poachers inside the park. He was shot through the wrist and the AK 47 round also grazed his bicep. Two suspected south Sudanese elephants poachers were killed by his ranger group but not before they threw a grenade at the rangers, 4 poachers fled the scene and are being pursued by the Garamba authorities. Garamba has a very sophisticated GIS intelligence system which allows for some predictability in poacher movement. Two years previously 9 elephant were killed in this location. Today the rangers prevented a larger herd of 30-40 elephants from fired upon by these poachers, which would have led to a certain massacre. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. T https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529139-MQOL6V7HRBDH1500Z1I0/phtjn_006.jpg Photojournalism KONO, SIERRA LEONE-OCTOBER 2003: A 12 year old former "bush-wife" sex-slave of the rebel group the R.U.F. This girl was taken from her village at 10 years old and forced into sexual servitude by the rebels. When she attempted to escape they used battery acid to burn off her breast as an example to the other slaves. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528394-2SDQZW3SAEI5TKRZVEVJ/phtjn_010.jpg Photojournalism - Daily life in Papua New Guinea (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Daily life in Papua New Guinea PUKAPUKI, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2004: A local man showers underneath a waterfall in the rainforest close to his village in the mountains of Papua New Guinea. Traditional ways of life are under threat in Papua as villages have very little means of raising money through which to educate their children and pay medical bills. Traditional ways of life are based on sustainable farming and hunting practise. As Papuans move towards a more western lifestyle and the government attempts to raise capital for modernisation, villages are selling their natural resources such as the timber of the rainforest. This is a non-sustainable practise at this point and is having a devastating effect on water supply, traditional river routes and erosion patterns. Education as to these factors is a vital but lacking components in this transition period for Papua New Guinea. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528951-OPJ9833S5X1G7ZVERRQW/photo_001.jpg Photojournalism PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Specially selected women from an all female. conservation ranger force undergo concealment and fire and movement training in the bush to curb poaching. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds ha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529146-W76WWJP88YW07DRUFFYP/AfricaParks_001.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528897-DO3YCWT1A9WTB6V03SVD/phtjn_007.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528914-E7YSOG01JY1CQJY6TQ2N/phtjn_011.jpg Photojournalism KIKA, CAMEROON, JULY 2010: Members of the Baka Pygmy tribe, the original forest dwellers of the Cameroon forests, Kika, Cameroon, June 9, 2010. The Baka have small logging concessions of their own in community forest areas but are plaughed by a lack of education, logging equipment, access to markets and an addiction to alcohol fostered by their Bantu neighbours who ruled them for many years and who often pay the Baka for labor in alcohol. Logging roads and subsequent small towns created by logging concessions are bringing man and infrastructure further into the forest of Cameroon than ever before, Kika, Cameroon, June 5, 2010. This is severely threatening the great forests of the Congo Basin, one of the last great Forest reserves in the world. The Congo Basin forests cover an area the combined size of France and South Africa. The forests of Cameroon form a large part of this basin. Still relatively intact and connected, these forest ecosystems and freshwater systems are home to abundant wildlife and provide food, shelter, clean water and protection against floods to more than 75 million people. The economic value of these systems is enormous. Timber alone is worth several Billion Euros annually to the Forest industry, while minerals are also being heavily exploited. The importance of the Congo Basin as a global, natural reservoir to store Carbon is also massive. CO2 emissions from deforestation of this region could be devastating for agriculture and water resources. The challenges for Cameroon are enormous. If social and economic development needs are to be met, then development will have to be sustainable. As such a number of key threats will have to be addressed: 1. Unsustainable Timber exploitation – as much 50% of all timber from the region is believed to be illegal. This represents 10-15 billion Euros annually. 2. Major Infrastructure Development – this is linked to the increasing exploitation of logging, mining and oil exploration as well as potential dam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529232-38LC613B1QDJGBZZCC2P/AkashingaRangers_025.jpg Photojournalism PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529225-40K74STJC0TBB805SI9J/AfricaParks_004.jpg Photojournalism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 18TH 2019: ICCN conservation ranger Dog handlers receiving training on tracking and detection from Invictus K9 group. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528711-CLKWBMFT33D3WUWZQOQO/Phtjn093.jpg Photojournalism - Yemen and the Guantanamo connection (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Yemen and the Guantanamo connection SHEBAM-KAWBABAN, YEMEN - 21 NOVEMBER 3 2005: Yemen has the second highest percentage of prisoners housed in Guantanamo Bay. One of the reasons for this this is a long standing warrior culture which has existed since before the time of the Prophet Mohammed. This is depicted in this image of two local men stand on the hillside outside their ancient fortress-like city on top of a mountain in Shebam-Kawbaban. The men are traditionally dressed and are armed with AK-47's. Yemen has a long history of warrior culture which continues today. Owning and carrying a weapon is normal, especially outside of the capital city of Sana'a. The weapon is considered a symbol of male pride and prowess and is considered neccesary in these areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Guantanamo Prisoners Families https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528435-1UH5JSQKAUAFUEARGCBJ/photo_002.jpg Photojournalism PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529391-IGULQW5YZFVZ5DPHSZBW/addphjn.jpg Photojournalism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Easter church services for the familes of Rangers and Staff inside Garamba National Park. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529313-JMSP7FH8QEJWH78WGDKJ/Phtjn094.jpg Photojournalism AL-MAZRAQ, YEMEN, AUGUST 2010: War victim eight year old Abbas, is seen at the Al-Mazraq IDP camps, Al-Mazraq, Yemen, August 14, 2010. Abbas was walking with his uncle in the Sa'ada region when his uncle stepped on a landmine and was blown to pieces. Shrapnel from the mine, ordinance from the war between Yemeni Government forces and the Al-Houthi Shiite group, sprayed into Abbas's chest and blinded him in one eye. Abbas's ten year old sister was also injured in the blast. They represent two of thousands of children at dire risk in this conflict. A shaky ceasefire reached in February 2010 brought a halt to the 6th round of conflict between the Government of Yemen and the Shiite Al-Houti group in the Sa'ada Governate. The situation is fragile and sporadic clashes are ongoing. According to UNHCR, around 316 000 Internally Displaced People are scattered throughout the five conflict affected governates of Hajjah, Amran, Sa'ada, Al-Jawf and Sana'a. Over 60% of these people are women and children. Food, water and sanitation needs are extensive and various child protection issues have also emerged, ie landmine and ordinance risk, war trauma and the recruitment of children by armed forces. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528291-YVQG04EZCE25PQ3E14VE/photo_003.jpg Photojournalism MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher after discovering leopard skins and other animals parts in his home. They are seen taking video testimony for court proceedings, it is likely this man will receive a minimum five years in prison. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529443-NAW92CILG9NO4K2DESEH/addphtjn_012.jpg Photojournalism Three days of election coverage in Georgia for the 2021 US Senate election. First image - Democrat supporters who travelled from Texas to help people to vote at the end of a rally led by Kamala Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529266-13UZLIGH6G480MRZH55K/Phtjn095.jpg Photojournalism HODEIDAH, YEMEN, AUGUST 2010: An eight year old amputee Nigerian boy locked up in Hodeidah Central Prison, Hodeidah, Yemen, August 12, 2010. He is in prison with a man who claims to be his brother. They were captured by Yemeni authorities while trying to get to Saudi Arabia to seek work or to beg for funds. There is a possibility that this boy is a child trafficking victim who has been deliberately mamed in order to make him a more viable begging prospect in Saudi Arabia. He has subsequently been rescued from this prison by the joint efforts of Unicef and UNHCR, who have removed him to a safer environment while they investigate his case. He has already spent more than 13 months in this prison in the company of adult prisoners. This prison houses a majority of African illegal immigrants who have made their way by perilous land and boat journeys to Yemen from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. They are in Yemen in order to make their way to Saudi Arabia. Most attempt to walk to Saudi from their beach landing in Hodeidah and cross the Yemen/Saudi Border illegally in order to secure manual labour employment. The majority of the inmates of this prison have been caught and imprisoned in the process of this endevour. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528878-D3TV1JAN6J1X6Q4YTFLV/Tuareg_001.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528699-JBUVZBB1MVETCEYPHFT0/addphtjn_013.jpg Photojournalism Suspicious security at a Trump rally for Perdue and Loeffler, Dalton, Georgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528447-MU3AKVILM2VUT3ZMOB9T/Phtjn103.jpg Photojournalism Northern Zambia, August 2003. Zambia enters its 6th year of severe drought. A starving farmers sits amongst the ruins of his failed crop. He is HIV+ and his malnutrition has greatly accelerated the decline of his immune system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528752-4V8SERJ89MOATBE2UQ1N/Tuareg_002.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529664-FRPGC7H6FM0KP6AR4ZJK/addphtjn_014.jpg Photojournalism WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528506-ZZ8DFKNTF8JJ6BITM0Q7/Phtjn104.jpg Photojournalism GAIBANDAH, BANGLADESH-AUGUST 2008: Vulnerable farmers on flood damaged islands work to clear rice fields damaged by annual floods which destroy crops and homes amongst the poor on a yearly basis, Gaibandah, Bangladesh, 2 August 2008. Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries in terms of food security. The price of food staples have doubled in the last 5 months and civil unrest is a possibility in the near future. Rising world energy prices, one of the world's poorest populations, and a loss of government subsidies for food staples combined with the world's highest flood plain has meant that many people are down to one meal a day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529496-B39KPYS781OGY4Y6HN2N/Tuareg_003.jpg Photojournalism TIMBUKTU REGION, MALI, 21 SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg Nomads end the Ramadan fast in the desert about 50 kilometers outside of Timbuktu with prayer and dancing, Timbuktu Region, Mali, September 21 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529364-4AC3JSRY7OVG6QJ88PZB/ProtestsDC_034.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528366-R92FVY8XG6ZACZ75XK05/Phtjn107.jpg Photojournalism KURIGRAM, BANGLADESH-AUGUST 2008: Flood affected village men hack away the embankment left by the most recent flooding in the area where their village used to be, Kurigram, Northern Bangladesh, 2 August 2008. They are doing this on the orders of the local landowner who is using this earth for contruction in another area. These men are effectively further removing the only barrier between them and further flooding but desperately need the small amount they are paid so do the work anyway. The lack of a serious engineering works aimed at flood prevention in Bangladesh is behind the suffering of millions of impoverished rural people. Annual predicable floods bring misery to millions without any effective counter plan. A fatalistic nations chooses instead to move rather than try to combat the flooding through engineering ingenuity. Flooding, Poverty and lack of protected land ownership amongst the poor is driving a serious food crisis in Bangladesh. A male labourers makes around 90 US cents a day while a women makes around 50 US cents a day working in the fields. Extreme poverty and rising food prices couple with an oversupply of cheap labour has meant that many people can only afford to eat once a day. Many labourers sell their services up to a year ahead and have been caught out by rampant food prices which are beyond the reach of their wages. Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries in terms of food security. The price of food staples have doubled in the last 5 months and civil unrest is a possibility in the near future. Rising world energy prices, one of the world's poorest populations, and a loss of government subsidies for food staples combined with the world's highest flood plain has meant that many people are down to one meal a day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528654-K5MD7AOAX8R0COYSG58C/Tuareg_004.jpg Photojournalism INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Two young Tuareg women have their hair dressed by other Tuareg women inside a traditional nomad tent at a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528545-9G99E1L74SQEA0SZVU34/ProtestsDC_035.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529615-6VVFAL8LVDCKTXSTSLUI/phtjn_012.jpg Photojournalism - 1234567BS_031.JPG (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) 1234567BS_031.JPG BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005. First Segeant Troy Hawkins falls wounded to the ground during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. Sgt Hawkins was wounded in the leg and shoulder but continued to direct troop movement before walking out of the fire zone.The Iraqi National Guard members he was fighting alongside have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528771-C5ZN7IFX7UGR1DWXTLCB/Tuareg_011.jpg Photojournalism TASSILI 'N AJJER, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: Images of famed tourist site and traditional Tuareg land, Tassili 'n Ajjer, in the south of Algeria, 02 May 2009. (photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529738-GCXQEK2RIG5AFIESPT6Y/addphtjn_015.jpg Photojournalism WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528921-HHSGW67UQVY6Q4HFTK6V/phtjn_013.jpg Photojournalism - 1234567BS_001.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) 1234567BS_001.jpg NAJAF, IRAQ-MAY 2005: Hussam Hassan washes the body of 12 year old Ali Basem Karim who was killed in Basra when the wedding he was attending was attacked by extremist militias. The wedding was attacked because they were celebrating and that was not considered apporopriate by the militia group. Another child was wounded in the attack. *** Local Caption *** Assignment Iraq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528178-SCEVL01L1HCAK73ZPONE/Tuareg_045.jpg Photojournalism DAG ALLAL, TIMBUKTU, MALI, SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg men plant grass in the banks of the Niger River to grow a forage crop for their animals and for sale in the markets in the sedentary Tuareg village of Dag Allal in Mali on 11 September 2009. Unusual amongst Tuareg for their sedentary, non-nomadic existence, these Tuaregs remain in place all year and care for their animals by utilising agricultural techniques. They have received help from the Millenium Village Project which aims to empower local communities through education. They grow rice and forage grass in the nearby Niger river, using a canal and small pump to divert water into ricepaddies. Their leader, El Hadg Agali Ag Mohammoud, 70, explains that reasons of drought, rebellion, identity issues and a lack of union amongst the Tuareg caused this group to choose to remain in one place, "We live here all year, we take care of our animals by growing the grass that they wouldn't normally have in the hot summer months, other Tuareg don't always understand this, they think that this grass grows naturally. We sometimes have to prevent them taking it, we have to explain that we grow it for our animals and it is not free. Sometimes there is a confrontation as a result, this is not the traditional Tuareg way so we have to explain it to them. I think in the future there will be more Tuareg living this way. "(Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528224-FK9XQ3D7L1AV7SQO6ZPF/addphtjn_016.jpg Photojournalism WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529260-VL5Q8MCVH9YHWM0I24A1/addphtn_005.jpg Photojournalism - 1234567BS_001.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) 1234567BS_001.jpg NAJAF, IRAQ - MAY 2004: Militia supporters of cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder guard the streets in Najaf. This group clashes on a daily basis with the coalition forces and tensions are high in the area. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528564-9SLAUCFVIK1ZC778GPJ5/Phtojn_001.jpg Photojournalism NZARA, SOUTH SUDAN, 17 NOVEMBER 2014: Michael Oryem, 29, is a former Lord's Resistance Army fighter who was involved in the poaching of Ivory in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a former base of operations for the LRA and a major source of financing for the notorious group. Oryem was abducted by the group when he was 9 and lived with them for over 17 years in the wild. He was made a commander in the group at the age of 12. The LRA is infamous for the killing and abduction of thousands of civilians across multiple countries. He defected and is now a member of the Ugandan Army, UPDF, African Union force hunting the LRA. he is seen with 2 of six pieces of ivory which he hid and then led the Ugandan forces to inside the border region of the Central African Republic. He claims that the LRA killed many elephants in Garamba and he was ordered by Joseph Kony, the groups notorious leader, to bring the ivory to him in Darfur, South Sudan. Ivory is now a real means of financing for the LRA, it is used for both food and weapons supplies and is traded to the Sudanese Army who transports it north to Khartoum. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529051-A5GMWG2TD8CHFWSRVFRX/addphtjn_017.jpg Photojournalism WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529559-P2HWBE3DOL1QSFR6SL0K/addphtn_006.jpg Photojournalism - 1234567BS_022.JPG (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) 1234567BS_022.JPG BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: U.S forces and the Iraqi National Guard fight together during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. These National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528532-S6QQWZWG3320LOZ9EZEE/Phtojn_003.jpg Photojournalism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 12 NOVEMBER 2014: ICCN Ranger officer Mambo inside the ivory storage locker at Garamba National Park in the DR Congo. This ivory is the prize that notorious rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, comes looking for in Garamba. Killing elephants for their ivory is an order direct from the LRA's sociopathic leader Joseph Kony, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against Humanity. Rangers in Garamba find themselves up against a heavily armed LRA in their battle to save Garamba's elephant. As pressure has increased on Kony, the LRA has turned to Ivory as one means of sustaining themselves in their decades long bush war against the civilians of Uganda, Congo and the South Sudan/CAR region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528171-IMTAJGTL2KL59UZ99O0O/addphtjn_018.jpg Photojournalism WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528983-FF8WBL4OOQLA4NEXL62H/addphtn_009.jpg Photojournalism - 1234567BS_003.JPG (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) 1234567BS_003.JPG BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 17 FEBRUARY 2005: Iraqi National Guard member Ali Nadim, 20, is rushed to hospital after being wounded by grenade attack during a firefight in the Haifa street area of Baghdad. These Iraqi National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election Iraqi Nationa Army, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528204-NKA3CC4VJCM9K0G5CVIF/Phtjn001.jpg Photojournalism AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529077-Y7T6AEBSX6RP9JQC6MDT/addphtjn_019.jpg Photojournalism WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528519-BQL6WV4RYP7I5ET7P702/phtjn_014.jpg Photojournalism KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529430-FDD9KIRY5FBJ71NJZD1L/Phtjn004.jpg Photojournalism BOUBA NDJIDA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH CAMEROON, APRIL 2012: The largest mass killing of elephants in recent history took place at Bouba Ndjida National Park in North Cameroon close to the Chad and Central African Republic Borders from January through March 2012. Eye witnesses have so far located 340 carcasses, the ivory poachers themselves told local villagers they have killed over 650 elephants in their hunt for Ivory over the 500 000 hectare region. There has yet to be a proper aerial and ground survey of the dead elephants and the rainy season will make that difficult. The Poachers, numbering over 100 men, were mounted on horseback, led by 6 light skinned North Sudanese men and armed with RPG's, grenades, Light Machine Guns and AK47's. They were in two main groups, with a number of reconnaisance units of 4 men locating the elephants then bringing in a larger force to kill big groups. Intelligence indicates that many of the hunters came from Chad and were led by these Sudanese men. These facts have emerged from a number of eye witness acccounts, mainly by French professional hunters who saw the horsman in the Park and local hunting concessions. They had the appearence and attitude of Janjaweed fighters from the South Sudan Darfur and Chadian conflicts and were disciplined, unafraid, arrogant and extremely efficient hunters. The elephants were herded together by teams of 4 to 8 riders who then decimated them with AK47 fire, killing all the elephants they could find, including babies with no ivory. Groups as large as 53 have been gunned down together, with sections as large as 14 elephants lying within touching distance of each other. These horseman came into the area over the Chadian border, evidence of early carcasses suggests that they may have been in the park as early as October 2011. The main force began their hunt in earnest from January through to approximately 8 March 2012. It is believed there was collaboration with local poachers in this hunt as well as an as https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529014-ZX932EDXIGHKN3F631U2/addphtjn_020.jpg Photojournalism WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: A protester dressed as George Washington debates with a Capital Policemena before being pushed out. Supporters of US President Donald Trump protested inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529621-TTX4UVKF4VYZ0Z6T3VVI/phtjn_015.jpg Photojournalism KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529246-70OE4RJ92YMS6L2VD1T9/Phtjn002.jpg Photojournalism AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528157-71Z5U9IRHLT3W0OGUFDI/addphtjn_021.jpg Photojournalism - Los Angeles George Floyd riots day 7 (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Los Angeles George Floyd riots day 7 I was in Africa for most of the BLM protests, these are few images from one day of protest that I was able to attend.LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - A young African-American woman cries for "everybody's pain," as thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully in Los Angles today in response to George Floyd’s death. Floyd asphixiated to death while being held down by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvine, he and three other policemen at the scene have been fired and taken into custody. Chauvin is seen kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead when paramedics arrived. A video of the incident quickly went viral, prompting riots across many American cities. Today was day seven in Los Angeles and the march was characterized by more love than hatred amongst the protestors who, in the vast majority of cases acted respectfully and with dignity towards the National Guard and Police. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529535-GV4I9L13Q99K8CJDW53B/phtjn_017.jpg Photojournalism JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Images from illegal opium producing poppy farms an hours travel outside of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529345-RRY6W35D0QXWCQPVQDB3/addphtjn_005.jpg Photojournalism AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528989-DCYG6FHQFYS36L144C1W/addphtjn_022.jpg Photojournalism - Los Angeles George Floyd riots day 7 (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Los Angeles George Floyd riots day 7 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully in Los Angles today in response to George Floyd’s death. Floyd asphixiated to death while being held down by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvine, he and three other policemen at the scene have been fired and taken into custody. Chauvin is seen kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead when paramedics arrived. A video of the incident quickly went viral, prompting riots across many American cities. Today was day seven in Los Angeles and the march was characterized by more love than hatred amongst the protestors who, in the vast majority of cases acted respectfully and with dignity towards the National Guard and Police. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529032-4TG31LW0RA7ADKZWXO7W/phtjn_018.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529205-YOWZ8GNUOGSGDW95JI6G/phtjn_001.jpg Photojournalism BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Bat hunters return from collecting bats from an island a couple hours away from the capital Brazzaville. The hunters have nets strung high all over the island and harvest the bats every day of a four-month season. In peak season this can be between 100 to 150 bats per day. This is a popular bushmeat and suppliers deliver the bats twice a week to sellers. They are sold for between 500 and 1500 CFDA each, about $2 to $4 USD. They are traditionally made into a thick soup but this is a relatively new delicacy that only evolved in the nineteen seventies. The people who market these bats say that white people lie about Ebola and other diseases and their connection to bats. They say it is a way to force local people to buy western foods from white countries. Accepting the fact that bats are the primary vector animal for zoonotic disease is bad for business. This is despite that fact that a live Ebola virus has been isolated inside fruit bats in Guinea, proving their carrier status. Epidemiologists has examined groups of bats from this same area who test 33% positive for Ebola antibodies. It is also believed that bats play a significant role in the current Covid 19 crisis. When the bat sellers prepare the bats for clients, they are often asked to remove the wing bones and wrap the bats in their own wings. This practice is often done with the seller pulling out the bones with their teeth. This is an instant transmission issue but goes unacknowledged by the men involved in this aspect of the wildmeat trade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529254-8RJ8FNBT24ZDHYP08OF5/Timbuktu23_001.jpg Photojournalism TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: The Imam of the Djingareiber Mosque, Timbuktu's oldest and most important Islamic place of worship, seen during Ramadan, September 6, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528736-1WDTUP4SQVFE5V0OLV97/SportRehab_009-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529450-1MT08MF21K5UV41KVGLZ/phtjn_002.jpg Photojournalism 3. BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A bat seller at the Total market in Brazzaville uses his teeth to remove the wing bones from a bat he has just killed. The bats are sold live and when the bat sellers prepare the bats for clients, they are often asked to remove the wing bones and wrap the bats in their own wings. This practice is often done with the seller pulling out the wing bones with their teeth. This is an instant transmission risk but that goes unacknowledged by these men. The people who market these bats say that Western people lie about Ebola and other diseases and their connection to Bats. They say it is a way to force local people to buy western foods from white countries. Accepting the fact that bats are the primary vector animal for zoonotic disease is bad for business. This is despite that fact that a live Ebola virus has been isolated inside fruit bats in Guinea, proving their carrier status. Epidemiologists has examined groups of bats from this same capture area who test 33% positive for Ebola antibodies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529238-7T5WDSAZJ2X1B53L198T/Timbuktu23_002.jpg Photojournalism TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Late Afternoon scenes at a funeral in the streets of Timbuktu, MALI, 5 JANUARY 2010. Funerals in Timbuktu are conducted separately, with the woman mourning inside the house of the deceased and the men outside on the street involved in prayers and remembrance in the Islamic tradition. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529160-NUN039ZM3XWTYQ3MD0KH/SportRehab_026-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Photojournalism SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - 8/14 AUGUST 2006: Specialist Andy Soule, 25, learns to ride a horse as part of a series of choices he made as to which sports sorts he wanted to pursue as part of a week of outdoor activity. The programm is run by an organisation called Higher Ground and is done in conjunction with the Veterans Administration and is free to these wounded and disabled servicemen and women. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529713-AGBM8SV78XPR7VEGUCIZ/phtjn_003.jpg Photojournalism KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A man coming off a recently arrived boat carries an African dwarf crocodile through Maluku port. The overall population of this species in the wild varies from estimates of 25,000 to 100,000 individuals. On the IUCN Red List, the Dwarf crocodile is classified as a Vulnerable species within its habitat. Hundreds of these crocodiles are sold in Kinshasa most days of the week. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa and abroad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529371-NL5MGON2Z2S8WIS5H71R/Timbuktu23_010.jpg Photojournalism TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Scenes from the port of Timbuktu at the apex of the Niger River, Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa on 12 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529063-JUR0HA5VCEA6ZWOJPW19/SportRehab_016.jpg Photojournalism SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Specialist Andy Soule, 25, gets into his inflable kayak at the beginning of the day on a 4 day river rafting trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. These images focus on a week outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528903-EBVXEG1CH3NTYMYVOUUJ/phtjn_004.jpg Photojournalism OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: A driver of a small truck delivers a variety of wildmeat to individual women traders who sell it in one of Ouesso’s markets. This is a daily delivery to just one female trader. The bushmeat usually is all grouped together, so if one animal is carrying a disease, it can easily be passed to the other animals in the pile. The animals travel via car, motorbike and boat to Ouesso, a town notorious for its bushmeat market. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528822-0GR9I07A1KAAUNKYTCVY/Timbuktu23_003.jpg Photojournalism TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Images of temporary camps and houses on the outskirts of Timbuktu in the middle of a sandstorm, Mali, September 15, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. It has traditionally consisted of a mix of Tuareg and Songhay people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528847-LLUH6CIKCSDIVR1XSJPT/SportRehab_019-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Photojournalism SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Specialist Andew W. Soule, 25, paddles through rapids as part of a 4 day river rafting trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. These images focus on a week outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528834-FUOT38393FHNG98DAL1G/phtjn_005.jpg Photojournalism KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A man and his wife unpack sacks containing 84 monkeys that they have just unloaded from a boat in Maluku port. There are two different species in the bag. The couple say they have a shotgun with relatives in the Equateur region and hunt with that. They make the trip every two weeks and say there are literally thousands of hunters all doing the same thing. They pay taxes on arrival but if they do that there is no problem with the authorities. They say they will sell the monkeys within one day in Kinshasa, they are a popular form of bushmeat with consumers. One monkey sells for around $15 in the port, up to $25 in the city. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529280-453LFOIR7CM7BX2QRJMZ/Timbuktu23_009.jpg Photojournalism TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Children play in the rain in a welcome respite from the desert heat in a street scene in Timbuktu, a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, , September 11, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528633-S3WJ567T2ANCWPSJC6HJ/phtjn_009.jpg Photojournalism 18. EPULU, ITURI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: An Mbuti Pygmy hunting group is seen on their way to hunt inside the forest in Okapi National Reserve. The Mbuti hunt wild meat in a sustainable manner, using nets they have created from forest vines. The men lay out the nets in a long line through the forest while the women move through shouting and making a noise, driving any animals towards the nets. The Mbuti have a 15 to 20% success rate, similar to a lion. This is what makes this hunting practice sustainable. Larger animals simply break through the net, meaning small duikers and other smaller animals make up most of the capture. There are around 2300 Mbuti in the reserve, mostly living in harmony with the forest. It is when pygmies are co-opted by other parties for their hunting skills that that harmony is broken. Centuries of ill-treatment have reduced pygmies in many areas to indentured servitude and a state of survival. Illegal mining camps in Epulu, some very large and politically connected, use pygmies to hunt bushmeat for the miners, supplying them with shotguns and shells and paying them with part of what they can shoot. The pygmies are also often forced to hunt by the Congolese Army who protect many of the illegal mining areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529306-BATLTZWP3ILK0PO6X3D8/Timbuktu23_005.jpg Photojournalism TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A Mosque and two muslims on the outskirts of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, 23 January 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528729-HGZOQJTTUQ2LQKLBFGMN/phtjn_007.jpg Photojournalism KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A group of men sell live bushmeat species by the side of the road in Kinshasa. Some of these species are illegal and highly endangered, such as the pangolin. A lack of law endforcement is a major part of the bushmeat crisis. These men say there is no issue with the authorities and state that the wildlife authorties often buy from them as they have the right connections to make a greater profit. They state that there are only restrictions in the areas where the animals are hunted but none in the cities they are trafficked to. These men were selling the pangolin for $60 and say they usually sell those to the Chinese. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. The ngo Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528765-3GPNCNUS2AJAS6PUMB9E/addphotojn_001.jpg Photojournalism Rhino Wars This photo essay attempts to look at the environmental crisis caused by Asia’s appetite for Rhino horn. The horn is part of an ancient Asian medical system and today is seen as a curative for everything from Cancer to Kidney stones. Essentially keratin, a mild alkaline substance identical to fingernails, the horn is ground down in grinding bowls and mixed with water. This is then ingested by the sick and the wealthy of Vietnam and China, the imbiber hoping for miracle cures, when in fact science shows us it has a placebo effect at best. The use of horn dates back over 2000 years but the recent economic rise of countries like China and Vietnam and the subsequent wealth of the new upper class has had disastrous effects on the world’s remaining rhino population. Rhino horn is now worth more than gold and the poaching crisis is a perfect storm of that value playing out in the most corrupt wildlife systems with some of the poorest poachers as well as rhino ranchers who see millions of dollars in pushing to legalize the trade. South Africa is the main repository of the world’s remaining rhino, figure less than 20,000 animals. South Africa is on track to lose over 1600 animals this year, a figure that has risen every year since 2006 when less than 20 animals were killed for their horns. This essay examines the crisis along the Mozambique/South African border where daily incursions by armed poachers has resulted in a war which plays out inside Kruger National Park, the largest reserve for rhino in the world. We see the poachers with silenced weapons, the middle men arrested in sting operations by Mozambican authorities and the few rhino who dare to venture into Mozambique, protected by a tiny NGO who is the only effective organization in country. The average life expectancy for a Kruger rhino in Mozambique is 24 hours, a country where they were recently declared extinct. The essay goes on to show widows who have lost husbands and sons in this fight, range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528778-GEUL1SO353OC0B2A9P6M/phtjn_008.jpg Photojournalism EQUATEUR PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 APRIL 2021: Blandine Bosaku, 18, is seen inside the isolation ward at Befale general clinic in remote Befale village with her daughter Anisha. Blandine is suffering from Monkeypox, a virus that is often fatal if not treated with antibiotics. Blandine had two children, the eldest recently died from Monkey-Pox. Her surviving daughter Anisha Yaiteni, 6, then became infected and passed the virus onto her. Blandine says her children caught monkeypox from a hunter neighbor who has since passed away. She says that in her village of Liyaela, there is a 70% infection. The lesions on Blandine are clear indicators of Monkeypox, she is pregnant and this can result in the virus being passed on to her baby, who will most likely die as a result. Monkeypox is first passed onto humans when an infected primate or rodent is eaten. Once that human is infected, they are highly contagious and multiple infections at a village level are common. In most cases, the remote rural poor cannot afford the medicine or the travel and expense of going to the nearest rural hospital. That hospital may also not have the necessary antibiotics. Superstition, traditional hunting of bushmeat as a protein source, traditional medicine practices and a failure to social distance all add to the infection rate once Monkeypox comes to a village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528426-TDUVJ76XAUL6MJFJJCUP/addphotojn_003.jpg Photojournalism LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA, 2 APRIL 2016: “Shoelaces on steroids.” That's how Saving the Survivors PR Spokesperson Suzanne Boswell Rudham described Tuesday's groundbreaking procedure using human abdominal surgery technology to stretch the wounded edges the gaping wound created by horn poachers who removed most of the face of the world's most famous rhino, “Hope.” The Saving the Survivors team member joined a team of top wildlife vets on a Limpopo plot of land, where they stitched the elastymers, imported from Canada, on to Hope's battered face. They are hoping that it will to pull the edges of the wound together and finally heal the massive wound, which happened when poachers hacked off almost all of her face last May. But the world-famous animal with the indomitable spirit has clung to life - and has become an ambassador for the conservation of her ever-threatened species, Johan Marais, a wildlife vet and founder of Saving the Survivors, told a small group of onlookers gathered around him and his team. In a procedure that lasted just over an hour, they inserted pulley systems in Hope’s skin to "crank the laces" to close the massive cavity on her face. In Hope's latest procedure - she has already had five major surgeries and other smaller ones - they used an abdominal re-approximation anchor system, imported from Canada by local distributors Surgitech. "Basically it's developed for people who've had stomach surgery where they can't close the wound," Rudham explained. "Whereas before they used it to stitch it and staple it, now this system... actually pulls in the tissue without destroying any cells." In the past year, 60% of Hope's face has healed, but she's not out of the woods yet, explains Marais. Hope’s gaping wound is constantly attacked by flies and maggots. "We're hoping to make that cavity a lot smaller and then we'll put a wound matrix over that with collagen for the cells to start growing together," adds Rudham. After the procedure, the bandaged rhi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528859-B8ZN2V9EPQLGXV2RK4IE/addtophtjn.jpg Photojournalism Doctors at a Covid 19 ward in Kinshasa, DR Congo take a break after a morning of new patients flooding into the isolation section of the hospital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528388-28XRVGT8GLIG01JKPH9M/Phtjn028.jpg Photojournalism Baoloc, Vietnam, 6 October 2011: A wealthy Vietnamese woman sits and grinds Rhino horn for her personal consumption in a roadside café in Baoloc, Vietnam. The dealer who sold her the horn sits next to her. Rhino Horn is an illegal substance in Vietnam yet both the woman and her dealer have no fear of the police, grinding the horn in a café in full view of the street. The dealer states that he pays $1500 a month to the right people and they can carry on with impunity. The woman says that it has cured her Kidney Stones and now she takes it daily for her general health. Rhino horn is generally used as a fever reducing agent and for the removal of toxins across Vietnam, the biggest market for horn today. Rhino horn has even been held up as a cure for Cancer by a senior Minister in the Vietnamese government. Rhino horn is now worth more than gold on the international market. 100 grams of Rhino horn in Vietnam sells for $2500 to locals and over $8500 to foreign buyers, these were the prices consistently offered to our investigative team in meetings with 5 separate dealers across the country in October 2011. The demand for Rhino horn is now fueled by a newly wealthy Asian middle and upper class that can afford the substance which was previously only for the wealthy. The price is further affected by the controlling influence of organized crime. The horn is used overwhelmingly as an anti-fever, anti-toxins medication, with thousands of years of cultural belief behind the practice. This is despite the fact that Rhino horn is now an illegal substance around the world. South Africa alone has lost more than 400 Rhino to illegal poaching incidents in 2011, to say nothing of those lost to legal hunting. There are less than 16000 rhino left in the world and at this compounded rate of killing, the Rhino is racing to extinction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529570-BKX8GFBBE50H50GXH4TR/phtjn_015.jpg Photojournalism KAUDULLA, SRI LANKA, 7TH JULY 2022: A wild elephant from Kaudulla National Park is seen sneaking through an electrified fence into croplands on the park boundary. Despite the pain for the electric shock, this is a regular occurence. There used to be an unsanctioned, informal garbage dump in this area and that is what initially drew the elephants to break the fence. Over 70% of Sri Lanaka's elephants live outside national parks, bringing elephants and humans into regular and sometimes dangerous contact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529128-CRF8R1V5VEFFWL122CFV/add+rhino.jpg Photojournalism TUGELA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, COLENSO, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of a female rhino who 4 months ago survived a brutal dehorning by poachers who used a chainsaw to remove her horns and a large section of bone in this area of her skull, Natal, South Africa, November 9, 2010. The poachers surveyed the area by helicopter, mapped out the movements of the Rhino and the Guards and then darted the animal and hacked of the horn with a chainsaw. In an act of callous brutality they left the animal alive when they left with the horns. This Rhino was consequently found the next day wandering around in unimaginable pain. She also had a young 4 week old calf who was seperated in the incident and subsequently died of starvation and dehydration. The female adult miraculously survived the dehorning and with some vetrinary supervision has gone on to join up with a male bull who accompanies her and helps her to survive. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529707-J694AOG4JZPKHTFC28QA/phtjn_016.jpg Photojournalism DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 22ND OCTOBER 2022: A captured and chained elephant attempts to rest by leaning against the tree to which it is chained. Dubare is one of the larger elephant camps in India, a place where captured elephants are brought and kept. Elephant orphans from the wild are brought to these camps as well as elephants from Human/Elephant conflict incidents. Some of the elephants here are trained to be capture elephants, meaning they will deploy as a team to capture rogue elephants who are perceived to be dangerous to humans or destructive to property. These camps also play a lucrative role in tourism, with thousands of visitors streaming in to see the elephants. Dubare has seen 7 new elephant captures in the last 5 years, there are new camps in the area to accommodate the numbers and the rise in tourism. There is some worry amongst elephant activists that the decision to capture is gaining commercial impetus. These elephants are the property of the forest department of Karnataka but private ownership and domestic trade is now back on the table in India, with government support likely to make this legal again soon. Three more elephants were captured in December alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528480-VR5W5ELKNGVJGJS6QYFY/addphotojn_002.jpg Photojournalism MOAMBA, MOZAMBIQUE, 19 APRIL 2016: Two rhino poachers, one 19, the other 28 years old, apprehended by an anti-poaching team in Mozambique close to Kruger National Park border. They are seen waiting to be processed in the local jail. After a three day chase they were caught in a roadblock and the rifle seized shortly thereafter. This was due to a co-ordinated effort between Kruger National Park in South Africa where the poachers intended to shoot rhino for their horn; and Sabi Game Park, a conservancy on the Mozabique side. The poachers were tracked and identified by their unique shoe pattern. They tried to say they had been on their way to buy cattle but had no money on their persons and the alleged cattle owner said he did not know anything about selling his cattle. A Czech CZ .458 hunting rifle was seized, complete with a professionally built silencer. Both men admitted their guilt and will be charged under new Mozambican law which states that possesion on the weapon and bullets indicates intent to poach rhino, this carries a maximum sentence of 12 years and/or $80,000.00. Their Toyota Hilux vehicle was also confiscated. The younger of the two poachers, 19, later led police to the homes of suspected weapons and transport suppliers, higher ups in the rhino poaching syndicates known as level 2's and 3's. Those men had fled by the time the police arrived but significant information was discovered in the form of identity documents, both real and forged, as well as banking account information. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528379-F1K5WTLV2QQGJQM2GFO9/phtjn_017.jpg Photojournalism GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 30 JUNE 2022: A juvenile elephant lies dead after eating a home-made grenade made from firecrackers combined with metal shrapnel hidden inside a pumpkin or watermelon. The explosion blew off most of this juvenile elephant’s lower jaw and decimated his tongue and teeth. Sri Lanka wildlife department officials estimate that this elephant most likely walked around for two weeks after the explosion in terrible pain, unable to eat or drink before succumbing on the morning of this photograph. There have been three such incidents in this area in the last year that have been recorded. It is a sign of growing village frustration with crop-raiding elephants that such techniques are being employed. Ironically, this area is forestry department land, the poor have been allowed to farm here by vote seeking politicans but not to put up permanent structures. The increasingly shrinking habitat available to Sri Lankan elephant means human elephant conflict is inevitable, especially as more and more crops are grown in what were formerly elephant areas. As a result, there is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528660-PTTY53398XN6GESGFFMN/Phtjn025.jpg Photojournalism VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of newly formed IAPF, The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rhino protection for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. Mander has used his own money to start the organization. Rangers in Zimbabwe have little access to automatic weapons and good training and are struggling to contain rampant Rhino horn poaching across the country. Zimbabwe has significant Black Rhino numbers, of which there are now less than 3500 left in the world today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528474-V9W4Z1GPX7GGYS0AKRXW/phtjn_018.jpg Photojournalism MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 4, 2022: Two palace elephants touch trunks to comfort and reassure each other during the Mysore Dasara, the only state festival in India where elephants are used. In the days leading up to the festival these elephants injured two people, they are nervous and traumatized by the huge crowds at the festival. Their weaving behaving, constant trunk touching and placing their trunks in each other mouths is soothing behavior to cope with being chained all day and a disturbing massive human presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529424-XCQD74Y1QDB7K8C6G68S/Phtjn026.jpg Photojournalism KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: A White Rhino cow is de-horned as a precautionary anti-poaching measure on a game farm outside of Klerksdorp, South Africa, March 25 2011. The Vet's assistant is seen holding the horns for an identity picture while the Vet does a final check on the animal. Rhino Poaching has reached epedemic proportions in South Africa, with 334 killed in 2010 and over 400 killed in 2011. Many game farmers are increasingly turning to de-horning their animals as a protective measure against poaching. A 2 year study in Zimbabwe on the effects of de-horning has revealed no negative repercussions to the animal, and has seen less animals killed through fighting and horn damage. A large horn grows back after 5 years to its full size without trauma to the animal and thus can be seen as a renewable, sustainable resource for the Asian markets if legalized. At this time the only legal means to obtain a horn in South Africa is through a permitted hunt with a member of the conservation authority present. This means that the animal has to die before the horn is available. Statistics on poaching prove that the lack of access to legal horn has seen poaching become common practise and the price of Rhino horn has reached an all time high, surpassing that of gold. The counter argument to de-horning for profit is that it will lead to an interference in the natural world and an abuse of the resource in terms of animal treatment. Most Vets across South Africa have adopted de-horning as a neccesary anti-poaching technique to save the animals from being killed for their horn. On average a de-horning takes an experienced vet no more than 25 minutes to do from start to finish and the animal goes straight back to feeding with no visible sign of trauma afterwards. A standard 8 cms of stump is left behind, ensuring no actual tissue is ever damaged on the Rhino. The horns once taken are fitted with micro-chips, individually permitted and in most cases stored in bank vaults https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528803-SICY8DHQA4Y0YN5OQQLQ/phtjn_019.jpg Photojournalism KERALA, INDIA: A large male elephant walks past two nervous women on its way to attend a festival in Kerala, India. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in mhust have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529211-FW5AXLIHFX04PDHQ5OCZ/addphotojn_004.jpg Photojournalism SABIE GAME PARK, MOZAMBIQUE, 9 APRIL 2016: A combined force of Sabie Game Park Rangers, Garda Frontier soldiers and Fauna Bravia soldiers arrest and detain Moses Chauque, a level 2 rhino poacher who arranges weapons and transport for rhino poachers. There are multiple arrest warrants for Chauque, both in Mozambique and South Africa. This arrest was put together with intelligence gathered by IAPF, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, the only effective Anti-poaching group on the ground in Mozambique. Moses Chauque was identified in statements from two seperate groups of poachers who were arrested in Mozambique with CZ hunting rifles and rhino horn. Both groups made sworn statements the Chauque contracted them for rhino poaching in nearby Kruger National Park. There are also further warrants in South Africa for his alleged involvement in two murder cases. When Chauque was delivered into Police custody in Mouamba, Mozambique, the police apparently cheered that he had finally been caught. The case against him in Mozambique will now revolve around weapons charges and the statements against him made by the two groups of arrested rhino poachers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528335-T8KT8UBVI2HKKWIE2PC6/phtjn_020.jpg Photojournalism HARANGI ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 21st October 2022: Experienced elephant mahout JS Raju guides blind elephant Ekadantha into the water to be bathed. This elephant will often hesitate, lifting his foot until he receives reassurance it is safe to go forward. Ekadantha is over 60 years old and is retired. He was with his previous mahout for over 40 years and locals say they knew each other so well that their relationship was almost unspoken. Good mahouts say that it is not necessary to beat the elephant or hurt it with a hooked stick in order to understand each other. Unfortunately Covid saw many of the older mahouts die and some of their wisdom died with them. Captured elephants in camps are big tourist business and that can mean impatience with the elephants and rough treatment. Elephant researchers are paying more attention to this ancident relationship now in order to glean a greater understanding from the mahouts of elephant behavior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528441-G3XUOT0BI98XY90H9OB5/Phtjn027.jpg Photojournalism OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA, JULY 2011: A four man anti-poaching team permanently guards a Northern White Rhino on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino, the worlds most endangered animal. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. The team have developed extraordinary relationships with these Rhino, leaning on them, scratching them and displaying tremendous affection towards these most endangered of animals. Each of the men in these teams feels a genuine vocation towards the protection of these animals, something the rhino seem to sense, and this emerges on a daily basis as the men walk with the rhino through their day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528311-6KPSCIK5VFOG7QUYLIH5/phtjn_021.jpg Photojournalism DAMBULLA DUMP SITE, HABARANA, SRI LANKA, 4TH JULY 2022: A bachelor herd of wild elelphants from nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are seen in Dambulla dump scavenging for fruit and vegetables that have been thrown away. This dump has existed for over ten years and elephants have been regular visitors. A number of these elephants have become residents in the area, drawn to the sweet fruits they can't get elsewhere. Conservationists argue against this practise, saying that elephants then associate humans with food and that can be dangerous for both humans and elephants. There are also many plastics and other contaminants in this garbage and there are some fears that will bring health issues to these elephants. Ironically, there is a new hotel being built at this dump site as well a a golf buggy circuit for visitor to see the elephants. This is expected to open in 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529509-84BZMWIJOZZY04TJR8GC/addphtjn_003.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529133-66BIJLH28KNLPL485QUB/phtjn_022.jpg Photojournalism GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 30 JUNE 2022: A juvenile elephant is seen being moved to burial by an earth mover after eating a home-made grenade made of firecrackers combined with metal ball bearings hidden inside a pumpkin or watermelon. The explosion blew off most of the elephant’s lower jaw and decimated his tongue and teeth. Sri Lanka wildlife department officials estimate that this elephant most likely walked around for two weeks after the explosion in terrible pain, unable to eat or drink before succumbing on the morning of this photograph. There have been three such incidents in this area in the last three years that have been recorded. It is a sign of growing village frustration that such techniques are being employed. Ironically, this area is forestry department land, the poor have been allowed to farm here but not to put up permanent structures. The increasingly smaller habitat available to Sri Lankan elephant means human elephant conflict is inevitable, especially as more and more crops are grown in what were formerly elephant areas. As a result, there is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. Sri Lanka has one of the highest incidents of human elephant conflict as a result. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528373-8Q2DL8R9QLYDZEV71HPB/phtjn_004.jpg Photojournalism KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Maria, a drug addict and sex worker, entertains a client in a room she rents in a house from an old lady, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. Maria uses drugs on a daily basis and sees many men every week but remains HIV negative. She claims she need the money to support herself, her habit and her 9 year old daughter. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529057-PPTAKYK45JTYBBMUW6CC/phtjn_023.jpg Photojournalism VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 15TH OCTOBER 2022: Wild elephants are seen high on the slopes of Valparai tea estate. Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native forest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529682-1CKB45EIH1I9W4RJO5DI/Phtjn008.jpg Photojournalism KIEV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A prisoner n the last stages of full-blown Aids who has been rushed to the Kiev Aids Center from prison receives compassionate care from a doctor while chained to the bed, The Kiev Aids Center in Kiev, Ukraine, 25 August 2011. This facility is one of two in Ukriane and deals with many drug addicts and other difficult Aids infected people. There are strict rules and conditions in the wards which staff claim are neccesary to protect them from aggressive, manic patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529577-EG32C2U6S7ZARUOFSB09/phtjn_005.jpg Photojournalism KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Maria, a drug addict and sex worker, entertains a client in a room she rents in a house from an old lady, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. Maria uses drugs on a daily basis and sees many men every week but remains HIV negative. She claims she need the money to support herself, her habit and her 9 year old daughter. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528758-7TB189WZTY34H55ERHIN/Phtjn010.jpg Photojournalism POLTAVA, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Scenes inside Poltava Tuberculosis clinic, a facility with insufficent resources which is the only facility for Tuberculosis patients in Poltava, Ukraine, 26 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529645-1T06VES2WS0HVNBYL8HY/Phtjn011.jpg Photojournalism KHARKOV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: An HIV+ addict who has lost his lower jawbone to the corrosive effects of "Krokodil," a deadly new Ephedrine based Amphetamine drug photographed in a small apartment in a housing project in Kharkov, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. This drug originated in Russia and has quickly moved to Ukraine. It has a corrosive effect on the human body, eating away at the flesh of needle entry points and corroding bones in the body. Mass unemployment and perceived government apathy mean that many young people turn to drugs to escape the fatalism of their lives. As a result many are infected with HIV through needle use and unprotected sex. Ukraine is the most Aids infected nation in Europe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528191-JBNQR1VI51R0MP5H0W3J/Phtjn014.jpg Photojournalism POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Tanya, 29, a sex-worker and drug user who is HIV+. She has an eleven year old son and lives with 5 other sex workers in a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood. She used to weigh 100 kilograms but has wasted away to nothing. She has severe septicemia on her legs and a rampant addiction. Tanya tells that sometimes in the past wealthy men would seek her out for sex as part of a bizarre "Russian roulette with Aids" scenario, where they would have unprotected sex and dice with the odds of contracting HIV. Tanya died one month after this photograph was taken. Ukraine has the highest HIV rates in Europe today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529083-MYKKTL4WAHHTGGMJL7GG/Phtjn013.jpg Photojournalism KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Addicts undergo sleep therapy during the drug detox program at Psycho Neurological Dispensary, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 31 August 2011. This program has good success in getting patients back to a pysiological level where they can receive counselling for their addictions. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529286-5J73221HRDJSU3KL1FWV/phtjn_031.jpg Photojournalism KIEV, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Scenes from the Tuberculosis Hospital in Kiev, Ukraine, 7 September 2011. Staff work under difficult conditions, with many patients who are drug addicts and criminals. There are also severe shortages in terms of funding for new equipment and security for the staff. Staff in the hospital have been attacked by patients, police are afraid of the disease these patients carry and have not acted to protect the nurses and doctors who risk their lives daily in the care of these patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529669-0AZRPCM2R5OP1G6DDGCH/Phtojn_002.jpg Photojournalism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers on patrol from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. Soldiers are seen crossing a river, a technique they have perfected with ropes despite the fact that many of the men cannot swim. Captain (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528273-JIOTH6E59UKA77K1PFES/Phtojn_004.jpg Photojournalism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD: Rangers from a horse patrol group exhibit their riding skills as they return to base at Zakouma National Park, Chad. The horse patrols are the old guard of Zakouma's rangers and have seen a good deal of conflict in their time in the park. Zakouma lost nearly 75% of its elephants in the decade before 2011 due to raids by Janajaweed and Sudanese poachers, many of them from the Sudanese military. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a big supporter of the elephant of Zakouma and of its elephants. The herds here until recently used to be as large as 1000 animals all moving together, severe poaching over the last decade saw that number decimated and now only around 20% of the number remains. Since 2011 however there has been control over poaching and there has not been a single elephant poached in the last 2 years. The credit for that lies with these rangers and the new management of the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528970-MW2GPHB8CDPLJSWUID7F/Phtojn_005.jpg Photojournalism GULU, UGANDA, 21 NOVEMBER 2014: Margret Acino, 32, was attacked by members of the Lord’s Resistance Army when she was 23 and 9 months pregnant. Her lips, ears and nose were cut off and her breasts were hacked by a group of LRA men. Margret and a small group of villagers had gone to the fields for crops when they found themselves surrounded by the infamous rebels. They were taken quickly to an area outside of Gulu where the men accused them of informing on the LRA to the Ugandan Army. Two men and a child were then immediately killed with the hoes they had been carrying for farming. The commander of the rebels accused them again, confronting Margaret and accusing her of being the wife of a soldier. Her husband was in fact a simple farmer. The LRA commander then killed another women in front of her. He said this must be the truth or how could she be so confident in talking with them. He then said he would teach her not to inform ever again. He ordered his men, mostly young teenagers, to produce a razor blade. They hesitated and the commander then threatened his own men, one of them produced a razor blade and they were ordered to cut off Margret’s lips, ears and nose, a practice that was becoming an LRA trademark at the time. When the men were finished, Margret was released and told to run. She passed out from loss of blood shortly thereafter and when she revived she found a man with a bicycle who took her to an IDP. She was in surgery for 2 days, her baby was born via an emergency caesarian and Margret then lapsed into a coma for 5 days. She has had 7 surgeries since to try to repair her ravaged face. The LRA commander who ordered this brutality subsequently defected and was given amnesty. Margaret saw him at a World Vision camp and became hysterical, telling people he was the one behind her tragedy. He was moved from the camp but not prosecuted. Margret has subsequently forgiven him, saying that it is easier to live with things this way. Her husband was less suppo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529378-53KFMPX5H3NDE656JMLN/addphtn_004.jpg Photojournalism LOME', TOGO, 29 JANUARY 2014: Containers with 4 tons of illegal ivory confiscated in January 2014 by the Togolese customs office from its new deep water port, Lome,' Togo. This ivory has been directly linked through DNA evidence to the elephant massacre that occured in Dzanga Bai, Central African Republic in 2013. That massacre was perpetrated by Seleka rebels who climbed the observation towers at the famous forest elephant gathering place in Dzanga Bai and gunned down the elephants with automatic weapons. The Seleka rebels would have used the proceeds from this ivory sale for some of the violence which has plagued C.A.R over much of 2013 and 2014. Togo has been viewed as a new opportunity by ivory smugglers with its new deep water port. Customs officers with new Container scanning technology have made the efforts of these smugglers more difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528687-BPXJYKQ7QX679Y7D8NXX/Phtjn041.jpg Photojournalism RWINDI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, MARCH 2012: A combined ICCN conservation Ranger force and FARDC Congolese Army soldiers patrol both the road and inland in the Virunga National Park at Rwindi, DRC, March 8 2012. This reconnaisance patrol was conducted because of an FDLR rebel hijacking which occured on the road 2 days earlier but protecting the civilians who travel on the road through the park is now the mandate of the Rangers, a job which saw 9 Rangers killed last year. The Ranger camp has been attacked by in recent times by both FDLR, the Rwandan Hutu Genocidaires living illegally in Virunga as well as CNDP, a rebel break away faction of the Congolese army. Rwindi remains a harcore flashpoint for contacts between FDLR and Rangers on patrol in the Park. 9 Rangers were killed in Rwindi in 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportge for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529001-BCTRKCPQLZTBH833OAPS/Phtjn043.jpg Photojournalism CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army capture illegal fisherman, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. Many of these fisherman are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. The fish stocks in the lake are just beginning to recover from the war, thousands of hippos were slaughtered to feed militia groups and this devastated fish stocks. This delicate recovery is what the ICCN rangers are trying to protect. This will allow a viable and sustainable fishing industry to be generated at Lake Edward, for the benefit of all. Since the FDLR fled into Virunga after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529357-PLNBV1TUHHCM4HRNCA7A/Phtjn049.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529547-1T1FVV3T6M3Y5LU162OW/Phtjn006.jpg Photojournalism SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, photographed in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529701-280GQUWVATGJJPLTEEW9/Godsivory_065.jpg Photojournalism VALENZULEA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Master sculptor Marcial Bernales carves an Ivory head and hand set for a Catholic religious icon in his worshop in Valenzulea, close to Manila, Philippines, 25 January 2012. Bernales has been carving Ivory for 45 years and has made hundreds of pieces, all of which are of a religious nature in the Catholic faith in the Philippines. Many of these pieces are made with Ivory. His work is in the collections of many devotees and his ivory pieces are in great demand amongst the wealthy collectors of the Philippines. His workshop and workload are co-run by his wife Nene, who also runs his shop in Manila. She is a long running expert in the garments that clothe these religious icons. Their brisk trade is evidence of the demand for Ivory, they claims to use only pre-ban ivory but that is questionable given the attraction of price for ivory at 20000 pesos ($500) a kilo for raw ivory and far more for carved Benales masterpieces. It also illustrates the loophole in Ivory legislation whereby it is very difficult to tell pre-ban and post ban ivory apart. Once it is in the Philippines there are no records or statistics through which to verify claims, despite the fact that this is a centre for world ivory carving. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528401-5YCFYFUKO47LTL6PEBTP/Godsivory_062.jpg Photojournalism MALOLOS, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2012: Dez Battista, an expert on religious icons in the Philippines, prepares his " Nuestra Senora Reina del Ciela," (Our Lady of Heaven," for a religious procession in the streets of Malolos, the birthplace of the Santo Nino phenomenon in the Philippines, January 28 2012. The Icon has head and hands made of solid Ivory, these pieces were comissioned by Mr Battista 15 years ago. This is post Ban Ivory and it is unknown whether this work is made from illegal ivory, of which there is a great deal in the Philippines, mostly used for the carving of religious iconography. The procession will feature 200 similar icons, many of which are made of Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528976-44OXIQ7I94ICSMM4G8FH/Phtjn007.jpg Photojournalism BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Scenes from China National Arts and Crafts Corporation - Ivory Carving factory, Beijing, China, November 17. Started in 2009 after China's big African Ivory purchase, this is supposedly the world's largest Ivory carving facility, employing more than 20 carvers and carving an alleged 750 kg of raw ivory annually. The director of the factory stated that the factory was started as a State initiative against the demise of the Ivory carving industry. State owned, it is a clear indication of the Chinese government's investment into the future of the Ivory carving trade. This factory also carves a ton of Mammoth Ivory every year. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528996-SY7Q340H4JERAL9QNJTC/Phtjn005.jpg Photojournalism MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory burnt here was originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It was burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528218-K3AOZMLY9YDJEPYN7ZQU/photo_005.jpg Photojournalism DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529339-8HBGGH2VVODQKK363S2Q/photo_004.jpg Photojournalism ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, 27 MAY 2017: An image of over 280 Saker falcons electrocuted on powerlines covering only a small 55 kilometer study area. These falcons were collected in a study conducted over one year by Mongolia's Wildlife Science and Conservation Center, Batbayar Bold, one of their biologists is seen laying out the falcons. There are over 4000 kilometers of powerlines in Mongolia, estimated to have killed over 5,000 Saker's alone in the last 5 years. Powerlines globally kill millions of raptors every year, this is due to a design defect which electrocutes birds when they touch the live wires. Mongolia's Wildlife Science and Conservation institute is attempting to convince power companies and government to implement design changes in an effort to curb the killing. Mongolia's government sells falcons to the Arabs of the UAE, long time falconer's for whom falconing is the sport of kings. The UAE helps to fund the research on powerlines and artificial nesting in Mongolia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528238-RUMFFNNRE8Z064SCCFCA/photo_006.jpg Photojournalism DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER , 2017: Scenes from Dubai Falcon Hospital, the private facility of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the deputy ruler of Dubai. This is the oldest falcon hospital in the world and is used by Sheikh Hamdan and his family and associates. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. These scenes depict falcons being x-rayed, given endoscopies to ensure there are no internal problems and having their throats checked to ensure none of the common diseases may be present. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528785-E0SDNUE8NAVZYUO82TFJ/addphtjn_007.jpg Photojournalism Democratic Republic of Congo, Bukavu: Virunga National Park pilot Anthony Caere flies two rescued baby chimps to Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation center. These babies are survivors of the illegal bushmeat trade and were rescued by conservation forces. Their mothers were killed and eaten by hunters who tried to sell the babies as pets. Once at the center, the babies will be cared for like human children by keepers in a house, easing their trauma and preparing them to join the other rescued chimps in the santuary. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529299-MGCEFJ5C6YKGLXHRYG4X/addphtjn_008.jpg Photojournalism LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: One of the caregivers at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house and are raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529218-HSO3EIU8IYTQOC7ES461/addphtjn_009.jpg Photojournalism LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529110-MLOIUSMMZLOT2RVPZU6K/addphtjn_010.jpg Photojournalism LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528149-64AOIR3LD290NT4A9BGF/Lwiro_028.jpg Photojournalism LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2019: Nina Nturubika, 35, in green scrubs, is a Congolese vet working with the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Flores, in blue, is a recently employed care-giver who is learning to care for traumatized baby chimps that have been rescued. Lina has been with the center since 2014. While not practising her vetenary skills, she is seen looking after recent rescue, Mubaki, who’s name means suffering in Swahili. Mubaki was very close to death when he arrived at the sanctuary, having experienced great trauma and mistreatment at the hand of bushmeat poachers who killed his mother and wanted to sell him. Lina studied in Goma in South Kivu and was wounded in a grenade attack by M23 rebels while she was there. She recovered and is now doing the work she dreamed of. She is very tired however, looking after a baby chimp is a 24 hour experience as they require a similar amount of care to a human baby. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528680-MT0CRQBFPDTQCNV3LU3O/addphtjn_011.jpg Photojournalism LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529483-Q74SQNXXHV0KKZ8IKVA8/2.jpg Photojournalism CAMEROON, 12 AUGUST 2018: A young woman who works as a street food trader in a small town 60 miles from Yaonde is seen with a juvenile pangolin which she has purchased from a middleman for $14 who got the pangolin from bushmeat hunters. She is seen with the pangolin at her stall shortly after acquiring the live animal. She then took the animal home and slaughtered it, removing the scales and disecting the body. She says she has been selling scaels for about a year but has been selling pangolin meat for at least 10 years. She adds that it is becoming rarer to find and more expensive. At this time, this is still a legal practise in Cameroon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529191-0CBCLAKJA83IVGFSP5U4/1.jpg Photojournalism YAONDE, CAMEROON, 8 AUGUST 2018: Four juvenile pangolins for sale in a bushmeat market in Yaonde, Cameroon. Although officially listed as endangered, pangolins are still heavily traded on the bushmeat market in Cameroon, one of the very few countries in the world where they are still relatively easy to find. The scales, highly prized in Asia for traditional medicine, are often kept after consumption and Cameroonian middlemen purchase those for Chinese clients who most often fly them out of the country via corrupt officials and eco guards. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529384-6YYKAGUAX5EZ3EFA77WX/3.jpg Photojournalism DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529694-B4808AK5OP7AU2H9X2N4/4.jpg Photojournalism COTE D’IVOIRE, 28 AUGUST 2018: 3,600kgs of Pangolin scales in the car park of the offices of the Ivorian Unit for Trans National crime. The wildlife NGO Eagle worked in co-operation with this new unit to capture an Ivorian Trafficker and his 3 accomplices in a 3 ton sale of pangolin scales. They recently also arrested a Vietnamese trafficker who was caught with 23 ivory tusks from rare Forest Elephant as well as 600 kgs of Pangolin scales. Together this seizure represents a conservative estimate of over 11,000 pangolins. The Ivorian trafficker received one year of jail time and is out again as of the 1st of August, the Vietnamese man is still inside. He speaks very little French and his phone was full of illegal wildlife trade items. He says he is only in Ivory coast for this trade. Abidjan has a substantial Vietnamese population. The house where he was arrested also contained weapons and drugs belonging to a Chinese man, he was also implicated in human trafficking of Ivorian women to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529477-SCF2DBR7AYQ104XOKLOA/5.jpg Photojournalism PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife walk upriver and release 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolins into a secure zone and release them back into the wild. In 2018 SVW released 417 Pangolins and in 2018 it will be more. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529471-GAB5S1EJ7R8HYGRAQWJ5/6.jpg Photojournalism LUMAJAN, BORNEO, 31 DECEMBER 2018: Bawr, a hunter from the Sentul Village region, approximately 3 hours east of the city of Surabaya, holds a pangolin he has brought to the city to sell to a middleman. The pangolin will either be cosumed in Surabaya and its scales used for traditional medicine or it will be trafficked into Vietnam, Laos or China where it will be worth far more. Bawr says he will bring in pangolin at least twice a week. This is illegal and pangolins are listed as Appendix 1 endangered by CITES. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528184-D1PMXWQS5UU5BLPSOOZD/7.jpg Photojournalism GUANGZHOU, CHINA: A Pangolin is slaughtered and prepared for a meal in a restaurant on the outskirts of Guangzhou. The price for the meal was 1200 RMB per pound of the animals weight. This pangolin was 6 pounds and was forcefed liquids before being weighed to drive the price higher. The price of the meal was 8000 RMB in total, around $1142. We were led to this restaurant by the second taxi driver we asked, the first one also said it was no problem but the owner was not able to provide a private room. It appears that it is not difficult to access these animals in this part of china. The taxi driver who broght the photographer to this restaurant says he used to be a truck driver and has brought these animals into Guangzhou from the Vietnam/China border area before. Law enforcement is apparently more lax in border regions. He said he used to buy them for around 1800 RMB and sell them for 2800 to restaurants. The restaurant owner said she only sells them live, people don’t want to buy them frozen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528866-J9JTIEV1MQOC3OWYGGBV/addphtjn_024.jpg Photojournalism TUBA CITY, ARIZONA: Michael Begay is the director of the Valley Ridge Mortuary in Tuba City on the Navajo Reservation. He Is also the funeral director. Michael says that death toll for the last 4 months is over 370, of which at least 60% are Covid related. The normal death total for the entire year is just over 200. He is seen standing in the Covid-19 section of the Tuba City cemetery, a number of his friends are already buried here. Michael adds that many of the Navajo suffer from conditions such as diabetes which makes them that much more vulnerable. He is fearful that the hard winter will bring more suffering to his people https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529726-X7BGEXH217XIBF55FQRQ/addphtjn_028.jpg Photojournalism FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: The Benally family is well known on the Navajo reservation. The patriarch Jones Benally is a legendary medicine man, his daughter Jeneda and his son Clayson are also practitioners. They have a music band together called Sihasin, which is Navajo for “hope”. Jones and Jeneda regularly collect and prepare traditional medicine for Covid patients, utilizing techniques that derived from the ways the Navajo survived the 1918 Influenza pandemic. Jeneda and Clayson are both teaching their children the traditional life of the Navajo and ensuring their traditions are passed on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529658-OS40SJEVB87PYQRPK10U/addphtjn_029.jpg Photojournalism CHINDLE, ARIZONA: Tishawna Spencer, 26 and Kieren Begay, 25, have been working with relief organization Navajo Hopi Solidarity for 4 months. This organization was formed by former attorney general of the Navajo Nation, Ethel Branch. Utilizing volunteers from Charter houses, the organization has serviced over 5000 families across the reservation and is the largest of its kind. They prioritize the elderly and the most vulnerable, utilizing people all over the reservation to delivers food to vulnerable families and has built a relationship with Airserve to get food to remote and difficult to access areas. The teams on the ground deliver food with strict safety protocols and in the last 4 months no member has contracted Covid-19. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529464-6AQM3SAZAFVGA08MOXOB/addphtjn_037.jpg Photojournalism MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chibanda is a Zimbabwean clinical psychiatrist and the founder of the Friendship Bench program, an evidence based psychological therapy for depression delivered by over 700 trained community grandmothers on wooden park benches in over 100 communities across Zimbabwe. In a country where on average there is 1 psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people this has proven a meaningful solution for many suffering from mental health trauma. The program has now spread to 18 countries and continues to grow. I photographed the program all over Zimbabwe, a failed state with 89% unemployment, mass economic migration and a brutal regime that regulars traumatizes its citizens. Zimbabwe has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. I added previously shot images of trauma in Zimbabwe to add context to the therapy.Volunteer grandmothers for Friendship Benches are seen in at the Mbare Poly Clinic. Shelter Nhengo, 72, in the pink hat, has been working for FB since 2006, part of the original group. The grandmothers work as voluntary counsellors for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528461-IOVCD5KZ3HL9BOMU8Y69/addphtjn_038.jpg Photojournalism ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 24 JANUARY 2020: Elizabeth Mapaire, 56, works as a Friendship Bench counselor in the Zaka area, servicing rural clinics in the area. She is a lay health worker who is paid by the Ministry of Health but her salary is less than 2 dollars. She is seen on the bench with patient Sophia Nyamuwngi, 34, in Sophia’s first of six sessions. Sophia was quickly red flagged in this session as she expressed a desire to kill herself due to her husband’s neglect and abandonment of her and her children. Elizabeth sent her to a more experienced nurse counselor and after that visit, Sophia returned to the bench with Elizabeth. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselors for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy of communal empathy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529608-AJ7ILD96M4H3GK0K3326/addphtjn_039.jpg Photojournalism ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, is seen with a new patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta initially identified patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58, as being a red flag case. This means a high risk of suicide. She took Apolonia to a more qualified nurse counsellor who calmed her and she returned to speak to Aleta. They live in the same village and Apolonia now has someone she can rely on for empathetic advice and a sympathetic ear. Apolonia is HIV+, unemployed and without support. She lost her home to a violent cyclone last year and her temporary shelter was destroyed by yet more rain. She is now homeless and living with her daugher and her daughter on the street. Aleta says she hears this kind of story regularly, she is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now. “(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529732-ZLBY81FCITTV6NM5Y91K/addphtjn_012.jpg Photojournalism MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Chief Antonio Wilson Guajajara from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. He is seen being painted in traditional patterns before a patrol and also on the bank of the river flowing through his territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528552-Z8KNRUPEOEF45YEWM032/addphtjn_013.jpg Photojournalism MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of La Goa Comprida in Arariboia Indigenous territory. In this village illegal loggers attacked locals when the locals confiscated their logging vehicles. One indigenous man, Tomes, was killed defending his wife and a logger was also shot. Tomes is survived by 2 daughters Graca Guajajara and Jaciane Guajajara. They remain in a deeply saddened state about his killing to this day. This village has little real funding but they continue to send out forest patrols they call forest guardians. This consists of motorbike patrols when they have fuel. Arariboia is the ancestral territory of the Guajajara, it encompasses 413,000 hectares of Amazon forest. The Guajajara share this land with the Awá Guajá, who live in voluntary isolation. Arariboia is the most populated territory we visited, with visible signs of deforestation in the areas we visited. The Guajajara have been organised since 2013 to monitor their territory, they call these patrols Indigenous Environmental Inspectors (Agentes Indígenas Ambientais). Arariboia is divided in 8 regions and each region has 15 inspectors, they all answer to one General Coordinator. In turn, the General Coordinator answers to a council of village chiefs. The inspectors received some funding for several years from FUNAI for transport and food expenses, in addition to some basic training. However, the funding stopped in 2015. Guajajara inspectors have engaged in violence against the loggers they apprehend, including beatings and setting on fire their equipment. These acts of violence seem to have taken place under the supervision of Olimpo Guajajara, who was reportedly removed from his position for these incidents. The Guajajara foresee no community enforced sanctions when their own are complicit in environmental crimes. The Guajajara will often acknowledge widespread participation of their own people in environmental crimes, including three village chiefs. Guajajara environmental defe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529038-DOVSECE5FAKI3QSILICO/addphtjn_004.jpg Photojournalism SAND CREEK, SOUTH CENTRAL, RUPUNUNI, GUYANA: Jaguar skins on the walls of a ranch house, these animals allegedly killed cattle and so were shot as problem animals by ranchers trying to protect their assets. The man in the image is a visitor and not the rancher. Ranchers argue that they often cannot get help with problem jaguars, so shooting them is the only solution. Conservationists argue that it should be possible to fence in cattle rather than let them roam wild in the jaguars territory. Fencing is expensive and illegal in indigenous areas however. It can also take time for authorities to come out to these areas and dart and relocate problem jaguars. It is a thought that those who do the shooting could be recruited to show tourists the jaguars instead and off set losses that way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528342-X0GWZX8OOB6LGMTJTTNV/NewPhtjn_010.jpg Photojournalism CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Jones Benally, a famous medicine man, dances the Navajo Hoop dance in a small canyon in the badlands of Cameron, Arizona. The hoop dance is traditionally performed at the end of a grueling nine day ceremony and is a form of storytelling dance representing various animals, symbols and storytelling elements, all representing the never ending circle of life for the Navajo. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528743-TK6CLW35CLE303ULKN6Z/NewPhtjn_011.jpg Photojournalism CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Navajo Punk rock band Sihasin is seen with their horse Moonshadow in a canyon in Cameron, Arizona. Sihasin comes from a long tradition of protest music and expouses traditional Navajo values to their audience. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528420-B638YB85WAAPDW6CW8IX/NewPhtjn_007.jpg Photojournalism CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Claysun Benally with his horse in Cameron, Arizona. Claysun is a strong believer in traditional Navajo values and along with his father keeps several horses on their property in Flagstaff. The Navajo have a long relationship with the wild horse, a relationship characterized by gentleness and agreement rather than breaking the horses spirti to the will of man. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529273-7H1SB3P7C3R2T9P60Y1A/NewPhtjn_008.jpg Photojournalism WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 11 APRIL 2014: Senior police officer in the Navajo police Dana Dean Tome arrests a suspect on the streets of WindowRock, Arizona. This man was later found to be innocent. No alcohol is allowed on the reservation and it is one of the many obstacles faced by the understaffed, underfinanced Navajo Police. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528640-8EC5W3XIJAK2WB91M3G3/Tuaregrebels_001.jpg Photojournalism TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528513-2DIHVLAWI422116EEBQP/Tuaregrebels_007.jpg Photojournalism TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529398-LEIKSIGCP2EU1AUTMWWO/Tuaregrebels_002.jpg Photojournalism TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528598-SIDJWJ2GEPD2F4JJV3YB/Tuaregrebels_003.jpg Photojournalism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528360-J2X0TQ9HARRVSULV9V3A/Tuaregrebels_004.jpg Photojournalism TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528934-THS0WPXNOEROI0XL9OZA/Photojn_0001.jpg Photojournalism PETERSBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 18 NOVEMBER 2016: Barend Pienaar, a self-described patriot of the Afrikaaner nation, stands amongst crosses symbolizing dead farmers killed in farm attacks litter a hillside close to the highway near Petersburg, South Africa. Pienaar is one of the people involved in creating this monument and an ardent self defence advocate for farmers. He has been called a racist for his thinking but he sees his thinking as necessary for white self-preservation. Formerly a member of right wing organizations he now sees the farmers in South Africa as going from attempted self-determination to self-preservation. Pienaar is part of a network of over 1000 community protection participants country wide and is a key figure for farm defence in his region. Official government figures say that close to 4000 white farmers have been killed since 1994 in South Africa. Agricultural and farmer organizations say that number is much higher and believe that the attacks on farmers are not only about criminal opportunism but that there is also a political motive. The number of farmers in South Africa has dwindled steadily from around 105 000 in 1994 to around 35 000 today. Farmers in these isolated areas have received very little support from the police and have formed community protection groups to try to curb these attacks. Many of the attacks are particularly brutal, with rape and torture the norm. There are also many incidents where the murderers take little; killing seems to be the motivation. There has been a steady rise in anti-white sentiment in South Africa since the death of Nelson Mandela. The Economic Freedom Front Party, a right wing black party who’s leader Julius Malema has regularly used hate speech against the white population, is publicly talking about throwing whites off their land and given it back to the blacks. This is historically inaccurate and is an attempt by Malema to mislead a naïve and ignorant black following for personal gain. Malema has on https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528957-JZH3Y6AMYGMCG6E11EIF/Photojn_0002.jpg Photojournalism SUNDRA, SOUTH AFRICA, 23 NOVEMBER 2016: The funeral for Kathleen Van Coppenhagen, shot dead by black attackers on her small holding in the farming town of Sundra. Kathleen was found hiding inside the dog kennel after being shot, her husband managed to escape his attackers after they shot his wife and beat him badly. Kathleen was taken to hospital but died a day later. Another white women was stabbed to death in Sundra 2 nights later. According to government, 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Farmers and agricultural organization say that number is far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records as they say it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528487-W5ORGUHXXATDUJW6PFOK/Photojn_0004.jpg Photojournalism ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA: Niklas Kirsten, an Orania resident and former South African Army Paratrooper, teaches Erik Du Pree hand-gun self-defence in the fields outside Orania, South Africa. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which functions as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. Orainia currently has four times more applicants than they can handle, one of the drivers for this is the farm attacks phenomenon which currently see White South African farmers as the most vulnerable population group in the world. Increasing anti-white hate speech from the black right wing is only driving this further. The Orania community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. Up until now there have been good relations between Orania and the SA government and in June 1998 the then Minister of Constitutional Development in the ANC governement sta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528211-IF4ALS9T4S789PZCR7DS/Photojn_0006.jpg Photojournalism Farmlands in Eastern Cape damaged by suspected arson. Police found candles in jars and flammable material at the source of the fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528279-ITUSH0IO273B3DKKDBVY/Photojn_0005.jpg Photojournalism PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 NOVEMBER 2016: A demonstration against farm murders by right wing groups and farmers by the statue of Afrikaner patriarch Paul Kruger. Official government statistics are censored by the ANC government but the highest figures state that 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Figures from the NGO Agriforum and the Transvaal Agricultural Unino place the number of murders just under 2000 and the number of attacks as close the 5000 since 1994. Farmers say that the numbers are far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records, stating it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements like the EFF has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529351-MINF5R888X3R1O6CL032/Photojn_0012.jpg Photojournalism VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Tshumelo “Killer” Makhado, 15, a young up and coming Musangwe fighter. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Killer is hoping to become a professional boxer but is busy with school and does not have the funds for a boxing gym in Venda. He has had 40 Musangwe bare knuckle fights and his record stands at 38-2. He is seen by the Musangwe community as a future senior champion and someone who could become a professional boxer one day. Killer is seen with trainer and Musangwe committee president, Poison, who is a teacher at a local school and long time Musangwe participant. Killer hits the punching bag the committee bought him, does shadow boxing and runs for fitness. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528571-ZGSF9A88BL60FWF4OLXI/Photojn_0014.jpg Photojournalism VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: "Poison" Ndevana, 58, is the president of the Musangwe Comittee in Venda, he is seen training his two eldest boys Mudshidzi, 15, and Nanjana, 13. Poison says his two eldest are still too young to train seriously but he sees them as future champions. The two boys fight at every Musangwe event and are fearless of their opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Poison is a former Umkhonto Wi Sizwe ANC military wing fighter but he was already a Musangwe Champion before he joined the Liberation movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158529020-CDF0118XM74FZUROD8DN/Photojn_0016.jpg Photojournalism TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158528285-5EI2SHMTNETTAWASBWY8/addphotojn_008.jpg Photojournalism SUNDARABANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 8 JANUARY 2016: Mahammad Ali Molla, 60, has been blind for the last 14 years. He goes for tea every day and his grandson accompanies him on the 2 kilometer walk to the local market. He also assists him as he drinks and eats when he is not at school. Mahammad developed a problem with his eyes when tree sap entered in them while working as an agricultural labourer. He could not access eye treatment and as his eyes were neglected he developed corneal ulcers. He sought medical help from local quacks who took his money but destroyed his one eye and damaged the other with their ill-advised treatment techniques. He received further surgery from Kolkata Medical college but they could not save his remaining vision. He spent 30 000 rupees on that trip to Kolkata and it is likely most of that money went to living away from his home while undergoing treatment as well as paying unscrupulous middle men. Mahammad is supported by his wife Samiran Molla, 55, who has had to shoulder the financial burden of raising their 5 children. They survive today with meagre fishing income and by her eating with one son and Mahammad eating with the other. It is likely Mahammad's blindness could have been prevented by access to qualified eye care but his remote location and lack of local facilities as well as his state of poverty prevented access to correct treatment. This story is not uncommon in the more remote parts of India where remote communities are encumbered by a lack of quality eye care at hand and poverty makes travel and care inaccesable. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/coloured-nation-30-years-of-democracy-south-africa daily 0.75 2025-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604763-KCA4KSN9OG8OILA1JKG9/Coloured_060.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa In South Africa the term ‘Coloured’ is used without offence and refers to five million plus people who have multiple heritages. One of the most traumatic events to happen to the coloured nation was the 1968 forced removal of more than 60,000 Coloured people from District 6, a traumatic decision by the Apartheid government that displaced people from their homes and business in the heart of Cape Town over to the Cape Flats in townships like Hanover Park and Mitchell’s Plain. This destroyed their economy, deeply affected extended family and threatened social order within the Coloured community. Gang culture and other forms of resistance emerged. Today, many Coloured people feel that after democracy came in 1994, they were once again thrown away by the ANC government, who many feel prioritized blacks over Coloureds. Today the murder rate in Cape Town averages 10 per day, many of those on the Cape Flats. The drug trade is a mainstay of gang income and there are thousands of addicts. Intergenerational trauma is a strong feature for many Coloured familes on the Cape Flats. That said, there are many successful Coloured people all over South Africa. One of the most significant movements amongst Coloured people today is recognition of their identity beyond the classification first given them by the British and then cemented under Apartheid. This section of the Coloured nation wants to be identified as Khoi and connected to the First People of South Africa. First image: Trevor Alexander Classen, 60, is supposedly the longest serving prisoner in South African history. Trevor feels today that the forced removal of coloured people from District 6 in Cape Town from 1968 was a huge factor in creating a territory mentality in coloured people in the Cape and subsequently laying the foundation for gangs across the Cape Flats. He says it was a case of “you say we are bad, let us show you how bad we can be.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604547-BOQ64OQK6QNBJI4VGJZI/Coloured_095.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa KALAHARI DESERT, SOUTH AFRICA: A San bushman pretends to hunt for a documentary for the Discovery Channel. This man lives in Kalahari Gemsbok National Park where he and his group are part of the tourism attraction of the park. They will occasionally participate in films or documentaries on the lifestyle of the San. The San are the far spectrum of people in South Africa who were collectively called Coloured, first by the colonial British and then under the Apartheid regime. In recent years, there has been more of a focus on the rights of First People’s but there is some dispute as to who that is amongst the Coloured groups of South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604662-08BY325D73FE5A5HQUNU/Coloured_096.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa KALAHARI DESERT, SOUTH AFRICA: A San bushman leans against a fence which now separates him from his former hunting grounds. This man lives in Kalahari Gemsbok National Park where he and his group are part of the tourism attraction of the park. They will occasionally participate in films or documentaries on the lifestyle of the San. The San are the far spectrum of people in South Africa who are collectively called Coloured, first by the colonial British and then under the Apartheid regime. In recent years, there has been more of a focus on the rights of First People’s but there is some dispute as to who that is amongst the Coloured groups of South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604690-FW4N2LOPBIRM8MTTSYX3/Coloured_061.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa LAVENDER HILL, CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: Two senior members of the Americans gang guard an area where there are frequent drug transactions. Both men show tattoos also connecting them to the 26’s, a numbers gang from South African prisons. These tattoos show their status as accomplished thieves. Gangs on the Cape Flats have long been a feature of the coloured community. They are a classic example of the consequences of drug use, the legacy of apartheid and the ongoing social crisis for many coloured people living on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604467-YO4EU1R43017MHPRGZ0N/Coloured_097.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa TOKAI, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, 6TH APRIL 2023: The graduation of Charlie 22 company, a group of young women who have graduated in security training from the Chrysalis Academy. Chrysalis Academy is an academy geared towards the development of young adults between the ages of 18-25. It provides a platform for youth to deepen their resilience and unleash their potential through mental, physical, emotional and spiritual development, enabling them to be role models and agents of positive change. These women come from home situations where they are at risk and have just completed 12 weeks training. They will now go on to placements in the police, local municipality and other branches. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604832-DB66I5CSKV5R1W17R0HK/Coloured_062.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Tasleem Johnson, 36, is a long-time member of the Mongrels Gang, one of the oldest and most notorious gangs on the Cape Flats. He has been with them since he was a young teenager, with family links to the Mongrels. He has tried to step back from active gang life but still lives in the same street as the HQ of the Mongrels, making it very difficult. He currently lives with his pregnant wife and 5 children in one bedroom in one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa. Hanover Park has seen over 16, 000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Tasleem works as a volunteer “interuptor” for “Ceasefire” an organization that seeks to reconcile gang conflict on the Cape Flats. Seen here with his twin daughters and his wife, Tasleem’s hand was cut last night when he tried to calm a gangster who was “freaking out.” Gang culture is a strong feature of life for many coloured people. In South Africa the term ‘coloured’ is used without offence and refers to people who have multiple heritages. Coloured was a legally defined racial classification during apartheid referring to anyone not white or not a member of one of the aboriginal groups of Africa on a cultural basis, which effectively largely meant those people of colour not speaking any indigenous languages. The Cape Coloured community is predominantly descended from numerous interracial sexual unions, primarily between Western European men and Khoisan or mixed-race women in the Cape Colony from the 17th century onwards and then from Malay workers who came to the Cape. There are close to 5 million coloured people in South Africa, with the majority language being Afrikaans. Most of these people are poud to call themselves coloured and do not see this as a derogatory term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604683-85KVRH3J9SHAD0N5ATGM/Coloured_098.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa TOKAI, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, 6TH APRIL 2023: The graduation of Charlie 22 company, a group of young women who have graduated in security training from the Chrysalis Academy. Chrysalis Academy is an academy geared towards the development of young adults between the ages of 18-25. It provides a platform for youth to deepen their resilience and unleash their potential through mental, physical, emotional and spiritual development, enabling them to be role models and agents of positive change. These women come from home situations where they are at risk and have just completed 12 weeks training. They will now go on to placements in the police, local municipality and other branches. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604505-4RNIK3CTEXFD4U5NPA62/Coloured_063.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Tasleem Johnson, 36, is a long-time member of the Mongrels Gang, one of the oldest and most notorious gangs on the Cape Flats. He has been with them since he was a young teenager, with family links to the Mongrels. He has tried to step back from active gang life but still lives in the same street as the HQ of the Mongrels, making it very difficult. He currently lives with his pregnant wife and 5 children in one bedroom in one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa. Hanover Park has seen over 16, 000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Tasleem works as a volunteer “interuptor” for “Ceasefire” an organization that seeks to reconcile gang conflict on the Cape Flats. Seen here with his twin daughters and his wife, Tasleem’s hand was cut last night when he tried to calm a gangster who was “freaking out.” Gang culture is a strong feature of life for many coloured people. In South Africa the term ‘coloured’ is used without offence and refers to people who have multiple heritages. Coloured was a legally defined racial classification during apartheid referring to anyone not white or not a member of one of the aboriginal groups of Africa on a cultural basis, which effectively largely meant those people of colour not speaking any indigenous languages. The Cape Coloured community is predominantly descended from numerous interracial sexual unions, primarily between Western European men and Khoisan or mixed-race women in the Cape Colony from the 17th century onwards and then from Malay workers who came to the Cape. There are close to 5 million coloured people in South Africa, with the majority language being Afrikaans. Most of these people are poud to call themselves coloured and do not see this as a derogatory term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604649-V5DBC6VLPDZ63JZLHNNY/Coloured_099.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa TOKAI, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, 6TH APRIL 2023: The graduation of Charlie 22 company, a group of young women who have graduated in security training from the Chrysalis Academy. Chrysalis Academy is an academy geared towards the development of young adults between the ages of 18-25. It provides a platform for youth to deepen their resilience and unleash their potential through mental, physical, emotional and spiritual development, enabling them to be role models and agents of positive change. These women come from home situations where they are at risk and have just completed 12 weeks training. They will now go on to placements in the police, local municipality and other branches. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604493-8GRUEUD6GQEUUKFRWETE/Coloured_064.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Tasleem Johnson, 36, is a long-time member of the Mongrels Gang, one of the oldest and most notorious gangs on the Cape Flats. He has been with them since he was a young teenager, with family links to the Mongrels. He has tried to step back from active gang life but still lives in the same street as the HQ of the Mongrels, making it very difficult. He currently lives with his pregnant wife and 5 children in one bedroom in one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa. Hanover Park has seen over 16, 000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Tasleem works as a volunteer “interuptor” for “Ceasefire” an organization that seeks to reconcile gang conflict on the Cape Flats. Seen here with his twin daughters and his wife, Tasleem’s hand was cut last night when he tried to calm a gangster who was “freaking out.” Gang culture is a strong feature of life for many coloured people. In South Africa the term ‘coloured’ is used without offence and refers to people who have multiple heritages. Coloured was a legally defined racial classification during apartheid referring to anyone not white or not a member of one of the aboriginal groups of Africa on a cultural basis, which effectively largely meant those people of colour not speaking any indigenous languages. The Cape Coloured community is predominantly descended from numerous interracial sexual unions, primarily between Western European men and Khoisan or mixed-race women in the Cape Colony from the 17th century onwards and then from Malay workers who came to the Cape. There are close to 5 million coloured people in South Africa, with the majority language being Afrikaans. Most of these people are poud to call themselves coloured and do not see this as a derogatory term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604480-DPBU8VXK5Y4WO41MDA53/Coloured_100.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Two recent graduates at the Chrysalis Academy show affection as they wait to perform during their passing out parade. The Chrysalis Academy was established to give severely disadvantaged and vulnerable teens and young adults a way out of life on the Cape Flats and surrounding townships. Around 70% of candidates are coloured, the remainder are black. Upon graduation, students are placed in a 12-month work placement to gain work experience. They are also provided with five years after care support. Chrysalis Academy students are not homogenous, and their qualifications range from a minimum Grade 9 to Matric, as well as a post matric qualification. The Academy has three intakes per year - 2 male intakes and 1 female intake. Training is geared towards joining the police or security services and they are guaranteed a work placement if they graduate. The applications are heavily oversubscribed and there is a particular emphasis on vulnerable female empowerment. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604757-CB4Z34ZDH26ZS0XX36W7/Coloured_065.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa STRANDFONTEIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Jonathan, 36, is a former member of the Americans gang and also a member of the notorious 27’s prison gang. He is seen at Camp Joy shortly after completing a 10 year sentence. Camp Joy focuses on rehabilitation and restoration as a guideline to quality of life, healthy living, and re-integration for drug users, ex-prisoners, gang members and vulnerable people. Rehabilitation, to combat drug addiction and to rid communities on all echelons of society of violence, and gangsterism. They are connected to CEASEFIRE, an organization that seeks to intervene and end gang violence on the Cape Flats. Jonathan says he has killed 3 people, and hurt many others. He ran away from an abusive home when he was 11 and by the time he was 12, he was recruited into the Americans gang on the Cape Flats. He became a “hitter” for them, where he says being white was a source of status for the primarily coloured gang. Jonathan says they used him because he felt nothing and was good at crime. His tatoos speak to his gang career and his time in prison. He was a ranking member of the 27’s in prison, the most violent of prison gangs in South Africa and known as “men of blood.” They reinforce gang law in prison and mediate between the 26’s and the 28’s. Jonathan is currently waiting for his UK passport so he can rejoin his mother in Manchester, England, where he hopes to work with gang counselling. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604783-MRSY59GYR46RDYWW1F6F/Coloured_101.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Dr Lucille Meyer, CEO of the Chrysalis Academy and former aide to former South African President Thabo Mbeki. The Chrysalis Academy was established to give severely disadvantaged and vulnerable teens and young adults a way out of life on the Cape Flats and surrounding townships. Around 70% of candidates are coloured, the remainder are black. Upon graduation, students are placed in a 12-month work placement to gain work experience. They are also provided with five years after care support. Chrysalis Academy students are not homogenous, and their qualifications range from a minimum Grade 9 to Matric, as well as a post matric qualification. The Academy has three intakes per year - 2 male intakes and 1 female intake. Training is geared towards joining the police or security services and they are guaranteed a work placement if they graduate. The applications are heavily oversubscribed and there is a particular emphasis on vulnerable female empowerment. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604541-88P0MYA67VKJT31TL2EF/Coloured_066.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa STRANDFONTEIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Jonathan, 36, is a former member of the Americans gang and also a member of the notorious 27’s prison gang. He is seen at Camp Joy shortly after completing a 10 year sentence. Camp Joy focuses on rehabilitation and restoration as a guideline to quality of life, healthy living, and re-integration for drug users, ex-prisoners, gang members and vulnerable people. Rehabilitation, to combat drug addiction and to rid communities on all echelons of society of violence, and gangsterism. They are connected to CEASEFIRE, an organization that seeks to intervene and end gang violence on the Cape Flats. Jonathan says he has killed 3 people, and hurt many others. He ran away from an abusive home when he was 11 and by the time he was 12, he was recruited into the Americans gang on the Cape Flats. He became a “hitter” for them, where he says being white was a source of status for the primarily coloured gang. Jonathan says they used him because he felt nothing and was good at crime. His tatoos speak to his gang career and his time in prison. He was a ranking member of the 27’s in prison, the most violent of prison gangs in South Africa and known as “men of blood.” They reinforce gang law in prison and mediate between the 26’s and the 28’s. Jonathan is currently waiting for his UK passport so he can rejoin his mother in Manchester, England, where he hopes to work with gang counselling. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604589-5UTW69OOGPTDHYR9S2LO/Coloured_102.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa MITCHELL'S PLAIN, CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: Men play a saturday morjning drinking game in a park in Mitchell's Plain before 10 am in the morning. Alcohol abuse is a problem amongst many in the coloured community, something that dates back to the Dop system, where coloured wine farm workers were paid in wine as part of their wages. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604603-YD3BGHZPIMODU9ZIII8W/Coloured_067.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa STRANDFONTEIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Ashtivon and Tyrees Jansen, 15 and 13, come from very poor circumstances. Their mother, a long time drug user, had 5 kids and told them to go live with their grandmother in gang-heavy Hanover Park when they were 7 and 10. They walked over 150 kilometers alone to get to their grandmother. Once there they were told they had to go on a few occasions, for the last year they have lived on the street in a rough suburb, these kids are ideal recruits for the coloured gangs on the Cape Flats. This kind of targeted recruitment helps to ensure the gang’s survival and they use kids for jobs where they know the kids will only be lightly prosecuted whereas if they did those crimes, it could mean life in prison. Shortly before this image, a social worker tried to help Ashtivon, 13, who was picked up in a sweep of streetkids. He panicked that they would separate him from his brother and stabbed the social worker to try to get away. Both boys have been kicked out of many schools and its hard to get them housed. They are a classic example of the consequences of drug use, the legacy of apartheid and the ongoing socio-economic crisis for many coloured people living on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604729-QQKRXV9QBV0YKHAC4XUP/Coloured_103.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa JONKERSDAM, TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 12, 2022: A drunk young “coloured” man passed out at the entrance to Jonkersdam, a part of Table Mountain National Park where there are land claims from so-called coloured people who see their lineage as going much further back than that apartheid designation and identify as Khoi. Alcohol abuse is a problem amongst many in the coloured community, something that dates back to the Dop system, where wine farm workers were paid in wine as part of their wages. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604512-FYK2R2REMZW6R1UPFCU8/Coloured_068.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa MITCHELL'S PLAIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Members of the Dirty Bastards gang sell drugs in a park in a part of Mitchell's Plain known for gang activity and drugs. Gangs on the Cape Flats have long been a feature of the coloured community. They are a classic example of the consequences of drug use, the legacy of apartheid and the ongoing social crisis for many coloured people living on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604616-3IJSJ2NAXP3VYGS6TPAR/Coloured_104.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa JONKERSDAM, TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 12, 2022: A drunk young “coloured” man passed out at the entrance to Jonkersdam, a part of Table Mountain National Park where there are land claims from so-called coloured people who see their lineage as going much further back than that apartheid designation and identify as Khoi. Alcohol abuse is a problem amongst many in the coloured community, something that dates back to the Dop system, where coloured wine farm workers were paid in wine as part of their wages. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604533-BYUVNJ04R2Z1J3KETYI3/Coloured_069.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa MITCHELL'S PLAIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Members of the Dirty Bastards gang sell drugs in a park in a part of Mitchell's Plain known for gang activity and drugs. Gangs on the Cape Flats have long been a feature of the coloured community. They are a classic example of the consequences of drug use, the legacy of apartheid and the ongoing social crisis for many coloured people living on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604697-WLNBYFLJUKDUT1P8J6EC/Coloured_105.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa STELLENBOSCH, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 22, 2022: A young woman picks grapes on a wine farm in Stellenbosch, she is wearing a traditional sunblock on her face. The Dop system on wine farms created many problems for workers. This was a recently-condemned practise where employees used to receive part of their wages in wine. This is seen to have created many problems for those farm workers and normalized heavy drinking. Many issue persistent today with alcohol and the coloured nation (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604453-JI66MSY3NQF3W51JGVDQ/Coloured_070.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Addicts use Meth, Heroin and a local opiod called Mandrax. They are doing this in a drug house run by the Mongrels, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most notorious gangs. Hanover Park is one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and is a hotbed of drug use which has ravaged many parts of the Coloured community. Hanover Park has seen over 16,000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years, according to locals monitoring group Ceasefire. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604796-3R3O4ENZGUX0Q1GGJ5CY/Coloured_106.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Sahid Mohammed feeds pigeons in a dangerous part of Hanover Park, one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and a hotbed of drug use and violence. Hanover Park has seen over 16000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Shafiek was disabled in an accident in 2014 and now rents out his horses for parties in order to make a living. He lost his sister to gang fighting and now tries to get teenagers to care about animals as an alternative to the gang lifestyle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604703-9YSVZG1E5RNS4SF3965S/Coloured_071.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Local mothers form a community watch group in a dangerous part of Hanover Park, the most dangerous part of the Cape Flats. They are doing this in a neighborhood run by the Mongrels, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most notorious gangs. These mothers have considerable local power and can do things the police cannot. Gang members tend to co-operate with these women on a mutual respect basis. Hanover Park is one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and is a hotbed of drug use which has ravaged many parts of the Coloured community. Hanover Park has seen over 16,000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years, according to locals monitoring group Ceasefire. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604676-WESGDQWQG1VD4VC4U198/Coloured_107.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Three ladies who live above a burned out former “Tik” house come down to the street in their dressing gowns early in the morning. Tik is the local Afrikaans word for meth amphetamine, which is a cheap and popular drug on the Cape Flats.The burnt out house is underneath the ladies rooms and even though the fire occurred over a year ago, nothing has been done to safeguard the building and its upstairs residents. Hanover Parks is one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and is a hotbed of drug use. Hanover Park has seen over 16000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604722-4L4N4WJUEKVUGLWGR0R8/Coloured_072.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa BEAUFORT WEST, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA: A senior member of the American's Gang seen inside the courtyard of a prison in South Africa. Gangs in the coloured community often have a relationship with prsion gangs, increasing violence both inside and outside of prison. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604473-NL5YH2GONQ7WWBLMLOOR/Coloured_108.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Shafiek Gamiet, 50, tends to his horses outside a block of flats in a dangerous part of Hanover Park, one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and a hotbed of drug use and violence. Hanover Park has seen over 16000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Shafiek was disabled in an accident in 2014 and now rents out his horses for parties in order to make a living. He lost his sister to gang fighting and now tries to get teenagers to care about animals as an alternative to the gang lifestyle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604499-04DI72XC8DQ90FZFMF0H/Coloured_073.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa DRAKENSTEIN PRISON, SOUTH AFRICA: A young coloured woman from an HIV organization lectures coloured juvenile sex offendors on sexual crimes. Sexual violence towards women on the Cape Flats is one of the highest in South Africa, with poverty, a lack of gender empowerment and gang violence behind this statistic. A number of these young men are in prison because of sex crimes, something many of them never really thought about until they were themselves the subject of unwelcome sexual interest in prison. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604804-F2K6WJHC6T6WO0J1MZRY/Coloured_109.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Two boys look at a small group of horses outside a block of flats in a dangerous part of Hanover Park, one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and a hotbed of drug use and violence. Hanover Park has seen over 16000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Shafiek was disabled in an accident in 2014 and now rents out his horses for parties in order to make a living. He lost his sister to gang fighting and now tries to get teenagers to care about animals as an alternative to the gang lifestyle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604839-7ADF4WDSGNR61X1THW27/Coloured_074.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa STRANDFONTEIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Sherwin Julius, 27, volunteered to go for rehab at Camp Joy, a halfway house on the Cape Flats that focuses on rehabilitation and restoration as a guideline to quality of life, healthy living, and re-integration for drug users, ex-prisoners, gang members and vulnerable people. Sherwin is a former shooter for the Americans gang on the Cape Flats. He said he came from a good home but was attracted to the excitement of the gangers lifestyle and the respect it brought him. He was shot a number of times and considers himself luck to have survived. He nearly lost his leg after two shots in his calf. Sherwin likes working with the rabbits because he feels they are better than people and its good to feel he is successful in something other than crime. Behind Sherwin is Siphumelo Ludidi, 34, a meth user who came to Camp Joy for help. Siphumelo says he moved to Hanover park, a dangerous gang area, because he felt safer there as he had a relationship with the gangs. If something happened to him, he says he could go to the gang leaders and they would help him. He had multiple criminal skills and musical ability so he felt the gangs respected him. Camp Joy is connected to CEASEFIRE, an organization that seeks to intervene and end gang violence on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604487-9ABG6UKWCUZ80JXXZMTU/Coloured_110.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Hanover Park boxing academy is inside Igshaan Nazier home in a dangerous part of Hanover Park, one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa and a hotbed of drug use and violence. Hanover Park has seen over 16000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years. Igshaan tries to get kids interested in boxing and athletics as an alternative to the gang lifestyle. There is a meth house situated on both sides of his home yet he has succeeded in raising all of his 4 boys without any joining the gangs or becoming involved in drugs. Over the last 25 years he has trained thousands of kids in his improvised Gym, including his son who turns professional in May. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604569-K41I7SNS6Q0LXOX82SU0/Coloured_075.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa NEWLANDS FOREST, CAPE TOWN: Men from Camp Joy walk slowly up a path to the top of Table Mountain as part of a rehabilitation exercise. Camp Joy is a halfway house on the Cape Flats that focuses on rehabilitation and restoration as a guideline to quality of life, healthy living, and re-integration for drug users, ex-prisoners, gang members and vulnerable people. Camp Joy is connected to CEASEFIRE, an organization that seeks to intervene and end gang violence on the Cape Flats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604526-YGHPBALYDAKB350O4GMJ/Coloured_111.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa MITCHELL’S PLAIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Phoebe Rademeyer, 13, is seen in a new RDP housing development on the outskirts of Mitchell’s Plain. RDP housing is meant to address the problem of housing for millions of the poor in South Africa but is hopelessly backlogged. It takes an average of 5-10 years before housing becomes available to those on the list. Its is meant for people who earn below a certain amount and is an upliftment policy of the South African government. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604630-KAYMX9402HO6H4RZC42G/Coloured_076.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANGBERG, HOUTBAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Chief Regan James, of the Katzkorana Royal house of Khoi, is seen in his community in Hangberg, Hout Bay. Chief Regan is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Regan and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Regan is part of the Hangberg community that has occupied land high on the mountainside of Houtbay, above the area where “coloured” fisherman were traditionally housed by the Apartheid government. They occupied the land after years of waiting for RDP housing from the SA government, housing that for most has never been given. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604819-08JISVFG6TVVC3PIKMO8/Coloured_112.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa WOODSTOCK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA:: Cissie Gool House is an abandoned mental hospital that has been occupied by members of Reclaim the City, a movement to secure housing for people within Cape Town. Exorbitant rents, gentrification and high transport costs have meant that many minimum wage workers can no longer afford to live close to where they work. High unemployment rates have done the same for many families. The city of Cape Town has not done an adequate job of providing affordable housing for people of low economic means. There are more and more people in this position, occupations are one of the few solutions open to impoverished people in the city but they need solidarity to avoid eviction. Currently 350 families of over 1500 people live at Cissie Gool House where occupancy is full. There is an ongoing battle against eviction and issues of fire, drug use and violence exist inside Cissie Gool. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604623-CJZLYN8URBND6IUJ49AU/Coloured_077.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANGBERG, HOUTBAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Chief Regan James, of the Katzkorana Royal house of Khoi, is seen in his community in Hangberg, Hout Bay. Chief Regan is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Regan and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Regan is part of the Hangberg community that has occupied land high on the mountainside of Houtbay, above the area where “coloured” fisherman were traditionally housed by the Apartheid government. They occupied the land after years of waiting for RDP housing from the SA government, housing that for most has never been given. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604736-1EMHNW3U8N1Y09JVN5UU/Coloured_113.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa LAVENDER HILL, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA: Kaylinn Jacobs celebrates her 21st birthday at her aunt’s home in Lavender Hill. The 21st birthday is seen as a rite of passage to adulthood and is a celebrated occasion in the Coloured community. Earlier, the photographer had asked if Kaylin could go outside to a park 100 meters from this home but Kaylin refused, saying “There are gangster’s there, they will rob you if they see us there.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604520-ETR2SKDGIDQZRXPCB6BA/Coloured_078.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANGBERG, HOUTBAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Chief Regan James, of the Katzkorana Royal house of Khoi, is seen in his community in Hangberg, Hout Bay. Chief Regan is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Regan and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Regan is part of the Hangberg community that has occupied land high on the mountainside of Houtbay, above the area where “coloured” fisherman were traditionally housed by the Apartheid government. They occupied the land after years of waiting for RDP housing from the SA government, housing that for most has never been given. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604743-KO0AZQDZEWF8MEH9NTEI/Coloured_114.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: An Islamic funeral in Hanover Park, a large percentage of Coloured people can trace their heritage to Malay slaves who were imported into the Cape via the Dutch East India Company. This is how Islam was first introduced to South Africa. Hanover Park this is one of the most dangerous gang areas in South Africa, a hotbed of drug use which has ravaged many parts of the Coloured community. Hanover Park has seen over 16,000 gunshots fired in the last 4 years, according to locals monitoring group Ceasefire. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604656-B904IR7P9WJJXAKC5IP2/Coloured_079.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANGBERG, HOUTBAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Chief Regan James, of the Katzkorana Royal house of Khoi, is seen in his community in Hangberg, Hout Bay. Chief Regan is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Regan and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Regan is part of the Hangberg community that has occupied land high on the mountainside of Houtbay, above the area where “coloured” fisherman were traditionally housed by the Apartheid government. They occupied the land after years of waiting for RDP housing from the SA government, housing that for most has never been given. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604845-V3SUXIDBWFXWZ4JA1G73/Coloured_115.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa GRASSY PARK, CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: An undertaker waits for a funeral party at a gravesite in Grassy Park cemetery. Cape Town has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with an average of ten per day. Many of those murders are gang and crime related. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604775-42IH6Y3IMD0UER7XZG91/Coloured_080.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa OCEANVIEW, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 12, 2022: Chief Bi’a Ishsaqua Sabodien is seen educating children and youth in Oceanview township about their Khoi first people’s heritage. His children are seen wearing leopard print dresses. Chief Ishsaqua is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Ishaqua and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Ishaqua is involved in land claims for land in nearby Witsands that he believes his ancestors were robbed of by colonialism. He says his mother was a Khoi chief’s daughter and his grandmother taught him that he was Khoi. He has been wearing skins for the last few years as he consolidates his beliefs. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604769-J77618J2FZS3FMMKBVO5/Coloured_116.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa GRASSY PARK, CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: Christian choir girls are seen just before a Sunday service in the Cape Flats. Christianity is the majority religion for Coloured people in South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604715-BQLLM4SMDB0RUR32AGX5/Coloured_081.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa OCEANVIEW, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 12, 2022: Chief Bi’a Ishsaqua Sabodien is seen educating children and youth in Oceanview township about their Khoi first people’s heritage. His children are seen wearing leopard print dresses. Chief Ishsaqua is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Ishaqua and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Ishaqua is involved in land claims for land in nearby Witsands that he believes his ancestors were robbed of by colonialism. He says his mother was a Khoi chief’s daughter and his grandmother taught him that he was Khoi. He has been wearing skins for the last few years as he consolidates his beliefs. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604710-78IYFJLV3MXO75S5GBVS/Coloured_117.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa HANOVER PARK, CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: A Christian group performs in the carpark of a small supermarket in Hanover Park in the Cape Flats. Christianity is the majority religion for Coloured people in South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604669-3RBYW9WBYCA76NUR4ZCB/Coloured_082.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa OCEANVIEW, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 12, 2022: Chief Bi’a Ishsaqua Sabodien is seen educating children and youth in Oceanview township about their Khoi first people’s heritage. His children are seen wearing leopard print dresses. Chief Ishsaqua is representative of a large South African population group previously designated as “coloured.” This group are now looking further back in their lineage and identifying as Khoi people. When the Dutch arrived in the Cape in 1652, they wrote of over 15,000 people living at the foot of Table Mountain, Chief Ishaqua and his followers believe those people are their direct ancestors. They see themselves as amongst the first nations people of South Africa and think of land rights though that lens. Chief Ishaqua is involved in land claims for land in nearby Witsands that he believes his ancestors were robbed of by colonialism. He says his mother was a Khoi chief’s daughter and his grandmother taught him that he was Khoi. He has been wearing skins for the last few years as he consolidates his beliefs. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604825-X6DBILHCHZ1GX4E2JZ9V/Coloured_118.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa KALK BAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Colored men seen busking before the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar carnival in Cape Town. Typically the minstrels come from the Afrikaans-speaking Cape coloured communities, who compete in a series of competitions. Although the parade takes place over just one day, the competitions continue into February at the Athlone Stadium. The carnival’s history is tainted to say the least, stemming from colonial times when slaves were only permitted one day off per year – 2 January or Tweede Nuwe Jaar. The carnival united the whole Cape creole community for that solitary day. Although folklore has it that the slaves were given the day off as their masters were too wasted from their celebrations of the day before, the official line is that the Governor at the time wished for the slaves to join in the New Year celebrations. When slavery was abolished in 1834 the carnival continued, although during the Apartheid regime it was called the Coon Carnival, apparently after the white American minstrels who painted their faces like raccoons. Traditionally the Kaapse Klopse minstrels also blacken their faces, probably to reflect the American minstrels, although there is an alternative view that it was to preserve their anonymity from their masters. Unsurprisingly, the carnival changed its name to the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival to avoid derogatory racial slurs. (Brent Stirton for Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604461-5VDH9YPT97BAGA8LLE5Q/Coloured_083.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 22, 2022: Chief Autshumao, a prominent leader of the Khoisan Legislative Council and on the Goringhaicona Khoi Khoi Indigenous Traditional Council, is against the building of a new Amazon headquarters in Cape Town as it is on land sacred to the Khoi people. He is seen arguing with another Khoi group that wants the Amazon building project and the jobs it may provide. The $300 million development had fueled a nasty feud within Indigenous, or First Nations, communities over whether building on what many consider sacred land would desecrate their history and culture, or uplift it, since the developer had promised to include an Indigenous heritage center. A judge temporarily halted construction of Amazon’s first Africa headquarters, in Cape Town, saying the developer didn’t properly consult Indigenous people about building on sacred ground. Judge Patricia Goliath of the Western Cape High Court said the consultation process for the project, a $300 million development on a former golf course, was biased because it omitted many Indigenous groups. She ordered work to be stopped and said its owner must talk again with Indigenous people. Work has since resumed on the Amazon campus and it is now near completion. Cape Town officials last year celebrated Amazon’s decision to choose Cape Town as “a base of operations on the African continent.” They said the development would create 19,000 jobs, almost 500,000 square feet of residential and commercial space, and bolster the region as a technology hub. According to the modern Khoi, most South Africans have been conditioned either by historic colonialist indoctrination or by contemporary Black African nationalist propaganda that this land either belongs exclusively to European imperialists or to the Bantu immigrants. Both claims are factually incorrect and are a gross historical travesty. In contrast to every black, white or brown South African, the Khoisan alone are indigenous to this land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604553-LDKQKYZZB7EBVKELXVO1/Coloured_084.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa OBSERVATORY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 22, 2022: Prominent members of the Goringhaicona Khoi Khoi Indigenous Traditional Council, are seen performing a cleansing ceremony against the building of a new Amazon headquarters in Cape Town as it is on land sacred to the Khoi people. This stands in contrast to another Khoi group that wants the Amazon building project and the jobs it may provide. The $300 million development had fueled a nasty feud within Indigenous, or First Nations, communities over whether building on what many consider sacred land would desecrate their history and culture, or uplift it, since the developer had promised to include an Indigenous heritage center. A judge temporarily halted construction of Amazon’s first Africa headquarters, in Cape Town, saying the developer didn’t properly consult Indigenous people about building on sacred ground. Judge Patricia Goliath of the Western Cape High Court said the consultation process for the project, a $300 million development on a former golf course, was biased because it omitted many Indigenous groups, the New York Times reported. She ordered work to be stopped and said its owner must talk again with Indigenous people. Work has since resumed on the Amazon campus and it is now near completion. Cape Town officials last year celebrated Amazon’s decision to choose Cape Town as “a base of operations on the African continent.” They said the development would create 19,000 jobs, almost 500,000 square feet of residential and commercial space, and bolster the region as a technology hub. According to the modern Khoi, most South Africans have been conditioned either by historic colonialist indoctrination or by contemporary Black African nationalist propaganda that this land either belongs exclusively to European imperialists or to the Bantu immigrants. Both claims are factually incorrect and are a gross historical travesty. In contrast to every black, white or brown South African, the Khoisan alone are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604750-GMW85D0UXDOTBDP6DLX8/Coloured_085.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa GRASSY PARK, CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: The funeral of Desmond Charles Dreyer, a leader in the Goringhaicona Khoi Khoin Indigenous tribal council. Other members of the council are seen graveside burning herbs in a traditional ceremony to commemorate him. Most of the crosses in this cemetery are new and the consequence of many Covid deaths within the coloured community in the cape. Many coloured familes have mutligenerational family members inside small homes, making disease transmission easier. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604576-TJW5QG89VQ9FM9R8PGOY/Coloured_086.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA,: A dancer enacts a lamentation ceremony against the building of a new Amazon headquarters in Cape Town as it is on land sacred to the Khoi people. The $300 million development had fueled a nasty feud within Indigenous, or First Nations, communities over whether building on what many consider sacred land would desecrate their history and culture, or uplift it, since the developer had promised to include an Indigenous heritage center. A judge temporarily halted construction of Amazon’s first Africa headquarters, in Cape Town, saying the developer didn’t properly consult Indigenous people about building on sacred ground. Work has since resumed on the Amazon campus and it is now near completion. Cape Town officials last year celebrated Amazon’s decision to choose Cape Town as “a base of operations on the African continent.” They said the development would create 19,000 jobs, almost 500,000 square feet of residential and commercial space, and bolster the region as a technology hub. According to the modern Khoi, most South Africans have been conditioned either by historic colonialist indoctrination or by contemporary Black African nationalist propaganda that this land either belongs exclusively to European imperialists or to the Bantu immigrants. Both claims are factually incorrect. In contrast to every black, white or brown South African, the Khoi San alone are indigenous to this land. Everyone else, came from somewhere else. Thousands of years before the all-conquering Black settlers from West Africa crossed the Limpopo in the 10th century on their militant southward sweep down the continent, and long before the White explorers arrived by ship at the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century, the whole of Southern Africa was inhabited exclusively by the native Khoi and San peoples. Significantly, the roaming Black tribes from the north did not cross the Fish River nor did they settle in the Western Cape. The only locals were the Khoi, San https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604789-B56OMZI0D7RT8NZDZWC8/Coloured_087.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa PLATFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA: Wentzel Katjarra is a former special forces soldier for 31 Battalion, the bushman battalion of the South African Defence Force during the Angolan war. He lives in poverty in Platfontein, the Khoi San Khwe settlement for former bushmen members of the elite bushman brigades of the South African Defence Force under Apartheid. He tries to keep alive his original bushman skills and teaches local boys some of these. The men from these units were recruited first by the Portugese and then joined to SADF because of their exceptional bush craft skills and served with distinction amongst the tip of the spear units of the South African Defence force during the Angolan wars. When democracy came to South Africa, they were seen as fighting for the wrong side and the ANC disbanded their battalions and placed them in very poor conditions in a settlement outside of Kimberley in the middle of South Africa. There are very few jobs and rampant alcoholism. They feel they are “pariahs in the land of their birth” and are calling for the urgent implementation of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The residents of Platfontein say that if the act is implemented, the budget allocated to the House of Traditional Leaders will assist them in creating jobs and deliver them from poverty. Many who live here feel the ANC has failed them and that they need representatives who will preserve their traditions and advocate for their language to be made one of the official 11, before it dies out completely. The act, which was signed into law in November, proposes to recognize all legitimate Khoi-San communities. No commencement date has been announced. The people in this settlement are part of the original bushman nomadic groups that trekked inland from the Cape coast ending up in the border region of Angola to escape persecution from the different race groups that attempted to exterminate them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604636-YLQPHMRZ64QAFAVOWUDK/Coloured_088.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa PLATFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA: Wentzel Katjarra is a former special forces soldier for 31 Battalion, the bushman battalion of the South African Defence Force during the Angolan war. He lives in poverty in Platfontein, the Khoi San Khwe settlement for former bushmen members of the elite bushman brigades of the South African Defence Force under Apartheid. He tries to keep alive his original bushman skills and teaches local boys some of these. The men from these units were recruited first by the Portugese and then joined to SADF because of their exceptional bush craft skills and served with distinction amongst the tip of the spear units of the South African Defence force during the Angolan wars. When democracy came to South Africa, they were seen as fighting for the wrong side and the ANC disbanded their battalions and placed them in very poor conditions in a settlement outside of Kimberley in the middle of South Africa. There are very few jobs and rampant alcoholism. They feel they are “pariahs in the land of their birth” and are calling for the urgent implementation of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The residents of Platfontein say that if the act is implemented, the budget allocated to the House of Traditional Leaders will assist them in creating jobs and deliver them from poverty. Many who live here feel the ANC has failed them and that they need representatives who will preserve their traditions and advocate for their language to be made one of the official 11, before it dies out completely. The act, which was signed into law in November, proposes to recognize all legitimate Khoi-San communities. No commencement date has been announced. The people in this settlement are part of the original bushman nomadic groups that trekked inland from the Cape coast ending up in the border region of Angola to escape persecution from the different race groups that attempted to exterminate them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604560-Q5LS0OPTLW8FYO9H3WEI/Coloured_089.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa PLATFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA: Wentzel Katjarra is a former special forces soldier for 31 Battalion, the bushman battalion of the South African Defence Force during the Angolan war. He lives in poverty in Platfontein, the Khoi San Khwe settlement for former bushmen members of the elite bushman brigades of the South African Defence Force under Apartheid. He tries to keep alive his original bushman skills and teaches local boys some of these. The men from these units were recruited first by the Portugese and then joined to SADF because of their exceptional bush craft skills and served with distinction amongst the tip of the spear units of the South African Defence force during the Angolan wars. When democracy came to South Africa, they were seen as fighting for the wrong side and the ANC disbanded their battalions and placed them in very poor conditions in a settlement outside of Kimberley in the middle of South Africa. There are very few jobs and rampant alcoholism. They feel they are “pariahs in the land of their birth” and are calling for the urgent implementation of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The residents of Platfontein say that if the act is implemented, the budget allocated to the House of Traditional Leaders will assist them in creating jobs and deliver them from poverty. Many who live here feel the ANC has failed them and that they need representatives who will preserve their traditions and advocate for their language to be made one of the official 11, before it dies out completely. The act, which was signed into law in November, proposes to recognize all legitimate Khoi-San communities. No commencement date has been announced. The people in this settlement are part of the original bushman nomadic groups that trekked inland from the Cape coast ending up in the border region of Angola to escape persecution from the different race groups that attempted to exterminate them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604811-OHEKHYEC6PFQ4ASJMMW4/Coloured_090.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa PLATFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA: The Khoi San Khwe settlement for former bushmen members of the elite bushman brigades of the South African Defence Force under Apartheid. The men from these units were recruited because of their exceptional bush craft skills and served with distinction amongst the tip of the spear units of the South African Defence force during the Angolan wars. When democracy came to South Africa, they were seen as fighting for the wrong side and the ANC disbanded their battalions and placed them in very poor conditions in a settlement outside of Kimberley in the middle of South Africa. There are very few jobs and rampant alcoholism. They feel they are “pariahs in the land of their birth” and are calling for the urgent implementation of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The residents of Platfontein say that if the act is implemented, the budget allocated to the House of Traditional Leaders will assist them in creating jobs and deliver them from poverty. Many who live here feel the ANC has failed them and that they need representatives who will preserve their traditions and advocate for their language to be made one of the official 11, before it dies out completely. The act, which was signed into law in November 2020, proposes to recognize all legitimate Khoi-San communities. No commencement date has been announced. The people in this settlement are part of the original bushman nomadic groups that trekked inland from the Cape coast ending up in the border region of Angola to escape persecution from the different race groups that attempted to exterminate them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604642-JDLQMYSQKCXRCKE80XSG/Coloured_091.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa PLATFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA: The Khoi San Khwe settlement for former bushmen members of the elite bushman brigades of the South African Defence Force under Apartheid. The men from these units were recruited because of their exceptional bush craft skills and served with distinction amongst the tip of the spear units of the South African Defence force during the Angolan wars. When democracy came to South Africa, they were seen as fighting for the wrong side and the ANC disbanded their battalions and placed them in very poor conditions in a settlement outside of Kimberley in the middle of South Africa. There are very few jobs and rampant alcoholism. They feel they are “pariahs in the land of their birth” and are calling for the urgent implementation of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The residents of Platfontein say that if the act is implemented, the budget allocated to the House of Traditional Leaders will assist them in creating jobs and deliver them from poverty. Many who live here feel the ANC has failed them and that they need representatives who will preserve their traditions and advocate for their language to be made one of the official 11, before it dies out completely. The act, which was signed into law in November 2020, proposes to recognize all legitimate Khoi-San communities. No commencement date has been announced. The people in this settlement are part of the original bushman nomadic groups that trekked inland from the Cape coast ending up in the border region of Angola to escape persecution from the different race groups that attempted to exterminate them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604609-4FEHXZKGQSX8ZI8JY25G/Coloured_092.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa BOTSWANA: Severely impoverished Khoi San people, formerly known as bushmen, seen in a small settlement they were moved to when they were moved off their traditional land to make way for diamond mining. They now live in an area where they cannot hunt and where water is in short supply. This is despite winning their case against government in a London court. All Khoi San people were originally at the coast but moved inland to escape persecution from various colonial and Bantu groups. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604596-81LZ7B7H8ZMWA5Z5UWHL/Coloured_093.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa BOTSWANA: Severely impoverished Khoi San people, formerly known as bushmen, seen in a small settlement they were moved to when they were moved off their traditional land to make way for diamond mining. They now live in an area where they cannot hunt and where water is in short supply. This is despite winning their case against government in a London court. All Khoi San people were originally at the coast but moved inland to escape persecution from various colonial and Bantu groups. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158604583-LM71B4EQZILXZ2M8AF25/Coloured_094.jpg Coloured Nation - 30 years of democracy South Africa BOTSWANA: Severely impoverished Khoi San people, formerly known as bushmen, seen in a small settlement they were moved to when they were moved off their traditional land to make way for diamond mining. They now live in an area where they cannot hunt and where water is in short supply. This is despite winning their case against government in a London court. All Khoi San people were originally at the coast but moved inland to escape persecution from various colonial and Bantu groups. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://www.brentstirton.com/asian-elephants-culture-conflict-and-coexistence daily 0.75 2025-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745323-ZNUCZWIQVP15P688K05Q/AsianElies_001.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence Asian Elephants – Behavior, Psychology, and Co-existence.Asian elephants today are seen as animals defined through the lens of culture, economics, and conservation. This essay attempts to examine the work of Asian elephant researchers who study these animals to best learn how they may more successfully live with humans. Close to 60% of Asian elephants live close to human populations with more of their habitat being lost every year. The hope is that a greater understanding of these elephants may mitigate much of the human elephant conflict that plays out today. I have examined the effect of agricultural and economic development in and around traditional elephant habitat, the emergence of bachelor herds of male elephants, the effects of garbage dumps and cultivation close to national parks, the stress levels of female elephants before and after they have calves, mourning amongst elephants, survival tactics within small herds, the way young calves learn through imitation, the stress that elephant festivals place on these animals and the contradiction between deifying them and yet constraining them and exploiting them. I have looked at the work of researchers who examine elephant problem-solving abilities and how this leads to a greater understanding of individual elephants as well as the human response to elephants deemed to be a threat. I have tried to examine the lack of planning for elephants around development in the countries that have the greatest numbers of elephants and how that has affected elephant habitat and their relationship to humans. I have also included some work on Ivory from Japan where domestic trade remains legal with many loopholes for ivory entering the country. Likewise, I have included some images from Thailand where ivory amulets remain highly sought after, especially with the right blessing from the right monk. I also include China where research groups like the Environmental Impact Agency report that despite the domestic ban on ivory, a s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745568-2W503RAGAGI9OQT897VZ/AsianElies_094.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 22ND OCTOBER 2022: Dubare is one of the larger elephant camps in India, a place where captured elephants are brought and kept. Elephant orphans from the wild are brought to these camps as well as elephants from Human/Elephant conflict incidents. Some of the elephants here are trained to be capture elephants, meaning they will deploy as a team to capture rogue elephants who are perceived to be dangerous to humans or destructive to property. These camps also play a lucrative role in tourism, with thousands of visitors streaming in to see the elephants. Dubare is also the place where the key elephants for the Mysore Dasara festival are housed. Dubare has seen 7 new elephant captures in the last 5 years, there are new camps in the area to accommodate the numbers and the rise in tourism. There is some worry amongst elephant activists that the decision to capture is gaining commercial impetus. Many of the older, experienced mahouts have also passed away in recent years, Covid is behind some of that. As a result, some level of wisdom has been lost and some of the deeper relationships between man and elephant have been lost too. A captured elephant requires breaking in, a brutal process in which they are kept in a huge stockade until they grow used to humans and acquiesce to their new lives. That new elephant will have two mahouts, a master, and his apprentice. This means two families will receive an income because of that elephant. These elephants are the property of the forest department of Karnataka. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745378-OJIVPYMVFP33XM85TJ12/AsianElies_096.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 22ND OCTOBER 2022: A captured and chained elephant attempts to rest by leaning against the tree to which it is chained. Dubare is one of the larger elephant camps in India, a place where captured elephants are brought and kept. Elephant orphans from the wild are brought to these camps as well as elephants from Human/Elephant conflict incidents. Some of the elephants here are trained to be capture elephants, meaning they will deploy as a team to capture rogue elephants who are perceived to be dangerous to humans or destructive to property. These camps also play a lucrative role in tourism, with thousands of visitors streaming in to see the elephants. Dubare has seen 7 new elephant captures in the last 5 years, there are new camps in the area to accommodate the numbers and the rise in tourism. There is some worry amongst elephant activists that the decision to capture is gaining commercial impetus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745318-KAIQ97E71U13SHR40NSL/AsianElies_002.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 15TH OCTOBER 2022: Wild elephants are seen high on the slopes of Valparai tea estate. Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native forest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. Anamalai Tiger reserve is not far away. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745204-H3JE2MT04ONUPCHNHNZC/AsianElies_095.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA, 12 JULY 2022: Kataragama temple complex houses a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a Mosque. Wasana, 53, is the temple tusker and he is considered the most revered and important elephant in Sri Lanka. He has led the Pera Hera in Kandy on a number of occasions and carried the sacred tooth relic. He was also born in Sri Lanka and that adds to his status amongst Sri Lankans. Wasana’s chief Mahout is Ajith Ashoka Liyanaye, who has spent 28 years with Wasana. Ajith comes from a long lineage of mahouts and his son works with him on taking care of Wasana. The elephant wears copper protection on the end of his very long tusks, he damaged them during Mhust and the copper covers are there to protect him. Wasana came to the temple at age 7 and he is originally from North Central Sri Lanka. On certain occasions, Wasana makes the temple rounds, delivering flowers to sacred sites and kneeling in front of each of them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745539-WUAAB706VJEQM5SMV1TX/AsianElies_097.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 22ND OCTOBER 2022: Dubare is one of the larger elephant camps in India, a place where captured elephants are brought and kept. Elephant orphans from the wild are brought to these camps as well as elephants from Human/Elephant conflict incidents. Some of the elephants here are trained to be capture elephants, meaning they will deploy as a team to capture rogue elephants who are perceived to be dangerous to humans or destructive to property. These camps also play a lucrative role in tourism, with thousands of visitors streaming in to see the elephants. Dubare is also the place where the key elephants for the Mysore Dasara festival are housed. Dubare has seen 7 new elephant captures in the last 5 years, there are new camps in the area to accommodate the numbers and the rise in tourism. There is some worry amongst elephant activists that the decision to capture is gaining commercial impetus. Many of the older, experienced mahouts have also passed away in recent years, Covid is behind some of that. As a result, some level of wisdom has been lost and some of the deeper relationships between man and elephant have been lost too. A captured elephant requires breaking in, a brutal process in which they are kept in a huge stockade until they grow used to humans and acquiesce to their new lives. That new elephant will have two mahouts, a master, and his apprentice. This means two families will receive an income because of that elephant. These elephants are the property of the forest department of Karnataka. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745239-S34T4BF9I1G35TY0OMAV/AsianElies_003.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 4, 2022: Two palace elephants touch trunks to comfort and reassure each other during the Mysore Dasara, the only state festival in India where elephants are used. In the days leading up to the festival these elephants injured two people, they are nervous and traumatized by the huge crowds at the festival. Their weaving behaving, constant trunk touching and placing their trunks in each other mouths is soothing behavior to cope with being chained all day and a massive human presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745056-ITLAN49ALWDOWKM3RLSX/AsianElies_098.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 22ND OCTOBER 2022: Dubare is one of the larger elephant camps in India, a place where captured elephants are brought and kept. Elephant orphans from the wild are brought to these camps as well as elephants from Human/Elephant conflict incidents. Some of the elephants here are trained to be capture elephants, meaning they will deploy as a team to capture rogue elephants who are perceived to be dangerous to humans or destructive to property. These camps also play a lucrative role in tourism, with thousands of visitors streaming in to see the elephants. Dubare is also the place where the key elephants for the Mysore Dasara festival are housed. Dubare has seen 7 new elephant captures in the last 5 years, there are new camps in the area to accommodate the numbers and the rise in tourism. There is some worry amongst elephant activists that the decision to capture is gaining commercial impetus. Many of the older, experienced mahouts have also passed away in recent years, Covid is behind some of that. As a result, some level of wisdom has been lost and some of the deeper relationships between man and elephant have been lost too. A captured elephant requires breaking in, a brutal process in which they are kept in a huge stockade until they grow used to humans and acquiesce to their new lives. That new elephant will have two mahouts, a master, and his apprentice. This means two families will receive an income because of that elephant. These elephants are the property of the forest department of Karnataka. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744949-6KCUR7BY4TXTSMT4ZKZ7/AsianElies_004.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence HARANGI ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 21st October 2022: Experienced elephant mahout JS Raju guides blind elephant Ekadantha into the water to be bathed. This elephant will often hesitate, lifting his foot until he receives reassurance it is safe to go forward. Ekadantha is over 60 years old and is retired. He was with his previous mahout for over 40 years and locals say they knew each other so well that their relationship was almost unspoken. Good mahouts say that it is not necessary to beat the elephant or hurt it with a hooked stick in order to understand each other. Unfortunately Covid saw many of the older mahouts die and some of their wisdom died with them. Captured elephants in camps are big tourist business and that can mean impatience with the elephants and rough treatment. Elephant researchers are paying more attention to this ancident relationship now in order to glean a greater understanding from the mahouts of elephant behavior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745250-W9L4ZIU2ZEUKH8EC7IM5/addtoAsianelephants+copy.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence AMPHUR NADOON, MAHASARAKHAN PROVINCE, THAILAND: Scenes from Wat suan paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme Thee temple complex, a site where elephants are being raised in controversial circumstance by Mahouts and the chief monk Luang Poo Kru Ba Dhammamunee, Amphur Nadoon, Mahasarkhan Province, Thailand, 8 November 2011. The chief monk Dhammamunee was recently accused by Thai elephant conservation groups and national media of slowly poisoning an elephant so that he could take its ivory for use in religious amulets. The monk, who has a large following, denies this and there is currently a lawsuit in the Thai courts regarding both the welfare of the elephant and defamation charges. Ivory is often used in religious artifacts and amulets in Thailand and there is some suspicion that a lot of the illegal trade in ivory is for this purpose. The Thai law also allows for a number of legal loopholes which have been exploited by Ivory traffickers, both for domestic ivory and also for illegally trafficked African ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745312-T0B7J32A6JLISXH6VI1E/AsianElies_005.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 30 JUNE 2022: A juvenile elephant lies dead after eating a home-made grenade made from firecrackers combined with metal shrapnel hidden inside a pumpkin or watermelon. The explosion blew off most of this juvenile elephant’s lower jaw and decimated his tongue and teeth. Sri Lanka wildlife department officials estimate that this elephant most likely walked around for two weeks after the explosion in terrible pain, unable to eat or drink before succumbing on the morning of this photograph. There have been three such incidents in this area in the last year that have been recorded. It is a sign of growing village frustration with crop-raiding elephants that such techniques are being employed. Ironically, this area is forestry department land, the poor have been allowed to farm here by vote seeking politicans but not to put up permanent structures. The increasingly shrinking habitat available to Sri Lankan elephant means human elephant conflict is inevitable, especially as more and more crops are grown in what were formerly elephant areas. As a result, there is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745306-ZQIDVDV1WSFVIQ0HWU1Y/AsianElies_100.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, photographed in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744886-XTLRJ784L5Z7T153LPWG/AsianElies_006.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 30 JUNE 2022: A juvenile elephant is seen dead after eating a home-made grenade made of explosive taken from firecrackers combined with metal ball bearings hidden inside a pumpkin or watermelon. The explosion blew off most of the elephant’s lower jaw and decimated his tongue and teeth. Sri Lanka wildlife department officials estimate that this elephant most likely walked around for two weeks after the explosion in terrible pain, unable to eat or drink before succumbing on the morning of this photograph. There have been three such incidents in this area in the last three years that have been recorded. It is a sign of growing village frustration that such techniques are being employed. Ironically, this area is forestry department land, the poor have been allowed to farm here but not to put up permanent structures. The increasingly smaller habitat available to Sri Lankan elephant means human elephant conflict is inevitable, especially as more and more crops are grown in what were formerly elephant areas. As a result, there is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. Sri Lanka has one of the highest incidents of human elephant conflict as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745574-9YBRLRL1SKSU6N2JKIVM/AsianElies_101.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, walks through the elephant graveyard in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745556-WGF5U6U9F9TMLWULKYIL/AsianElies_007.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KERALA, INDIA, 15 APRIL 2013: Eliphants are prepared in a roadside canal to attend a religious festival in Kerala, India 15 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in mhust have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745373-D6G9WA2SR783FN5UVLFX/AsianElies_102.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Luang Poo Bru Ba Dhammamunee, head abbot of Wat Suan Paa Phutthasatharn Supraditme thee Temple, photographed with his ivory religous icons clearly visible near a ivory carving master in Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. The monk buys his Ivory carvings of Bhudist icons for resale purposes to his followers. He commented openly on the presence in Thailand of illegally imported African ivory and advised on how to get it into Thailand past customs authorities. He also spoke of how senior memember of the Thai parliment are behind the illegal industry. He spoke enthusiastically of business opportunities if we could get him illegal African ivory, despite his public relations campaign as a carer of elephant in Thailand. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. The sale of religious ivory icons is a big part of the domestic trade while illegal ivory and elephant goods from both Thailand and Africa regularly make their way to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744936-T85KCDQHU4SFJ1BNOVFO/AsianElies_008.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 2, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745038-CVDS2GFOJPA2R5O1KKPX/AsianElies_099.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence SURIN, THAILAND, NOVEMBER 2011: Surin Elephant Village in Surin, Thailand, November 9th, 2011. There are over 200 elephants at this village, most of whom are used in shows which appeal to tourists. The Thai elephant used to be used in logging but this was banned in Thailand over 20 years ago due to deforestation. As a result there is a lot of pressure on Mahouts for survival and this has led to controversy in elephant matters in Thailand. The Mahouts come from a clan which has been responsible for the capture and rearing of elephants for the kings of Siam for well over a 1000 years. Their way of life is now under threat and some of the Mahouts are involved in the illegal elephant trade with Burma and also the trade in ivory and elephant parts, most of which is used in the manufacture of religious icons for the domestic trade or exported to China for foreign sales. The Thai legal system has many loopholes as a result of the domestic ivory situation and Thailand is suspected of being a major transit country for illegal African ivory as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745341-E6IYJC0FI02RSZFLJ64O/AsianElies_009.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence DAMBULLA DUMP SITE, HABARANA, SRI LANKA, 4TH JULY 2022: Wild elelphants from nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are seen in Dambulla dump scavenging for fruit and vegetables that have been thrown away. This dump has existed for over ten years and elephants have been regular visitors. A number of these elephants have become residents in the area, drawn to the sweet fruits they can't get elsewhere. Conservationists argue against this practise, saying that elephants then associate humans with food and that can be dangerous for both humans and elephants. There are also many plastics and other contaminants in this garbage and there are some fears that will bring health issues to these elephants. Ironically, there is a new hotel being built at this dump site as well a a golf buggy circuit for visitor to see the elephants. This is expected to open in 2023. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745092-T2P3BDSDQL8GW0K1NXZR/AsianElies_103.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence Tokyo, Japan, 13 April 2018: Mr. Kyozaburo Tsuge is the head of a famous Japanese Pipe and Tobacco business. He is also an outspoken advocate for the Japanese Ivory Association and for the cultural heritage of Ivory carving in Japan. At the end of the second world war, smoking pipes modelled after General MacArthur’s famous pipe were especially popular amongst American GI’s. Tsuge stopped making ivory pipes 42 years ago. At the height of the Japanese Ivory trade, there were over 500 families involved, nowadays there are 30, mainly focused on the Hanko business. Up until the early 1980's Japan was the largest consumer of ivory on earth. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745510-0YI9M2585KJMFXGJV592/AsianElies_010.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence HABARANA, SRI LANKA, 16 AUGUST 2021: Elephants from Kaudula National Park are seen scavenging inside burning trash at the controversial Minneriya Garbage dump just outside the park boundary. Elephants have been breaking through the electric fence to get to this dump to access fruit that has been thrown away but are also eating plastic and other substances. Garbage is not separated into organic material at Minneriya. Local villagers are worried this elephant behavior will extend to elephants raiding their crops and have been trying to do something about the dump visits and get the dump closed down. Human elephant conflict is common in Sri Lanka as development is often carried out without due thought to the environment and animals. Over 800 Asian elephants died in Sri Lanka last year as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745421-FKJ4UUSP09LTVCXNPOFW/AsianElies_104.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A Oneisan practices with her Shamisen at the Asakusa Kenban where Geisha shows are held for clients. The bridge of the Shamisen is made of ivory and the plectrum , known as a Bachi, is also made of ivory and is said to create the best sound. The skin on the front of her Shamisen is made of cat skin and the skin at the back is made of dog skin. The instrument itself was made 15 years ago. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally skins were made using dog or cat skin but use of these skins gradually fell out of favor starting around 2006 due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. The bachi or plectrum used to play the shamisen also differ in size, shape, and material from genre to genre. The bachi used for nagauta shamisen are made out of three possible materials, i.e. wood, plastic, or ivory. Ivory is the preferred substance and Shamisen players often believe it delivers the best sound. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745528-D6M2GJCVCU134RU9CEFX/AsianElies_011.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence TISSAMAHARAMA, SRI LANKA, 11 JULY 2022: A male bull elephant is seen scavenging at a garbage dump on the outskirts of town. The scar from a gun-shot wound is clearly seen on his upper left front leg. He has another wound high on his back. These wounds are usually the result of insistent crop raiding by the elephant. The human elephant conflict often escalates from shouting and fireworks to the elephant eventually being shot, most often by a shotgun. This happens when the threat to crops and sometimes to human life becomes too great and all other methods fail. This usually is not fatal and drives the elephant away for a couple of months. A number of male elephants come to this location as there is both a garbage dump with refuse vegetables and fruit as well as nearby crops. Male elephants in Sri Lanka are able to break the electric fences of the wildlife reserves and as a result their diet is more varied and they are healthier. The fences are something of an anomaly as 60% of all elephants in Sri Lanka live outside of the reserves close to human populations and many males only enter reserves when they are in mhust and seeking breeding females. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745198-05NF3HUA23W0T2EDP9HR/AsianElies_105.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence Tokyo, Japan, images of a private ivory Netsuke collection. Many of these exquisitely carved pieces are defined as a carved miniature ornament, especially of ivory or wood, formerly worn in Japan to suspend articles from the sash of a kimono. The idea is that they be used subtly on a garment, sometime to hold a key bag but mainly to ornament something on the clothing or something worn in the belt tying the Kimono. Subtle games are played in Japanese society with the theme of these tiny ornaments. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745157-SYCU2Y4RL7IGRDAJNNY4/AsianElies_012.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 24 JUNE, 2022: Upul Chataranga, 28, spends many nights of the year high in a tree in an elephant watch hut. Elephants live close by in diminished wild areas and corridors. It is normal for them to crop raid and farmers have to observe constant vigilance to protect their crops. If Upul sees elephants he will use firecrackers, shouting and even vehicles to try to frighten the elephants away. This is not always successful and farmers lose crops regularly and find themselves in real danger. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745365-78KV5A9L3SWKJZ7LNW1A/AsianElies_106.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence Tokyo, Japan, April 27 2018: Photographs from a visit to a specialized Hanko shop “Ginnando “at Kodemmacho, Nihonbashi area of Tokyo. At this store the most expensive ivory hanko with gold we saw came in a lizard and crocodile case. This iscalled ZOUGAN (inlay) hanko made by MINSEI, the very famous representative Japanesecraftsman. It was 378000yen because his name was on it.On the issues of a foreigner buying an ivory Hanko, this is what the owner of the shop had to say. “ I don’t know if you can come home taking ivory or not but our products are all registeredso I think it no problem.”“ I don’t know if you can take ivory outside of Japan. Ivory is listed 1 of CITES but all of ourproducts are certified with seals. I think it OK. ( He seems to want to sell it while he waspuzzled.)”“Speaking officially registered hanko ( Jitsuin 実印 )is ivory for Japanese. *That is whydemand for ivory is still quite large. But foreigner dislike ivory because ivory is regulated byCITES. The foreigners have feeling animal welfare after all.”He said he has a big company client named ITOCHU,one of the biggest trading company in Japan. Every year department or division of thecompany make new hanko made of other materials but regarding officially registered hankomade of ivory are not made new. Ivory official hanko can be re carved. He scrapes oldname off and carves new person’s name on ivory. Ivory can be reused. This is advantageof ivory he said. I doubt demand for ivory is still large. In response of me saying that is ‘Ivory products are made from dead elephants’, heagreed ‘ Yes. They are from dead elephants.’When carving, no other material is beautiful than ivory.In answering my request “Would you confirm if I can take it outside of Japan?” he said“Confirm? I wonder where to check? You must know where to check. How to confirm??OK I will check. I’ve never had such a client before.But this is only hanko. You don’t carry orn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745262-3OU3ZAMIL8VFV96HZU5Q/AsianElies_013.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 28 JUNE, 2022: Mr Kiribanda, 60, is seen in his rice paddies close to his home on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve as it runs up against cultivation areas. Mr Kiribanda has been fighting with wild elephants who raid his fields for many years, he confesses that he is tired of fighting and sleeping in his fields to protect his crops and is thinking of giving up cultivation. He worries about alternative employment. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and in areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745504-5E4TQLAXHKU9P762HLF7/AsianElies_107.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence Tokyo Japan, April 2018: Reiko Nakamura has been studying ivory carving for 12 years. She is passionate about it. She received a tusk from her uncle 12 years ago and cut that up to make the material for her carvings. She first noticed ivory in antique markets and from there she began to be interested in carving herself. She attends classes with a master ivory carver in order to grow in her craft. She became aware of these classes when she saw them advertised in the newspaper. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745129-L0H6RPIS7RKQ7LASID8M/AsianElies_014.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 28 JUNE, 2022: Village men prepare to spend the night on elephant watch in their rice paddies close to the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area has many elephant and the border region runs up against cultivation areas. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and in areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744954-WX7RYPWK5BJGHYG2KDNE/AsianElies_108.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence BEIJING, CHINA, NOVEMBER 2011: Scenes from China National Arts and Crafts Corporation - Ivory Carving factory, Beijing, China, November 17. Started in 2009 after China's big African Ivory purchase, this is supposedly the world's largest Ivory carving facility, employing more than 20 carvers and carving an alleged 750 kg of raw ivory annually. The director of the factory stated that the factory was started as a State initiative against the demise of the Ivory carving industry. State owned, it is a clear indication of the Chinese government's investment into the future of the Ivory carving trade. This factory also carves a ton of Mammoth Ivory every year. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744904-U4OZCNM050UQ974HORII/AsianElies_015.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 28 JUNE, 2022: Village men prepare to spend the night on elephant watch in their rice paddies close to the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area has many elephant and the border region runs up against cultivation areas. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and in areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745123-YA3G8PSX52YW7I29QJQU/AsianElies_109.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GUANGZHOU, CHINA, FEBRUARY 2012: Images of ivory carver Wu Rong Chang, 67, who has been carving for 50 years, photographed working on a large Ivory carving at the Guangzhou Daxin Ivory Carving Factory, the only state owned enterprise specialising in the ivory carving businessin the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou, February 4 2012. Daxin specialising in the Hollow Ball carving of 25 layers, large landscape ivory hillocks and also works with Mamoth Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745497-EWSUOIDRT8V2U5TO5AZO/AsianElies_016.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 30 JUNE, 2022: Villagers engage with elephants in a nightly ritual where the villagers try to use a limited supply of firecrackers combined with shouting to drive off wild elephants intent on eating their crops both in the fields and around the villagers homes. These village homes are on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area runs up against cultivation areas and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. Progressive thinking in Sri Lanka on this issue states that if elephants are allowed to come into these areas once the harvest is complete, then there should be more room for coexistence. Temporary Electric fences around cultivated fields is one solution but the elephants are fast learners and will colapse trees or branches on the fences in order to access the fields. As a result, most villagers have to send men to sleep in the fields closer to harvest time in order to protect the crop with firecrackers, fire and shouting. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745409-401PZQH2GEEWRSRLUQYF/AsianElies_017.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 30 JUNE, 2022: Villagers engage with elephants in a nightly ritual where the villagers try to use a limited supply of firecrackers combined with shouting to drive off wild elephants intent on eating their crops both in the fields and around the villagers homes. These village homes are on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area runs up against cultivation areas and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. Progressive thinking in Sri Lanka on this issue states that if elephants are allowed to come into these areas once the harvest is complete, then there should be more room for coexistence. Temporary Electric fences around cultivated fields is one solution but the elephants are fast learners and will colapse trees or branches on the fences in order to access the fields. As a result, most villagers have to send men to sleep in the fields closer to harvest time in order to protect the crop with firecrackers, fire and shouting. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745427-GXURCGSBTGRRMV24873F/AsianElies_018.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 22nd JUNE, 2022: Members of Sri Lanka's wildlife department use firecrackers to chase elephants from farms. The shotguns are only for worst case scenarios. During harvesting season this can be a nightly activity as long as supplies last. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745080-513WQ7JZW5JXSHJGX70E/AsianElies_019.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 30 JUNE, 2022: A herd of 36 wild elephants are seen inside rice paddies close to village homes on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area runs up against cultivation areas and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. Progressive thinking in Sri Lanka on this issue states that if elephants are allowed to come into these areas once the harvest is complete, then there should be more room for coexistence. Temporary electric fences around cultivated fields is one solution but the elephants are fast learners and will colapse trees or branches on the fences in order to access the fields. As a result, most villagers have to send men to sleep in the fields closer to harvest time in order to protect the crop with firecrackers, fire and shouting. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745098-CFFFT5AN1DZ6FMUZ7VBW/AsianElies_020.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence BANDIWEWA VILLAGE, ANURDHAPURA, 3RD JULY 2022: Village men are seen as they finish erecting a section of elephant proof electric fence. The fence will be 3 and a half kilometeres long when it is completed. Ninety families live in this village close to a protected area and they have suffered elephant incursions into their fields and their home gardens for as long as they can remember. "My father spent his whole life up a tree looking out for elephants," said one man. These fences are the brain child of NGO The centre for Conservation Research, a group focused on harmonius coexistence between humans and elephants in Sri Lanka, the country with the highest rate of human elephant conflict. CCR donates the fence materials and the village pays for the concrete foundations and provides the labor. The villagers here expressed a unified sense of relief to have this fence in place. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745152-QFA9KSXAA6W2O32QBLFY/AsianElies_021.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KITHULUTHUWA VILLAGE, NORTH CENTRAL, SRI LANKA, 18 AUGUST 2021: DM Premathilaka, 69, has lived in this village for 35 years since it was founded by the Sri Lankan military in 1988 as part of a buffer zone during the country’s long civil war. A week ago, a large bull elephant pushed in the side of his house looking for fruits and vegetables. His son and neighbours chased it away with firecrackers but not before the damage was done. This is not the first time he has had to deal with elephants. Human elephant conflict is common in this area and his is the second house to be damaged this month. “First we had to deal with terrorists, now we are dealing with elelphants,” says Premathilaka. “We need a proper electric fence, but we know that will not be enough.” Sri Lanka’s wildlife authority is very good about compensation for damage caused by elephants but it takes time and can be a little less than the repairs may cost. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745032-E8DIT1MJHMG6SS1835J7/AsianElies_022.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 24 JUNE, 2022: Sumith Ranajunga, 44, survived an elephant attack 3 months ago. While on his way to his fields on a motorbike, he was suprised by an elephant that appeared just 10 meters away from him. The elephant knocked him off his bike, grabbed Sumith with his trunk, slammed him to the ground and stamped on his legs, Sumith grabbed onto the elephants leg to try to survive," When I was holding onto the elephants leg, I thought I had no chance. For years I have seen elephants, we are always dealing with them in our fields and in our village. They are always close because we are next to a lake. In the last twenty years their behavior has changed as their area has gotten smaller. " Sumith bears no ill will towards elephants, "I have always loved elephants, I have many pictures of them. If we could return the forests to the way they were, we would not have this problem. It is us who have taken from the elephants." Both of Sumith's legs are crushed and he has extensive steel plates. 6 ribs are broken and his wife Mala takes care of him. She was working as a domestic worker in Kuwait but can no longer do that. Doctors say that Sumith must wait a year before he can begin the process of trying to walk again. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745017-YM3U6D8898Y3QU6M3RZ1/AsianElies_023.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 23RD JUNE, 2022: Mrs N.A Dingiri Menika, 67, lost her husband to an elephant attack as he was riding his bicycle to his elephant watchtower over their paddyfield. This incident occured a week ago. She is seen at the site where he died. He was attacked as he arrived at his family's rice paddy field. A year earlier, Mrs Menika lost her son to an elephant attack in which both he and his friend were killed. Mrs Menika says this happens often and that there is not enough support and care from the Sri Lankan Wildlife department for poor farmers. "we do not even have fire-crackers, we need community village fences too with electricity. Only a few of us have private electric fences, they are too expensive." (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745458-E52TNMYRECESMC3VUV13/AsianElies_024.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 1st July 2022: Mr W.M Ranbanda, 63, was attacked by a wild elephant while in his vegetable fields. This is an elephant that is known to have attacked at least three other people but nothing has been done to remove the animal from the area. It attacked him in the morning and another woman in the afternoon. That woman had to be taken to a hospital far from Galgamuwa to deal with her critical condition. This is a poorer area of Galgamuwa, a agricultural area which has a very high rate of human elephant conflict. Mr Ranbanda has crushed ribs and a broken leg, despite this he says that the elephant problem is largely because humans are farming in what used to be their areas. "We need electric fences for the village but they are expensive, only certain private people can afford them. Our village fence is far from our fields so we are not protected." Mr Ranbanda's son added "If there is a dead or injured elephant, the wildlife department will come, but not for injured or dead people." There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745221-PFTHCYH83YC9EYYY24Z2/AsianElies_025.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence ALAPURA DISTRICT, KERALA, INDIA: Lakshmi Alumparambil and her husband Sreedharan mourn the loss of their daugher Sudheena to a panicked elephant in a temple festival in Kerala, 17 April 2013. Sudheena and her father were attending a festival where 7 elephants were crammed into a temple space traditionally used for three. The mahout was not paying attention and the elephant was not chained properly, it panicked in the crowd and lashed out and people stampeded, fleeing the temple. Sudheena was trapped against the wall and the elephant crushed her head. She died on the way to hospital. Her parents tell of how she loved elephants, making scrapbooks of pictures and seeing them as often as she could. She was 21 years old and was studying English Literature at the time of her death. She was 20 years old. Elephants are hired for these festivals for very large sums, no-one has been held responsible yet for this attack. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for NY Times Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745438-0KCPJKR163LUSMPXGERK/AsianElies_026.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 18TH OCTOBER 2022: A man fights for his life in Valparia General Hospital after being struck by an elephant half an hour earlier. He was walking very early in the morning, a time when elephants are around, the elephant came up behind him and the man did not see it. Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native foreest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. Anamalai Tiger reserve is not far away. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745385-ZXS0EQM1IT2D2CL49QZ8/AsianElies_027.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 17TH OCTOBER 2022: Local men check their phones for an elephant proximity warnging, a system instituted to combat human/elephant conflicts issues by local NGO Nature Conservation Foundation. Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native foreest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. Anamalai Tiger reserve is not far away. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745074-V7QEFKZXHED2SCA3517I/AsianElies_028.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 19TH OCTOBER 2022: A flashing red light is seen in an area where tea workers live, this light is one of a number of schemes local elephant NGO Nature Conservation Foundation uses to alert local people to the presence of elephants. They also utilize local television stations as well as text messaging. This is all done to try to mitigate human elephant conflict across Valparai. Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native foreest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. Anamalai Tiger reserve is not far away. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744929-4M7SJWCCH0IEYGGACDKY/AsianElies_029.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 27 JUNE, 2022: Wild elephant seen drinking water at a small lake close to village home on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area runs up against cultivation areas and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745181-TVF1I602KOAGMLZ63VWS/AsianElies_030.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 27 JUNE, 2022: Wild elephant seen drinking water at a small lake close to village home on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area runs up against cultivation areas and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744973-9HAWB2KUPCVALRZIGJCS/AsianElies_031.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 10 OCTOBER 2022: Young elephant calves learn by imitation, here they are seen inside Bandipur National Park mastering the art of throwing soil over their bodies. Researchers have established that female elephants with calves have a far lower cortisol count from stress and live more contented lives with less aggression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744898-VJSQ4NWJ66P3NJG5XXJ3/AsianElies_032.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 27 JUNE, 2022: A single female escorts multiple calves and juveniles, a phenomenon known as nursery behaviour. They are seen at drinking water at a small lake close to village home on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. This area runs up against cultivation areas and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745146-RH6UYC4RYBJ1RLHSVRNB/AsianElies_033.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 27 JUNE, 2022: Wild elephants with calves seen drinking water at a small lake close to village home on the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve. Researchers have established that females with calves have far lower cortisol levels and are significantly less stressed. This area runs up against cultivation areas and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745550-D3AK082RK9P5Q3BQPFCQ/AsianElies_034.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence HABARANA, SRI LANKA, 4TH JULY 2022: Two male elphants entertwine trunks in a bonding ritual. They are part of a bachelor herd of 12 wild male elephants from nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. These groups of young males regularly intrude into human areas and croplands. Here they are seen in Dambulla dump scavenging for fruit and vegetables that have been thrown away. Conservationists argue against this practise, saying that elephants then associate humans with food and that can be dangerous for both humans and elephants. There are also many plastics and other contaminants in this garbage and there are some fears that will bring health issues to these elephants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745533-V1JCHGG9NHAUQ8SG9KEP/AsianElies_035.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence DAMBULLA DUMP SITE, HABARANA, SRI LANKA, 4TH JULY 2022: Wild elelphants from nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are seen in Dambulla dump scavenging for fruit and vegetables that have been thrown away. This dump has existed for over ten years and elephants have been regular visitors. A number of these elephants have become residents in the area, drawn to the sweet fruits they can't get elsewhere. Conservationists argue against this practise, saying that elephants then associate humans with food and that can be dangerous for both humans and elephants. There are also many plastics and other contaminants in this garbage and there are some fears that will bring health issues to these elephants. Ironically, there is a new hotel being built at this dump site as well a a golf buggy circuit for visitor to see the elephants. This is expected to open in 2023. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745104-BVBWY3EGLWHJV4U646HD/AsianElies_036.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 17 JULY 2022: A male elephant in mhust is seen in Yala National Park. When male elephants are in this state, they are ready for breeding and spend most of their time searching for receptive females. These males are agitated and unpredicatable in this state and often aggressive as they experience sexual frustration. The tell-tale sign is the weeping of fluids from a gland behind the eye and a smell that can be identified from a long way away. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745432-2BR0VLFXVBCAK7TXW0X5/AsianElies_037.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MINERIA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 3RD JULY 2022: A small herd of female elephants and calves revisit an area where the body of a small calf lies. The calf died of malnutrition two days prior and the elephants touched it with their trunks and feet, trying to revive it. Two days later they once again revisted the scene. pausing at the body and lingering in the area. They charged the photographers vehicle multiple times before slowly walking away. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745416-LLNZTT0NXYTINPF5UG6K/AsianElies_038.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 10 OCTOBER 2022: Researchers have established that females with calves have far lower cortisol levels and are significantly less stressed. This baby calf is seen inside Bandipur National Park being swatted by another elephants tail. Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghats on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, it is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that constitutes Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) to its Northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its South, and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest. The total extent of Bandipur National Park is 872.24 sq km. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745516-VCLQ7GYHYPDHZU5NDWQ8/AsianElies_039.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 10 OCTOBER 2022: Researchers have established that females with calves have far lower cortisol levels and are significantly less stressed. This group of elphants is seen inside Bandipur National Park. Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghats on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, it is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that constitutes Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) to its Northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its South, and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest. The total extent of Bandipur National Park is 872.24 sq km. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744911-WAN7889TRLHVS8E7AIFB/AsianElies_040.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 6TH JULY 2022: A distressed female elephant visits the carcass of a dead baby elephant that died 5 days earlier as a result of malnutrition. Researchers suspect this was her calf. The female walked directly across the grassland towards this dead calf, she did not pause to eat but walked directly and paused in front of the carcass, touching it with her trunk. At first touch, she reversed backwards but then came in again and lingered around the former calf. She lingered in the area, not eating, all the while looking at the carcass. It was only when another juvenile elephant reached her and touched her repeatedly on her stomach with his trunk that she walked slowly away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745135-AAEV0ZJ6CVHRTPJDMYSU/AsianElies_041.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KABINI, KARNATAKA, 6 OCTOBER 2022: Elephant are one of the main attractions of Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary has a good population of elephants during the summer months. It also shelters wildlife such as leopard, panther, sambhar, monkeys, bison, sloth bear, spotted deer, cheetal, antelope, crocodile, panther and 250 species of birds. The sanctuary was once the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Mysore. It consists of the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park and extends into the Kabini reservoir. During the months of March, April and May many elephants can be seen in the park due to the presence of young grasses around the reservoir and the lack of water elsewhere. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745276-YNPAZ6DC8P5B1C809FUF/AsianElies_042.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KABINI, KARNATAKA, 6 OCTOBER 2022: Elephant are one of the main attractions of Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary has a good population of elephants during the summer months. It also shelters wildlife such as leopard, panther, sambhar, monkeys, bison, sloth bear, spotted deer, cheetal, antelope, crocodile, panther and 250 species of birds. The sanctuary was once the hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Mysore. It consists of the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park and extends into the Kabini reservoir. During the months of March, April and May many elephants can be seen in the park due to the presence of young grasses around the reservoir and the lack of water elsewhere. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745445-1N63LO686F9CJUMJHAZ9/AsianElies_043.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MINERIA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 3RD JULY 2022: A small herd of female elephants and calves revisit an area where the body of a small calf lies. The calf died of malnutrition two days prior and the elephants touched it with their trunks and feet, trying to revive it. Two days later they once again revisted the scene. pausing at the body and lingering in the area. They charged the photographers vehicle multiple times before slowly walking away. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745592-P0L6A58LOQ3521J15KN5/AsianElies_044.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 17 JULY 2022: An adult female elephant pushs a young calf viciously under the water at a water hole in Yala National Park. This baby lost its mother a month ago, according to elephant observers inside Yala. It is trying to attach itself to this small herd for survival but this matriarch female keeps trying to drive the youngster away. This is part of the matriarch's tough survival strategy for this herd and their own calves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745300-SKUQDT27FGI3GIUSHDSD/AsianElies_045.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 16TH OCTOBER 2022: Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native foreest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. Anamalai Tiger reserve is not far away. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744961-NOU67M896JAX7JYKUY6U/AsianElies_046.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 16TH OCTOBER 2022: Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native foreest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. Anamalai Tiger reserve is not far away. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745396-K59PQ9LIRPJTYNDXHVB4/AsianElies_047.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence VALPARAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA, 16TH OCTOBER 2022: Valparai is a huge tea-estate area that British colonialists transformed from native foreest in 1890 as a response to the Chinese hike in tea prices. There was no concession given to the presence of thousands of elephants except to kill them. Today, wild elephants can sometimes be seen in the tea-estates, eating the grass between the bushes. Anamalai Tiger reserve is not far away. This has always been an elephant area but they are forced to live in forest corridors between the tea estates and are often chased away to ensure tea worker safety. The human-elephant conflict here is a delicate issue. The tea plantations are a hindrance to the movement of wildlife, particularly elephants who walk large distances to reach water bodies and feeding areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745010-AV8XGXNNZI62Z10K0IRL/AsianElies_048.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 10TH JULY 2022: A bull male elephant is seen trying to rescue a dead female elephant lying in a water hole inside Yala National Park, it is thought that this elephant died of malnutrition related issues and collapsed inside the water hole at night. This male elephant saw the female and after initially hesitating due to the presence of the photographer’s car, he walked into the water and went directly to the dead female. He then tried to push her with his head to wake her up. When she did not respond, he became more forceful and pushed her body to a shallower section of the water hole. He tried a number of times to push her back on her feet but the corpse just rolled over. After multiple tried, the male waited around the body for a few minutes then left the waterhole. The fences inside national parks in Sri Lanka keep female elephants and younger elephants inside the parks, male elephants break the fence regularly and access other food sources, some of which are grown by humans. 60 % of Sri Lankas elephants live outside of her national parks and are generally healthier than those inside parks as they have more varied food sources. Conservationist observers in these parks state that many of the females in parks are smaller than females outside of the parks and that there is a high death rate for calves. This is supposedly linked to the malnourished females not having sufficient breast milk so the calves are dying of malnutrition. Adult females also appear to have shorter lives inside parks as well as growth issues. Electric fences are one line of defense for Sri Lanka’s human population, and they appear to work well at a village level and around fields during times of cultivation. There are questions however about the planning of fence lines around national parks and what those fences mean for elephants in terms of nutritional needs and breeding. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745186-B8KWLUY34UL8N2ZO5FUM/AsianElies_049.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 10TH JULY 2022: A bull male elephant is seen meticulously dismantling an electric fence inside Yala National Park. These large males have no problem breaking through fences but this particular male has developed a delicate technique where he does not even need to break the fence but uses the fence poles to lay the wires flat and then simply step over them. The breaking of fences by male adult elephant is a daily ritual in most parks in Sri Lanka. The fences inside national parks in Sri Lanka keep female elephants and younger elephants inside the parks, male elephants break the fence regularly and access other food sources, some of which are grown by humans. 60 % of Sri Lankas elephants live outside of her national parks and are generally healthier than those inside parks as they have more varied food sources. Conservationist observers in these parks state that many of the females in parks are smaller than females outside of the parks and that there is a higher death rate for calves. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745068-IJGZCPCJQ1E2SA30ZXDA/AsianElies_050.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 10TH JULY 2022: A bull male elephant is seen meticulously dismantling an electric fence inside Yala National Park. These large males have no problem breaking through fences but this particular male has developed a delicate technique where he does not even need to break the fence but uses the fence poles to lay the wires flat and then simply step over them. The breaking of fences by male adult elephant is a daily ritual in most parks in Sri Lanka. The fences inside national parks in Sri Lanka keep female elephants and younger elephants inside the parks, male elephants break the fence regularly and access other food sources, some of which are grown by humans. 60 % of Sri Lankas elephants live outside of her national parks and are generally healthier than those inside parks as they have more varied food sources. Conservationist observers in these parks state that many of the females in parks are smaller than females outside of the parks and that there is a higher death rate for calves. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745270-CJE8YVXQH7RYC5L2HVJD/AsianElies_051.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGAMUWA, SRI LANKA, 3 July, 2022: Wild elephant that live in the border region of the Kahalla Pallawa nature reserve are seen coming into cultivated fields of the nearby villages. This area runs up against many rice paddies, manioc and peanut farms and is a source of regular human elephant conflict. There is significant tension between local villagers and the elephants. The elephants exist in a serious of small remaining wild spaces and are often unwelcome visitors to areas where humans are living and cultivating crops. There is a great deal of human elephant conflict as a result. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745163-NP8XW86TJSEMOWRGBCW0/AsianElies_052.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 17 JULY 2022: An older male elephant walks on the beach inside Yala National Park. Apparently this male walks on the beach regularly, often in the moonlight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745464-4ICFZOKELZAAI1VEDYMX/AsianElies_053.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THAILAND, AUGUST 17 2022: Mahouts from the Anantara Golden Triangle elephant camp set up elephant puzzle boxes on the top of a hill that overlooks Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Thai elephants interact with these steel puzzle boxes. The boxes contain fruit but in order to access the fruit, the elephant must learn to open three different doors using their trunk. This project is part of the work of the Comparative Cognition Lab at Hunter College City University of New York in their ongoing efforts to better understand how Asian elephants think in order to potentially mitigate human/elephant conflict across the region. The tests are conducted on both captive and wild elephants, the main difference that has emerged is that captive elephants are less wary and cautious of the boxes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744980-I57VXUCBZLJNGM2T8HR7/AsianElies_054.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THAILAND, AUGUST 16 2022: Thai elephants interact with steel puzzle boxes strapped to trees close to the Anantara Golden Triangle elephant camp. The boxes contain fruit but in order to access the fruit, the elephant must learn to open three different doors using their trunk. This project is part of the work of the Comparative Cognition Lab at Hunter College City University of New York in their ongoing efforts to better understand how Asian elephants think in order to potentially mitigate human/elephant conflict across the region. The tests are conducted on both captive and wild elephants, the main difference that has emerged is that captive elephants are less wary and cautious of the boxes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745117-UR0A33B9YSWZM3LMNVBE/AsianElies_055.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THAILAND, AUGUST 18 2022: Thai elephants interact with steel puzzle boxes on top of a hill that overlooks Laos, Thailand and Myanmar very early in the morning. The boxes contain fruit but to access the fruit, the elephant must learn to open three different doors using their trunk. This project is part of the work of the Comparative Cognition Lab at Hunter College City University of New York in their ongoing efforts to better understand how Asian elephants think in order to potentially mitigate human/elephant conflict across the region. The tests are conducted on both captive and wild elephants, the main difference that has emerged is that captive elephants are less wary and cautious of the boxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745358-GY30JA1K5P2GNKCRXIXZ/AsianElies_056.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence SALAKPRA NATIONAL PARK, KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: Sarah Jacobson, PHD candidate from the Graduate center City University of New York, works with Thai researcher Pornpimol Kubsanit, 26, and Thai researcher Mananya Pla-ard, 29, to install a "novel object" to a tree on the border of SALAKPRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. The researchers also install video camera traps to observe how wild elephants react to these new objects in their environment. This project is part of the work of the Comparative Cognition Lab at Hunter College City University of New York in their ongoing efforts to better understand how Asian elephants think in order to potentially mitigate human/elephant conflict across the region. The tests are conducted on both captive and wild elephants, the main difference that has emerged is that captive elephants are less wary and cautious of the boxes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744942-VVFZAQBBFBE14WY5Z8OE/AsianElies_057.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence SALAKPRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A wild elephant is seen at night investigating a “novel object,” in this case a car wash brush, strapped to a tree on the border of Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary. The wild elephants are often wary of anything new in their environment, in this case, the elephant has decided the brush would make an ideal back-scratcher. This project is part of the work of the Comparative Cognition Lab at Hunter College City University of New York in their ongoing efforts to better understand how Asian elephants think in order to potentially mitigate human/elephant conflict across the region. The tests are conducted on both captive and wild elephants, the main difference that has emerged is that captive elephants are less wary and cautious of the boxes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745044-FM8H1XVAF0U7XFOI3M2W/AsianElies_058.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KANDY, SRI LANKA, 21 AUGUST 2021: Significant elephants are bathed and dressed for the Perahera. The Esala Perahera in Kandy is celebrated to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four 'guardian' Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini. It is the only Perahera in the world which is held with the participation of more than fifty elephants and tuskers adorned with ceremonial costumes, hundreds of drummers, dancers and singers. The Sinhalese term 'Perahera' means a parade of musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats and various other performers accompanied by a large number of caparisoned Tuskers and Elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th century CE, eight hundred years after the passing away of Buddha. According to tradition, the Tooth Relic was taken in procession to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala & Prince Dantha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745169-QMTVHFPTHBS3K3UGSBOI/AsianElies_059.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KANDY, SRI LANKA, 21 AUGUST 2021: The Esala Perahera in Kandy is celebrated to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four 'guardian' Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini. It is the only Perahera in the world which is held with the participation of more than fifty elephants and tuskers adorned with ceremonial costumes, hundreds of drummers, dancers and singers. The Sinhalese term 'Perahera' means a parade of musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats and various other performers accompanied by a large number of caparisoned Tuskers and Elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th century CE, eight hundred years after the passing away of Buddha. According to tradition, the Tooth Relic was taken in procession to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala & Prince Dantha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745282-K7WLOCDGTBNIWPWFWNW5/AsianElies_060.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 2, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745544-AP41YRXJWIF9DJWU6MEE/AsianElies_061.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence THRISSUR, KERALA, INDIA, 19 APRIL 2013: Mahouts clean an elephant in a private home enclosure, Thrissur, Kerala, India 19 April 2013. This elephant belongs to Sundar Menon, a fuel supply magnate who runs Sungroup international. His is one of over 50 elephants that will attend the largest elephant festival in Kerala. These 50 elephants attend this festival amidst a crowd of over 500 000 people. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in Must have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744986-EJJ6FJD3F2PE38U0RRNM/AsianElies_062.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KERALA, INDIA, 15 APRIL 2013: An elephant is delivered by truck to attend a festival in Kerala, India 15 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in mhust have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745051-KF4IB10A0O351DTGOY54/AsianElies_063.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 3, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745110-LO52XCPCAB36Q4PI82FR/AsianElies_064.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 3, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745216-IWGSVKN731S7L3QTSU01/AsianElies_065.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KERALA, INDIA, 15 APRIL 2013: Eliphants are prepared in a roadside canal to attend a religious festival in Kerala, India 15 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in mhust have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745004-RAPWKXSXCG31IXYGIDHP/AsianElies_066.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MAMUTHY TOWN, KERALA, INDIA, 14 APRIL 2013: An elephant festival at Subrimanya Temple, Mamuthy Town, Kerala, India 14 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in Must have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745335-1PKG07Y58S0LD738X0WU/AsianElies_067.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MAMUTHY TOWN, KERALA, INDIA, 14 APRIL 2013: An elephant festival at Subrimanya Temple, Mamuthy Town, Kerala, India 14 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in Must have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744923-XKBZZDZUSHUF5ZEPW6Y3/AsianElies_068.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KERALA, INDIA, 15 APRIL 2013: A vet checks to see if an elephant is in mhust before allowing it to attend a festival in Kerala, India 15 April 2013. This vet told the NY Times the elephant was safe yet told the owner in Hindi that it was in fact coming into mhust and could become aggressive with the crowd at the temple. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in mhust have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744967-CTZNJVQK3O5PLTW4HYKZ/AsianElies_069.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KERALA, INDIA, 15 APRIL 2013: An elephant walks past two nervous women on its way to attend a festival in Kerala, India 15 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in mhust have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745294-2E96T6FI9C4BA6PYNQPZ/AsianElies_070.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence PARAVOOR, KERALA, INDIA, 15 APRIL 2013: An elephant festival at Paravoor, Kerala, India 15 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in Must have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744999-DZ52NKMAKQ0V1BUGVNR0/AsianElies_071.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 4, 2022: Festival elephants are weighed at a truck weigh station to check on their well-being, this is all part of preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745347-S6G3BJ3DLOZ5G69GLANV/AsianElies_072.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 2, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745562-O1WW60O648XYYVXG8RNG/AsianElies_073.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 2, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745140-E2FC7H0UFX0PXL20G2PV/AsianElies_074.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 5, 2022: The final day of the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745579-X4GZD4WV085TBR226HX3/AsianElies_075.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 4, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745244-XX22EIA5YMS34VGPDWZT/AsianElies_076.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 4, 2022: Rehearsals and preparations for the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745330-5VU9B9YV62CREHOZ08RO/AsianElies_077.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 5, 2022: The final day of the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744892-TH5MJAISNWRCZB1FZOSA/AsianElies_078.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 5, 2022: The final day of the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744993-MP1IX1T47HNW6RR72M8O/AsianElies_079.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 5, 2022: The final day of the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158744917-QZU6AKT04SUAVK76BSIE/AsianElies_080.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence PARAVOOR, KERALA, INDIA, 19 APRIL 2013: Elephants packed very tightly into a festival at Paravoor, Kerala, India 19 April 2013. This flouts the Kerala law that states there must be 5 meters from center of each elephant to the next. These are male elephants who do not know each other and these conditions exacerbate the potential for violence. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in Must have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745256-Z6M5ITMK6LPOA6DJOWZS/AsianElies_081.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 5, 2022: The final day of the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745024-UNUO130KFA2HCQ6BIG80/AsianElies_082.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence TISSAMAHARAMA, SRI LANKA, 11 JULY 2022: Men visiting a betel nut seller standing by a mural depicting an elephant battle from the 1st century. The mural shows a scene where a Southern Sri Lankan prince battles and kills an invading South Indian king. Sri Lankans have a centuries old relationship with elephants that continues today. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745391-1VY0FPUXT3YG0BL6WKQN/AsianElies_083.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA, 12 JULY 2022: Kataragama temple complex houses a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a Mosque. Wasana, 53, is the temple tusker and he is considered the most revered and important elephant in Sri Lanka. He has led the Pera Hera in Kandy on a number of occasions and carried the sacred tooth relic. He was also born in Sri Lanka and that adds to his status amongst Sri Lankans. Wasana’s chief Mahout is Ajith Ashoka Liyanaye, who has spent 28 years with Wasana. Ajith comes from a long lineage of mahouts and his son works with him on taking care of Wasana. The elephant wears copper protection on the end of his very long tusks, he damaged them during Mhust and the copper covers are there to protect him. Wasana came to the temple at age 7 and he is originally from North Central Sri Lanka. On certain occasions, Wasana makes the temple rounds, delivering flowers to sacred sites and kneeling in front of each of them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745175-Q736KWU8ZKXLGGC73WY6/AsianElies_084.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA, 12 JULY 2022: Kataragama temple complex houses a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a Mosque. Wasana, 53, is the temple tusker and he is considered the most revered and important elephant in Sri Lanka. He has led the Pera Hera in Kandy on a number of occasions and carried the sacred tooth relic. He was also born in Sri Lanka and that adds to his status amongst Sri Lankans. Wasana’s chief Mahout is Ajith Ashoka Liyanaye, who has spent 28 years with Wasana. Ajith comes from a long lineage of mahouts and his son works with him on taking care of Wasana. The elephant wears copper protection on the end of his very long tusks, he damaged them during Mhust and the copper covers are there to protect him. Wasana came to the temple at age 7 and he is originally from North Central Sri Lanka. On certain occasions, Wasana makes the temple rounds, delivering flowers to sacred sites and kneeling in front of each of them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745227-AL2TXP0NQ8X05DKGTKWF/AsianElies_085.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA, 12 JULY 2022: Kataragama temple complex houses a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a Mosque. Wasana, 53, is the temple tusker and he is considered the most revered and important elephant in Sri Lanka. He has led the Pera Hera in Kandy on a number of occasions and carried the sacred tooth relic. He was also born in Sri Lanka and that adds to his status amongst Sri Lankans. Wasana’s chief Mahout is Ajith Ashoka Liyanaye, who has spent 28 years with Wasana. Ajith comes from a long lineage of mahouts and his son works with him on taking care of Wasana. The elephant wears copper protection on the end of his very long tusks, he damaged them during Mhust and the copper covers are there to protect him. Wasana came to the temple at age 7 and he is originally from North Central Sri Lanka. On certain occasions, Wasana makes the temple rounds, delivering flowers to sacred sites and kneeling in front of each of them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745522-THHSXALVLCC7CZ3BH6D9/AsianElies_086.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence THRISSUR, KERALA, INDIA, 19 APRIL 2013: An elephant attends a temple ceremony at Thrissur, Kerala, India 19 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in Must have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745451-HTDE79KADJEYLM3M6BLR/AsianElies_087.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA, 12 JULY 2022: Kataragama temple complex houses a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a Mosque. Wasana, 53, is the temple tusker and he is considered the most revered and important elephant in Sri Lanka. He has led the Pera Hera in Kandy on a number of occasions and carried the sacred tooth relic. He was also born in Sri Lanka and that adds to his status amongst Sri Lankans. Wasana’s chief Mahout is Ajith Ashoka Liyanaye, who has spent 28 years with Wasana. Ajith comes from a long lineage of mahouts and his son works with him on taking care of Wasana. The elephant wears copper protection on the end of his very long tusks, he damaged them during Mhust and the copper covers are there to protect him. Wasana came to the temple at age 7 and he is originally from North Central Sri Lanka. On certain occasions, Wasana makes the temple rounds, delivering flowers to sacred sites and kneeling in front of each of them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745210-6D4MWNYE4KRAXV46L1CA/AsianElies_088.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA, 12 JULY 2022: Kataragama temple complex houses a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a Mosque. Wasana, 53, is the temple tusker and he is considered the most revered and important elephant in Sri Lanka. He has led the Pera Hera in Kandy on a number of occasions and carried the sacred tooth relic. He was also born in Sri Lanka and that adds to his status amongst Sri Lankans. Wasana’s chief Mahout is Ajith Ashoka Liyanaye, who has spent 28 years with Wasana. Ajith comes from a long lineage of mahouts and his son works with him on taking care of Wasana. The elephant wears copper protection on the end of his very long tusks, he damaged them during Mhust and the copper covers are there to protect him. Wasana came to the temple at age 7 and he is originally from North Central Sri Lanka. On certain occasions, Wasana makes the temple rounds, delivering flowers to sacred sites and kneeling in front of each of them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745086-ZKREM38I21CN9Z8UZPQI/AsianElies_089.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence HAMBANTOTA, SRI LANKA, 23rd AUGUST 2021: An elephant tries to cross the highway to get to a water hole in the new development zone. A new harbor is being completed in the new development zone of Hambantota. New developments include a large hospital and a new Chinese owned harbor as well as an airport and new roads and a highway. There is however no environmental assessment plan and elephants now find themselves having to negotiate a new habitat with a greater human presence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745403-5UKHLRD9YNMCKIPCM8GQ/AsianElies_090.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGE, BUFFER ZONE YALA NATIONAL PARK, 13TH JULY 2022: Begging elephants are seen regularly in this area, one of the main reasons is that there a few temple complexes nearby and pilgrims fed the elephants they saw crossing the roads. Nowadays, elephants actively block the road to extort food and fruit from motorists. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745585-X5XY19CMZDAWVWH3GDC3/AsianElies_091.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence BUTTALA GALGE, SRI LANKA, 22ND AUGUST 2021: Scenes of begging elephants from a nearby national park who have learnt to come to the roadside and beg for fruit and vegetables from passing motorists. This has taught elephants behavior that can be dangerous for them and also for motorists. The elephants have been known to block the road and lean on vehicles as they look for food from travelers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745192-FRJTVLY50R89ABY0Q3M7/AsianElies_092.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence GALGE, BUFFER ZONE YALA NATIONAL PARK, 15TH JULY 2022: A pregnant female elephant is seeing begging by the roadside close to Yala National Park. It is unusual to see females doing this, it is usually only the males who will come out of the park to do this. The female is likely to have crossed the electric fence after a male elephant pushed it over. Elephant observers say that many of the females and young elephants within Sri Lanka's parks are not eating a sufficiently diverse and nutritious enough diet, elephants found outside of parks appear to be healthier as they have access to more diverse foods. Begging elephants are seen regularly in this area, one of the main reasons is that there a few temple complexes nearby and pilgrims fed the elephants they saw crossing the roads. Nowadays, elephants actively block the road to extort food and fruit from motorists. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158745491-5579S6N7AGS3FNOTVSIG/AsianElies_093.jpg Asian Elephants - Culture, Conflict and Co-existence DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 21st OCTOBER 2022: Dubare is one of the larger elephant camps in India, a place where captured elephants are brought and kept. Elephant orphans from the wild are brought to these camps as well as elephants from Human/Elephant conflict incidents. Some of the elephants here are trained to be capture elephants, meaning they will deploy as a team to capture rogue elephants who are perceived to be dangerous to humans or destructive to property. These camps also play a lucrative role in tourism, with thousands of visitors streaming in to see the elephants. Dubare is also the place where the key elephants for the Mysore Dasara festival are housed. Dubare has seen 7 new elephant captures in the last 5 years, there are new camps in the area to accommodate the numbers and the rise in tourism. There is some worry amongst elephant activists that the decision to capture is gaining commercial impetus. Many of the older, experienced mahouts have also passed away in recent years, Covid is behind some of that. As a result, some level of wisdom has been lost and some of the deeper relationships between man and elephant have been lost too. A captured elephant requires breaking in, a brutal process in which they are kept in a huge stockade until they grow used to humans and acquiesce to their new lives. That new elephant will have two mahouts, a master, and his apprentice. This means two families will receive an income because of that elephant. These elephants are the property of the forest department of Karnataka. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/covid19-and-the-navajo-nation daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521553-IJE8CYIF1K11XO2B0AI3/Navajocovid_001.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation The Navajo experienced one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in America. High rates of diabetes, obesity, poor infrastructure on the reserve and remote living without electricity combined with a lack of rapid response from the tribal council caused this. Individual Navajo responded by fundraising and delivering aid. Many Navajo also embraced traditional medicine used during the 1918 Influenza epidemic - First Image: FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: Shannonlynn Chester weeps during a cleansing ceremony she performs every day. She runs Dine’ Healers relief, an aid group that brings food, medicine and traditional medicine to over 40 traditional medicine healers across the Navajo Nation. These people are the wisdom keepers of the Navajo and Shannonlynn grew up in this tradition. She sees her job as safeguarding the legacy of her people. Most are elderly and vulnerable and many live in areas without running water or electricity. Many do not have transport. Shannon uses her own car to make these deliveries and works 7 days a week on this cause. She fundraises through Gofundme. Shannonlynn also works with Kilani Mutual Aid, where she deals with vulnerable homeless issues in Flagstaff, providing meals, information on Covid-19, washing stations, toilets and food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521654-OB6QSXDF2AFM2SCONO11/Navajocovid_002.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation TUBA CITY, ARIZONA: Michael Begay is the director of the Valley Ridge Mortuary in Tuba City on the Navajo Reservation. He Is also the funeral director. Michael says that death toll for the last 4 months is over 370, of which at least 60% are Covid related. The normal death total for the entire year is just over 200. He is seen standing in the Covid-19 section of the Tuba City cemetery, a number of his friends are already buried here. Michael adds that many of the Navajo suffer from conditions such as diabetes which makes them that much more vulnerable. He is fearful that the hard winter will bring more suffering to his people https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521575-CD64WLI4Z4PK4WOUGXJR/Navajocovid_003.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation KAYENTA, ARIZONA: A Navajo family with two Covid-19 cases is seen through their window. Helena Smith and her eldest son Jace are positive and are isolating at this time. Her partner Johnny Nez and their youngest son son are negative but they all live in the house together. They are drinking a traditional Navajo medicine for immunity passed on from Jones Benally, a legendary local medicine man who’s grandmother passed on the medicine they used in the 1918 Influenza pandemic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521693-HSXDQG5UVRPHVNZXS1SU/Navajocovid_004.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: The Benally family is well known on the Navajo reservation. The patriarch Jones Benally is a legendary medicine man, his daughter Jeneda and his son Clayson are also practitioners. They have a music band together called Sihasin, which is Navajo for “hope” They are seen doing an Instagram fundraiser for Covid-19 in their backyard. Jones is close to 90 so the family is socially isolating at this time. The band has played in many fundraisers for Covid victims and continues to be a mouthpiece for the Navajo nation. Jones and Jeneda regularly collect and prepare traditional medicine for Covid patients, utilizing techniques that derived from the ways the Navajo survived the 1918 Influenza pandemic. Jeneda and Clayson are both teaching their children the traditional life of the Navajo and ensuring their traditions are passed on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521715-VUU0EXTESGE8H3I5Y80T/Navajocovid_005.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: The Benally family is well known on the Navajo reservation. The patriarch Jones Benally is a legendary medicine man, his daughter Jeneda and his son Clayson are also practitioners. They have a music band together called Sihasin, which is Navajo for “hope”. Jones and Jeneda regularly collect and prepare traditional medicine for Covid patients, utilizing techniques that derived from the ways the Navajo survived the 1918 Influenza pandemic. Jeneda and Clayson are both teaching their children the traditional life of the Navajo and ensuring their traditions are passed on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521595-8RCO111SJK5RKM3J06YO/Navajocovid_006.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: The Benally family is well known on the Navajo reservation. The patriarch Jones Benally is a legendary medicine man, his daughter Jeneda and his son Clayson are also practitioners. They have a music band together called Sihasin, which is Navajo for “hope”. Jones and Jeneda regularly collect and prepare traditional medicine for Covid patients, utilizing techniques that derived from the ways the Navajo survived the 1918 Influenza pandemic. Jeneda and Clayson are both teaching their children the traditional life of the Navajo and ensuring their traditions are passed on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521589-EE14TEG6GIHIQ1PGCR42/Navajocovid_007.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation CHINDLE, ARIZONA: Tishawna Spencer, 26 and Kieren Begay, 25, have been working with relief organization Navajo Hopi Solidarity for 4 months. This organization was formed by former attorney general of the Navajo Nation, Ethel Branch. Utilizing volunteers from Charter houses, the organization has serviced over 5000 families across the reservation and is the largest of its kind. They prioritize the elderly and the most vulnerable, utilizing people all over the reservation to delivers food to vulnerable families and has built a relationship with Airserve to get food to remote and difficult to access areas. The teams on the ground deliver food with strict safety protocols and in the last 4 months no member has contracted Covid-19. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521687-VUUGJKLDGT6XPC543ASO/Navajocovid_008.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation KAYENTA, ARIZONA: Clayson Benally uses traditional Navajo medicine to dress a dog-bite wound on Johnny Nez, a local IT engineer. Clayson is using the membrane from inside an egg as dressing. He is wearing PPE because Johnny’s family is isolating as his wife and eldest son are Covid Positive. Johnny lives in the house with them. Clayson Benally also delivered a traditional Navajo medicine for immunity to Johnny Nez’s family. This is medicine passed on from Jones Benally, a legendary medicine man who’s grandmother passed on the medicine the Navajo used in the 1918 Influenza pandemic. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for the Gates Foundation.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521649-TIVMA0GH6O5SKU2INDDR/Navajocovid_009.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation CAMERON, ARIZONA: A structure close to the highway with images from local artist Chip Thomas depicting mask awareness in the time of Covid-19 on the Navajo reservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521628-PDJD6O3V3J0GOQ6SUJFL/Navajocovid_010.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation NAVAJO NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA: Wayne Wilson and his son Shelvin bring water and food to very vulnerable people without transport all over the Navajo reservation. Many parts of the reservation don’t have access to water where they live so Wayne tries to service the most vulnerable families in those areas. He created a small Gofundme page and secured the service of a donor vehicle and water tank. He also donates water barrels and food if needed. So far he has helped over 100 families and drives an average of 400 miles every time he does a delivery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521634-2HLNTSL4USCSQACYJXBH/Navajocovid_011.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521641-FF10RV0ND1QQCUBXFE83/Navajocovid_012.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation GRAY MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA: Gray Mountain Horse Rescue is an organization that attempts to safeguard wild horses across the Navajo Nation during this time of Covid-19 and beyond. These horses are a strong symbol for the Navajo but Covid-19 has made people more desperate. Large numbers of these horses have been illegally captured and sold to Mexican slaughterhouses for $100 each. Larger numbers of these horses are also dying from the severe water shortage in the region. Recently, over 200 horses were found dead in one small area when a water hole dried up. Paul and Glenda Lincoln and Courtney and Tuff Preston bring water to these horses and take care of sick or hurt animals. On this day, they rescued a young foal rejected by its mother and chased from the herd by the stallion. They will raise the foal safely and find it a new home. To the people of Gray Mountain rescue, there is no Navajo without these wild horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521615-NOLARXCT3HN4WS0BWOC6/Navajocovid_013.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation GRAY MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA: Gray Mountain Horse Rescue is an organization that attempts to safeguard wild horses across the Navajo Nation during this time of Covid-19 and beyond. These horses are a strong symbol for the Navajo but Covid-19 has made people more desperate. Large numbers of these horses have been illegally captured and sold to Mexican slaughterhouses for $100 each. Larger numbers of these horses are also dying from the severe water shortage in the region. Recently, over 200 horses were found dead in one small area when a water hole dried up. Paul and Glenda Lincoln and Courtney and Tuff Preston bring water to these horses and take care of sick or hurt animals. On this day, they rescued a young foal rejected by its mother and chased from the herd by the stallion. They will raise the foal safely and find it a new home. To the people of Gray Mountain rescue, there is no Navajo without these wild horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521667-PKJ29DPDNJ0QO3U678RO/Navajocovid_014.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation GRAY MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA: Gray Mountain Horse Rescue is an organization that attempts to safeguard wild horses across the Navajo Nation during this time of Covid-19 and beyond. These horses are a strong symbol for the Navajo but Covid-19 has made people more desperate. Large numbers of these horses have been illegally captured and sold to Mexican slaughterhouses for $100 each. Larger numbers of these horses are also dying from the severe water shortage in the region. Recently, over 200 horses were found dead in one small area when a water hole dried up. Paul and Glenda Lincoln and Courtney and Tuff Preston bring water to these horses and take care of sick or hurt animals. On this day, they rescued a young foal rejected by its mother and chased from the herd by the stallion. They will raise the foal safely and find it a new home. To the people of Gray Mountain rescue, there is no Navajo without these wild horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521608-C4DW339FQHP1WZRT5PTU/Navajocovid_015.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation GRAY MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA: Gray Mountain Horse Rescue is an organization that attempts to safeguard wild horses across the Navajo Nation during this time of Covid-19 and beyond. These horses are a strong symbol for the Navajo but Covid-19 has made people more desperate. Large numbers of these horses have been illegally captured and sold to Mexican slaughterhouses for $100 each. Larger numbers of these horses are also dying from the severe water shortage in the region. Recently, over 200 horses were found dead in one small area when a water hole dried up. Paul and Glenda Lincoln and Courtney and Tuff Preston bring water to these horses and take care of sick or hurt animals. On this day, they rescued a young foal rejected by its mother and chased from the herd by the stallion. They will raise the foal safely and find it a new home. To the people of Gray Mountain rescue, there is no Navajo without these wild horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521602-ZBB3ZBXWCGAFQTHIW5OZ/Navajocovid_016.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation GRAY MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA: Gray Mountain Horse Rescue is an organization that attempts to safeguard wild horses across the Navajo Nation during this time of Covid-19 and beyond. These horses are a strong symbol for the Navajo but Covid-19 has made people more desperate. Large numbers of these horses have been illegally captured and sold to Mexican slaughterhouses for $100 each. Larger numbers of these horses are also dying from the severe water shortage in the region. Recently, over 200 horses were found dead in one small area when a water hole dried up. Paul and Glenda Lincoln and Courtney and Tuff Preston bring water to these horses and take care of sick or hurt animals. On this day, they rescued a young foal rejected by its mother and chased from the herd by the stallion. They will raise the foal safely and find it a new home. To the people of Gray Mountain rescue, there is no Navajo without these wild horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521622-ZXWF2L8LJO9GC2OURO9J/Navajocovid_017.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: Dyatihi Benally,13, and her mother Jeneda watch a Zoom session in which the Navajo language is taught to a small group. There is very little online learning available on the Navajo Nation at this time. Even the most prosperous schools do not yet offer this service most of America now takes for granted. Many areas of the reservation do not have running water or electricity and most of the families do not have computers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521701-0VSJI3IFPK6U7OB3S6JE/Navajocovid_018.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation CAMERON, ARIZONA: Michelle Webster and her husband usually survive through odd jobs, she sews and cleans and he fixes cars and does carpentry. Covid-19 has ended those opportunities and Michelle now attempts to scrape some money together by making masks. They have 6 children, one of whom is a daughter with a compromised immune system. As a result they are extra careful not to contract the virus and bring it home to her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521723-4MPJMFIUIG157L2GP5UE/Navajocovid_019.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: Shannonlynn Chester runs Dine’ Healers relief, an aid group that brings food, medicine and traditional medicine to over 40 traditional medicine healers across the Navajo Nation. These people are the wisdom keepers of the Navajo and Shannonlynn grew up in this tradition. She sees her job as safeguarding the legacy of her people. Most are elderly and vulnerable and many live in areas without running water or electricity. Many do not have transport. Shannon uses her own car to make these deliveries and works 7 days a week on this cause. She fundraises through Gofundme. Shannonlynn also works with Kilani Mutual Aid, where she deals with vulnerable homeless issues in Flagstaff, providing meals, information on Covid-19, washing stations, toilets and food. Every day Shannonlynn does a cleansing ceremony close to Sacred Mountain on the outskirts of Flagstaff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521567-3ZWNT8LYPHAEZ3NQG9FA/Navajocovid_020.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: Shannonlynn Chester runs Dine’ Healers relief, an aid group that brings food, medicine and traditional medicine to over 40 traditional medicine healers across the Navajo Nation. These people are the wisdom keepers of the Navajo and Shannonlynn grew up in this tradition. She sees her job as safeguarding the legacy of her people. Most are elderly and vulnerable and many live in areas without running water or electricity. Many do not have transport. Shannon uses her own car to make these deliveries and works 7 days a week on this cause. She fundraises through Gofundme. Shannonlynn also works with Kilani Mutual Aid, where she deals with vulnerable homeless issues in Flagstaff, providing meals, information on Covid-19, washing stations, toilets and food. Every day Shannonlynn does a cleansing ceremony close to Sacred Mountain on the outskirts of Flagstaff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521583-F4NKI86RQQWZXRPXLIDA/Navajocovid_021.5.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: Homeless Navajo are amongst the most vulnerable to Covid-19, living in close proximity to each other, sharing alcohol and drugs. They are also often not educated on the necessary precautions and have more pre-existing conditions to contend with as a result of their lifestyle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521708-QECYWNSEBYVWPS004STR/Navajocovid_021.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation TUBA CITY AREA, ARIZONA: Shannonlynn Chester runs Dine’ Healers relief, an aid group that brings food, medicine and traditional medicine to over 40 traditional medicine healers across the Navajo Nation. These people are the wisdom keepers of the Navajo and Shannonlynn grew up in this tradition. She sees her job as safeguarding the legacy of her people. Most are elderly and vulnerable and many live in areas without running water or electricity. Many do not have transport. Shannon uses her own car to make these deliveries and works 7 days a week on this cause. She fundraises through Gofundme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521680-KRF0BWJT87VFNV3OYX1R/Navajocovid_022.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation TUBA CITY AREA, ARIZONA: Shannonlynn Chester runs Dine’ Healers relief, an aid group that brings food, medicine and traditional medicine to over 40 traditional medicine healers across the Navajo Nation. These people are the wisdom keepers of the Navajo and Shannonlynn grew up in this tradition. She sees her job as safeguarding the legacy of her people. Most are elderly and vulnerable and many live in areas without running water or electricity. Many do not have transport. Shannon uses her own car to make these deliveries and works 7 days a week on this cause. She fundraises through Gofundme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521673-VSNHVI833A60E20IF8XW/Navajocovid_023.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation TUBA CITY AREA, ARIZONA: Shannonlynn Chester runs Dine’ Healers relief, an aid group that brings food, medicine and traditional medicine to over 40 traditional medicine healers across the Navajo Nation. These people are the wisdom keepers of the Navajo and Shannonlynn grew up in this tradition. She sees her job as safeguarding the legacy of her people. Most are elderly and vulnerable and many live in areas without running water or electricity. Many do not have transport. Shannon uses her own car to make these deliveries and works 7 days a week on this cause. She fundraises through Gofundme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521560-ASCF5YT5I98DK7Y0D83I/Navajocovid_024.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation CHINDLE, ARIZONA: Tishawna Spencer, 26 and Kieren Begay, 25, have been working with relief organization Navajo Hopi Solidarity for 4 months. This organization was formed by former attorney general of the Navajo Nation, Ethel Branch. Utilizing volunteers from Charter houses, the organization has serviced over 5000 families across the reservation and is the largest of its kind. They prioritize the elderly and the most vulnerable, utilizing people all over the reservation to delivers food to vulnerable families and has built a relationship with Airserve to get food to remote and difficult to access areas. The teams on the ground deliver food with strict safety protocols and in the last 4 months no member has contracted Covid-19. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158521661-DZOU3STMAZOT4N6B98RN/Navajocovid_025.jpg Covid-19 and the Navajo Nation CHINDLE, ARIZONA: Tishawna Spencer, 26 and Kieren Begay, 25, have been working with relief organization Navajo Hopi Solidarity for 4 months. This organization was formed by former attorney general of the Navajo Nation, Ethel Branch. Utilizing volunteers from Charter houses, the organization has serviced over 5000 families across the reservation and is the largest of its kind. They prioritize the elderly and the most vulnerable, utilizing people all over the reservation to delivers food to vulnerable families and has built a relationship with Airserve to get food to remote and difficult to access areas. The teams on the ground deliver food with strict safety protocols and in the last 4 months no member has contracted Covid-19. https://www.brentstirton.com/ivory-wars daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503601-TRA7R9IBWH500HLNVKW4/IvoryWars_001.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 6 JANUARY 2015: A view of the largest herd of elephants in Zakouma National Park, around 400 elephants all moving towards drinking water close to the headquarters of the park. These herds used to be as large as 1000 animals all moving together, severe poaching over the last decade saw that number decimated and now only around 20% of the number remains. Figures of 4300 elephants in 2002 were reduced to 450 in a 2011 survey. Since 2011 however there has been control over poaching and there has not been a single elephant poached in the last 2 years. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a strong supporter of the park and Zakouma is on the upsurge in terms of its elephant population once again. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503521-C86CVW12WO04RZ63NNUM/IvoryWars_019.jpg Ivory and Terrorism OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 18 NOVEMBER 2014: Recent Lord's Resistance Army defector, Michael Onen, photographed at the African Union Ugandan Army base at Obo, Central African Republic. Onen defected after spending 16 years in the LRA after being abducted as a child and taken far from his home village in the DR Congo. The scars on his back are as a result of beatings he received from his LRA captors. He defected on 11 September 2014 as he feared for his life after Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, disaproved of a relationship he has with a woman in the LRA. The Ugandan contingent as well as the Africom American personel based here are focused on the apprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. In recent times the LRA has turned its focus to Ivory as a means of income. This is having a devastating effect on elephant populations everywhere they operate. Michael Onen was part of the poaching team operating in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2012 this team killed 21 elephants, in 2014 they killed 26 elephants in Garamba. These tusks are currently in transit to Darfur, where the notorious leader of the LRA, Joseph Kony has ordered them to be brought. They will be carried by 3 separate groups for security, all moving in different directions. Michael Onen says that once in Darfur, these tusks will be sold to the Sudanese Army and transported to Khartoum from where they will make their way to China. Profits from the ivory will be used by the LRA for arms and resupply. Michael Onen was abducted by the LRA in 1998 while still a child, he was pressed into service by the terror group. He says that Kony lives by instilling fear in his fighters, resocializing children into killers who do his bidding. That bidding now includes the killing of elephants as well as people. (Photo by Bren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503407-IEWJ2B8UVLMB0W62I5AN/IvoryWars_020.jpg Ivory and Terrorism OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 18 NOVEMBER 2014: Recent Lord's Resistance Army defector, Michael Onen, photographed at the African Union Ugandan Army base at Obo, Central African Republic. Onen defected after spending 16 years in the LRA after being abducted as a child and taken far from his home village in the DR Congo. The scars on his back are as a result of beatings he received from his LRA captors. He defected on 11 September 2014 as he feared for his life after Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, disaproved of a relationship he has with a woman in the LRA. The Ugandan contingent as well as the Africom American personel based here are focused on the apprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. In recent times the LRA has turned its focus to Ivory as a means of income. This is having a devastating effect on elephant populations everywhere they operate. Michael Onen was part of the poaching team operating in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2012 this team killed 21 elephants, in 2014 they killed 26 elephants in Garamba. These tusks are currently in transit to Darfur, where the notorious leader of the LRA, Joseph Kony has ordered them to be brought. They will be carried by 3 separate groups for security, all moving in different directions. Michael Onen says that once in Darfur, these tusks will be sold to the Sudanese Army and transported to Khartoum from where they will make their way to China. Profits from the ivory will be used by the LRA for arms and resupply. Michael Onen was abducted by the LRA in 1998 while still a child, he was pressed into service by the terror group. He says that Kony lives by instilling fear in his fighters, resocializing children into killers who do his bidding. That bidding now includes the killing of elephants as well as people. (Photo by Bren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503502-QRM3FYF52UP5MR7VE9MI/IvoryWars_022.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GULU, UGANDA, 20 NOVEMBER 2014: Caesar Ochelo, former Intelligence chief for the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious terror group that has spread chaos amongst the populations of Uganda, DR Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan since the eighties. Caesar claims he was abducted by the LRA and spent 25 years with them. Most experts agree that he joined voluntarily and he is credited with orchestrating many of the worst attrocities comitted by the LRA. Caesar was captured in 2012 but claims he was thinking of defecting. He now lives in Gulu, scene of many LRA attacks under an amnesty. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503490-2UKPN7D9DMOER6RTGM2A/IvoryWars_023.jpg Ivory and Terrorism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503476-K5D6DF6P418BNJT18AO8/IvoryWars_005.jpg Ivory and Terrorism NZARA, SOUTH SUDAN, 17 NOVEMBER 2014: Michael Oryem, 29, is a former Lord's Resistance Army fighter who was involved in the poaching of Ivory in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a former base of operations for the LRA and a major source of financing for the notorious group. Oryem was abducted by the group when he was 9 and lived with them for over 17 years in the wild. He was made a commander in the group at the age of 12. The LRA is infamous for the killing and abduction of thousands of civilians across multiple countries. He defected and is now a member of the Ugandan Army, UPDF, African Union force hunting the LRA. he is seen with 2 of six pieces of ivory which he hid and then led the Ugandan forces to inside the border region of the Central African Republic. He claims that the LRA killed many elephants in Garamba and he was ordered by Joseph Kony, the groups notorious leader, to bring the ivory to him in Darfur, South Sudan. Ivory is now a real means of financing for the LRA, it is used for both food and weapons supplies and is traded to the Sudanese Army who transports it north to Khartoum. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503564-3IW2TZ8DQT313LSUSH5M/IvoryWars_021.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GULU, UGANDA, 21 NOVEMBER 2014: Margret Acino, 32, was attacked by members of the Lord’s Resistance Army when she was 23 and 9 months pregnant. Her lips, ears and nose were cut off and her breasts were hacked by a group of LRA men. Margret and a small group of villagers had gone to the fields for crops when they found themselves surrounded by the infamous rebels. They were taken quickly to an area outside of Gulu where the men accused them of informing on the LRA to the Ugandan Army. Two men and a child were then immediately killed with the hoes they had been carrying for farming. The commander of the rebels accused them again, confronting Margaret and accusing her of being the wife of a soldier. Her husband was in fact a simple farmer. The LRA commander then killed another women in front of her. He said this must be the truth or how could she be so confident in talking with them. He then said he would teach her not to inform ever again. He ordered his men, mostly young teenagers, to produce a razor blade. They hesitated and the commander then threatened his own men, one of them produced a razor blade and they were ordered to cut off Margret’s lips, ears and nose, a practice that was becoming an LRA trademark at the time. When the men were finished, Margret was released and told to run. She passed out from loss of blood shortly thereafter and when she revived she found a man with a bicycle who took her to an IDP. She was in surgery for 2 days, her baby was born via an emergency caesarian and Margret then lapsed into a coma for 5 days. She has had 7 surgeries since to try to repair her ravaged face. The LRA commander who ordered this brutality subsequently defected and was given amnesty. Margaret saw him at a World Vision camp and became hysterical, telling people he was the one behind her tragedy. He was moved from the camp but not prosecuted. Margret has subsequently forgiven him, saying that it is easier to live with things this way. Her husband was less suppo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503809-Q19NVW2JPEZ1K2XSFDTN/IvoryWars_024.jpg Ivory and Terrorism OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 16 NOVEMBER 2014: Members of the dog tracking team of the Ugandan Army African Union force at their home made gym at the UPDF encampment in Obo, Central African Republic. The UPDF force is focused on ending the terror campaigns of the notorious Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the terror organization led by Joseph Kony. Kony and his men have killed and abducted thousands of people across the region over the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503577-5YM43TMNA2IXR3IN9B7Y/IvoryWars_006.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 12 NOVEMBER 2014: ICCN Ranger officer Mambo inside the ivory storage locker at Garamba National Park in the DR Congo. This ivory is the prize that notorious rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, comes looking for in Garamba. Killing elephants for their ivory is an order direct from the LRA's sociopathic leader Joseph Kony, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against Humanity. Rangers in Garamba find themselves up against a heavily armed LRA in their battle to save Garamba's elephant. As pressure has increased on Kony, the LRA has turned to Ivory as one means of sustaining themselves in their decades long bush war against the civilians of Uganda, Congo and the South Sudan/CAR region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503796-UU8CTPXC7C4EMHHJ5KT7/IvoryWars_025.jpg Ivory and Terrorism OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 24 NOVEMBER 2014: Scenes from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Obo, Central African Republic. These men pictured are all former LRA soldiers, abductees who were forced to fight for Joseph Kony's terror movement for many years. These men have all defected, from over 3 years ago to as recently as one week ago. Now they fight for the Ugandan Army African Union force alingned against Kony and his LRA movement. The Ugandan contingent as well as the Africom American personel based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503359-O7XS32F1QE72B7SX469N/IvoryWars_007.jpg Ivory and Terrorism OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 23 NOVEMBER 2014: A UPDF Ugandan Army African Union soldier holds a digital copy of a dairy from former Lord's Resistance Army Brigadier General Vincent Binany Okumu. Okumu was in charge of the LRA's ivory hunting campaign and this diary page, written in the Acholi language, details an order from Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, for Okumu to bring him 100 tusks. The Lord's Resistance Army has increasingly looked to ivory as a means of trade for weapons and resupply. The ivory is poached in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and taken by various LRA groups to Kony's location in the border area of Darfur in Sudan. In 2012 Vincent Okumu transported a documented 42 tusks to Darfur from Garamba and recent LRA defectors have repeatedly confirmed that another 52 are in transit to Darfur at this time. Vincent Okumu was killed in a Ugandan Army ambush in Central African Republic in 2013, this diary was recovered and translated, providing conclusive proof of the LRA's increasing reliance on Ivory as a means of financing their terror movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503509-8TNXYJV7CRBXJ0DT31F6/IvoryWars_026.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers on patrol from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. Soldiers are seen crossing a river, a technique they have perfected with ropes despite the fact that many of the men cannot swim. Captain (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503879-U9DBTT6RLAIL7MVMG0US/IvoryWars_008.jpg Ivory and Terrorism Border Region Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, 20 March 2015: Ugandan forensics experts exhume the body of Lt General Okot Odhiambo, number two in command of the Lord's Resistance Army. Odhiambo was long known as Jospeh Kony's enforcer, Kony appointed Odhiambo as the head of his Ivory campaign, a major source of funding for the LRA out of the DRC's Garamba National Park. He was shot and critically wounded by Ugandan forces while returning from an Ivory hunt in the Park. Defectors from his group say he died a few weeks later from his wounds. Odhiambo's death is seen as a significant weakening of the LRA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503854-L31ZOXW4AT9PB5BZNORO/IvoryWars_027.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers on patrol from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. Soldiers are seen crossing a river, a technique they have perfected with ropes despite the fact that many of the men cannot swim. Captain (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503607-H4QH4ZD3RVQ77DMYJDYT/IvoryWars_009.jpg Ivory and Terrorism OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 16 NOVEMBER 2014: Laren Poole, operations officer for the Bridgeway Foundation, a foundation dedicated to the end of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious terror organization led by Joseph Kony, airdrops thousands of postcards over the LRA area of C.A.R with a message to the fighters to come home and they will be treated well. Kony and his men have killed and abducted thousands of people over the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503835-JSROEZO0MAWZDXB7WG8Q/IvoryWars_028.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers on patrol from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. Soldiers are seen crossing a river, a technique they have perfected with ropes despite the fact that many of the men cannot swim. Captain (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503469-QTM1JLMKNLLY6YOQ5PS7/IvoryWars_010.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 10 NOVEMBER 2014: Long time Africa Parks conservation Ranger Kumboyo Kobango Dieudo Onme, 62, is seen with his son Genekpio inside a damaged store room at the Park HQ for Garamba National Park. On 22 December 2008 Genekpio was abducted by notorious rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, from his local village in Nagero, close to the Park. The LRA is notorious for these abductions, taking women and girls as cooks and sex slaves and young men and boys as porters and reinforcement fighters. The LRA took Genekpio and others and moved toward the Central African Republic, South Sudan border area. He saw the LRA attack another two villages in this time, killing multiple innocents and abducting 4 more children. He was also beaten on a daily basis and forced to watch the execution of other abductees as a lesson to the others not to try to escape. After 4 months, this LRA group was attacked by a force from the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force, UPDF. Genekpio was wounded 3 times in the leg in this attack but ultimately was rescued by the UPDF and returned to his family in Nagero. His Ranger father has had regular contacts with the LRA as they poach ivory in Garamba National Park and is still very angry about the abduction of his son. "It is better if they had taken me, I would have died to protect my son. Now I search for LRA on every patrol. If I see them they must die." This is an increasing issue for conservation's protectors as they find they are increasingly not only protecting wild areas and animal but also local populations for rebel groups acting with impunity in their areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503822-O0AM7JAQTULKV4J1B3X6/IvoryWars_029.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503448-3WSELFJWG509T60LR2GL/IvoryWars_011.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 10 NOVEMBER 2014: Long time Africa Parks conservation Ranger Kumboyo Kobango Dieudo Onme, 62, is seen with his son Genekpio inside a damaged store room at the Park HQ for Garamba National Park. On 22 December 2008 Genekpio was abducted by notorious rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, from his local village in Nagero, close to the Park. The LRA is notorious for these abductions, taking women and girls as cooks and sex slaves and young men and boys as porters and reinforcement fighters. The LRA took Genekpio and others and moved toward the Central African Republic, South Sudan border area. He saw the LRA attack another two villages in this time, killing multiple innocents and abducting 4 more children. He was also beaten on a daily basis and forced to watch the execution of other abductees as a lesson to the others not to try to escape. After 4 months, this LRA group was attacked by a force from the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force, UPDF. Genekpio was wounded 3 times in the leg in this attack but ultimately was rescued by the UPDF and returned to his family in Nagero. His Ranger father has had regular contacts with the LRA as they poach ivory in Garamba National Park and is still very angry about the abduction of his son. "It is better if they had taken me, I would have died to protect my son. Now I search for LRA on every patrol. If I see them they must die." This is an increasing issue for conservation's protectors as they find they are increasingly not only protecting wild areas and animal but also local populations for rebel groups acting with impunity in their areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503533-TQX7JDBVPTMPE1GU72YD/IvoryWars_030.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503428-DGOBOR31Z6D6WBBS0V80/IvoryWars_012.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 12 NOVEMBER 2014: ICCN Ranger widow Lucienne Alebhako Lanziwa is photographed at her sparse home in Garamba National Park, DR Congo. Lucienne, 41, lost her husband, an officer in the ICCN conservation rangers of Garamba, to a brutal LRA attack on the Ranger HQ on January 2, 2009. The attack occured around 4pm, with the LRA arriving in force and indiscriminately gunning down park personel. Lucienne's husband, Atolobako Vukoyo, was arrested by the LRA while wounded and, along with other abductees, taken to one of their camps a short distance away. The LRA questioned the abductees, repeatedly asking who were the children of Rangers and who were Rangers. They complained bitterly that the Rangers made their poaching work difficult in the park. The LRA took Lucienne's husband to make an example of him. They beat him to death in front of the abductees but tortured him severely first. When the other rangers and UPDF troops were able to find the LRA camp, they found only enough pieces of Lucienne's husband to fit in a small child's coffin. Lucienne was left with five children, including a new born baby and no income. A one off compensation payment of $400 was taken entirely by her husband's family and nothing given to her as his wife and the mother of his 5 children. Only recently have the ICCN spoken to her about a compensation salary of $10 a month. Considering it takes over $100 a year to educate one child, Lucienne has no alternative but a pitiful subsistence existence for her and her children. Lucienne's husband was not the only Ranger killed in the attack. This is only one example of how dangerous it is for so many in the frontline of conservation, an area where more and more Rangers are finding themselves not only combatting subsistence poachers but also heavily armed paramilitary and rebel groups as well as the militaries of various surrounding countries. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Nati https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503802-6DZQ2UW44R6CGDBW1XC8/IvoryWars_031.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 16 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503660-E2GDIRDABFET2K8CHNT3/IvoryWars_013.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 12 NOVEMBER 2014: Scenes flying over Garamba National Park, DR Congo. The park is a vast area and is difficult terrain to police for a small force of ICCN rangers. The area to the West is the Azzande hunting concession and the preferred route of the LRA into Garamba. There are a number of river crossings and a high number of swamps, all contributing to the difficulty of policing Garamba against a seasoned forced like the LRA, who are used to the bush and toughened by years of living in these conditions. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503394-6DPD8OOZVTT4N3JPIWVG/IvoryWars_032.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503570-IN050ISRPJJFS3HTWSBI/IvoryWars_014.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 12 NOVEMBER 2014: ICCN Rangers combine with a Congolese Army platoon for a 21 day mission inside Garamba National Park in the DR Congo. they are on the lookout for poachers, in particular the notorious Lords Resistance Army, the LRA. These poachers are looking for Garamba's elephants. Their ivory is the prize that notorious rebel group the LRA, comes looking for in Garamba. Killing elephants for their ivory is an order direct from the LRA's sociopathic leader Joseph Kony, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against Humanity. Rangers in Garamba find themselves up against a heavily armed LRA in their battle to save Garamba's elephant. As pressure has increased on Kony, the LRA has turned to Ivory as one means of sustaining themselves in their decades long bush war against the civilians of Uganda, Congo and the South Sudan/CAR region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503614-P36OK60S85K8ZVVOZG5R/IvoryWars_033.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503589-QB9HTZR0XPTRZXSW90KJ/IvoryWars_015.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 12 NOVEMBER 2014: ICCN Rangers combine with a Congolese Army platoon for a 21 day mission inside Garamba National Park in the DR Congo. they are on the lookout for poachers, in particular the notorious Lords Resistance Army, the LRA. These poachers are looking for Garamba's elephants. Their ivory is the prize that notorious rebel group the LRA, comes looking for in Garamba. Killing elephants for their ivory is an order direct from the LRA's sociopathic leader Joseph Kony, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against Humanity. Rangers in Garamba find themselves up against a heavily armed LRA in their battle to save Garamba's elephant. As pressure has increased on Kony, the LRA has turned to Ivory as one means of sustaining themselves in their decades long bush war against the civilians of Uganda, Congo and the South Sudan/CAR region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503815-BW2M09E935I24GLTGBD6/IvoryWars_034.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers on patrol from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. Soldiers are seen crossing a river, a technique they have perfected with ropes despite the fact that many of the men cannot swim. Captain (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503441-JFO6NV1K1K92X12DNJG4/IvoryWars_016.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRACTIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 12 NOVEMBER 2014: ICCN Rangers combine with a Congolese Army platoon for a 21 day mission inside Garamba National Park in the DR Congo. they are on the lookout for poachers, in particular the notorious Lords Resistance Army, the LRA. These poachers are looking for Garamba's elephants. Their ivory is the prize that notorious rebel group the LRA, comes looking for in Garamba. Killing elephants for their ivory is an order direct from the LRA's sociopathic leader Joseph Kony, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against Humanity. Rangers in Garamba find themselves up against a heavily armed LRA in their battle to save Garamba's elephant. As pressure has increased on Kony, the LRA has turned to Ivory as one means of sustaining themselves in their decades long bush war against the civilians of Uganda, Congo and the South Sudan/CAR region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503373-YMOXAWHM9DC1WAP89N5Y/IvoryWars_035.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 7 JANUARY 2015: The "Wild Dog" Ranger horse patrol group as it prepares to leave for a week of anti poaching patrol at Zakouma National Park, Chad. The horse patrols are the old guard of Zakouma's rangers and have seen a good deal of conflict in their time in the park. Zakouma lost nearly 75% of its elephants in the decade before 2011 due to raids by Janajaweed and Sudanese poachers, many of them from the Sudanese military. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a big supporter of the elephant of Zakouma and of its elephants. The herds here until recently used to be as large as 1000 animals all moving together, severe poaching over the last decade saw that number decimated and now only around 20% of the number remains. Since 2011 however there has been control over poaching and there has not been a single elephant poached in the last 2 years. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a strong supporter of the park and Zakouma is on the upsurge in terms of its elephant population once again. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503540-40K426HARUPGNPMF6LR3/IvoryWars_017.jpg Ivory and Terrorism OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 18 NOVEMBER 2014: African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, train a new battalion at Obo, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent as well as the Africom American personel based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, the LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. In recent time the LRA has turned its focus to Ivory as a means of income. This is having a devastating effect on elephant populations everywhere they operate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503400-HIZEJJB52EQQH4IS74CQ/IvoryWars_036.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD: Rangers from a horse patrol group exhibit their riding skills as they return to base at Zakouma National Park, Chad. The horse patrols are the old guard of Zakouma's rangers and have seen a good deal of conflict in their time in the park. Zakouma lost nearly 75% of its elephants in the decade before 2011 due to raids by Janajaweed and Sudanese poachers, many of them from the Sudanese military. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a big supporter of the elephant of Zakouma and of its elephants. The herds here until recently used to be as large as 1000 animals all moving together, severe poaching over the last decade saw that number decimated and now only around 20% of the number remains. Since 2011 however there has been control over poaching and there has not been a single elephant poached in the last 2 years. The credit for that lies with these rangers and the new management of the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503861-EX3JJ8MLRYJ5WMS71G9R/IvoryWars_018.jpg Ivory and Terrorism MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers on patrol from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. Soldiers are seen crossing a river, a technique they have perfected with ropes despite the fact that many of the men cannot swim. Captain (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503788-XAS2TATD0K4BYFS6SCCC/IvoryWars_037.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 7 JANUARY 2015: A view of a group from the largest herd of elephants in Zakouma National Park, around 450 elephants in total. These herds used to be as large as 1000 animals all moving together, severe poaching by Sudanese gunmen over the last decade saw that number decimated and now only around 20% of the elephants of Zakouma remain. Since 2011 however there has been control over poaching and there has not been a single elephant poached in the last 2 years. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a strong supporter of the park and Zakouma is on the upsurge in terms of its elephant population once again. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503338-NWDTRX2J9M719KX27HRU/IvoryWars_038.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 7 JANUARY 2015:A series of 6 portraits commemorates 6 park rangers killed in an attack on their camp in Heban on 3 September 2012. 6 Rangers died in the attack in total, leaving 48 children fatherless. Their widows believe Zakouma is worth protecting and that the park could play a role for all the surrounding community. They feel the sacrifice of their men was worth it but would feel better if there was some guarantee of protection for their children in the event of death in the course of Ranger duties. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503454-EK9E0XMB6FJS3LLY66YP/IvoryWars_039.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 6 JANUARY 2015: Djime Said, 50, the lone survivor of the Ranger massacre at Heban, Chad, on the 3rd September 2012. The rangers were killed by poachers who were members of the Sudanese military. They killed the rangers because a few weeks earlier, the Rangers had found their camp and taken all their ammunition, horse and provisions. The attack occured in the very early morning when it was still dark and the Rangers were sleeping. Djime Said was employed as a cook with them in the rainy season. He said there was suddenly heavy firing out of nowhere and he found himself rolling down the steep hill that made up the Ranger post at Heban. He was shot in the buttocks but managed to hide away for the day and then come back to the camp that night where he confirmed all were dead and the camp looted. Said spend the next week trying to get to help, two days of which were spent wading through a dense swamp on his way to aid. He received $2000 compensation from the Chadian government for his injuries. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503654-46HA0JN1TGVBOVXGRGH2/IvoryWars_040.jpg Ivory and Terrorism AM TIMAN, CHAD, 13 JANUARY 2015: Mahamat Zene Souleyman, 40, photographed at his home on the outskirts of Am Timan, the nearest town to Zakouma National Park. In December 2012 at the ranger post at Heban, 6 Zakouma Rangers were killed in cold blood as they slept by Sudanese Poachers. The poachers then fled back to the Sudan. Souleyman lost his cousin in the incident and refused to accept that the Sudanese poachers had gotten away with murder. He, along with one other man, walked to the Sudanese border and working with a family member inside a military combined force of Chadian and Sudanese soldiers, managed to identify a member of the poaching gang and have him arrested and brought back to Chad to face charges. The man subsequently escaped, wounding a prison guard in his escape. Souleyman remains bitter about the escape. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503558-N6I23111ZG38VP7HHKAZ/IvoryWars_041.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 7 JANUARY 2015: Ranger widow Hawa Oumar photographed inside Zakouma National Park, Chad. Hawa lost her husband in the attack on Heban which occured on 2 September 2012. Hawa has 7 children to care for and works as a farmer and weaver to support them. 6 Rangers died in the attack in total, leaving 48 children in total fatherless. These widows believe Zakouma is worth protecting and that the park could play a role for all the surrounding community. They feel the sacrifice of their men was worth it but would feel better if there was some guarantee of protection for their children in the event of death in the course of Ranger duties. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503829-I55MSNDLC4TAR18N413P/IvoryWars_042.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 9 JANUARY 2015: Ranger widow Alice Mohammed photographed inside Zakouma National Park, Chad. Hawa lost her husband in the attack on Heban which occured on 2 September 2012. Alice has 8 children to care for and works as a farmer and weaver to support them. 6 Rangers died in the attack in total, leaving 48 children in total fatherless. These widows believe Zakouma is worth protecting and that the park could play a role for all the surrounding community. They feel the sacrifice of their men was worth it but would feel better if there was some guarantee of protection for their children in the event of death in the course of Ranger duties. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503546-NWTOJ89NZ09HS937LKHD/IvoryWars_043.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 10 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma Rangers "Mamba Team 1" seen with their vehicle inside the park at the end of a patrol. Driver Issa Idriss Adoum, wearing the brown shirt, lost his Ranger father in an attack which killed 6 Rangers in 2012. Those men were gunned down by Sudanese elephant poachers. Issa's uncle, his fathers brother, alerted a combined Chadian Sudanese border force and went into Sudan to retrieve one of the poachers who was involved in the killings. Issa refused a government pay out for the loss, stating it was a death that needed to be avenged through justice or death. The poacher was imprisoned in Chad but escaped and is rumored to have joined the Seleka, an C.A.R movement with connections to elephant killing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503621-EA2VXBQJBRP4SRH8UHVT/IvoryWars_044.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 10 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma Rangers "Mamba Team 1" seen inside the park during one of their anti-poaching patrols. Driver Issa Idriss Adoum, wearing the brown shirt, lost his Ranger father in an attack which killed 6 Rangers in 2012. Those men were gunned down by Sudanese elephant poachers. Issa's uncle, his fathers brother, alerted a combined Chadian Sudanese border force and went into Sudan to retrieve one of the poachers who was involved in the killings. Issa refused a government pay out for the loss, stating it was a death that needed to be avenged through justice or death. The poacher was imprisoned in Chad but escaped and is rumored to have joined the Seleka, an C.A.R movement with connections to elephant killing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503527-WKHTWEK0K0MHVHCFYUYU/IvoryWars_045.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 10 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma Rangers "Mamba Team 1" seen inside the park during one of their anti-poaching patrols. Driver Issa Idriss Adoum, wearing the brown shirt, lost his Ranger father in an attack which killed 6 Rangers in 2012. Those men were gunned down by Sudanese elephant poachers. Issa's uncle, his fathers brother, alerted a combined Chadian Sudanese border force and went into Sudan to retrieve one of the poachers who was involved in the killings. Issa refused a government pay out for the loss, stating it was a death that needed to be avenged through justice or death. The poacher was imprisoned in Chad but escaped and is rumored to have joined the Seleka, an C.A.R movement with connections to elephant killing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503331-ZDAOZOUYQO6OVDJI0LIR/IvoryWars_046.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 10 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma Rangers "Mamba Team 1" seen inside the park during one of their anti-poaching patrols. Driver Issa Idriss Adoum, wearing the brown shirt, lost his Ranger father in an attack which killed 6 Rangers in 2012. Those men were gunned down by Sudanese elephant poachers. Issa's uncle, his fathers brother, alerted a combined Chadian Sudanese border force and went into Sudan to retrieve one of the poachers who was involved in the killings. Issa refused a government pay out for the loss, stating it was a death that needed to be avenged through justice or death. The poacher was imprisoned in Chad but escaped and is rumored to have joined the Seleka, an C.A.R movement with connections to elephant killing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503552-HGRD3J0GFGDE1L4SEIWU/IvoryWars_047.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 10 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma Rangers "Mamba Team 1" seen inside the park during one of their anti-poaching patrols. Driver Issa Idriss Adoum, wearing the brown shirt, lost his Ranger father in an attack which killed 6 Rangers in 2012. Those men were gunned down by Sudanese elephant poachers. Issa's uncle, his fathers brother, alerted a combined Chadian Sudanese border force and went into Sudan to retrieve one of the poachers who was involved in the killings. Issa refused a government pay out for the loss, stating it was a death that needed to be avenged through justice or death. The poacher was imprisoned in Chad but escaped and is rumored to have joined the Seleka, an C.A.R movement with connections to elephant killing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503435-RZTRENF9W10PKVLYY18F/IvoryWars_048.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 10 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma Rangers "Mamba Team 1" seen inside the park during one of their anti-poaching patrols. Driver Issa Idriss Adoum, wearing the brown shirt, lost his Ranger father in an attack which killed 6 Rangers in 2012. Those men were gunned down by Sudanese elephant poachers. Issa's uncle, his fathers brother, alerted a combined Chadian Sudanese border force and went into Sudan to retrieve one of the poachers who was involved in the killings. Issa refused a government pay out for the loss, stating it was a death that needed to be avenged through justice or death. The poacher was imprisoned in Chad but escaped and is rumored to have joined the Seleka, an C.A.R movement with connections to elephant killing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503647-HYA82KFDX0PIVMGGAOPQ/IvoryWars_049.jpg Ivory and Terrorism NANDUMA, CHAD, 12 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma National Park Rangers interact easily with the men of a Nomad camp close to Zakouma National Park. The Park has developed good relations with the nomads and they share an intelligence network which has helped to prevent poaching. A number of Rangers come from these communities and have close ties. Zakouma is recovering from a ten year period where from 2012 to 2012 they lost 90% of their elephants, almost 4000 elephant. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503842-MJCXUPAGISOEDC8WESDM/IvoryWars_050.jpg Ivory and Terrorism NANDUMA, CHAD, 12 JANUARY 2015: Zakouma National Park Rangers interact easily with the men of a Nomad camp close to Zakouma National Park. The Park has developed good relations with the nomads and they share an intelligence network which has helped to prevent poaching. A number of Rangers come from these communities and have close ties. Zakouma is recovering from a ten year period where from 2012 to 2012 they lost 90% of their elephants, almost 4000 elephant. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503594-5ZNI3EW40W2BT0ZX3DC6/IvoryWars_051.jpg Ivory and Terrorism BOUBA NDJIDA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH CAMEROON, APRIL 2012: The largest mass killing of elephants in recent history took place at Bouba Ndjida National Park in North Cameroon close to the Chad and Central African Republic Borders from January through March 2012. Eye witnesses have so far located 340 carcasses, the ivory poachers themselves told local villagers they have killed over 650 elephants in their hunt for Ivory over the 500 000 hectare region. There has yet to be a proper aerial and ground survey of the dead elephants and the rainy season will make that difficult. The Poachers, numbering over 100 men, were mounted on horseback, led by 6 light skinned North Sudanese men and armed with RPG's, grenades, Light Machine Guns and AK47's. They were in two main groups, with a number of reconnaisance units of 4 men locating the elephants then bringing in a larger force to kill big groups. Intelligence indicates that many of the hunters came from Chad and were led by these Sudanese men. These facts have emerged from a number of eye witness acccounts, mainly by French professional hunters who saw the horsman in the Park and local hunting concessions. They had the appearence and attitude of Janjaweed fighters from the South Sudan Darfur and Chadian conflicts and were disciplined, unafraid, arrogant and extremely efficient hunters. The elephants were herded together by teams of 4 to 8 riders who then decimated them with AK47 fire, killing all the elephants they could find, including babies with no ivory. Groups as large as 53 have been gunned down together, with sections as large as 14 elephants lying within touching distance of each other. These horseman came into the area over the Chadian border, evidence of early carcasses suggests that they may have been in the park as early as October 2011. The main force began their hunt in earnest from January through to approximately 8 March 2012. It is believed there was collaboration with local poachers in this hunt as well as an as https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503583-UZDOLN0MZUDDSEL3NTLW/IvoryWars_052.jpg Ivory and Terrorism BOUBA NDJIDA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH CAMEROON, APRIL 2012: The largest mass killing of elephants in recent history took place at Bouba Ndjida National Park in North Cameroon close to the Chad and Central African Republic Borders from January through March 2012. Eye witnesses have so far located 340 carcasses, the ivory poachers themselves told local villagers they have killed over 650 elephants in their hunt for Ivory over the 500 000 hectare region. There has yet to be a proper aerial and ground survey of the dead elephants and the rainy season will make that difficult. The Poachers, numbering over 100 men, were mounted on horseback, led by 6 light skinned North Sudanese men and armed with RPG's, grenades, Light Machine Guns and AK47's. They were in two main groups, with a number of reconnaisance units of 4 men locating the elephants then bringing in a larger force to kill big groups. Intelligence indicates that many of the hunters came from Chad and were led by these Sudanese men. These facts have emerged from a number of eye witness acccounts, mainly by French professional hunters who saw the horsman in the Park and local hunting concessions. They had the appearence and attitude of Janjaweed fighters from the South Sudan Darfur and Chadian conflicts and were disciplined, unafraid, arrogant and extremely efficient hunters. The elephants were herded together by teams of 4 to 8 riders who then decimated them with AK47 fire, killing all the elephants they could find, including babies with no ivory. Groups as large as 53 have been gunned down together, with sections as large as 14 elephants lying within touching distance of each other. These horseman came into the area over the Chadian border, evidence of early carcasses suggests that they may have been in the park as early as October 2011. The main force began their hunt in earnest from January through to approximately 8 March 2012. It is believed there was collaboration with local poachers in this hunt as well as an as https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503873-BUO45GJGSLNA296N4PM7/IvoryWars_053.jpg Ivory and Terrorism BOUBA NDJIDA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH CAMEROON, APRIL 2012: The largest mass killing of elephants in recent history took place at Bouba Ndjida National Park in North Cameroon close to the Chad and Central African Republic Borders from January through March 2012. Eye witnesses have so far located 340 carcasses, the ivory poachers themselves told local villagers they have killed over 650 elephants in their hunt for Ivory over the 500 000 hectare region. There has yet to be a proper aerial and ground survey of the dead elephants and the rainy season will make that difficult. The Poachers, numbering over 100 men, were mounted on horseback, led by 6 light skinned North Sudanese men and armed with RPG's, grenades, Light Machine Guns and AK47's. They were in two main groups, with a number of reconnaisance units of 4 men locating the elephants then bringing in a larger force to kill big groups. Intelligence indicates that many of the hunters came from Chad and were led by these Sudanese men. These facts have emerged from a number of eye witness acccounts, mainly by French professional hunters who saw the horsman in the Park and local hunting concessions. They had the appearence and attitude of Janjaweed fighters from the South Sudan Darfur and Chadian conflicts and were disciplined, unafraid, arrogant and extremely efficient hunters. The elephants were herded together by teams of 4 to 8 riders who then decimated them with AK47 fire, killing all the elephants they could find, including babies with no ivory. Groups as large as 53 have been gunned down together, with sections as large as 14 elephants lying within touching distance of each other. These horseman came into the area over the Chadian border, evidence of early carcasses suggests that they may have been in the park as early as October 2011. The main force began their hunt in earnest from January through to approximately 8 March 2012. It is believed there was collaboration with local poachers in this hunt as well as an as https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503380-XJ9LU7DI91NLUTVV7HS2/IvoryWars_054.jpg Ivory and Terrorism CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Rodrigue Katembo, Central Section Warden, Virunga National Park, leads a combined team of ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army on an patrol into an area with a strong FDLR rebel presence, Chondo, Virunga, DRC. The FDLR are led by the hardcore Hutu's behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. Since they fled into the DRC and the park after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 160 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503848-2Y1TPXBN02EM4PV3TOAN/IvoryWars_055.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LULIMBI, EASTERN DRC, FEBRUARY 2012: ICCN Rangers investigate the corpse of a recently killed sub-adult male elephant in Lulimbi, Eastern DRC, February 29, 2012. The elephant has obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503325-IYEAH4O9E8G0PZ18TPWH/IvoryWars_056.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LULIMBI, EASTERN DRC, FEBRUARY 2012: ICCN Rangers investigate the corpse of a recently killed sub-adult male elephant in Lulimbi, Eastern DRC, February 29, 2012. The elephant has obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503414-WMTH4NSK65OB1QTWTI8C/IvoryWars_057.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LULIMBI, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 JULY 2014: ICCN Conservation Rangers investigate and then deploy bloodhounds in Virunga National Park to investigate the corpse of a elephant killed in the night, Eastern DRC. The elephant had obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. It is believed that this elephant was killed by FDLR, the Hutu genocidaires who fled into Virunga after the Rwandan genocide. They have been exploiting the park ever since, often in co-operation with the Congolese Army. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503484-6ZQRMQP1CSA072YYB0TE/IvoryWars_058.jpg Ivory and Terrorism VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, JANUARY 18 2015: Innocent Mburanumwe, 43, a veteran ICCN Congolese conservation authority ranger. Innocent is a globally acknowledged mountain gorilla expert and is seen inside the ammunition locker at the park headquarters of Rumangabo. He is surrounded by Ivory taken in clashes with rebel Hutu led group, the FDLR. FDLR came into being after the Rwandan genocide when the hardcore Hutu genicodaires fled into Virunga fleeing reprisals from Kagame's RPF forces. FDLR's presence has destabilized the area ever since as they prey on the park and its surrounding communities. Their presence has also seen a number of attack by Rwandan forces since 1994 as well as two proxy rebel groups, CNDP and M23, both with Rwandan patronage. FDLR have been linked to Ivory poaching inside Virunga on a number of occasions, working in collaboration with FARDC, the Congolese army and using the funds to sustain their existence inside Virunga. A large number of ICCN rangers have died in clashes with the FDLR. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503387-69L9PEM07V5Z4I4Z4RCN/IvoryWars_059.jpg Ivory and Terrorism ISHANGO RANGER STATION, NORTHERN SECTOR, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-27 FEBRUARY 2008: ICCN Ranger Kambale Kalibumba was killed by a suspected FDLR rebel soldier who shot the Ranger 5 times at close range. At the time the Ranger was in the park on the way to the Ishango post with rations for the patrol. Now in 2015 both of the other rangers in this image are also dead, killed in their duties defending the park. More than 160 rangers have died in the last ten years as a result of their work in Virunga National Park, many at the hands of the FDLR, the Rwandan Hutu genocidaires who fled into Virunga after the Rwandan Genocide and who have spread havoc in their exploitations of the park ever since. The FDLR have a long history of killing elephants in Virunga in pursuit fo ivory to finance their campaign. They do this in collusions with elements of the Congolese army, also a fixture in the park and a problem for conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503421-7O35YEWUO3PW6MR1IY29/IvoryWars_060.jpg Ivory and Terrorism SARAMBE, EASTERN CONGO, 21 JULY 2014: People grieve over the death of a deputy ranger who was killed for trying to prevent illegal agriculture inside Virunga National Park, Eastern DR Congo. It is suspected that he was shot by FDLR members, the Hutu rebel group who has been living inside and exploiting Virunga NP since 1994. FDLR control certain sections of Virunga and conduct illegal agricultural activities which devastate the environment for the animals. This man's widow will be looked after as part of a ICCN rangers plan which attempts to provide support for widows of men who died in service of the park. 190 men have been killed in their duties in the last 15 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503634-CGKPOXSQGDFGYG0OV5EV/IvoryWars_061.jpg Ivory and Terrorism SARAMBE, EASTERN CONGO, 21 JULY 2014: People grieve over the death of a deputy ranger who was killed for trying to prevent illegal agriculture inside Virunga National Park, Eastern DR Congo. It is suspected that he was shot by FDLR members, the Hutu rebel group who has been living inside and exploiting Virunga NP since 1994. FDLR control certain sections of Virunga and conduct illegal agricultural activities which devastate the environment for the animals. This man's widow will be looked after as part of a ICCN rangers plan which attempts to provide support for widows of men who died in service of the park. 190 men have been killed in their duties in the last 15 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503345-E7DT9ELMYPHWVHULJYKM/IvoryWars_062.jpg Ivory and Terrorism SARAMBE, EASTERN CONGO, 21 JULY 2014: People grieve over the death of a deputy ranger who was killed for trying to prevent illegal agriculture inside Virunga National Park, Eastern DR Congo. It is suspected that he was shot by FDLR members, the Hutu rebel group who has been living inside and exploiting Virunga NP since 1994. FDLR control certain sections of Virunga and conduct illegal agricultural activities which devastate the environment for the animals. This man's widow will be looked after as part of a ICCN rangers plan which attempts to provide support for widows of men who died in service of the park. 190 men have been killed in their duties in the last 15 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503641-Q5IRGEQFPKSL41J4FTN6/IvoryWars_063.jpg Ivory and Terrorism RUMANGABO, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-JULY 2014: ICCN Director of Virunga National Park Emmanuel De Merode photographed with bodyguards at Rumangabo Ranger Headquarters, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. De Merode has been an outspoken opponent of oil exploration inside Virunga, a world heritage site. De Merode's bodyguards are a new feature in his life. He was shot two months ago 4 times by unknown men in what is assumed to be a political assasination attempt as a result of his vocal, global opposition to oil exploitation. De Merode was back inside the park 4 weeks after his shooting, reaffirming his stance and support for the 500 Rangers under his command. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503866-U67OUDWQFSKM3DHKG9IC/IvoryWars_064.jpg Ivory and Terrorism CHINKO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, MARCH 2015: New Rangers train to protect elephants in Chinko, a remote last haven for forest elephants in CAR. These rangers are up against experienced Sudanese poachers as well as local Seleka fighters who prey up on the elephants to finance their rebellion within CAR. The rangers are struggling to get weapons because of a UN weapons embargo which makes fighting Seleka and the Sudanese impossible for now. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503515-5IJCVY6M7CFDGBGAX9BY/IvoryWars_065.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LOME', TOGO, 29 JANUARY 2014: Containers with 4 tons of illegal ivory confiscated in January 2014 by the Togolese customs office from its new deep water port, Lome,' Togo. This ivory has been directly linked through DNA evidence to the elephant massacre that occured in Dzanga Bai, Central African Republic in 2013. That massacre was perpetrated by Seleka rebels who climbed the observation towers at the famous forest elephant gathering place in Dzanga Bai and gunned down the elephants with automatic weapons. The Seleka rebels would have used the proceeds from this ivory sale for some of the violence which has plagued C.A.R over much of 2013 and 2014. Togo has been viewed as a new opportunity by ivory smugglers with its new deep water port. Customs officers with new Container scanning technology have made the efforts of these smugglers more difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503885-ADUWMNA4IGE2HVZ5UQTX/IvoryWars_066.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LOME', TOGO, 29 JANUARY 2014: Containers with 4 tons of illegal ivory confiscated in January 2014 by the Togolese customs office from its new deep water port, Lome,' Togo. This ivory has been directly linked through DNA evidence to the elephant massacre that occured in Dzanga Bai, Central African Republic in 2013. That massacre was perpetrated by Seleka rebels who climbed the observation towers at the famous forest elephant gathering place in Dzanga Bai and gunned down the elephants with automatic weapons. The Seleka rebels would have used the proceeds from this ivory sale for some of the violence which has plagued C.A.R over much of 2013 and 2014. Togo has been viewed as a new opportunity by ivory smugglers with its new deep water port. Customs officers with new Container scanning technology have made the efforts of these smugglers more difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503496-0MZWKSX8CBW6YI6DTZSQ/IvoryWars_067.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LOME', TOGO, 29 JANUARY 2014: Containers with 4 tons of illegal ivory confiscated in January 2014 by the Togolese customs office from its new deep water port, Lome,' Togo. This ivory has been directly linked through DNA evidence to the elephant massacre that occured in Dzanga Bai, Central African Republic in 2013. That massacre was perpetrated by Seleka rebels who climbed the observation towers at the famous forest elephant gathering place in Dzanga Bai and gunned down the elephants with automatic weapons. The Seleka rebels would have used the proceeds from this ivory sale for some of the violence which has plagued C.A.R over much of 2013 and 2014. Togo has been viewed as a new opportunity by ivory smugglers with its new deep water port. Customs officers with new Container scanning technology have made the efforts of these smugglers more difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503461-S3C66WQ98RRMEA3Q5RK7/IvoryWars_068.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LOME', TOGO, 29 JANUARY 2014: Lieutenant AWI Essossimna, Chef de l'Unité Mixte de Contrôle des Conteneurs, Port Autonome de Lomé, is seen with containers with 4 tons of illegal ivory he confiscated in January 2014. This ivory has been directly linked through DNA evidence to the elephant massacre that occured in Dzanga Bai, Central African Republic in 2013. That massacre was perpetrated by Seleka rebels who climbed the observation towers at the famous forest elephant gathering place in Dzanga Bai and gunned down the elephants with automatic weapons. The Seleka rebels would have used the proceeds from this ivory sale for some of the violence which has plagued C.A.R over much of 2013 and 2014. Togo has been viewed as a new opportunity by ivory smugglers with its new deep water port. Customs officers with new Container scanning technology have made the efforts of these smugglers more difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503628-I06UB39L5M38TTRIOK5D/IvoryWars_069.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LOME', TOGO, 29 JANUARY 2014: Containers with 4 tons of illegal ivory confiscated in January 2014 by the Togolese customs office from its new deep water port, Lome,' Togo. This ivory has been directly linked through DNA evidence to the elephant massacre that occured in Dzanga Bai, Central African Republic in 2013. That massacre was perpetrated by Seleka rebels who climbed the observation towers at the famous forest elephant gathering place in Dzanga Bai and gunned down the elephants with automatic weapons. The Seleka rebels would have used the proceeds from this ivory sale for some of the violence which has plagued C.A.R over much of 2013 and 2014. Togo has been viewed as a new opportunity by ivory smugglers with its new deep water port. Customs officers with new Container scanning technology have made the efforts of these smugglers more difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503352-01ATDTEG5T3SKHYDHBBF/IvoryWars_070.jpg Ivory and Terrorism LOME', TOGO, 29 JANUARY 2014: Togolese Gendarme operate a shipping container scanning truck inside the new deep water port in Lome'. Togo has been viewed as a new opportunity by ivory smugglers with its new deep water port. Customs officers with new container scanning technology have made the efforts of these smugglers more difficult, confiscating one of the largest ivory shipments ever seized in January 2014. Over 4 tons of ivory was found in a container labeled as wood. DNA evidence has since linked the ivory to a massacre comitted by Seleka rebels in Central African Republic in a famous elephant gathering place in the forest. The rebels climbed onto the viewing platforms and gunned down the elephants with automatic weapons. They will have used the profits to enhance their campaign of violence across C.A.R in 2014. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158503366-RZA17MVYEBBSF3SLQ9WY/IvoryWars_071.jpg Ivory and Terrorism GUANGZHOU, CHINA, FEBRUARY 2012: The majority of ivory makes its way to China, by far the largest consumer on earth. In this image ivory carver Wu Rong Chang, 67, who has been carving for 50 years, is seen working on a large Ivory carving at the Guangzhou Daxin Ivory Carving Factory, a state owned enterprise specialising in the ivory carving businessin the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou, February 4 2012. Daxin specialising in the Hollow Ball carving of 25 layers, large landscape ivory hillocks and also works with Mamoth Ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/friendship-bench-zimbabwes-therapy daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581406-AIUDRFM7WABXBZC7GROQ/FB_001.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chibanda is a Zimbabwean clinical psychiatrist and the founder of the Friendship Bench program, an evidence based psychological therapy for depression delivered by over 700 trained community grandmothers on wooden park benches in over 100 communities across Zimbabwe. In a country where on average there is 1 psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people this has proven a meaningful solution for many suffering from mental health trauma. The program has now spread to 18 countries and continues to grow. I photographed the program all over Zimbabwe, a failed state with 89% unemployment, mass economic migration and a brutal regime that regulars traumatizes its citizens. Zimbabwe has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. I added previously shot images of trauma in Zimbabwe to add context to the therapy.Volunteer grandmothers for Friendship Benches are seen in at the Mbare Poly Clinic. Shelter Nhengo, 72, in the pink hat, has been working for FB since 2006, part of the original group. The grandmothers work as voluntary counsellors for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581512-66KVSUA5GKNLIRJDHW16/FB_006.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 22 JANUARY 2020: Sekesayi Idah Hwiza, 86, is a former freedom fighter from Zimbabwe’s war of liberation. She was involved in a notorious incident where freedom fighters blew up a major fuel depot in Harare. She was involved in hiding the explosives and the fighters in her home and she was subsequently tortured by the authorities at the time. She was also threatened and hurt by the freedom fighters who were suspicious of what she may have told the authorities. She suffered from PTSD for many years and she claims that working with Friendship Benches helped her to get over that. The grandmothers of FB work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581383-S41ZEGNRSD2ZF411PLG8/FB_003.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 24 JANUARY 2020: Elizabeth Mapaire, 56, works as a Friendship Bench counselor in the Zaka area, servicing rural clinics in the area. She is a lay health worker who is paid by the Ministry of Health but her salary is less than 2 dollars. She is seen on the bench with patient Sophia Nyamuwngi, 34, in Sophia’s first of six sessions. Sophia was quickly red flagged in this session as she expressed a desire to kill herself due to her husband’s neglect and abandonment of her and her children. Elizabeth sent her to a more experienced nurse counselor and after that visit, Sophia returned to the bench with Elizabeth. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselors for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy of communal empathy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581478-2AM2YYQOOXC20FNSV9RI/FB_005.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 24 JANUARY 2020: Elizabeth Mapaire, 56, works as a Friendship Bench counselor in the Zaka area, servicing rural clinics in the area. She is a lay health worker who is paid by the Ministry of Health but her salary is less than 2 dollars. She is seen on the bench with patient Sophia Nyamuwngi, 34, in Sophia’s first of six sessions. Sophia was quickly red flagged in this session as she expressed a desire to kill herself due to her husband’s neglect and abandonment of her and her children. Elizabeth sent her to a more experienced nurse counselor and after that visit, Sophia returned to the bench with Elizabeth. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselors for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy of communal empathy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581441-9H4U5UB8GGSUSBMUKL0S/FB_008.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 24 JANUARY 2020: Elizabeth Mapaire, 56, works as a Friendship Bench counselor in the Zaka area, servicing rural clinics in the area. She is seen in her community with a long term patient of hers, this patient is HIV +. She has lost two children to Aids as well as her husband, she thinks her other two children may be HIV+ too. Last years cyclone devastated her home and crops and she is reliant on charity. She was refered to Elizabeth a year ago and has had 4 sessions with her. They discussed her immediate problems, the children, food issues and focused on solutions like a chicken breeding project. She says that Elizabeth has offered her empathy, confidentiality and friendship, that has helped her a great deal. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselors for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy of communal empathy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581345-QTHF7U29AOZZQK4TJP5K/FB_024.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, mops the floor and tidies up after her grandchildren at home. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581543-V4TWRQKSYYX1MP2J0IMC/FB_025.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, mops the floor and tidies up after her grandchildren at home. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581465-BCMAXAZ0P4CR7II451MI/FB_026.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, fools around with her grandchildren at the home she built herself. She cares for her grandkids while her children are in South Africa trying to work and send money home. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581315-ZCH5FGSIQ2T1A3G2W0EC/FB_027.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Friendship Bench patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58, is seen at her cyclone damaged house. That is only one of many challenges she faces for her and her childrens survival in rural Zimbabwe. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta Gukwa, 60, is helping patient Apolonia who she initially identified as being a red flag case. She took Apolonia to a more qualified nurse counsellor who calmed her and she returned to speak to Aleta. They live in the same village and Apolonia now has someone she can rely on for empathetic advice and a sympathetic ear. Apolonia is HIV+, unemployed and without support. She lost her home to a violent cyclone last year and her temporary shelter was destroyed by yet more rain. She is now homeless and living with her daugher and her daughter on the street. Aleta says she hears this kind of story regularly, she is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now. “(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581524-TVRGFOLNO4XT53IL2SQZ/FB_034.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE: Angela Ngwenya is a recently confirmed nun at the Catholic Church in Msvingo. She says she entered the church to be of service to other and that her main influence growing up was the grandmothers in her area. She sees a natural alliance between the Friendship Bench initiative and it’s grandmother counsellors and the church for offering mental health support to those who have none. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581626-MPR8FV8IY96YI18RRRHI/FB_035.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 28 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chipanda, psychiatrist and founder of NGO Friendship Benches, visits with his grandmother who he says was part of his inspiration for the benches project. Friendship Benches uses a network of grandmothers who are trained in basic analysis to offer mental health counselling to people who could not otherwise access or afford it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581586-1DZ4ZEF6AJITX453PWPQ/FB_038.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE: Dixon Chibanda, one of only three clinical psychiatrists in Zimbabwe, is the founder of the Friendship Bench program, an evidence based psychological therapy for depression delivered by over 700 trained community grandmothers on wooden park benches in over 100 communities in Zimbabwe. In a country where on average there is 1 psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people this is problem solving at its best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581460-41J3KYGXNW5WHQUSJXIP/FB_039.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE: Dixon Chibanda, one of only three clinical psychiatrists in Zimbabwe, is the founder of the Friendship Bench program, an evidence based psychological therapy for depression delivered by over 700 trained community grandmothers on wooden park benches in over 100 communities in Zimbabwe. In a country where on average there is 1 psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people this is problem solving at its best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581430-288UMX5ACL7PTG4ATZN1/FB_002.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy RUTSANANA, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 17TH JANUARY 2020: Mavis Mumamato, 82, has been a counsellor for Friendship Benches for 3 years. She has 48 grandchildren and had ten children herself. 4 of those died. She became a healthworker in 1986. She is seen with other grandmother’s who work with Friendship Benches gather for a workshop at Rutsanana Community Clinic outside of Harare. They are here for a workshop on malnutrition. The grandmothers also work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581572-CT1Q6X1P5KIMO16XNZ7G/FB_004.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 24 JANUARY 2020: Elizabeth Mapaire, 56, works as a Friendship Bench counselor in the Zaka area, servicing rural clinics in the area. She is a lay health worker who is paid by the Ministry of Health but her salary is less than 2 dollars. She is seen on the bench with patient Sophia Nyamuwngi, 34, in Sophia’s first of six sessions. Sophia was quickly red flagged in this session as she expressed a desire to kill herself due to her husband’s neglect and abandonment of her and her children. Elizabeth sent her to a more experienced nurse counselor and after that visit, Sophia returned to the bench with Elizabeth. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselors for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy of communal empathy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581555-NYIGVSM64YLWVA4GP7TH/FB_007.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: Volunteer grandmothers for Friendship Benches are seen in at the Mbare Poly Clinic. Shelter Nhengo, 72, has been working for FB since 2006, part of the original group. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581592-EBF68DWFYL26OBEVSNFP/FB_009.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy RUTSANANA, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 17TH JANUARY 2020: Grandmother’s who work with Friendship Benches gather for a workshop at Rutsanana Community Clinic outside of Harare. They are here for a workshop on malnutrition. The grandmothers also work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Prof. Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread to many other countries as a means by which people without means can gain access to mental health couselling. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581495-N41SE5SFIVKCWM77H9ZK/FB_028.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, is seen with her patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58. They are at Apolonia’s house that was badly damaged by a recent cyclone, together they are trying to work out how to help fix the home. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta is seen with patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58, who she initially identified as being a red flag case. She took Apolonia to a more qualified nurse counsellor who calmed her and she returned to speak to Aleta. They live in the same village and Apolonia now has someone she can rely on for empathetic advice and a sympathetic ear. Apolonia is HIV+, unemployed and without support. She lost her home to a violent cyclone last year and her temporary shelter was destroyed by yet more rain. She is now homeless and living with her daugher and her daughter on the street. Aleta says she hears this kind of story regularly, she is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now. “(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581500-VCYHMPQFAW2J4PENQB3F/FB_036.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 28 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chipanda, psychiatrist and founder of NGO Friendship Benches, visits with his grandmother who he says was part of his inspiration for the benches project. Friendship Benches uses a network of grandmothers who are trained in basic analysis to offer mental health counselling to people who could not otherwise access or afford it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581561-WTWTAQ0D080MTVC81DKQ/FB_040.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Susan Matsunga, 30, is a former MDC Zimbabwean opposition party Secretary for Gender on a National level, she is photographed in her half of a one bedroom shack in Lenasia, Johannesburg, South Africa, 3 June 2009. Susan was a very active organiser for the MDC, her primary role was to identify and build the future female MP's of Zimbabwe. In the run-up to the 2008 election in Zimbabwe Susan and her MDC youth compatriots attempted to hold prayer meetings and galvanise the youth. Police attacked their gathering and beat people until they dragged off to the police station where despite their wounds they were made to keep silent and denied food and water. All MDC supporters were made to lie flat and the police walked amongst them, beating them for over an hour. When Morgan Tsangarai, the leader of the MDC arrived and asked what the police were doing, they said they were waiting for him. The police then beat him to a pulp along with the others. In this beating Susan's right arm and leg were fractured but still she was forced to climb into a cattle truck along with the others where they were driven to Central Police Station in Harare. Here Susan was tortured for a further 4 days, her torture included the use of electric shock devices on her genitals. She was taken to a room with blood sprayed across the walls. The CIO officers holding her said that she must also leave her blood in this room. At this time Susan's mother, 67, was also arrested and badly beaten. After a number of days Susan was told she must drink 5 litres of contaminated water and then she could go. The CIO visited her in hospital where they told her that if she did not campaign for Mugabe they would kill her. They held syringes in their hands while they were saying this. After her ordeal Susan's husband left her as a result of her affiliation with the MDC. Susan fled to South Africa where she had no papers, passport or ID documents. Sympathetic border guards let he https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581536-LXG3VZZX06YNSN0OTP14/FB_010.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy RUTSANANA, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 17TH JANUARY 2020: Grandmother’s who work with Friendship Benches gather for a workshop at Rutsanana Community Clinic outside of Harare. They are here for a workshop on malnutrition. The grandmothers also work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Prof. Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread to many other countries as a means by which people without means can gain access to mental health couselling. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581618-J03RBO0WYIHCDYBYWH3X/FB_029.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 25 JANUARY 2020: A carpentry workshop that manufactures the Friendship Bench. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta is seen with patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58, who she initially identified as being a red flag case. She took Apolonia to a more qualified nurse counsellor who calmed her and she returned to speak to Aleta. They live in the same village and Apolonia now has someone she can rely on for empathetic advice and a sympathetic ear. Apolonia is HIV+, unemployed and without support. She lost her home to a violent cyclone last year and her temporary shelter was destroyed by yet more rain. She is now homeless and living with her daugher and her daughter on the street. Aleta says she hears this kind of story regularly, she is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now. “(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581472-U567J7C63JB60MQN0WEO/FB_037.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 22 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chipanda, psychiatrist and founder of Friendship Benches, is seen practising Tai Chi in the botanical gardens in Harare. Dixon says this practise and martial arts have been crucial to his own mental health, allowing him a release from some of what he hears from patients in his practise and with Friendship Benches. The grandmothers of Friendship Benches work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581364-B3N9I0AX4BXW2BWLMAX2/FB_041.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A young widow holds her child in a house destroyed by Zanu PF in a rural area of Zaka, Zimbabwe, 24 June 2009. She lost her husband at the conclusion of 2008's March elections in Zimbabwe where the MDC emerged the winner. Two Zanu PF sponsored Zimbabwean Army soldiers appeared at the MDC offices in Zaka. The soldiers shot one MDC worker in cold blood outside the office, shot another inside the office and then locked 3 more MDC officials inside and proceeded to pour 20 litres of petrol over the building, set it alight and fled. In the resultant blaze all three men suffered third degree burns before they were able to break down the door and escape. They suffered for three days without any treatment before they could reach a facility which could treat them. Once there, doctors were forced to hide the three men as Zanu PF supporters came looking for them with the intention of finishing the job the soldiers had started. This young widow is now dependant on the kindness of those around her for the liveliehoods of herself and her two orphaned children. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581339-XIYUENFX5W7O24YBO4A5/FB_011.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: Juliet Kusikwenyu, 66, works as a mental health counsellor for Friendship Benches, are seen in a counselling session on the benches at Mbare Poly Clinic. The patient in this case is someone who is dealing with her second husband’s rejection of her child, a difficult situation. Her husband is also HIV +, something he did not share with her before they were married. Juliet says that working for Friendship Benches has made her own life more managable. She feels that there are now less suicides and that the benches are part of that. “Mr Chipanda brought us a solution, now we know where to go.” The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581412-78XOVYRTPN35L5876NRK/FB_030.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmothers who are Friendship Bench counsellors attend sunday service at the Catholic Church in Msvingo. Friendship Benches likes to partner with the church in offering support to their patients. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581454-HQ88Q33QON23A1OKGF8X/FB_042.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A daughter looks on at her HIV+ mother lying desperately ill in a one bedroom shack in a makeshift township in Harare, Zimbabwe, 21 June 2009. Neither are employed or have any money and they were turned away from the hospital for lack of fees for admission. Zimbabwe has a reportedly 24% HIV positive population, one of the highest rates of infection in the world. The Zanu PF government has crippled the economy as well as interfered in Aid coming into the country. There are no real Aids education campaigns, hospitals are extremely expensive and 85% of the population is unemployed. This has meant that healthcare is distant dream for most Zimbabweans. A few institutions offer Anti-Retroviral treatments but it costs an average of $20 to get through the neccesary testing to get on the program. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state. As a result of scarcity food malnutrition plays a large role in the decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans, even those fortunate enough to be on ARV treatment. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581357-KQXADTW5DW1IEOLK3YTE/FB_012.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: A grandmother working for Friendship Benches is seen counselling a yong mother at the Mbare Poly Clinic. The young women is talking about the difficulties of finance in a country with 90% unemployment. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581309-O4IU6NTPR2A4KCR8F30Y/FB_031.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Young girls and grandmothers, including those who are Friendship Bench counsellors, attend sunday service at the Catholic Church in Msvingo. Friendship Benches likes to partner with the church in offering support to their patients. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581530-7VPOIEU486LH4VNKGDGF/FB_043.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A young MDC Zimbabwe oppostion party burn victim, name withheld, sits alone in his room in a rural area of Zaka, Zimbabwe, 24 June 2009. At the conclusion of 2008's March elections in Zimbabwe where the MDC emerged the winner, two Zanu PF sponsored Zimbabwean Army soldiers appeared at the MDC offices in Zaka. The soldiers shot one MDC worker in cold blood outside the office, shot another inside the office and then locked 3 more MDC officials inside and proceeded to pour 20 litres of petrol over the building, set it alight and fled. In the resultant blaze all three men suffered third degree burns before they were able to break down the door and escape. They suffered for three days without any treatment before they could reach a facility which could treat them. Once there, doctors were forced to hide the three men as Zanu PF supporters came looking for them with the intention of finishing the job the soldiers had started. The young man in the picture, a former MDC defence and security activist, now has limited use of his hands and is blind in one eye. In a country currently at 85% unemployment he can no longer even provide manual labour in his village's rural fields. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581506-4ALDPB6I1SH4H2SQ2KUN/FB_013.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HIGHLANDS, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 19 JANUARY 2020: Sunday morning church scenes at St Paul’s Anglican Church. Friendship Bench grandmother/Counsellor Shebbah Komayi, 65, was present at the service and is a member of the mother’s union of the Church. She is seen receiving communion, giving donations and dancing with her sister and other ladies from the Church. Shebbah lives an impoverished life and cares for a number of orphans in her small house as well as 5 of her own grandchildren. She says though that Friendship Benches has given her great support and a sense of community that has made her life better through this initiative. Friendship Benches is a concept that brings mental health care and counselling to the masses via a group of grandmothers who work as health care workers in their communities. They are trained as counsellors to administer a psychological evaluation to patients who come for 6 visits that is aimed at practical solutions and a compassionate therapeutic experience. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581484-HA6FFKY0PJNMB6JZYALF/FB_032.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmothers who are Friendship Bench counsellors attend sunday service at the Catholic Church in Msvingo. Friendship Benches likes to partner with the church in offering support to their patients. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581605-QD0ZSDN62PJO78LXSNI9/FB_044.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A disabled Zimbabwean man, name withheld, lies quietly in a bedroom he rents in a shack in a makeshift township in Harare, Zimbabwe, 22 June 2009. His wife is a former oppostion party MDC councillor in Harare and as a result he was brutally attacked by Zanu PF party youth accompanied by two military soldiers. He was abducted and severely beaten along with other MDC members. He was eventually released but Zanu PF members came to the hospital where he was being treated and he was abducted and beaten further. His injuries prevent him from working today. His wife was also taken and beaten and abused for a week long period. Her legs were so badly damaged in the beatings that she was forced to crawl home for kilometers after it was over. He says about his ordeal, "I am now redudant, my body is useless. I lost everything in Mugabe's "Clean up the Shit" campaign, they burnt three cottages of mine and now they have destroyed my body too." (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581424-128W4AQQ766ZIUKDLQ8B/FB_014.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: A group of grandmothers who work for Friendship Benches are seen in a conference room at the Mbare Poly Clinic. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581295-HT7BM2AIWDP7UGJE0UPG/FB_033.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, is seen with her church group, important partners to her in remaining strong in her counselling work. Grandmothers who are Friendship Bench counsellors attend sunday service at the Catholic Church in Msvingo. Friendship Benches likes to partner with the church in offering support to their patients. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581567-S57TMNSRCSL9Z5DV66UR/FB_045.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A severely ill HIV+ woman with a large chest abcess lies alone in a one bedroom shack in a makeshift township in Harare, Zimbabwe, 21 June 2009. She has no fixed income and her sister relies on vending vegetables to try and bring in money. The collapse of the Zimbabwean financial system and the introduction of the US dollar and South African rand as the unit of currency has made it very difficult for casual vendors to obtain currency with which to trade. Zimbabwe has a reportedly 24% HIV positive population, one of the highest rates of infection in the world. The Zanu PF government has crippled the economy as well as interfered in Aid organisations coming into the country. There are no real Aids education campaigns, hospitals are extremely expensive and 85% of the population is unemployed. This has meant that healthcare is distant dream for most Zimbabweans. A few institutions offer Anti-Retroviral treatments but it costs an average of $20 to get through the neccesary testing to get on the program. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state and food prices remain beyond the reach of most. Malnutrition thus contributes to the rapid decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans, even those fortunate enough to be on ARV treatment. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581489-GWB83OGWWFAM815UZ2WU/FB_015.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: Volunteer grandmother for Friendship Benches, Shelter Nhengo, 72, is seen in at the Mbare Poly Clinic. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581448-BO2LAQ075YNFONIIDVS5/FB_046.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Adrian Chirabe, 45, the National Co-ordinator for the Veteran Activists Association of the Zimbabean opposition party, the MDC, photographed in his single room dwelling in Johannesburg, 3 June 2009. Chirabe was a one time successful, apolitical businessman in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, he owned 3 major businesses and was a millionaire enterpreneur. Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party approached him and said he needed to give them a share of his business for "his own protection." Chirabe refused, and within 6 months began to be harrased by Zanu PF thugs. His businesses were vandalised and he was arrested and beaten for 4 days. At the time Chirabe was leasing office space to oppostion party the MDC. In 2003 there was a major crackdown by the Zimbabwean police against the poor and against all likely MDC support. As a patriotic Zimbabwean Chirabe felt he had to become involved and when an MDC plot failed due to a fear-driven lack of support, Chirabe became exposed as an MDC supporter. Police arrested him and took Chirabe to jail where he was tortured for 3 days by suffocation, beatings and torture. When he was released, the CIO, Mugabe's secret police were waiting for him outside the policestation. They took him, blindfolded him, drove him to another base and interrogated him through torture for another 4 days. He was then driven home by members of the CIO to attend his brothers funeral with CIO officers in tow, forced to lie to his family about who they were. Chirabe ran away the next day and was recaptured trying to get to South Africa. This time the CIO took him to a government base where he was held for 10 days. During that time Chirabe was tortured in every conceivable way and gang-raped repeatedly by 20 men. Upon release a shattered Chirabe fled to South Africa with his family as soon as he could walk, 3 years and 4 months later. His torture has left him with multiple long term complications, including permanent rectal incon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581401-XUUKENCKS6RNI3HEAMHT/FB_016.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: Volunteer grandmothers for Friendship Benches are seen in at the Mbare Poly Clinic. Shelter Nhengo, 72, has been working for FB since 2006, part of the original group. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581598-8W0NBRZBCTXG7DYCKPVZ/FB_047.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Adrian Chirabe, 45, the National Co-ordinator for the Veteran Activists Association of the Zimbabean opposition party, the MDC, photographed in his single room dwelling in Johannesburg, 3 June 2009. Chirabe was a one time successful, apolitical businessman in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, he owned 3 major businesses and was a millionaire enterpreneur. Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party approached him and said he needed to give them a share of his business for "his own protection." Chirabe refused, and within 6 months began to be harrased by Zanu PF thugs. His businesses were vandalised and he was arrested and beaten for 4 days. At the time Chirabe was leasing office space to oppostion party the MDC. In 2003 there was a major crackdown by the Zimbabwean police against the poor and against all likely MDC support. As a patriotic Zimbabwean Chirabe felt he had to become involved and when an MDC plot failed due to a fear-driven lack of support, Chirabe became exposed as an MDC supporter. Police arrested him and took Chirabe to jail where he was tortured for 3 days by suffocation, beatings and torture. When he was released, the CIO, Mugabe's secret police, were waiting for him outside the policestation. They took him, blindfolded him, drove him to another base and interrogated him through torture for another 4 days. He was then driven home by members of the CIO to attend his brothers funeral with CIO officers in tow, forced to lie to his family about who they were. Chirabe ran away the next day and was recaptured trying to get to South Africa. This time the CIO took him to a government base where he was held for 10 days. During that time Chirabe was tortured in every conceivable way and gang-raped repeatedly by multiple men. Upon release a shattered Chirabe fled to South Africa with his family as soon as he could walk, 3 years and 4 months later. His torture has left him with multiple long term complications, including permanent incon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581580-FYDZF6AGXXCFN32MV70G/FB_017.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 21 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chipanda, psychiatrist and founder of Friendship Benches, attends to one of the grandmothers who works as a Friendship Bench counsellor. She was suffering from a suspected stroke but later recovered. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581333-A6H03A9GH8L62DFQKB7A/FB_048.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy HARARE, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A young MDC activist, 25, name withheld, sits quietly in a bedroom he rents in a shack in a makeshift township in Harare, Zimbabwe, 22 June 2009. The young man is the district security officer for the MDC in Harare East and for his political affiliation he has been arrested more than 15 times, he has been severely tortured on 4 occasions and has the scars on his body to prove it. He claims that electroshock was used on him in police cells and that he was repeatedly beaten with bike chains and iron bars. This has resulted in his diminished physical capacity which has made it very difficult for him to work. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581322-EYZP18P7IYSLNXXTJ0QM/FB_018.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 22 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chipanda, psychiatrist and founder of mental health NGO Friendship Benches, meets with the group of grandmothers who work for Friendship Benches at Mbare Poly Clinic. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581377-2LT9332DJOGO89QNMG93/FB_049.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MAZVINGA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: An elderly man, name withheld, stands in the ruins of his home after it was torched by Zanu PF militias, Mazvinga, Zimbabwe, 21 June 2009. The man is a former civil servant who heard Zanu PF members discussing the farm invasion of a white farmer in the region. He objected, stating it was illegal and the next day a Zanu PF militia group arrived at his property. He was severly beaten and his home torched and broken down. He is a life long civil servant in Zimbabwe and has invested everything into his small homestead, this was destroyed in the attack. The white farmers land was appropriated soon afterwards. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581518-65LSXK0580FGH79NB97K/FB_019.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 22 JANUARY 2020: Dixon Chipanda, psychiatrist and founder of mental health NGO Friendship Benches, meets with the group of grandmothers who work for Friendship Benches at Mbare Poly Clinic. The grandmothers work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581612-2G4YQJOYMHISG5NVR8CS/FB_050.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy MUDZI, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A man and woman, names withheld, embrace in a small shack in rural Mudzi, Zimbabwe, 26 June 2009. The man is an MDC activist, the women is his wife. He was forced to go through Zanu PF militia training in rural Mudzi two years earlier where he was taught intimidation tactics and military techniques for controlling a population in Zanu PF's favor. Secretly he was an MDC oppostion party supporter. He used his job as a martial arts instructor for the youth to secretly build an MDC powerbase. In the March 2008 elections he came out with his supporters and won 4 council seats for MDC as opposed to Zanu PF's three. Zanu PF was furious and 300 angry men arrived at his house but he had already fled, forewarned of the vendetta. Zanu PF destroyed the house and took his wife and two daughters to a militia camp. There they were repeatedly raped for a week before being released but observed and intimidated everyday while Zanu PF militants looked for their husband and father. He fled to the capital Harare to Harvest House, the MDC stronghold in Harare. One day he went out to get food close by, he was snatched at gunpoint by Zanu PF Central Intelligence Officers. He taken with 4 others, 4 men and a women to a Zanu militia base in Rugari where the first thing that happened was the female captive was gutted with a knife right in front of them, her corpse tossed into the cells with the remaining captives. They were then each told the day they were going to die. They were made to drink 750 mls of liquid glue for every day of their torture which caused chronic diaoreah and poisoning, it also made them completely high. Another man was killed by stabbing and when one of the remaining captives refused to cut up the dead bodies so they could be disposed of, the torturers cut off his feet. The survivors were then tortured with electric shock to the genitals and the application of burning plastic to the genitals and upper thighs. They were beaten into unconciousne https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581436-C7W0BLTLCQA17I2V75FN/FB_020.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, mops the floor while waiting for a patient for her counselling services. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581370-OOPQCMWR61KU5BBSEV8X/FB_051.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A man and women suffering from advanced Tuberculosis are taken to a clinic via ox-wagon in a rural area of Zaka, Zimbabwe, 24 June 2009. It is likely that both are HIV positive. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state. As a result of scarcity food malnutrition plays a large role in the decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans, even those fortunate enough to be on ARV treatment. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581549-QJQQCX1TASPWMRL5VFEW/FB_021.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, is seen with a new patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta initially identified patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58, as being a red flag case. This means a high risk of suicide. She took Apolonia to a more qualified nurse counsellor who calmed her and she returned to speak to Aleta. They live in the same village and Apolonia now has someone she can rely on for empathetic advice and a sympathetic ear. Apolonia is HIV+, unemployed and without support. She lost her home to a violent cyclone last year and her temporary shelter was destroyed by yet more rain. She is now homeless and living with her daugher and her daughter on the street. Aleta says she hears this kind of story regularly, she is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now. “(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581351-TZIC8061DERCDWH5LOXC/FB_052.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Noel Mguti, 33, is a recently arrived Zimbabwean refugee living in dire poverty in Johannesburg, South Africa, 3 June 2009. He is the former organising secretary for the opposition MDC party in Midlands, Zimbabwe. Mguti was abducted and tortured by Zanu PF party youth, who broke most of his ribs and destroyed his homestead with fire on the 26 April 2008. Mguti was forced to abandon his family and flee illegally into South Africa, pursued across Zimbabwe by Zanu PF youth who were intent on killing him. Mguti, along with thousands of other Zimbabwean refugees, is entirely reliant on the very few church groups and NGO's who are trying to aid in the Zimbabwean crisis. He works unpaid as a security guard at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg where he sleeps. Mguti is asmathic and diabetic and must often beg for food to survive. His injuries as a result of torture combined with his health problems make it impossible for him to find work in physical labor and his illegal status means he cannot be employed in the white collar work sector. At the time of this photograph Mguti had just heard that one of his children had died of a fractured skull in Zimbabwe. Despite tremendous personal risk, Mguti was trying to raise the funds to go back and bury that child in his home district of Zimbabwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581395-52JZRX7N0FPMWK10NBCA/FB_022.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, is seen with a new patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta initially identified patient Apolonia Mekadha, 58, as being a red flag case. This means a high risk of suicide. She took Apolonia to a more qualified nurse counsellor who calmed her and she returned to speak to Aleta. They live in the same village and Apolonia now has someone she can rely on for empathetic advice and a sympathetic ear. Apolonia is HIV+, unemployed and without support. She lost her home to a violent cyclone last year and her temporary shelter was destroyed by yet more rain. She is now homeless and living with her daugher and her daughter on the street. Aleta says she hears this kind of story regularly, she is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now. “(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581388-S3ARNBZL3X71176QLNBC/FB_053.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: A blind and mute Zimbabwean refugee photographed shortly after arrival in a slum dwelling in inner city Johannesburg, South Africa, 17 June 2009. He is part of a group of 40 blind people who left Zimbabwe Most of the blind are in South Africa illegally and lack official papers and ID documents which might help them to apply for limited charity. They say they fled a complete lack of economic opportunity in Zimbabwe's failed state and had no choice but to come to South Africa to survive. They could no longer beg for their survival in Zimbabwe as most people simply have nothing to give. As a result many of these blind people have made long journeys with their guides, families or by relying on the kindness of strangers. They crossed the Limpopo River at night to avoid the border authorities and lived in the bush for many weeks before being able to organise a ride by train or bus down to Johannesburg. All of this they did for the opportunity to beg in a more affluent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581327-D2Y97YWDEPTA0X1NJZEV/FB_023.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy ZAKA, MSVINGO, ZIMBABWE, 23 JANUARY 2020: Grandmother and Friendship Bench counsellor Aleta Gukwa, 60, mops the floor and tidies up after her grandchildren at home. Friendship Benches is an NGO that offers free mental health counselling through trained grandmothers who work as lay health workers in clinics in Msvingo and Harare areas of Zimbabwe. Aleta says she hears tragic stories regularly in her counselling sessions. She is paid only 44 Zimbabwe dollars every 3 months by the ministry of health. That is the equivalent of 2 US dollars. She continues her work with Friendship Benches however because she feels it makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Friendship Benches gives you as a counsellor and patient specific instructions, it can be immediately helpful with suicidal people and you can see the person getting better in your sessions with them. When my husband passed in 1990, I was depressed for a long time. Friendship Benches helped me to deal with that. I have the skills I need now “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158581301-VFGUOBIRHGQAOM83IF11/FB_054.jpg Friendship Bench - Zimbabwe's Therapy JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 2: Images of a ladies prayer service for immigrants in the Central Methodist Church of Johannesburg, June 2, 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Central Methodist Church has taken in many immigrants over the years but recently has seen capacity at over 2000 people sleeping in the church at night. A recent spate of xenophobic violence has left more than 100 people dead and over 30 000 displaced. The violence is as a result of povery, political strategy for the upcoming elections and the slow pace at which government is being seen to address social services and unemployment in South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://www.brentstirton.com/male-breast-cancer-in-progress daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552927-3D5HPN9J3RJ99BT587EP/MaleBreastC_009.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552948-APX4CLOUQROS7EDJ6FZI/Comp_0001.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552922-WIDBF574CBP4E3F10KVB/A6564528.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552940-A5OFU42O14GRHYQ22NJC/Glen2.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552962-70FNO36YHR9LQ0W9K4E3/breastweb.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552933-CKWIBZYJUMJ5CJNQ8VZO/A6564486.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552955-JM9ADEP54UWA1PXACO7W/MaleBreastC_005.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158552916-E5333TT2HSSFDE0M34PD/MaleBreastC_007.jpg Male Breast Cancer -in progress https://www.brentstirton.com/food-security-asia daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158861416-9AJ3SQ4NMS1XCE1640GU/FoodSecurity2_001.jpg Food Security Asia BANAUE, PHILIPPINES: The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 metres (5000 ft) above sea level. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/REPORTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES FOR CROP TRUST.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028415593-LE1B66X5T0B43V1139OZ/FoodSecurity2_005.jpg Food Security Asia Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449366-FUJFRNRG80LIT7J52HL0/FoodSecurity2_002.jpg Food Security Asia Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028486839-MH49M4U2OBWP8YXCTRY4/FoodSecurity2_016.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 19 AUGUST 2016: Thai minority women move amongst Cassava crops that fill the hills close to Son La city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555428-EM5O116W1W9QOGCND3KZ/FoodSecurity2_017.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 20 AUGUST 2016: Men from a farming hamlet in Son La province construct an irrigation system for their rice paddies. Most of these farmers will eat the rice they produce, using the proceeds from corn they raise for animal feed to purchase it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449603-9TG8CQS11XEWZ8CDTSNN/FoodSecurity2_003.jpg Food Security Asia Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555654-IWX4BQV4QNMVF3I4GJC2/FoodSecurity2_018.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Farmers spray rice crops with pesticides to guarantee a good harvest. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously. the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449318-QELNVAF59L73TDHZVT96/FoodSecurity2_004.jpg Food Security Asia Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555642-KRB8MDHQYDUCC5DWA4I9/FoodSecurity2_019.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Farmers plant rice in sparse areas of the paddy to ensure a good harvest. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously. the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449371-I77XI7TJ4AURRJ5BRFHU/FoodSecurity2_006.jpg Food Security Asia Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555555-HA9QEL1GQXRZQQXRJ7CS/FoodSecurity2_020.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Farmers plant rice in sparse areas of the paddy to ensure a good harvest. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously. the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449675-N2OOQKLH3LZ18R3VAJD9/FoodSecurity2_007.jpg Food Security Asia Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555249-U9T2LRJI1DJPHLY9WIMV/FoodSecurity2_021.jpg Food Security Asia BANAUE, PHILIPPINES: The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 metres (5000 ft) above sea level. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/REPORTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES FOR CROP TRUST.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449312-BEA4ZR9M1L6JN4STZ4HQ/FoodSecurity2_008.jpg Food Security Asia Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555237-EE6252UMG59MEE4OHVT8/FoodSecurity2_022.jpg Food Security Asia MU CANG CHAI, YEN BAI, VIETNAM, 5 JUNE 2015: Local people prepare the rice paddies Mu Cang Chai is famous for. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449789-QB078AW3POQHC8UHULH3/FoodSecurity2_009.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Maize farmer Juan Dajao, 59, examines corn ears in his maize field in the district of Gawad Kalinga. 54 farmers grow maize in this area over 30 hectares. It is a traditional crop in Davoa, its origins lying in trade between Spain and the Philippines going back centuries. The crop is resiliant, organic and does not require much maintenance or pesticide use. Corn in the Philippines has traditionally been associated with the poor and is more affordable than rice. It has a lower glycemic index and is a higher source of energy. Rice may be more expensive but it is not as good for you. High blood sugar is often linked to the consumption of white rice. If managed correctly, corn could address the need for the Philippines to import rice to feed its people. In the Philippines it is most often consumed once milled and looks very similar to rice on the plate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555366-W7NH1T0Q4N3BX2ZLRXH9/FoodSecurity2_023.jpg Food Security Asia MU CANG CHAI, YEN BAI, VIETNAM, 6 JUNE 2015: Local people prepare the rice paddies Mu Cang Chai is famous for. Rice is the staple crop in a community where people earn on average less than one dollar a day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449615-3HZKY141F3WI350DP7W5/FoodSecurity2_010.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: A Maize farmer seen riding his water buffalo while inspecting his maize field in the district of Gawad Kalinga. 54 farmers grow maize in this area over 30 hectares. It is a traditional crop in Davoa, its origins lying in trade between Spain and the Philippines going back centuries. The crop is resiliant, organic and does not require much maintenance or pesticide use. Corn in the Philippines has traditionally been associated with the poor and is more affordable than rice. It has a lower glycemic index and is a higher source of energy. Rice may be more expensive but it is not as good for you. High blood sugar is often linked to the consumption of white rice. If managed correctly, corn could address the need for the Philippines to import rice to feed its people. In the Philippines it is most often consumed once milled and looks very similar to rice on the plate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555308-XLR0NNY1S1BYEYZO7UVM/FoodSecurity2_024.jpg Food Security Asia MU CANG CHAI, YEN BAI, VIETNAM, 5 JUNE 2015: Local people prepare the rice paddies Mu Cang Chai is famous for. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449341-A0W3IVNZATO740G72E4S/FoodSecurity2_011.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Juan Dajao, 59, sits with his family and prepares freshly harvested corn for milling in the district of Gawad Kalinga. 54 farmers grow maize in this area over 30 hectares. It is a traditional crop in Davoa, its origins lying in trade between Spain and the Philippines going back centuries. The crop is resiliant, organic and does not require much maintenance or pesticide use. Corn in the Philippines has traditionally been associated with the poor and is more affordable than rice. It has a lower glycemic index and is a higher source of energy. Rice may be more expensive but it is not as good for you. High blood sugar is often linked to the consumption of white rice. If managed correctly, corn could address the need for the Philippines to import rice to feed its people. In the Philippines it is most often consumed once milled and looks very similar to rice on the plate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555506-0I9TODJRZ7BSUX3QJYQS/FoodSecurity2_025.jpg Food Security Asia MU CANG CHAI, YEN BAI, VIETNAM, 5 JUNE 2015: local people prepare the rice paddies Mu Cang Chai is famous for. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449825-13RKWIAGL52BGULHZ96D/FoodSecurity2_012.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Maize farmer Juan Dajao, 59, and his wife Maria cook milled corn in the district of Gawad Kalinga. They use corn cobs to fuel their cooking fire. 54 farmers grow maize in this area over 30 hectares. It is a traditional crop in Davoa, its origins lying in trade between Spain and the Philippines going back centuries. The crop is resiliant, organic and does not require much maintenance or pesticide use. Corn in the Philippines has traditionally been associated with the poor and is more affordable than rice. It has a lower glycemic index and is a higher source of energy. Rice may be more expensive but it is not as good for you. High blood sugar is often linked to the consumption of white rice. If managed correctly, corn could address the need for the Philippines to import rice to feed its people. In the Philippines it is most often consumed once milled and looks very similar to rice on the plate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555661-ZUUX5HRRWR3365D9IQ06/FoodSecurity2_026.jpg Food Security Asia MU CANG CHAI, YEN BAI, VIETNAM, 6 JUNE 2015: A Hmong rice farmer tills his paddy with his water buffalo in a landscape of beautiful shapes that Mu Cang Chai is famous for. Rice is the staple crop in a community where people earn on average less than one dollar a day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449290-PB80A01VG3WB0FVYEQAM/FoodSecurity2_013.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Maize farmer Juan Dajao, 59, and his wife Maria eat with their son a meal of milled corn in the district of Gawad Kalinga. They use corn cobs to fuel their cooking fire. 54 farmers grow maize in this area over 30 hectares. It is a traditional crop in Davoa, its origins lying in trade between Spain and the Philippines going back centuries. The crop is resiliant, organic and does not require much maintenance or pesticide use. Corn in the Philippines has traditionally been associated with the poor and is more affordable than rice. It has a lower glycemic index and is a higher source of energy. Rice may be more expensive but it is not as good for you. High blood sugar is often linked to the consumption of white rice. If managed correctly, corn could address the need for the Philippines to import rice to feed its people. In the Philippines it is most often consumed once milled and looks very similar to rice on the plate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555500-QOPQVK2EUHYMTGNJR3SH/FoodSecurity2_027.jpg Food Security Asia MU CANG CHAI, YEN BAI, VIETNAM, 6 JUNE 2015: A view over a landscape of beautiful shapes showcases the rice paddies that Mu Cang Chai is famous for. Rice is the staple crop in a community where people earn on average less than one dollar a day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449307-7L2YFGMRWTP3HQXVG2RQ/FoodSecurity2_014.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 19 AUGUST 2016: Cassava crops fill the hills close to Son La city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555410-80TUQKZ1PCFR5Z6NNR42/FoodSecurity2_028.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Images of Thai minority people in Vietnam harvesting corn and preparing it for transport. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028449819-DECWTWPWHU7009GBF6IL/FoodSecurity2_015.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 19 AUGUST 2016: Thai minority women move amongst Cassava crops that fill the hills close to Son La city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555341-03JGAAYNPF00PYJYGVI9/FoodSecurity2_029.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Images of Thai minority people in Vietnam harvesting corn and preparing it for transport. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555255-51SVP469DMEB9KMAMI49/FoodSecurity2_030.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Images of Thai minority people in Vietnam harvesting corn and preparing it for transport. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555360-Z87U26FHDP1GSNU41RW8/FoodSecurity2_031.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Images of Thai minority people in Vietnam harvesting corn and preparing it for transport. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555347-46NKTTFMV471JEQYUQCO/FoodSecurity2_032.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Images of Thai minority people in Vietnam harvesting corn and preparing it for transport. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555217-2J3QHHGK4P9Z6V3NLE00/FoodSecurity2_033.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Early harvest corn is sheltered from rain on an old runway. The majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers. Most of these farmers will eat rice, using the proceeds from corn to purchase it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555322-74J86XOV7SNHYOADI9NZ/FoodSecurity2_034.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Early harvest corn drying in the sun and at facilities for processsing, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers. Most of these farmers will eat rice, using the proceeds from corn to purchase it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555635-KN4DIN4JHVXM4A5ZHIVF/FoodSecurity2_035.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Early harvest corn drying in the sun and at facilities for processsing, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers. Most of these farmers will eat rice, using the proceeds from corn to purchase it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555398-47WIGE3DK3SOF0BFHNHG/FoodSecurity2_036.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: A corn mill mills farmers corn in a poor section of Davao. Corn is a traditional crop in Davoa, its origins lying in trade between Spain and the Philippines going back centuries. The crop is resiliant, organic and does not require much maintenance or pesticide use. Corn in the Philippines has traditionally been associated with the poor and is more affordable than rice. It has a lower glycemic index and is a higher source of energy. Rice may be more expensive but it is not as good for you. High blood sugar is often linked to the consumption of white rice. If managed correctly, corn could address the need for the Philippines to import rice to feed its people. In the Philippines it is most often consumed once milled and looks very similar to rice on the plate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555549-3WTX5ODSA6CJZ3O9ABT4/FoodSecurity2_037.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Workers at a Casava farmers co-operative use machines to prepare and wash Casava for the market. Casava is traditional a crop eaten by the Islamic population of Davao but this is changing. Two kinds are grown, a crop for animal feed and a crop for human consumption. Food products like cakes, flour, and thickening agents are produced from it and its is also used industrially in adhesives. Casava is increasing in popularity amongst farmers as a staple for animal feed and production has risen steadily over the last 5 years. It is replacing the more expensive corn for this purpose. Casava is very drought tolerant and resistant to Typhoon weather. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555589-FBFSN0IZ68006P0CFH1M/FoodSecurity2_038.jpg Food Security Asia PUEBLO ANTONIA, DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Workers at a Casava farmers co-operative use machines to prepare and wash Casava for the market. Casava is traditional a crop eaten by the Islamic population of Davao but this is changing. Two kinds are grown, a crop for animal feed and a crop for human consumption. Food products like cakes, flour, and thickening agents are produced from it and its is also used industrially in adhesives. Casava is increasing in popularity amongst farmers as a staple for animal feed and production has risen steadily over the last 5 years. It is replacing the more expensive corn for this purpose. Casava is very drought tolerant and resistant to Typhoon weather. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555422-5PMLZBUDMK6VRQ34B82H/FoodSecurity2_039.jpg Food Security Asia DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Casava farmers harvest ripe Casava tubers for a co-operative outside of Davao. Casava is traditional a crop eaten by the Islamic population of Davao but this is changing. Two kinds are grown, a crop for animal feed and a crop for human consumption. Food products like cakes, flour, and thickening agents are produced from it and its is also used industrially in adhesives. Casava is increasing in popularity amongst farmers as a staple for animal feed and production has risen steadily over the last 5 years. It is replacing the more expensive corn for this purpose. Casava is very drought tolerant and resistant to Typhoon weather. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555595-GSALO5HULJ8Z2JX0LP2W/FoodSecurity2_040.jpg Food Security Asia DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Casava is prepared and sold in the markets of Davao. Casava is traditional a crop eaten by the Islamic population of Davao but this is changing. Two kinds are grown, a crop for animal feed and a crop for human consumption. Food products like cakes, flour, and thickening agents are produced from it and its is also used industrially in adhesives. Casava is increasing in popularity amongst farmers as a staple for animal feed and production has risen steadily over the last 5 years. It is replacing the more expensive corn for this purpose. Casava is very drought tolerant and resistant to Typhoon weather. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555562-I8XR3PNCOY8MQD1FXTW8/FoodSecurity2_041.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Small vegetable sellers seen in the villages closer to Son La city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555494-81FIC36NVMEDVS8DJWEX/FoodSecurity2_042.jpg Food Security Asia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555569-12SSAJEE7DZTXLIS5CYH/FoodSecurity2_043.jpg Food Security Asia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555434-8HA40VP1P8JB9ZYL1IBN/FoodSecurity2_044.jpg Food Security Asia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555440-GO5UX9F54I06QGQWQDAQ/FoodSecurity2_046.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Pigs are fed processed corn as animal feed in pens at a corn processing site close to Son La city. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555416-A011E9CL74OC80TND0DB/FoodSecurity2_045.jpg Food Security Asia SON LA, VIETNAM, 18 AUGUST 2016: Pigs are fed processed corn as animal feed in pens at a corn processing site close to Son La city. In these farming valleys rice, cassava and corn are all grown simultaneously, the majority of this corn will go towards animal feed, a leading commercial crop for Vietnamese farmers, most of the cassava will go for industrial purposes and and animal feed, the rice is most often for personal consumption. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555517-8L7HB2MKGT9WYZ1Z2C01/FoodSecurity2_047.jpg Food Security Asia DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Workers unload rice imported from Vietnam into a warehouse on the docks in Davao, Philippines. The Philippines used to produce more rice than any other country in the region but today finds itself importing to make up demand. This is due to increased demand, rising wealth, crop destruction by the weather and other factors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555648-7Q856FMTM2U04YIJ6G5V/FoodSecurity2_048.jpg Food Security Asia DAVAO, PHILIPPINES, 10 AUGUST 2016: Workers unload rice imported from Vietnam into a warehouse on the docks in Davao, Philippines. The Philippines used to produce more rice than any other country in the region but today finds itself importing to make up demand. This is due to increased demand, rising wealth, crop destruction by the weather and other factors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555601-YSLNWX5XK6IW44SMGXPE/FoodSecurity2_049.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: The International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555538-ARG3T6FVFZWE3NCYYW62/FoodSecurity2_050.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Experimental rice being grown for testing at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555315-YDDZ9P0MIL38SWQQVK19/FoodSecurity2_051.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Workers harvest experimental rice for testing at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555512-NBQPHA47KRZNB1U948Q4/FoodSecurity2_053.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Workers conduct drought resistance rice sampling at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555475-C3GUDMX2XQGOY8OH5724/FoodSecurity2_052.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Workers conduct drought resistance rice sampling at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555582-TEW6DNG86B3IC9I2YR5P/FoodSecurity2_054.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Dr Vera Cruz checks a rice experiment to monitor the progress of Blight at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555463-T3QS0LMMY3HDWO72DL0H/FoodSecurity2_055.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: Greenhouse experimental rice sampling for genetic research purposes in the greenhouses of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555488-LTMQ3WH1HFOLELW1WUIH/FoodSecurity2_056.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: Greenhouse experimental rice sampling for genetic research purposes in the greenhouses of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555231-FRF8LPTL0A26YBD25QDT/FoodSecurity2_057.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: Images of experiemental Cassava crops at the Root Crop Research and Development Center, (RCRDC,) where over 100 Cassava varieties from all over Vietnam have been sampled. On the left Nguyen Trong Hien, Deputy Director, looks at DNA based sampled of Cassava developed in conjunction with the national assessments of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, (CIAT.) On the right Cassava researchers examine genetically modified Cassava designed for things like drought resistance, early harvest capabilities and disease resistance. Cassava is a root crop of tropical American origin, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has risen from relative obscurity in recent decades to become the world’s third most important source of dietary energy after maize and rice. Esteemed by smallholder farmers for its tolerance to drought and infertile soils, the crop is inherently eco-efficient, offering a reliable source of food as well as income from markets for a wide variety of food, feed, and industrial products. CIAT’s Genetic Resources Program conserves in vitro the world’s most important collection of cassava germplasm, encompassing a wide array of landraces together with wild species related to the cultivated crop. These materials are a valuable resource for cassava improvement worldwide. The Center’s Cassava Program develops £elite germplasm through the use of improved breeding methods, such as rapid-cycling recurrent selection and production of doubled haploids. This material is shared directly with research partners in Southeast Asia as well as Latin America and the Caribbean and in sub-Saharan Africa through the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Center cassava researchers also develop £source germplasm containing key traits, such as tolerance to postharvest physiological deterioration, resistance to whiteflies, and amylose-free or high-amylose starch. A root crop of tropical American origin, cassava (Manihot e https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555288-9652X22P8BQ2LWW6TUFH/FoodSecurity2_058.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Seeds are checked during a rice experiment to monitor salinity at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555457-S108B662GC8MH27QRQF7/FoodSecurity2_059.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: A worker hand pollinating rice plants to induce specific varieties at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555378-K29G8GC9PKHF5ACNLDJN/FoodSecurity2_064.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: A worker emasculates plants at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555524-3J5IE4C5RXLMAL6BX5BJ/FoodSecurity2_060.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Workers enact quality control over specially produced rice for archiving and distribution at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555445-J2RDYAKQFP1KE98QTY1T/FoodSecurity2_061.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Workers enact quality control over specially produced rice for archiving and distribution at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555667-M166P3YCIAF06GSEAKFX/FoodSecurity2_062.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: A map of Rice seed collaboration globally, seen inside the gene bank at IRRI at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555224-O7FTYHTPMALTBGRIP6JK/FoodSecurity2_063.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Dr Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, head of the TT Chang Genetic Resources center, Genetics and Biotechnology. He is seen standing in the cold room for the active collection of rice seeds for IRRI, over 120 000 varieties of rice IRRI at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555354-H3Y0MB4L3I2EP8JJ766F/FoodSecurity2_065.jpg Food Security Asia IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Inside the minus 20 degrees base collection storage facilty of rice seeds at IRRI, this stoarge guarantees 40 years of life for these seeds. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555294-FQRUQ3IAQIED12QOVUHX/FoodSecurity2_066.jpg Food Security Asia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555281-V71Y7795V7GWIZNNJD8K/FoodSecurity2_067.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: Greenhouse experimental crop sampling for genetic research purposes in the greenhouses of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555469-2WRDSMV6WYK2RR41AR8A/FoodSecurity2_069.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: The cold storage and lab facilities for plant multiplications purposes at the offices of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555627-DYRC4Z1N0SEOB3H0FWS7/FoodSecurity2_068.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: The cold storage and lab facilities for plant multiplications purposes at the offices of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555543-B10NT5RSVHSDVRHVSVMQ/FoodSecurity2_070.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: The cold storage and lab facilities for plant multiplications purposes at the offices of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555481-UIE1WIQ1Z5YBZJ5JUF2M/FoodSecurity2_071.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: The cold storage and lab facilities for plant multiplications purposes at the offices of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028555404-HM483O7H8B5QPZ9MRZKX/FoodSecurity2_072.jpg Food Security Asia HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: The cold storage and lab facilities for plant multiplications purposes at the offices of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://www.brentstirton.com/the-sediba-discovery-south-africa daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616152-7VV6MXIWBM93LXWCLM46/MalapaFinds_001.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031226517-EGQNA3CZ4XMJLW4KARDX/MalapaFinds_032.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: The skeleton of adult female Mh2 Australopithicus sediba from the Malapa Hominid find as seen at Wits University Paleo Sciences department, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 October, 2010. This is the most complete Hominid skeleton ever found. These finds are precisely copied in resin and the copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female, MH2 and a juvenile male, MH1, who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031260602-I7ZY6EFNE7JUVQVNUHEC/MalapaFinds_034.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: The scapula, arm and hand of adult female Mh2 Australopithicus sediba from the Malapa Hominid find lying next to the scapula, arm and hand of a Bonobo Chimpanzee, as seen at Wits University Paleo Sciences department, Johannesburg, South Africa, 05 November, 2010. This is the most complete Hominid skeleton ever found. These finds are precisely copied in resin and the copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female, MH2 and a juvenile male, MH1, who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616145-2ZQW08W9OAQ6F55AA3S6/MalapaFinds_002.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER, 2010: The "elephant chamber" inside Sterkfontein Caves, Gauteng, South Africa, October 11, 2010. In the recent Sediba finds in the Cradle, it is believed that the hominid fossils wee well preserved as the hominds fell into the cave and were trapped out of reach of predators who would have destroyed the bones we see today. Within the caves of the Cradle of Humankind, scientists have discovered many hominid and other animal fossils, dating back more than 4-million years, to the birth of humanity. The most important and most famous of these fossils are “Mrs Ples”, a 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus skull, and “Little Foot”, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton that is more than 3-million years old. These fossils, both found in the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind, as well as the recent Sediba find, tell us much about the precursors of modern humans. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031226615-1FF726EBBCAE6YVF92NN/MalapaFinds_033.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: The scapula, arm and hand of adult female Mh2 Australopithicus sediba from the Malapa Hominid find lying next to the scapula, arm and hand of a Bonobo Chimpanzee, as seen at Wits University Paleo Sciences department, Johannesburg, South Africa, 05 November, 2010. This is the most complete Hominid skeleton ever found. These finds are precisely copied in resin and the copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female, MH2 and a juvenile male, MH1, who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031260660-NCV21YX3Q5MRN7P0SYAN/MalapaFinds_035.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: The scapula, arm and hand of adult female Mh2 Australopithicus sediba from the Malapa Hominid find lying next to the scapula, arm and hand of a Bonobo Chimpanzee, as seen at Wits University Paleo Sciences department, Johannesburg, South Africa, 05 November, 2010. This is the most complete Hominid skeleton ever found. These finds are precisely copied in resin and the copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female, MH2 and a juvenile male, MH1, who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616160-5956KX6P9Y8IX0GZ6AF3/MalapaFinds_003.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Sunset over the Cradle of Humankind as seen from the Maropeng visitor's center at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Gauteng, South Africa, 8 October 2010. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this area of South Africa. This is a center devoted to human origins and the children undertake a journey into the origins of man as they tour the facility. The recent Sediba discovery has re-energised the Paleolithic world in the minds of people in South Africa and there is more interest in early man and the fossil rich Cradle of Humankind than ever before. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616186-U8IYJWIVEZZER03ZOBJT/MalapaFinds_004.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Sunset overlooking trees in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Gauteng, South Africa, 10 October 2010. Trees in the Cradle are often an indicator of caves in this area, the trees are often near underground water sources. The recent Sediba discovery at the Malapa site was a result of Lee Berger's use of Google Earth to map tree clusters which indicated caves in the area. The recent Sediba discovery has re-energised the Paleolithic world in the minds of people in South Africa and there is more interest in early man and the fossil rich Cradle of Humankind than ever before. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616107-1KT0U4LAAB57NZQ6LEVU/MalapaFinds_005.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616071-HRX7OPJEPKIZH3RRHMHF/MalapaFinds_006.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department sits with his son Matthew at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. Matthew Berger is credited with finding the first Homind fossil at the site, a find which led to a major new Hominid genus being discovered. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616100-18Q55UK21AE7KQY2TCYE/MalapaFinds_007.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department work with his excavations staff at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616115-SLVETPFXQWW36DVS82FK/MalapaFinds_008.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department work with his excavations staff at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616194-TEPNHVZ2UXA642LAWCH7/MalapaFinds_009.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department work with his excavations staff at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615967-T2JQTYLDS8Y0QECFGKZR/MalapaFinds_010.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department works with his crew at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, November 4, 2010. Berger used a hydraulic jack to pressure the matrix and extract homind fossil rich blocks from the site. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616016-KKM0HZHTCP1OU2HMVNNH/MalapaFinds_011.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department works with his crew at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, November 4, 2010. Berger used a hydraulic jack to pressure the matrix and extract homind fossil rich blocks from the site. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615995-JG6QF5DTDZB0HHX65QBP/MalapaFinds_012.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615960-QWHZBKTQTQXFEYF715EQ/MalapaFinds_013.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department work with his excavations staff at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615988-CUVBSMPGLWKCOL8OKFXF/MalapaFinds_014.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department work with his excavations staff at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616180-1OFCS5IO49ZTK9OB9LB0/MalapaFinds_015.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department work with his excavations staff at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616085-DCHYQE5F597R83GQEGCN/MalapaFinds_016.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa CRADLE OF HUMNAKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger of Wits University Paleontology Department work with his excavations staff at the Malapa Fossil site on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 25 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone one to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615938-DSISU3CAHYMJ2TPY8L74/MalapaFinds_017.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Excavators from the Sediba hominid project at Wits University go through rock matrix extracted from a fossil site looking for evidence of hominid remains, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4 October, 2010. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616003-XN9OPVRXBJ4DUNCE3BM2/MalapaFinds_018.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Excavators from the Sediba hominid project at Wits University go through rock matrix extracted from a fossil site looking for evidence of hominid remains, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4 October, 2010. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615981-K3LAZJRNI2OOJYXRV0H5/MalapaFinds_019.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Excavators from the Sediba hominid project at Wits University go through rock matrix extracted from a fossil site looking for evidence of hominid remains, Johannesburg, South Africa, 4 October, 2010. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616032-745I3THRGZAP9FME28GI/MalapaFinds_020.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Preperation Lab Technicans at Wits University Paleo Sciences department extract new hominid fossil finds from rock matrix found at the Malapa hominid project side, Johannesburg, South Africa, 6 October, 2010. These finds are precisely copied in resin and the copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615974-TWX3422NCPC7SA0N5EDC/MalapaFinds_021.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Preperation Lab Technican Celeste Yates of Wits University Paleo Sciences department extracts 4 adult articulated verterbrae from rock matrix found at the Malapa hominid site, Johannesburg, South Africa, 17 October, 2010. These unique finds are then precisely copied in resin and the copies utilised across the world by participating scientists working on the project across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a possible new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The finds at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616129-0JGLPEP8ATSATIOAYB20/MalapaFinds_022.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Kristian Carlson, a scientist from the Institute for Human Evolution at Wits University works on CT scans of hominid fossils at Wits University Paleolithic department, Johannesburg, South Africa, 7 October, 2010. Carlson specialises in digital reconstruction that better explains fossil morphology and behavior interpretation. These scans have allowed for detailed computer reconstruction and subsequent resion recreations of how these Hominids once functioned and looked. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616009-LJ8050EGRQC3L1V6UIBB/MalapaFinds_023.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Kristian Carlson and Aurore Val, scientists from the Institute for Human evolution at Wits University, checks CT scans of hominid fossils at Wits Paleolithic department, Johannesburg, South Africa, 7 October, 2010. Carlson specialises in digital reconstruction that better explains fossil morphology and behavior interpretation. These scans have allowed for detailed computer reconstruction and subsequent resion recreations of how these Hominids once functioned and looked. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616024-72VP30JASBUP98WJSSIT/MalapaFinds_024.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Casting Lab Technicans at Wits University Paleo Sciences department work on the Sediba hominid project making precise resin copies of fossil finds, Johannesburg, South Africa, 5 October, 2010. These copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616173-6QX93JIGCOXM9RPILZIV/MalapaFinds_025.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Casting Lab Technicans at Wits University Paleo Sciences department work on the Sediba hominid project making precise resin copies of fossil finds, Johannesburg, South Africa, 5 October, 2010. These copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616121-90WSKX9KWBLLDLE56T43/MalapaFinds_026.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Casting Lab Technicans at Wits University Paleo Sciences department work on the Sediba hominid project making precise resin copies of fossil finds, Johannesburg, South Africa, 5 October, 2010. These copies are then utilised across the world by scientists working on the project as well as educators across the paleolithic spectrum. The Sediba fossil find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before. The find at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their scale. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616136-LPECA9417Z4HPJFXEQ09/MalapaFinds_027.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Professor Lee Berger teaches an early man fossil class to students inside the fossil vault at the Wits University Medical department, Johannesburg, South Africa, 12 October, 2010. Professor Berger has been responsible for a number of important Hominid fossil discoveries, the most recent of which is the Sediba fossil, this find represents a new Hominid genus, something not seen before in the evolution of early man. These fossil finds at Malapa in the Cradle of Humankind area of South Africa are unprecented in their completeness and sheer number. There are so far an adult female and juvenile male who are almost intact as well as evidence of at least 4 other skeletons. There has never been a find of similar scale in the homind section of the Paleotological world. Over 76 scientists around the world are currently working together on this project. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615931-C39F01E8D3A4Q8SKJYHH/MalapaFinds_028.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Schoolchildren from the Marapo A-Thutlwa Primary school visit Maropeng visitor's center at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Gauteng, South Africa, 8 October 2010. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this area of South Africa. This is a center devoted to human origins and the children undertake a journey into the origins of man as they tour the facility. The recent Sediba discovery has re-energised the Paleolithic world in the minds of people in South Africa and there is more interest in early man and the fossil rick Cradle of Humankind than ever before. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616047-YEFADXW6T9TE3PKJX33B/MalapaFinds_029.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Schoolchildren from the Marapo A-Thutlwa Primary school visit Maropeng visitor's center at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Gauteng, South Africa, 8 October 2010. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this area of South Africa. This is a center devoted to human origins and the children undertake a journey into the origins of man as they tour the facility. The recent Sediba discovery has re-energised the Paleolithic world in the minds of people in South Africa and there is more interest in early man and the fossil rick Cradle of Humankind than ever before. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158616039-V0VVLTSFFB09P70DZHFF/MalapaFinds_030.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa MAMELODI, PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Artists Mabote Boy Louw, 22, and Given Fortune Bongani Nkosi, 22, work on a mural of the evolution of man at a school in Mamelodi township, Pretoria, South Africa, 16 October 2010. Nkosi and Louw spend their working week creating casts of the Malapa fossils at Wits Paleo Center, working with others to create accurate replicas of the Hominid fossils for distribution to the scientists working on this project around the world. Nkosi and Louw were selected for this job after they won a competition for artists run by the American Embassy in Johannesburg. Both men are interested in spreading knowledge of the Paleo history of South Africa amongst the townships of the country and are trying to initiate a mural project based on images of early man. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158615953-9Y26PNQBMF7Q1U5HOLX5/MalapaFinds_031.jpg The Sediba Discovery, South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010. Member's of P.A.S.T's Walking Tall Educational Theatre Project perform an educational theater piece on the evolution of man in Khatlahong Township, Johannesburg, South Africa, 15 October, 2010. P.A.S.T is an organisation which specialises in a number of public awareness, education and research projects concerned with the Paleo sciences. They act as a facilitator creating links between government, business, scientists and the public. The Walking Tall project consists of three actors who perform a 45 minute long theatre piece for schoolchildren at schools across the country. It is a very entertaining and amusing skit on evolution and provides an educational platform which is in high demand. After the piece the kids have the opportunity to answer questions of a Paleo nature which the perfomers and a accompanying expert will answer. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://www.brentstirton.com/the-pantanal-resilience-and-recovery daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873079-A109E219KCUUE27TYKJA/Pantanal_001.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery The Pantanal – Recovery and ResilienceThe Pantanal in Brazil is the world’s greatest wetland and in 2020 it experienced devastating fires which killed millions of animals and devastated their habitats. Since then, it has been in a process of recovery. This essay attempts to look at some of the key elements in the Pantanal ecosystem today. It examines the importance of clean and continued water flow from the highlands to the north of the Pantanal, the area influenced by the threatened Amazon basin. It looks at the continuing effects of poorly planned and massive agricultural development in the highlands above the Pantanal and how the subsequent mass erosion carried by the Taquari River flooded over a million hectares of land in the delta region. This devastated both cattle farming as well as wildlife habitat and it continues today. These images look at the cycle of the wet and dry season and how that essentially saves the Pantanal from agricultural and mining development and reinforces the ecology. Tourism remains a vital element in securing the future of the Pantanal, but management of that tourism is sometimes lacking. Cattle ranching is a centuries old tradition in this place, with horses often being the only means of moving cattle to higher ground once the seasons change. Keystone species such as the jaguar remain the backbone of tourism for the Pantanal but ongoing conflict between cattle ranchers and jaguars remains the case, especially amongst those who cannot afford to develop jaguar tourism of their own to subsidize cattle losses. Finally, the Pantanal is also a conduit for drugs moving from other South and Central American countries into Brazil. There are hundreds of remote airstrips and the wreckage of many small planes is seen in a few places. There are subtle gang signs on the walls of the towns that surround the Pantanal, as Rio’s and Sao Paulo gangs extend their reach to move the narcotics landing on those small strips. First image: JOFFRE, P https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872993-X2C1RJOO3OV80KIOGMDO/Pantanal_002.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CHAPPADA DOS GUIMARAES, MATTO GROSSO, BRAZIL: Rain falls during a sunset in the highlands overlooking the Northern Pantanal. This rain originates in the Amazon basin and is the contributing factor to the rivers that provide clean water and make the anual wet season flooding possibly for the Pantanal. As the Amazon has lost original forests to deforestation and logging, so the "flying rivers" that originate there have diminished in size. The health of the Pantanal ecosystem and its ancient wet and dry season are deeply reliant on these highlands and the water they provide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873042-XHYAUZN54H273NJIDGHE/Pantanal_016.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery SAN FRANSCISCO FAZENDA, MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: Farmer's wife Fernanda Bredow stands with her baby Cecilia as they pack up after working with a plane to seed fields all day. Specialized waterways on this farm dug out 30 years ago that channel water from the Miranda river to fields for rice-growing and other agriculture. This would be largely illegal today in the Pantanal but because this farm is right on the border of the Pantanal they can get away with it. San Francisco Fazenda is an unusual ranch that has ecotourism, cattle ranching and crop growing all in one place. Cattle ranching is an ancient practice in the Pantanal. The cattle are usually moved from lower to higher ground as the dry season becomes the wet season. There is a feeling amongst the more powerful rancher farmers of the Pantanal that the Pantanal is too protected and that using the technology of the highlands could play a role in better farming without disturbing the ecosystem. Much of that technology would be about water distribution. The farmers point out that much of the erosion on farms into rivers in the Pantanal could be prevented by dykes, which existed before the enviro protections came in. All farms in in the Pantanal are required to keep at least 20% of their land wild, with no development. Farmers feel they should be compensated for that, especially when they lack the resources to develop tourism to compensate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873060-6QHYS2SFAY5E37HWD7VZ/Pantanal_017.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery JOFFRE, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: Bridges are many and vital in the pantanal, especially during fires and the wet season. There are 122 bridges found along the well-known 145-km-long “Transpantaneira” raised dirt and gravel road. Visitors will often encounter herons, caimans, and capybaras and even jaguars. Without there bridges it is almost impossible to supply the people of the Pantanal so they are constantly maintained. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872931-TPS7ZK6D931HQLL3XRRL/Pantanal_021.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CUIABA RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: The Pantanal attracts one of the greatest and most diverse bird populations on earth. This includes the rare and extremely endangered Blue Macaw, the Pantanl has the highest numbers of this extremely rare bird. This brings a large number of international tourists into the Pantanal that may help to guarantee its survival despite illegal trade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873089-PVG3NRKPTUPFVT842Z6R/Pantanal_022.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Blue Hyacinth Macaws along the Pantanal, one of the rarest birds in the world and estimated at 2500 to 5000 in the wild today, the Pantanal is a major habitat for this largest of Macaws. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873138-ZZGUUT01TB9KSPF8DXS6/Pantanal_003.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CHAPPADA DOS GUIMARAES, MATTO GROSSO, BRAZIL: Views of the highlands directly overlooking the Northern Pantanal. The rivers and rain here are supported by air-borne water vapor from the Amazon basin that manifests in rain in these highlands and is the contributing factor to the rivers that provide clean water and make the annual wet season flooding possibly for the Pantanal. As the Amazon has lost huge tracts of original forests to deforestation and logging, so the "flying rivers" that originate there have diminished in size. The health of the Pantanal ecosystem and its ancient wet and dry season are deeply reliant on these highlands and the water they provide as well as their connection to the Amazon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873005-A572PFLCOS2WV28EL1FM/Pantanal_018.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873156-CK8WRMFJLE89GPSB4H32/Pantanal_023.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery JOFFRE, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: Two Jabiru storks, the symbolic bird of the Pantanal, are seen in a mating ritual. The jabiru stork holds the title for largest flying bird in the Americas. It grows 4 to 5 feet tall and has a wingspan of 9 to 12 feet. Breeding storks enjoy the marshlands available in the Pantanal region and it is an important breeding ground for a bird that is increasingly losing habitat across the Americas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872919-WBWBM99E8EUBGAZZCMTB/Pantanal_004.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CUIABA RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: Vultures land on a large dead cayman, most likely struck by a speeding boat carrying sport fisherman on the Cuiaba river. Tourism is a vital resource for the overall survival of the Pantanal but it is often poorly supervised. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872943-DWITPDI91KH9A7SD5CZG/Pantanal_019.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SOL, BRAZIL: A tourist boat ferries people on a jaunt along the Miranda river on the San Francisco Fazenda. This is a popular tourist place where people can easily access the Pantanal for day trips or more. Tourism is a major driver for the Pantanal, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars and creating ongoing incentive for good conservation practises for this unique wetland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872980-YNEIXY8W4YMF5JZ8E6MU/Pantanal_024.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Joffre, Pantanal, Brazil: A giant otter snatches a fish from the Joffre river. The largest otter alive today, these loud and social animals rule the waterways and at 5-6 feet long and weighing up to 70 pounds, they are large enough to fend off caiman and jaguars. A family of otters can be as small as four individuals or on average 8-10 in some areas. Today the giant otter only lives in the most remote waters in tropical South America. Hunting for their luxuriant fur, along with habitat loss, has greatly reduced their numbers to an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 total in the wild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873024-9EP44JKTN25R8F0PU42E/Pantanal_005.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery JOFFRE, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: Horses on a cattle ranch graze at the water's edge late in the afternoon. These horses are the only way to access large parts of the Pantanal for the majority of the year. They are a vital part of the cattle industry that has been in the Pantanal since the 16th century. Cattle are moved according to the season, once the rains come and the wet season begins, they can often be moved many miles away to higher ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873054-13GCPNFR8SES1XR2BIOI/Pantanal_020.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CUIABA RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland and because of its rich ecosystem, it attracts one of the greatest and most diverse bird populations on earth. This brings a large number of international tourists into the Pantanal There are certain bird species such as the blue Macaw that are only found in the Pantanal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873017-G811FD3Y489B1T996OSZ/Pantanal_025.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Matto Grosso, Pantanal, Brazil: Lais Calzolari is a vet for wildlife NGO Ampara Silvestre, she is seen with a tapir named Tiao. He was rescued as a baby from the fires of 2020. His paws were too badly burnt for him to walk or run normally so he is looked after in a hotel's wildlife park. Millions of animals were killed in those fires but most of those that were rescued have been releases back into the Pantanal or sent to zoos in Brazil if that was not possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873011-X4QNIS4GPWBKUFRXDS31/Pantanal_006.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery JOFFRE, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: Deer antlers litter a former toilet on a formerly grand but now unused cattle ranch. Many of the ranchers of the Pantanal speculate with land prices and cattle, buying and selling and often running the farm from the cities of Brazil. Newer, more modern and efficient farming practises exist on few farms, the restrictions on farming are severe by the environmental ministry despite the fact that all ranchers must cede at least 20% of their land to the wild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872955-RH7O01LYNWTTOQX0RUM2/Pantanal_026.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery SAN FRANSCISCO FAZENDA, MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: Cowboys relax after moving a large herd of cattle to higher ground on the San Franciscio Fazenda, an unusual ranch that has ecotourism, cattle ranching and crop growing all in one place. Cattle ranching is an ancient practise in the Pantanal. The cattle are usually moved from lower to higher ground as the dry season becomes the wet season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873084-VZYDD7JLVK9ZDEOFR9H5/Pantanal_007.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CHAPPADA DOS GUIMARAES, MATTO GROSSO, BRAZIL: Views of the highlands directly overlooking the Northern Pantanal. The rivers and rain here are supported by air-borne water vapor from the Amazon basin that manifests in rain in these highlands and is the contributing factor to the rivers that provide clean water and make the annual wet season flooding possibly for the Pantanal. As the Amazon has lost huge tracts of original forests to deforestation and logging, so the "flying rivers" that originate there have diminished in size. The health of the Pantanal ecosystem and its ancient wet and dry season are deeply reliant on these highlands and the water they provide as well as their connection to the Amazon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873100-NZ8HTYWQ9DFAE4JVXLU6/Pantanal_027.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Joffre, Pantanal, Brazil.. Ranchers from different properties stop on the Transpanternero highway to help rescue a broken tractor. There is a long-standing spirit of cooperation amongst people in the Pantanal. In this remote and difficult terrain, people cannot rely on help from outside sources and so they help each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872925-SODD4MR2CK2ZAL5IRX1N/Pantanal_008.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CUIABA RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: A large male jaguar lies on the bank of the Cuiaba river after finishing a meal of capibara. Jaguars are a huge tourist lure and bring millions into the Pantanal every year. Ranchers complain that the jaguars also take cattle but their value for attracting tourism far exceeds losses from cattle lost to these animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872893-G67IMO11RRAZGSCK2VHY/Pantanal_028.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery PANTANAL, BRAZIL, 23 MAY 2022: Seul Celso Rondon de Arruda is 67 years old, born and raised in Pantanal. As a cattle rancher, Seul Celso owns 800 cows and 14 horses. The first six months of 2022, he lost 40 calfs because of jaguar attack: each calf killed equals a total loss of 600 euros (if its a male) and 400 if its a female. According to him, 2022 is a particularly bad year: on average, the amount of calf lost to jaguar attacks each year reached 20. He acknowledges that a strong jaguar population is a good thing for the Pantanal as it draw tourists to the area and boost the construction of lodges and hotel. But in the same times, jaguars become more accustomed to the presence of humans and thus become more reckless. He bares no grudjes toward hotel owners and the people from the tourism industry, but his opinion is that cattle ranchers should be compensated for the loss of cattle - by the governement or the hotel owners, he does not say. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro/Rocher Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873126-HNS52047N9MXQKXSA5KY/Pantanal_009.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CUIABA RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: A male jaguar stalks through the long grass on the bank of the Cuiaba river in search of a meal. Jaguars are a huge tourist lure and bring millions into the Pantanal every year. Ranchers complain that the jaguars also take cattle but their value for attracting tourism far exceeds losses from cattle lost to these animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872999-TZIFPQICLXIMRTAD5T1S/Pantanal_029.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery PANTANAL, BRAZIL, 23 MAY 2022: Seul Celso Rondon de Arruda is 67 years old, born and raised in Pantanal. As a cattle rancher, Seul Celso owns 800 cows and 14 horses. The first six months of 2022, he lost 40 calfs because of jaguar attack: each calf killed equals a total loss of 600 euros (if its a male) and 400 if its a female. According to him, 2022 is a particularly bad year: on average, the amount of calf lost to jaguar attacks each year reached 20. He acknowledges that a strong jaguar population is a good thing for the Pantanal as it draw tourists to the area and boost the construction of lodges and hotel. But in the same times, jaguars become more accustomed to the presence of humans and thus become more reckless. He bares no grudjes toward hotel owners and the people from the tourism industry, but his opinion is that cattle ranchers should be compensated for the loss of cattle - by the governement or the hotel owners, he does not say. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro/Rocher Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873120-MWD8PCUTD3GXXOJGVP4Y/Pantanal_010.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CUIABA RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: Jaguars are the world's most aquatic cat and do much of their hunting in the river and on the banks. They are a huge tourist lure for the Pantanal. They bring millions in revenue into the Pantanal every year. Ranchers complain that the jaguars take their cattle but their value for attracting tourism far exceeds losses from cattle lost to these animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872937-R11ZQLX8PQ66G26OU95S/Pantanal_030.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery SAN FRANSCISCO FAZENDA, MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: Cattle ranching is seen on the San Franciscio Fazenda, an unusual ranch that has ecotourism, cattle ranching and crop growing all in one place. Cattle ranching is an ancient practise in the Pantanal. The cattle are usually moved from lower to higher ground as the dry season becomes the wet season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873066-YS7HKS6H3TMSM39KB89Y/Pantanal_011.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SOL, BRAZIL: A forest burnt down by the fires of 2020 is seen slowly recovering with many dead trees visible. There have been no major fires since 2020 but that is because the tinder load is low after the huge fires of 2020. The Pantaneros are wary of this and want a better response from government for the next fires. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872912-W92UOE0D76VTPWM92F2Y/Pantanal_031.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery SAN FRANSCISCO FAZENDA, MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: Cowboys work to manouvere cattle into a large enclosure after driving them from lower ground to higher ground. Cattle ranching is an ancient practise in the Pantanal. The cattle are usually moved from lower to higher ground as the dry season becomes the wet season. For hundreds of years, this was the economic driver of the Pantanal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872961-AR3G5SPRIGIWI0G79R3W/Pantanal_012.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery JOFFRE, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: The Pantanal has an ecology that is very much dependent on the dray and wet season. In this image, the dry season takes hold in the Pantanal, the water sliding away from the banks in an age-old cycle vital to the ecosystem of the Pantanal. The rising flood waters of the wet season are a key reason why the Pantanal remains laregely undeveloped and a refuge for many species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873048-7EV7UCES34IMMNVU1JCM/Pantanal_032.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Pantanal, Brazil: Cowboys seen moving cattle to higher ground before the beginning of the wet season. Cattle ranching is a centuries old tradition in the Pantanal. All ranchers are required to leave a minimum of 20% of their land wild and protected. Many of these areas form corridors for wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873030-CJX0UXHXVYDXBAXSBFJV/Pantanal_013.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery TAQUARI RIVER DELTA AREA, MATTO GROSSO DOS SUL, PANTANAL, BRAZIL. Talisma Farm is seen surrounded by water even though this is the dry season in the Pantanal. In the wet season, this small farmhouse is completely an island. This is due to seriously flawed environmental planning in 1974 when the Brazilian government initiated an aggressive agricultural development plan in the highlands above the Pantanal. A huge flood dumped millions of tons of topsoil into the Taquari river and other tributaries, diverting the river and reducing the flow to the Paraguay river to 30% and creating a permanent flood condition which destroyed over 1 million hectares of the Pantanal overnight. Hundreds of farms were ruined and Talisma farm is one of only 4 farms today still operating in the flooded delta. They and the other survivors went from thousands of head of cattle to growing bananas to survive. Eroded soil continues to be dumped in the Taquari delta when the rains come and flow to the all-important Paraguay river continues to diminish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872949-7BS7FMFN23J9GLUTLZBE/Pantanal_033.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery SAN FRANSCISCO FAZENDA, MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: A cowboy waits for the cattle to come into the enclosure after driving them from lower ground to higher ground. Cattle ranching is an ancient practise in the Pantanal. The cattle are usually moved from lower to higher ground as the dry season becomes the wet season. For hundreds of years, this was the economic driver of the Pantanal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873072-R40L4FDLDOA80BBFVLS6/Pantanal_014.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery TAQUARI RIVER DELTA AREA, MATTO GROSSO DOS SUL, PANTANAL, BRAZIL. Eraco Vilaba was born on Talisma farm and has lived there all of his 81 years. Despite this being the dry season his farm is always surrounded by water. When he was a boy, Eraco's father ran 5000 cattle on the farm until 1974. This permanently flooded situatuon is due to seriously flawed environmental planning in 1974 when the Brazilian government initiated an aggressive agricultural development plan in the highlands above the Pantanal. A huge flood dumped millions of tons of topsoil into the Taquari river and other tributaries, diverting the river and reducing the flow to the Paraguay river to 30% and creating a permanent flood condition which destroyed over 1 million hectares of the Pantanal overnight. Hundreds of farms were ruined and Talisma farm is one of only 4 farms still operating in the flooded delta. Nowadays, Eraco and his wife of 51 years, Sonia, grow bananas to survive. They are amongst the very last farmers still surviving in the Taquari river delta area and they say they will do this for two more years before they will join their children in the city of Corumba. Eroded soil continues to be dumped in the Taquari delta when the rains come and flow to the all-important Paraguay river continues to diminish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872900-HVKED78ULSB8AO627JJC/Pantanal_034.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Joffre, Pantanal, Brazil. Cowboys open gates in flooded zones in order to move their cattle to higher ground. Horses are indispensable for ranching in the Pantanal and so cattle ranching is conducted in ways that are often centuries old and unchanged. All ranchers are required to leave a minimum of 20% of their land wild and protected. Many of these areas form corridors for wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872973-JU8UYEVRP3BLZMOY7IBP/Pantanal_015.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery TAQUARI RIVER DELTA AREA, MATTO GROSSO DOS SUL, PANTANAL, BRAZIL. Eraco Vilaba was born on Talisma farm and has lived there all of his 81 years. Despite this being the dry season his farm is always surrounded by water. When he was a boy, Eraco's father ran 5000 cattle on the farm until 1974. This permanently flooded situatuon is due to seriously flawed environmental planning in 1974 when the Brazilian government initiated an aggressive agricultural development plan in the highlands above the Pantanal. A huge flood dumped millions of tons of topsoil into the Taquari river and other tributaries, diverting the river and reducing the flow to the Paraguay river to 30% and creating a permanent flood condition which destroyed over 1 million hectares of the Pantanal overnight. Hundreds of farms were ruined and Talisma farm is one of only 4 farms still operating in the flooded delta. Nowadays, Eraco and his wife of 51 years, Sonia, grow bananas to survive. They are amongst the very last farmers still surviving in the Taquari river delta area and they say they will do this for two more years before they will join their children in the city of Corumba. Eroded soil continues to be dumped in the Taquari delta when the rains come and flow to the all-important Paraguay river continues to diminish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873095-LBI9EMHN93I6DD7M1MKZ/Pantanal_035.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery PANTANAL, BRAZIL, 23 MAY 2022: Seul Celso Rondon de Arruda is 67 years old, born and raised in Pantanal. As a cattle rancher, Seul Celso owns 800 cows and 14 horses. The first six months of 2022, he lost 40 calfs because of jaguar attack: each calf killed equals a total loss of 600 euros , if its a male and 400 if its a female. According to him, 2022 is a particularly bad year: on average, the amount of calf lost to jaguar attacks each year reached 20. He acknowledges that a strong jaguar population is a good thing for the Pantanal as it draw tourists to the area and boost the construction of lodges and hotel. But in the same times, jaguars become more accustomed to the presence of humans and thus become more reckless. He bares no grudjes toward hotel owners and the people from the tourism industry, but his opinion is that cattle ranchers should be compensated for the loss of cattle - by the governement or the hotel owners, he could not say. It is also a legal requirement that all ranch owners keep a minimum of 20% of the farmland wild so that corridors are formed for wildlife. This is also contentious amongst ranchers in the Pantanal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873036-QM2UXJKE7AEW9XYYDL5P/Pantanal_036.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery CORUMBA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: Cattle in this region are brought to market via huge river barges becasue of huge, permanent flooding due to poor environmental planning in the seventies when Brazil attempted to supersize agriculture in the highlands around the Pantanal. The government at that time did this without thinking how erosion in the wet season would permanently divert major river courses, thereby permanently destroying over 1 million hectares of cattle ranching land almost all the ranches on that land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872906-EDN9Z5GVRI1S5WV0DV5C/Pantanal_037.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Baia Dos Guatos, Pantanal, Brazil: A girl from a Guatos indigenous indian family tries on a traditional head-dress she has just finished making. Ironically, this young girl and her sisters rediscovered their cultural heritage through Google and by talking with other indigenous groups. Their parents were scorned until recently so they neglected to teach these tradtions to their children but the girls wanted to be proud of their heritage so they conducted the research themselves and are trying to learn more traditional ways. Most indigenous people in the Pantanal region has intergrated into the wider community and live conventional lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872967-WM6QA5C90IFUZPJB0HBJ/Pantanal_038.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Paraguay River, Matto Gross do Sul, Brazil: A young girl and her tame parrot in a simple fisherman's home on the Paraguay river in the early evening. Most of the people in this community used to live and work on cattle ranches inside the delta area of the Taquari River. Huge floods caused by erosion erased those farms and people were forced to resettle and find new employment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873114-QNPKXPISMV4PIWUNN20I/Pantanal_039.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery SAN FRANSCISCO FAZENDA, MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: Specialized waterways dug out 30 years ago that channel water from the Miranda river to fields for rice-growing and other agriculture. This would be largely illegal today in the Pantanal but because this farm is right on the border of the Pantanal they can get away with it. San Francisco Fazenda is an unusual ranch that has ecotourism, cattle ranching and crop growing all in one place. Cattle ranching is an ancient practice in the Pantanal. The cattle are usually moved from lower to higher ground as the dry season becomes the wet season. There is a feeling amongst the more powerful rancher farmers of the Pantanal that the Pantanal is too protected and that using the technology of the highlands could play a role in better farming without disturbing the ecosystem. Much of that technology would be about water distribution. The farmers point out that much of the erosion on farms into rivers in the Pantanal could be prevented by dykes, which existed before the enviro protections came in. All farms in in the Pantanal are required to keep at least 20% of their land wild, with no development. Farmers feel they should be compensated for that, especially when they lack the resources to develop tourism to compensate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158872987-9PSA8S7WLQBIM9JZYNXN/Pantanal_040.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Mansor Dam, Matto Gross, Brazil: A number of dams have been built on rivers that are important tributaries to the Pantanal. The Mansor dam was built in 2001 and had the effect of stopping the annual flooding for cities in the pathway. This worked for the nearby cities but changed the ecology of the Northern Pantanal. It dramatically affected the biodiversity. Hydroelectricity is an important focus for the Matto Grosso government to power the growing population but many in the Pantanal are against this. There are plans now to dam the Quiba River, a very important river for the Pantanal. Only 30% of the rivers that feed the Pantanal are still free of dams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873150-IBBI0ZJY1C0D77HKRAAI/Pantanal_041.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Cuiaba, Matto Grosso, Brazil: Cuiaba is the main city on the north side of the Pantanal. The cities and town around the Panatanal continue to grow and this places more pressure on the Pantanal in terms of clean water flow and environmental protections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873144-EB5AWE2QNIXU27V5SDLA/Pantanal_042.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Pocone, Matto Grosso, Brazil: Pocone is a town right on the edge of the Pantanal. It was originally built around cattle ranching but now is largely about gold mining. There are two large mines both on the outskirts of the town and inside the town itself. Goldmining uses a great deal of water and this affects water available for the Pantanal as well as water purity. The mines claim to be environmentally safe but the groundwater is affected and jaguars tested for mercury contamination test the highest in the world for this substance. The mercury is thought to infiltrate the groundwater, then the fish, the caiman eat the fish and the jaguars eat the caiman. The wet and dry season of the Pantanal help to disuade gold and mineral prospectors but it remains an ever-present threat that conservationists must constantly be aware of. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873132-M3PU5HG3BHNSQGDSO7XK/Pantanal_043.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Sasn Francisco, Miranda, Matto Grosso do Sul, Brazil: A crashed plane suspected of transporting narcotics is seen on a farm close to the small town of Miranda. The pilot escaped but people came back and took the plane's GPS and cargo. The Pantanal is a place where there are many small isolated mining strips. Drugs are flown in from surrounding countries and collected there. There have been incidents where cartel and gang members involved in such things have shot jaguars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158873108-AC3T4R7YM9R3GGFKBBYV/Pantanal_044.jpg The Pantanal - Resilience and Recovery Pocone, Matto Grosso, Brazil: A red gang symbol CV is seen on a nature mural on a mine wall in the town of Pocone. The CV stands for Comandante Vermilion or Red Command, a gang affiliated with drugs and violence that is found throughout Brazil. The Pantanal is a place where there are many small isolated landing strips. Drugs are flown in from surrounding countries and collected there. There have been incidents where cartel and gang members involved in such things have shot jaguars. Gang members in the towns around the Pantanal help to facilitate the movement of these narcotics to the larger towns. https://www.brentstirton.com/india-burn daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497275-VHFS1XLOWHS3B03Q4BMO/burnsindia_055.jpg India Burn VARANASSI, INDIA, 2 OCTOBER 2013: Kumkum Chowdhary, 12, plays by herself on the roof of a small donor hospital in Varanassi, India. Kumkum is a victim of severe burns from a gas fire. India has one of the highest incidents of severe burns per capita yet has very few proper burns units throughout the country. Kumkum was severely burned when a naive boy in her village asked to hold a candle while he tried to transfer gas from one canister to another. He promised Kumkum a sweet if she would help him. The resultant explosion burnt her over most of her body, the boy was uninjured and ran away. Kumkum has been in this condition for more than three years with only basic medical care. Her parents are poor people and they cannot afford the necessary travel let alone medical care she requires. This hospital in Varanassi is one of the very few the poor can access. It is based on the efforts of a single doctor, a plastic surgeon who has made it his priority to serve the poor who would otherwise never be able to access this kind of surgery. Kumkum will first have her hands repaired to offer some use and then her face and body will be attended to. It will require at least a year of surgeries and recovery before she will be able to lead a normal life. This recovery is not something she would ever be able to access without the help of this unique facility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497146-WN1QDQ20K52Y3LB6R7W9/burnsindia_068.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at a burns camp held by renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, for some of the over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh has devoted his life to providing life changing surgery to the poorest of the poor in Varanasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497182-SYIKLVTGDW22Q6MY8OB2/burnsindia_004.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497269-C7WWRJL8RP0XTYTHDS4S/burnsindia_011.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497091-QRV4NR25BNDE1OB8C5J1/burnsindia_017.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497307-4V2PW7GMI8XDSCIQT5EW/burnsindia_024.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497188-Y5B5FZ9L22558YO622TQ/burnsindia_028.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497163-U7BH7O1H3BEEUXGIK2PQ/burnsindia_019.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497049-YBB5BP84QOYSUPL9EM1D/burnsindia_029.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at a burns camp held by renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, for some of the over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh has devoted his life to providing life changing surgery to the poorest of the poor in Varanasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497085-SJ48Y245XEXJHMVQS0J1/burnsindia_069.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497042-DJARAGXP77ZEN5USXC6J/burnsindia_030.jpg India Burn MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497238-A501920H87EN05CES4L8/burnsindia_031.jpg India Burn MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497152-EGM47RW20NXVIGCOTJAI/burnsindia_056.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497232-4DONZIXB5AXX1T1Q85C2/burnsindia_006.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497061-GAC976XKV0H52LZ3H3EC/burnsindia_016.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497226-DBQU0E7HEXWTNY7WUWHL/burnsindia_018.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497250-FD778ZJ27ORESZBQYD7A/burnsindia_025.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497134-5CI8JOFZAM6C26HZ0EYF/burnsindia_020.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497326-D2MRSPU6FDF5HVGPLRBY/burnsindia_001.jpg India Burn WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2014: Bharat Mallik, 7, is a boy who suffers from Cataract blindness and comes from a severely impoverished Bengali family in India. Bharat’s father is a drunk and his labourer mother struggles to make ends meet. As a result he has not been treated for his cataracts. A teacher network at school notified a local social worker and as a result of his efforts Bharat is scheduled for surgery as an Ashram hospital a few hours away. Most of these villagers are so poor that transport to a hospital is not possible. As a result many children go permanently blind when like Bharat, a simple operation can restore their sight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497103-5I2T034SG5S20QMWMNFU/burnsindia_033.jpg India Burn MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497313-DX8T5BEFUL7CXPR78VE8/burnsindia_057.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497121-KOPIIPEFFK6SRE6T3F9Y/burnsindia_009.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497220-29IR21FZNUN7N5CREP0W/burnsindia_026.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497066-PG6EO9N8E3UAO2UYBYXQ/burnsindia_022.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497213-UM28BF9071FP77C7ROV0/burnsindia_023.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497294-QEWNJIKFNPTAD6HY52KL/burnsindia_034.jpg India Burn MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497176-MQ09CLQBS4WLW5D6610N/burnsindia_058.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at a burns camp held by renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, for some of the over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh has devoted his life to providing life changing surgery to the poorest of the poor in Varanasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497256-R1VSHZ86P9OS5X1WP7F6/burnsindia_027.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497358-TQM5SQHOPKIPMQ0YJL1H/burnsindia_002.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497158-HS4QPZTTT2V8CYRAJ5KG/burnsindia_035.jpg India Burn MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497109-RSVQ5TB9KD8KMLY5FXGK/burnsindia_059.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497332-6QQ9JXISZCAC2EU1BVNN/burnsindia_070.jpg India Burn MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497127-JLTHQ99KQL4Q41U5M9J0/burnsindia_037.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh holds a burns camp for some of the over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh has devoted his life to providing life changing surgery to the poorest of the poor in Varanasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497073-OYYZ8VE5OR7AFZFZKDHO/burnsindia_060.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at a burns camp held by renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, for some of the over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh has devoted his life to providing life changing surgery to the poorest of the poor in Varanasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497035-LXBUTKGEEWPHO2IG68GF/burnsindia_071.jpg India Burn MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497263-VJE4FSN494GDZCVO1XMS/burnsindia_038.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh holds a burns camp for some of the over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh has devoted his life to providing life changing surgery to the poorest of the poor in Varanasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497200-C5MSJ099RBY3K8YC3S4U/burnsindia_061.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497288-3JMAAZHDTY79LJIHZG4U/burnsindia_040.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497373-FISR1NJK0LDFF0VNL1H4/burnsindia_062.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497300-65LTUY0WBYH0UWCGX97D/burnsindia_041.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497029-A8EBXODOSU7A9V0GLGZR/burnsindia_063.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497379-DOZB7XTQIWH70CYEMQB6/burnsindia_042.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497194-SNQUBD3NFYF2C912OU0E/burnsindia_064.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497319-3KE878QHO0PBNV1O69QV/burnsindia_043.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497351-SLSFJFS48JWZ42MD9CAR/burnsindia_065.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497170-QW3INM41CI9XEAVBEKVH/burnsindia_044.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497244-NYT954FSW2Y2QIQVSPU9/burnsindia_066.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Burn victims seen at one of the very few burns camp offering free plastic surgery to the poor, a tiny fraction of the estimated 6 million people burnt in India every year. Most victims are deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor are unable to secure the necessary funding for surgery. Huge numbers of people thus live lives of incredible, daily suffering without respite. India's poor has a heavy reliance on liquid fuels for cooking and light and this combined with its huge and dense population leads to the highest numbers of burn victims globally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497079-9KN1NEW87SETZFNKUQWL/burnsindia_045.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497344-ACG6RRIYW9S85JJQFIRS/burnsindia_067.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: VARANASSI, INDIA, 2 OCTOBER 2013: Kumkum Chowdhary, 13, poses on the roof of a small donor hospital in Varanassi, India. She is seen 10 months after she first underwent surgery to heal her terrible burns. This is one of the very few facilities in India to offer plastic surgery to the poor. Kumkum is a victim of severe burns from a gas fire. India has one of the highest incidents of severe burns per capita yet has very few hospital burns units throughout the country. Kumkum was severely burned when a naive boy in her village asked to hold a candle while he tried to transfer gas from one canister to another. He promised Kumkum a sweet if she would help him. The resultant explosion burnt her over most of her body, the boy was uninjured and ran away. Kumkum has been in this condition for more than three years with only basic medical care. Her parents are poor people and they cannot afford the necessary travel let alone medical care she requires. This hospital in Varanassi is one of the very few the poor can access. It is based on the efforts of a single doctor, a plastic surgeon who has made it his priority to serve the poor who would otherwise never be able to access this kind of surgery. It will require at least 5 years of succesive surgeries and recovery before she will be able to lead a normal life. This recovery is not something Kumkum would ever be able to access without the help of this unique facility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497281-29SXYPTYMKPXVNF0KIG5/burnsindia_046.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497366-WQFF13AOPSO6OG6S6A8S/burnsindia_047.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497205-0ZINQI63HG2EDO0U27ZF/burnsindia_048.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497097-GRKGCPCI6OS49879DEMH/burnsindia_049.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497140-B71KJ7WIKRF6OQL0ZEPG/burnsindia_050.jpg India Burn VARANASI, INDIA, 8 SEPTEMBER 2014: Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh operates on burn victim Ragini Kumari, 10, who was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497055-M9RG1JZ6BFLHM4CMRBQB/burnsindia_052.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497337-WTJ3YW22TPAYC50VFSPF/burnsindia_053.jpg India Burn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158497115-WES9YI5SDL5BWHUB55N5/burnsindia_054.jpg India Burn https://www.brentstirton.com/bushmeat-commerce-conservation-and-disease daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720756-CHRYYIEYLESZID1WWDMQ/bushmeat_001.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease Bushmeat - Conservation, economics, alternatives and Disease. Millions of people around the world consume wild meat, it is an important economic means for hundreds of thousands of rural people. Due to its high value, wildmeat tends to be sold on by hunters. The majority of what is hunted is not consumed where it is caught. From that first sale, it moves to the nearest towns where its value triples. It is often perceived to be healthier and strong cultural beliefs reinforce this. Wildmeat travels internationally on a daily basis, most often to expat African communities in Europe but also to a huge market in Asia. One of the largest zones for the wild meat trade is across the Congo Basin. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many animal species. As urban populations grow, the pressures imposed on wild populations by consumer demand increases. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein like beef and chicken is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Ebola, Covid-19, SARS, Monkey-Pox and others are all a consequence of pathogens passing from wild animals into humans. In the case of the bat-hunters seen in this essay, international epidemiologists have found groups of these same bats with as high as 33% Ebola anti-body positivity as well as ot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720821-6P42OCOHX5Q0NSCHU3K9/bushmeat_062.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BOENDE, TSHUAPA, EQUATEUR PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 APRIL 2021: Nazaro Bofaya, 35, is seen with her son Diedonne Longulu, 6, both are suffering from an attack of Monkeypox. There are currently 15 cases in her village of Lolengi, 17 km from Befale. The lesions on the boy are clear indicators of Monkeypox, a virus that is often fatal if not treated with antibiotics. Nazaro’s family has been battling the affliction since early March, her oldest son died recently from the disease and she has two more children who have contracted Monkeypox as well as herself. They displayed symptoms the day after her eldest son’s funeral. They do not know how they contracted the disease. Monkeypox is first passed onto humans when an infected primate or rodent is eaten. Once that human is infected, they are highly contagious and infection at a village level is common. At the time of this photo, ten other families had members who were infected. Nazaro and her family have been suffering for nearly two months now as they cannot afford the medicine or the travel and expense of going to the nearest rural hospital. That hospital may often not have the necessary antibiotics. In Nazaro’s case, her eldest son was at the hospital in Befale for 11 days when it was decided to transfer him via motorbike to Boende, 89km away. He died on the journey. Superstition, traditional hunting of bushmeat as a protein source, traditional medicine practices and a failure to social distance all add to the infection rate once Monkeypox comes to a village.(Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720750-HOPIY32RA4A9RAP4QHD0/bushmeat_063.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BEFALE, TSHUAPA, EQUATEUR PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 APRIL 2021: Henriete Bakete Wanda, 13, waits in an isolation room at remote Befale hospital to be treated with antibiotics for an infection of Monkeypox. Henriete is very fortunate that her mother knew the symptoms, brought her to the hospital early and could afford treatment. She is also fortunate that she lives in the same village as the hospital, ensuring that she could access treatment before the virus fully takes root and the tell-tale lesions appear on her body. In this rare case, early intervention has saved Henriete from possible death or long-term health complications. Monkeypox is first passed onto humans when an infected primate or rodent is eaten. Once that human is infected, they are highly contagious and multiple infections at a village level are common. In most cases, the remote rural poor cannot afford the medicine or the travel and expense of going to the nearest rural hospital. That hospital may also not have the necessary antibiotics. Superstition, traditional hunting of bushmeat as a protein source, traditional medicine practices and a failure to social distance all add to the infection rate once Monkeypox comes to a village. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721116-T6U1M7A98HY2CJ0TKI1J/bushmeat_002.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease DOUME VILLAGE, MAMENGA, GABON, 29 JUNE 2021: Two bushmeat hunters are seen at a bat cave as the bats leave the entrance. These caves are an area where these people have hunted for centuries. They pay tribute to their ancestors and settle in to wait for porcupine. This cave complex is special to these hunters and their people. It has been a famous hunting area for centuries and they come here regularly to hunt pangolin and porcupine, who shelter in the cave. The presence of the bats and pangolin, vector animals for zoonotic disease in a place where bushmeat hunters regularly kill wild animals raises questions about possible disease transmission. Pangolin are the chief suspect for Covid-19 and Bats are thought to be the reservoir animal for the specific Corona virus. The hunters village survives on fishing and bushmeat. Gabon has a sustainable bushmeat culture, largely because of its small population and large protected habitats. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIFOR, CIRAD, WCS) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721001-IS3GVYSGB78N1NYYDV9L/bushmeat_065.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BOMASSA, NOUABALE NDOKI, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 27 MAY 2021: Line LobaLoba Ingoba and Hermeland Mouzinga Freisnel are PHD students of Immunology. They are trainees at the Foundation Congolai pour la Recherche Medicale and are in Bomassa to do a Covid-19 survey from a 200-person sample of local villagers. They are seen testing samples in a portable isolation tent with negative pressure and filtered air for safety. Both Covid-19 and Ebola antibodies have been found in the samples. The public health implications for Nouabale Ndoki National Park are centered around its large great ape population. This research is focused on how Covid 19 may be transmitted to the gorillas, who are particularly susceptible to human diseases. The community around the park is largely pygmy, who’s main protein source is bushmeat. 80% of all gorilla populations live outside the park and contact between humans and gorillas are not uncommon as the villagers enter the forest to forage and hunt. Gorillas are in decline due to habitat loss and expanding human population. The pressure of human diseases on gorillas is inevitable and this kind of research is key to future solutions. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721030-UNEIJSDCZY23CWJ3FFEU/bushmeat_003.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Fruit Bat hunters collect bats from an island a couple hours away from the capital Brazzaville. The hunters have nets strung high all over the island and harvest the bats every day of a four-month season. In peak season this can be between 100 to 150 bats per day. This is a popular bushmeat and suppliers deliver the bats twice a week to sellers. They are sold for between 500 and 1500 CFDA each, about $2 to $4 USD. They are traditionally made into a thick soup. The people who market these bats say that white people lie about Ebola and other diseases and their connection to bats. They say it is a way to force local people to buy western foods from white countries. Accepting the fact that bats are the primary vector animal for zoonotic disease is bad for business. This is despite that fact that a live Ebola virus has been isolated inside fruit bats in Guinea, proving their carrier status. It is also believed that bats play a significant role in the current Covid 19 crisis. When the bat sellers prepare the bats for clients, they are often asked to remove the wing bones and wrap the bats in their own wings. This practice is often done with the seller pulling out the bones with their teeth. This is an instant transmission issue but goes unacknowledged by these men. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures imposed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721150-EI5LQXLCD359286E90I4/bushmeat_066.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease Doctors at a Covid 19 ward in Kinshasa, DR Congo take a break after a morning of new patients flooding into the isolation section of the hospital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721110-G2MN0O0VHYI4MRKE23WU/bushmeat_004.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Fruit Bat hunters collect bats from an island a couple hours away from the capital Brazzaville. The hunters have nets strung high all over the island and harvest the bats every day of a four-month season. In peak season this can be between 100 to 150 bats per day. This is a popular bushmeat and suppliers deliver the bats twice a week to sellers. They are sold for between 500 and 1500 CFDA each, about $2 to $4 USD. They are traditionally made into a thick soup. The people who market these bats say that white people lie about Ebola and other diseases and their connection to bats. They say it is a way to force local people to buy western foods from white countries. Accepting the fact that bats are the primary vector animal for zoonotic disease is bad for business. This is despite that fact that a live Ebola virus has been isolated inside fruit bats in Guinea, proving their carrier status. It is also believed that bats play a significant role in the current Covid 19 crisis. When the bat sellers prepare the bats for clients, they are often asked to remove the wing bones and wrap the bats in their own wings. This practice is often done with the seller pulling out the bones with their teeth. This is an instant transmission issue but goes unacknowledged by these men. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures imposed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720873-RJ9MUZ8R1SX60E4VKLQ5/bushmeat_005.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Fruit Bat sellers at the Total market in Brazzaville. This is a popular bushmeat and suppliers deliver the bats twice a week to sellers. They are sold for between 500 and 1500 CFDA each, about 2 to 4 USD. They are traditionally made into a soup. The people who market these bats say that white people lie about Ebola and other diseases and their connection to Bats. They say it is a way to force local people to buy western foods from white countries. Accepting the fact that bats are the primary vector animal for zoonotic disease is bad for business. This is despite that fact that a live Ebola virus has been isolated inside fruit bats in Guinea, proving their carrier status. It is also believed that Bats play a significant role in the current Covid 19 crisis. When the bat sellers prepare the bats for clients, they are often asked to remove the wing bones and wrap the bats in their own wings. This practice is often done with the seller pulling out the bones with their teeth. This is an instant transmission issue but goes unacknowledged by these men. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a signi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721143-ASY7HI1MNYRF6ZCS2UPS/bushmeat_006.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease SING RIVER, MINKEBI NATIONAL PARK, GABON, JUNE 2011: An anti-poaching team composed of Gabon Parcs personal, Gabon military, Baka pygmy porters and two Pirouge pilots conduct an anti-poaching mission up the Sing River in Minkebi National Park, Gabon, 26 June 2011. Gabon has recently seen a large spate of Elephant killings as a result of thousands of illegal goldminers that had flooded into the Minkebi region to exploit a lack of the rule of law in the reserve. Approximately a month ago the Gabonese military and Gabon Parcs Department conducted a large joint operation, inviting all these illegal miners to go home to their own countries or face detention. The presence of these illegals also created a thriving illegal ivory industry, fueled by the presence of Chinese traders in Gabon and neighbouring Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon. This expedition up the Sing River was to check for the presence of these illegals and to see if they were carrying out any poaching activity. There were no sightings and now only empty mining settelements remain. It appears the initial operations have put the word out and the illegal miners and poaching villages are no more in this region of Gabon. The operation involved travelling far up the Sing River in Minkbebi Park, cutting river pathways for the pirouges and doing a thorough check for poachers all the way up the river. There are plans for a permanent "Jungle Brigade" for this region within the next 6 months and that should safeguard the borders of Gabon and its wildlife from further poaching threats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721024-SW27IP0YWMCDUNWRJ00Z/bushmeat_007.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: Jonas Manguba is seen with two of three monkeys he shot on this day. Jonas has hunted since he was a child with his father, he says he shoots at least five monkeys on most of his hunts. Apart from the controlled hunt he was on today, he also hunts independently as a primary source of income, utilizing his skills and cultural legacy as a Baka pygmy bushmeat hunter. As part of a conservation project ngo's Wildlife Conservation Society and Sustainable Wildlife Management work with a logging company on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721130-BF32NCYSS6JSHJ34UWDR/bushmeat_008.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A man coming off a recently arrived boat carries an African dwarf crocodile in Maluku port. The overall population of this species in the wild varies from estimates of 25,000 to 100,000 individuals. On the IUCN Red List, the Dwarf crocodile is classified as a Vulnerable species within its habitat. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. . (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720763-G0D9ND1RSMH89ZX6NW0Z/bushmeat_009.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Bushmeat is delivered to the market from the port. The driver of the small truck carries it to the individula ladies stalls for them. The retail side of the trade is done by women. The animals travel via car, motorbike and boat. This is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721018-F87A8W2J8HTYL3ORV1MD/bushmeat_010.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Bushmeat is delivered to the market from the port. The driver of the small truck carries it to the individula ladies stalls for them. The retail side of the trade is done by women. The animals travel via car, motorbike and boat. This is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721085-EJNHDG750H6YRJY0EUD2/bushmeat_011.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Ouesso is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721136-4Y7H4NKHPLBWKWFH01M8/bushmeat_012.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: African dwarf crocodiles are seen for sale in Maluku port. The overall population of this species in the wild varies from estimates of 25,000 to 100,000 individuals. On the IUCN Red List, the Dwarf crocodile is classified as a Vulnerable species within its habitat. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. . (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721049-MAQWZDIO9UUTZLA129N6/bushmeat_013.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Ouesso is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720994-L7KJUK1NWL67988U5Z5E/bushmeat_014.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Ouesso is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721091-L8EBDZF6UQZP3DMP0KRT/bushmeat_015.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Female bushmeat seller attempt to hide a pangolin, an endangered species and forbidden in the market. Ouesso is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720975-V2I179EBB135FUFTGTFT/bushmeat_016.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Ouesso is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720907-M5EYT0SGYYRR14HYTBYN/bushmeat_017.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Ouesso is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720887-3AU7LRCDA8YAFEJ3YUN7/bushmeat_018.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A man and his wife unpack a bushmeat package of 54 monkeys that they have just unloaded from a boat in Maluku port. There are two different species. The couple say they have a shotgun with relatives in the Equateur region and hunt with that. They make the trip every two weeks. They pay taxes on arrival but there is no problem with the authorities. They say they will sell all of the monkeys within one day in Kinshasa, they are a popular form of bushmeat with consumers. One monkey sells for around $15 in the port, more in the city. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720854-JMJS7GLIEFJFSPBANUTW/bushmeat_019.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A man and his wife unpack a bushmeat package of 54 monkeys that they have just unloaded from a boat in Maluku port. There are two different species. The couple say they have a shotgun with relatives in the Equateur region and hunt with that. They make the trip every two weeks. They pay taxes on arrival but there is no problem with the authorities. They say they will sell all of the monkeys within one day in Kinshasa, they are a popular form of bushmeat with consumers. One monkey sells for around $15 in the port, more in the city. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720981-SO55PT81SC3O4IHVY17B/bushmeat_020.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: Bushmeat scenes from the port of Ouesso. The animals travel via car, motorbike and boat. This is a town notorious for its bushmeat market. These are scenes from the wholesale market in the late afternoon where meat sellers come to buy what they will sell the next day. The vast majority of the selling is done by women. Men do the hunting and transporting. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721073-UVMQ8F4ZLQU90DR2H4KX/bushmeat_021.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease ROAD TO OUESSO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 20TH MAY 2021: A car is seen loaded with bushmeat on the road close to Odzala National Park in Republic of Congo. The driver and his female client are headed for the bushmeat market in Ouesso, a nearby town notorious for its bushmeat market. It is illegal to transport more than a certain number of animals in a vehicle in the Republic of Congo but this is ignored by the authorities or a small bribe is paid. New road infrastructure in the Congo basin has made transportation between wild areas and the cities easy. As a result, there is far more trafficking of animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720860-4KV794GKRAMM7U0YJO0I/bushmeat_022.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease LASTOURSVILLE, GABON, 29 JUNE 2021: A forest antelope is delivered to town via pirogue along with a water snake. Bushmeat is regularly on the menu in restaurant in this region. Rivers are one of the most common means by which wild meat is brought out of the jungle and into cities where its value is much higher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720951-1W5CA225UZ51OXUXRUS3/bushmeat_023.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720808-5HQEB7YXX62Y998C3STE/bushmeat_024.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: African dwarf crocodiles are seen for sale in Maluku port. The overall population of this species in the wild varies from estimates of 25,000 to 100,000 individuals. On the IUCN Red List, the Dwarf crocodile is classified as a Vulnerable species within its habitat. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. . (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720893-35QCH1SP2BX7KWQCTE10/bushmeat_025.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Women are seen selling a variety of bushmeat at a night market in Brazzaville. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this region the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720914-W7C3K969VVC9CV4M59MT/bushmeat_026.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A group of men sell live bushmeat species by the side of the road in Kinshasa. Some of these species are highly endangered, such as the pangolin. The men say there is no issue with the authorities and state that the wildlife authorties often buy from them as they have the right connections to make a greater profit. They state that there are only restrictions in the areas where the animals are hunted but none in the cities they are trafficked to.these men were selling the pangolin for $60 and say they usually sell those to the Chinese. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. . (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720939-UDMZLE0U90UAIJSNBW2B/bushmeat_027.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A woman prepares two African dwarf crocodiles for consumption at a local restaurant in Maluku port. This is a popular dish that can be sold for substantial profit. The overall population of this species in the wild varies from estimates of 25,000 to 100,000 individuals. On the IUCN Red List, the Dwarf crocodile is classified as a Vulnerable species within its habitat. Boats which have travelled from Equateur and other regions deliver bushmeat and other goods into the busy Maluku port outside of Kinshasa. All kinds of bushmeat is available, including endangered species. Kinshasa’s ports are the first stop for suppliers to restaurants all over Kinshasa. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. . (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721067-CV742O0ZHAVR3V9RWJZA/bushmeat_028.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease DJA NATIONAL PARK, SALOMA, CAMEROON, 11 AUGUST 2018: Cameroonian women cook bushmeat, in this case a porcupine and a cervil cat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720969-RXRGLD30GJKC8VZ4IU72/bushmeat_029.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: Images of Baka pygmy bushmeat hunters. As part of a conservation project WCS and SWM work with a logging concession on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration with the logging concessions involves weighing and counting the animals too. It was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720789-PXFU4ERFMTSLCDYKHX3K/bushmeat_030.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: Images of Baka pygmy bushmeat hunters. As part of a conservation project WCS and SWM work with a logging concession on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration with the logging concessions involves weighing and counting the animals too. It was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721043-MU26LUV19AAT3KSXP4IR/bushmeat_031.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease DOUME VILLAGE, CLOSE TO LASTOURSVILLE, GABON, 29 JUNE 2021: Two bushmeat hunter listen to forest elephant very close by as the hunters search for antelope and porcupine in the forest close to Doume. They are seen using their shotgun to imitate the sound of elephants trumpeting. The hunters are in an area with many elephants and in order to avoid danger, they announce their presene this way. Forest elephants are dangerous due to heavy poaching and most bushmeat hunters try to avoid them. Their village survives on fishing and bushmeat. Gabon has a sustainable bushmeat culture, largely because of its small population and large protected habitats. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIFOR, CIRAD, WCS) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720770-AUSWXX3D4OCO9TZUY19B/bushmeat_032.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: Images of Baka pygmy bushmeat hunters. As part of a conservation project WCS and SWM work with a logging concession on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration with the logging concessions involves weighing and counting the animals too. It was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720834-6I1QK41QMDOW8UK8925M/bushmeat_033.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease VILLAGE NDAMBI, AREA OF LASTOURSVILLE, GABON, 30 JUNE 2021: Rick Lindzondzo is a talented bushmeat hunter , he is seen skinning and preparing the Duiker and Antelope he killed the previous night in the forest around the village of Ndambi, one of a number of villages in the area where SWM has relations and regular monitoring for bushmeat consumption. Night hunting is controversial and there is talk of banning it in Gabon. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIFOR, CIRAD, WCS) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721104-J0A2VSK56NSONS678P5R/bushmeat_034.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease MASAAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010. Four Tanzanian poachers are arrested for killing a hippo inside the Masaai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, 21 February 2010. The anti-poaching park rangers are all Masaai men with a strong interest in conserving the wildlife legacy of the Masaai Mara. Traditionally pastoralists, the Masaai are increasingly considering conservation alternatives on their traditional land as an alternative. Drought, increasing overpopulation, shrinking grazing land are a few of the reasons for this shift in cultural values. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720927-6MD31FWKUAIDQZY1AIH4/bushmeat_035.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers capture poachers suspected of killing an elephant. Many of these poachers are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food and ivory. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Gettyimages.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721098-ZEYA9MAZOFHB0BWRHT6Z/bushmeat_036.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A caregiver at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary is seen in her room with a recently rescued baby chimp who is recovering from trauma. These young rescue chimps live in the house and are raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. Many of the caregivers at this sanctuary are victims of conflict, a number have been raped, displaced or wounded. They see their relationship with these chimps as healing for themselves as much as they are healing the chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720847-JYN6W50F48WPM5XJY9EY/bushmeat_037.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease VIRUNGA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Mazuka, a young mountain gorilla orphan, is seen with head caregiver Andre in the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphan center at the park headquarters of Rumangabo. Mazuka is a victim of snaring, a technique where wire snares are used by bushmeat hunters to indiscriminately trap animals of all kinds. When Mazuka was found, the damage from the snare was too great and her foot had to be amputated as a result. She is withdrawn and shy as a result. A great deal of bushmeat is captured through the use of snares, often thousands of cheap wire snares are laid out over an area in an attempt to capture as many animals as possible for commercial profit. These snares ensure that the animals die a brutal death, often by starvation or suffocation. In many cases, the snares will be pulled out of their anchor point by animals and dragged around, the limb slowly dying. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720782-SPK0TA6INAQW8O0K8ZDS/bushmeat_038.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Members of a combined Big Life conservation foundation team and Kenya Wildlife Services Rangers discover a snared Giraffe in the Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya, May 29, 2011. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721012-7KR38D3TVT5MRBPYC6LM/bushmeat_039.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease MBOKI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 25 NOVEMBER 2014: Soldiers on patrol from the African Union Ugandan Armed forces, UPDF, base at Mboki, Central African Republic. The Ugandan contingent based here are focused on the aprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. Soldiers are seen crossing a river, a technique they have perfected with ropes despite the fact that many of the men cannot swim. Captain (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721007-5IJ6U02AP1VTI2ZYPFZ6/bushmeat_040.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease RUPUNUNI RIVER, GUYANA: Herman Phillips, 63, has lived his whole life in the Rupununi region bases on a subsistence existence. He believes that is his natural right as an indigenous person in the Rupununi. He fishes uses his bow and arrow, nets and lines and he hunts in the forest. This is how he has fed and clothed his 8 children and he would like to see that be an option for them too. Members of the Sustainable Wildlife Management Program, SWM, on a Rupununi River expedition with partners, the South Rupununi Conservation Society. This trip focused on fishing, bow-fishing and local hunting and lifestyles. It also took in the condition of the river and the sidecreeks employed by locals for food and shelter and occasional gold mining prospecting. In the Rupununi region, on Amerindian land, everything is ruled by the village and they control hunting and fishing. In the protected areas, the villages and government partner on these things. The Rupununi Region is located in the southwest of Guyana. It consists mostly of large tracts of primary forest, with about 20% of its land area covered by natural Neotropical savanna and seasonally flooded wetlands. The region has approximately 24,000 inhabitants, including indigenous groups that rely on subsistence hunting, fishing and farming. During recent years, fish populations have declined, and similar trends are being observed for terrestrial wildlife. Studies indicate that hunting-dependent livelihoods are sustainable within indigenous lands. Scenarios highlight the probability of future disruption due to infrastructure development, competition with other more lucrative land uses, climate change, and cultural transformation. While conservation efforts are evolving in the Rupununi, there is a need to foster long-term sustainable management practices. In addition, there is a need to share lessons learnt that may be valuable in other Caribbean and Amazonian countries. The SWM Guyana project is building upon existing strategie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720900-NK3W8A0IWEM21NAA685A/bushmeat_041.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease RUPUNUNI RIVER, GUYANA: Leon Baird, 32, is seen bow-fishing in a creek on the Rupununi river. He uses torchlight at night to attract the fish. Leoon has ancestry from both the Macushi and Arawak tribe and made his first trip on the Rupununi at age ten. He works as a guide and as a boat pilot but still lives sustainably off the land by hunting and fishing. Members of the Sustainable Wildlife Management Program, SWM, were on a Rupununi River expedition with partners, the South Rupununi Conservation Society. This trip focused on fishing, bow-fishing and local hunting and lifestyles. It also took in the condition of the river and the sidecreeks employed by locals for food and shelter and occasional gold mining prospecting. In the Rupununi region, on Amerindian land, everything is ruled by the village and they control hunting and fishing. In the protected areas, the villages and government partner on these things. The Rupununi Region is located in the southwest of Guyana. It consists mostly of large tracts of primary forest, with about 20% of its land area covered by natural Neotropical savanna and seasonally flooded wetlands. The region has approximately 24,000 inhabitants, including indigenous groups that rely on subsistence hunting, fishing and farming. During recent years, fish populations have declined, and similar trends are being observed for terrestrial wildlife. Studies indicate that hunting-dependent livelihoods are sustainable within indigenous lands. Scenarios highlight the probability of future disruption due to infrastructure development, competition with other more lucrative land uses, climate change, and cultural transformation. While conservation efforts are evolving in the Rupununi, there is a need to foster long-term sustainable management practices. In addition, there is a need to share lessons learnt that may be valuable in other Caribbean and Amazonian countries. The SWM Guyana project is building upon existing strategies, visions and development pl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720802-TTEKVGVCSIGASL1KXSB8/bushmeat_042.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KARASABAI, SOUTH PAKARAIMAS, GUYANA: Sherika Khan sits outside at a table with her father’s hunting bow and arrows next to her. She is waiting to say goodbye to him before he goes huniting that night. Egbert Khan, her father, is preparing to set out to hunt Armadillos in the nearby forest. Hunting and fishing are the mainstay of their subsistence existence, it is the way that most indigenous people from this region feed their families. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721123-NJ20035299FQP3C3GHYE/bushmeat_043.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, 15TH FEBRUARY 2020: A wildmeat hunter and trader, name withheld, is seen selling wildmeat at a roadside market in Georgetown. He says he has been doing this job for over 20 years, starting when he shot animals who were raiding crops on the farm he grew up on. He feels there are more than enough animals to sustain his business but says that mining and other industrial activities have disturbed the animals so he must go further to reach them. He also says that the police have become more serious with the new legislation but there is no real enforcement. He still sees a number of hunters with bow and arrow. He uses a single pellet shotgun for most of his hunting and often does so at night. He shoot peccary, capybara, tapier, deer and bush hogs. In times of drought, he says it is easier for him as the animals must come to water. He says, “Guyana has 83000 square kilometers, there are lots of animals. It says in the bible that God created animals as food for us.” He adds that there are more and more Chinese in Guyana and they are interested in the big cats – jaguars and panthers. “They want the testicles and the claws and the teeth.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721061-LN1LL8P9TA4IORVW0LNC/bushmeat_044.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720776-P2QS5N1H6LFP5RASUVV4/bushmeat_045.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720795-CLIN7J3ZG6P268700OXZ/bushmeat_046.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease EPULU, ITURI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Images of a Mbuti pygmy hunting group inside the forest in Okapi National Reserve. The Mbuti pygmies hunt wild meat in a sustainable manner, using nets they have created from forest vines. They conduct brief ceremonies asking for a good hunt, the men then lay out the nets in a long line in the forest while the women move through the forest, shouting and making a noise, driving any animals towards the nets. The Mbuti have a 15 to 20% success rate, similar to a lion. This is what makes this practice sustainable. Larger animals simply break through the net, meaning small duikers and other smaller animals make up the majority of capture. There are around 2300 Mbuti in the reserve, mostly living in harmony with the forest. It is when pygmies are co-opted by other parties for their hunting skills that that harmony is broken. Centuries of ill-treatment by the Bantu people have reduced pygmies in many areas to indentured servitude and a state of survival. Illegal mining camps in Epulu, some very large and politically connected, use pygmies to hunt bushmeat for the miners, supplying them with shotguns and shells and paying them with part of what they can shoot. The pygmies are also forced to hunt by the Congolese Army who protect many of the illegal mining areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720933-B1G9N7IEILR3U1QMELG1/bushmeat_047.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease EPULU, ITURI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Images of a Mbuti pygmy hunting group inside the forest in Okapi National Reserve. The Mbuti pygmies hunt wild meat in a sustainable manner, using nets they have created from forest vines. They conduct brief ceremonies asking for a good hunt, the men then lay out the nets in a long line in the forest while the women move through the forest, shouting and making a noise, driving any animals towards the nets. The Mbuti have a 15 to 20% success rate, similar to a lion. This is what makes this practice sustainable. Larger animals simply break through the net, meaning small duikers and other smaller animals make up the majority of capture. There are around 2300 Mbuti in the reserve, mostly living in harmony with the forest. It is when pygmies are co-opted by other parties for their hunting skills that that harmony is broken. Centuries of ill-treatment by the Bantu people have reduced pygmies in many areas to indentured servitude and a state of survival. Illegal mining camps in Epulu, some very large and politically connected, use pygmies to hunt bushmeat for the miners, supplying them with shotguns and shells and paying them with part of what they can shoot. The pygmies are also forced to hunt by the Congolese Army who protect many of the illegal mining areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720828-NFP6XA58A55EV71IEZN6/bushmeat_048.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease EPULU, ITURI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Images of a Mbuti pygmy hunting group inside the forest in Okapi National Reserve. The Mbuti pygmies hunt wild meat in a sustainable manner, using nets they have created from forest vines. They conduct brief ceremonies asking for a good hunt, the men then lay out the nets in a long line in the forest while the women move through the forest, shouting and making a noise, driving any animals towards the nets. The Mbuti have a 15 to 20% success rate, similar to a lion. This is what makes this practice sustainable. Larger animals simply break through the net, meaning small duikers and other smaller animals make up the majority of capture. There are around 2300 Mbuti in the reserve, mostly living in harmony with the forest. It is when pygmies are co-opted by other parties for their hunting skills that that harmony is broken. Centuries of ill-treatment by the Bantu people have reduced pygmies in many areas to indentured servitude and a state of survival. Illegal mining camps in Epulu, some very large and politically connected, use pygmies to hunt bushmeat for the miners, supplying them with shotguns and shells and paying them with part of what they can shoot. The pygmies are also forced to hunt by the Congolese Army who protect many of the illegal mining areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720988-0Q2ZY50GHLCS59FRNWU2/bushmeat_049.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720743-4IW6MIKWTC1INE9PGENN/bushmeat_050.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721055-T41RIHU38T67THJD5LT8/bushmeat_051.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720815-6L9QY3TK6ZLI0MG8CZOJ/bushmeat_052.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Honor Toudissa is an influential Chef in the Brazzaville/Kinshasa region. Honor is a believer in traditional Congolese cuisine but is not a believer in the use of bushmeat. He feels it is too expensive, too elitist and bad for the environment. Honor is seen buying Mpose worms while a bat seller tries to offer him bats for a good price. Honor wants to cook food from every day ingredients people can afford and he is also interested in insects as an affordable protein source. As a result, Honor is part of the Willife Conservation Society’s anti bushmeat campaign as an influencer voice. He runs a small restaurant in Poto-Poto (3rd arrondissement of Brazzaville), trains young cooks in the promotion of local dishes and works on the creation of a Liboke village, a kind of academy of Congolese gastronomy. Honor works with mentally handicapped kids twice a week and has done for the last 20 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.} https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721036-NA29UIOX0JHWO0IPE711/bushmeat_053.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Honor Toudissa is an influential Chef in the Brazzaville/Kinshasa region. He is seen preparing and serving dishes made from insects in his restaurant. Honor is a believer in traditional Congolese cuisine but is not a believer in the use of bushmeat. He feels it is too expensive, too elitist and bad for the environment. He wants to cook food from every day ingredients people can afford and he is also interested in insects as an affordable protein source. As a result, Honor is part of the Willife Conservation Society’s anti bushmeat campaign as an influencer voice. He runs a small restaurant in Poto-Poto (3rd arrondissement of Brazzaville), trains young cooks in the promotion of local dishes and works on the creation of a Liboke village, a kind of academy of Congolese gastronomy. Honor works with mentally handicapped kids twice a week and has done for the last 20 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.} https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720920-GEYB3SDQV895PK3635UN/bushmeat_054.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DR CONGO: Orphans at the Centre Orphelinat Lisanga ya Klisto prepare Mpose for a meal. This is palm weevil larva which is a popular and much cheaper alternative protein in DR Congo but not yet produced in significant enough quantities to really combat the bushmeat trade at this stage. Farms for Orphans is a local NGO that specializes in breeding Mpose. They supply orphanages in Kinshasa on a regular basis. They are currently in talks over partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society to introduce mpose farming in communities surrounding Congo’s national parks. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721157-ROTOQ0IFXJU3F158JP5C/bushmeat_055.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease KINSHASA, DR CONGO: Orphans at the Centre Orphelinat Lisanga ya Klisto prepare Mpose for a meal. This is palm weevil larva which is a popular and much cheaper alternative protein in DR Congo but not yet produced in significant enough quantities to really combat the bushmeat trade at this stage. Farms for Orphans is a local NGO that specializes in breeding Mpose. They supply orphanages in Kinshasa on a regular basis. They are currently in talks over partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society to introduce mpose farming in communities surrounding Congo’s national parks. The trafficking of wildlife to cities to meet non-essential demand for bushmeat poses a major threat to many Central African species. As urban populations grow, the pressures posed on wild populations by consumer demand increase. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo (ROC), are two capital cities separated only by the Congo River. Combined, they form the third largest urban agglomeration in Africa with a total population of 15 million, with Kinshasa predicted to become the fourth largest city in the world by 2050. Alternative animal protein is widely available in these cities but eating bushmeat is of social and cultural significance, therefore it is consumed as a luxury good rather than to fulfil basic food security needs. Urban bushmeat markets pose a threat to wildlife, the food security of rural communities due to resulting defaunation, and a significant zoonotic disease risk if novel pathogens are imported into populous cities. Wildlife Conservation Society estimates that over 33 million kilograms of bushmeat are brought into Kinshasa every year, making this the epicenter of the world bushmeat trade. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720880-XG2GM1OLJGKJLT2TVY4T/bushmeat_056.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease SANJOU VILLAGE, BOUNDARY OF PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: The villagers of Sanjou engage in a fishing festival that occurs every 3 years. All the villagers wade through this lake with nets and baskets for a few days catching as many fish as possible. Fishing camps are banned within the National Park as they often become poaching camps. Fishing is the primary alternative to bushmeat as a protein source but it is easily commercialized and over fished. It is vital that this is protected in order to balance out the amount of bushmeat that is hunted. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720964-FJNDHD5SKELHQVE71QJY/bushmeat_057.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease Emeryville, San Francisco, 16 November 2021: Bio-process operators and supervisors are seen setting up cultivator tanks in the engineering, production and innovation center inside the Upside Food headquarters in Emeryville, San Francisco. Upside Foods is a revolutionary producer and seller of real meat products intended to bring delicious and healthy meat to the table by harvesting it from cells, instead of animals. Upside was started in 2015 as the only cultivated meat company in the world, since then companies all around the world are embracing this idea. The company's meat products are produced directly from animal cells without the need to raise and slaughter actual animals. These products require significantly less caloric input, water, land, and energy than conventional meat production, enabling consumers to enjoy meat products that are clean and free from harmful chemicals and safer from a zoonotic perspective. Upside Food’s first focus will be chicken, but they will expand as they grow to beef, seafood and other cell-based foods. The process is similar to brewing beer or culturing yoghurt. But instead of growing yeast or microbes, they grow animal cells directly. Cells are the building blocks of meat, Upside selects the best chicken first, the cells are nourished with micronutrients and then placed in a cultivator where they follow their natural process to form meat. Cells from one chicken allows for the meat production equivalent of hundreds of thousands of chickens. After 2/3 weeks, this meat is harvested and prepared for consumption. The global population will reach 10 billion people by 2050, this means our traditional means of feeding people is not viable. Cultivated, cell-based meat is likely to be the solution. Upside Foods currently has investment from the Virgin group, Gates, Wholefood, Tyson meat and others. At scale, projections state that cultivated meat will require 77% less water and 62% less land to meet current production rates, it is expect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720841-D8F8SUBB3COEMPICNSRZ/bushmeat_058.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease CHARLES DE GAULE AIRPORT, PARIS, FRANCE, 6TH SEPTEMBER 2021: Customs authorities at Charles De Gaule airport check for illegal wildmeat coming into France with most African flights. The heaviest amounts of wildmeat tend to come off flights from the Congo Basin region. In the last 9 months they have seized over 14 tons of wildmeat, one ton of that coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is nowhere near the total amount coming into France however, manpower shortages make it possible to only search a very small number of passengers coming off each flight. Each check point has an average of 20 agents, they must be paired up for legal reasons and each search can take over half an hour. The majority of the customs agents are white, the majority of people being searched are black and this can also complicate things, with accusations of racism clouding the fact that it is illegal to import meat over international borders in most case around the world. Statistically speaking, the most likely smuggler of wildmeat is a woman with I or more children. Customs authorities in France complain that the root of the problem lies with the airlines in the country of origin. There are either insufficient or no checks at all. Cargo holds are often empty on the flights coming into France, so airlines appear to look the other way at extra baggage no matter what it contains. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720867-72P5M7CL8GIUWXCAGYT0/bushmeat_059.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease CHARLES DE GAULE AIRPORT, PARIS, FRANCE, 6TH SEPTEMBER 2021: Customs authorities at Charles De Gaule airport seize for illegal wildmeat coming into France. In this case its bats which are known to be carriers of the deadliest zoonotic diseases. The heaviest amounts of wildmeat tend to come off flights from the Congo Basin region. In the last 9 months they have seized over 14 tons of wildmeat, one ton of that coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is nowhere near the total amount coming into France however, manpower shortages make it possible to only search a very small number of passengers coming off each flight. Each check point has an average of 20 agents, they must be paired up for legal reasons and each search can take over half an hour. The majority of the customs agents are white, the majority of people being searched are black and this can also complicate things, with accusations of racism clouding the fact that it is illegal to import meat over international borders in most case around the world. Statistically speaking, the most likely smuggler of wildmeat is a woman with I or more children. Customs authorities in France complain that the root of the problem lies with the airlines in the country of origin. There are either insufficient or no checks at all. Cargo holds are often empty on the flights coming into France, so airlines appear to look the other way at extra baggage no matter what it contains. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720945-N93FVRMP4OQ4W92JGYUG/bushmeat_060.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease SURABAYA, BORNEO, 15 NOVEMBER 2018: A wildlife trader offers a monkey and large bat illegally for sale at a wetmarket in Surbabya. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158721079-517IE9Q9KAAEH1DIYJ8M/bushmeat_061.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease GUANGZHOU, CHINA: A Pangolin is slaughtered and prepared for a meal in a restaurant on the outskirts of Guangzhou. The Pangolin is suspected to be the vector animal for the transmission of the COVID virus from bats to animals which are consumed by humans, thereby passing on the virus to humans through wet markets in China. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158720957-UNH8FBBAQIE04ZMMGFX3/addbushmeat.jpg Bushmeat - commerce, conservation and disease BEFALE, TSHUAPA, EQUATEUR PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 APRIL 2021: Blandine Bosaku, 18, is seen inside the isolation ward at Befale general hospital in remote Befale village. Blandine is suffering from Monkeypox, a virus that is often fatal if not treated with antibiotics. Blandine had two children, the eldest recently died from the virus and her surviving daughter Anisha Yaiteni, 6, then became infected and passed the virus onto her. Blandine says her children caught monkeypox from a neighbor who has since passed away. She say that in her village of Liyaela, there is a 70% infection. The lesions on Blandine are clear indicators of Monkeypox, a virus that is often fatal if not treated with antibiotics. She is pregnant and this can result in the virus being passed on to her baby, who will most likely die as a result. Monkeypox is first passed onto humans when an infected primate or rodent is eaten. Once that human is infected, they are highly contagious and multiple infections at a village level are common. In most cases, the remote rural poor cannot afford the medicine or the travel and expense of going to the nearest rural hospital. That hospital may also not have the necessary antibiotics. Superstition, traditional hunting of bushmeat as a protein source, traditional medicine practices and a failure to social distance all add to the infection rate once Monkeypox comes to a village. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/tibets-political-prisoners-under-chinese-occupation daily 0.75 2025-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158718626-IA85MFR9B8UP5RFFL6G8/Tibet_001.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation DHARMSALA, INDIA-DECEMBER 2003: Tibet's longest serving political prisoner Palden Gatso demonstrates how he was tortured by the Chinese prison guard using electric cattle prods. Gatso was imprisoned for peaceful protest. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032114349-D58VO2OHHBD3CII2LSH1/Tibet_002.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032182701-2PX28PAQ38OBXAH0KQR4/Tibet_004.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032291097-E3Q78FARVRSZBUYI6HF7/Tibet_006.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032458561-LCUVBZOQHFB394JJ1HNM/Tibet_008.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032723647-VBA1OA0X7N8JOTYQY3VD/Tibet_013.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032919993-B3O1B6S8U0N5D273QM44/Tibet_017.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032182632-U1W6S83P82ZAP1SHNFW3/Tibet_005.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032458555-VM3YV3JYOIGWKU4PNI5W/Tibet_009.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032723641-45ZZ7AVZSS1GW3LGOCDE/Tibet_014.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032920035-NUPOVN0W1O7YTNTRXHSP/Tibet_018.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032114360-15EQKGCA9PTQOO5IEKPR/Tibet_003.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032291213-I8E1AD15WUY0OLSU9DJL/Tibet_007.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032500068-KQF4FAOPFLP4A48LS9TL/Tibet_010.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032500122-VN0M5K4PY9BSIJPWEVXY/Tibet_011.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032552357-OOBVXEN67HCSIL9BYYSJ/Tibet_012.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032795406-XF2POW617PGZFDEK3ADF/Tibet_015.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751032795433-4R1HWOZEBT4FA2XRSUJE/Tibet_016.jpg Tibet's Political Prisoners under Chinese Occupation https://www.brentstirton.com/tuareg-rebellion-niger daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765046-HAX4OHW31GJHM4Z41GF7/Tuaregrebels_001.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765151-UVLMNQ5XQLTZHIYZ8ISY/Tuaregrebels_002.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765052-GVK4YGBX9DVFHO4QXHWC/Tuaregrebels_003.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement for Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and natural resource ownership, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 30 odd Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. In retaliation the Niger army attacked the school in July 2008 by attack helicopter and killed 17 MNJ rebels. The children at the school have since been moved to a safer location near Arlit Niger. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765173-9PP41JJHBVK1NL2WV671/Tuaregrebels_004.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765223-SLQANKZISYH0VSOW5Q8U/Tuaregrebels_005.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765058-GD2Z2IE5IEZF7FUD7U51/Tuaregrebels_006.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765252-2P7CM6PFS55E8KR9S77M/Tuaregrebels_007.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765077-5OGJIIXTA1T2A434V41U/Tuaregrebels_008.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765091-D7908LDPR6DV76P1CLUR/Tuaregrebels_009.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger FARES, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, on their way to Zagado to join forces with another faction of the Tuareg rebellion, MNJ are a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765186-DISTG273UEKW7U3L8YLR/Tuaregrebels_010.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement for Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and natural resource ownership, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 30 odd Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. In retaliation the Niger army attacked the school in July 2008 by attack helicopter and killed 17 MNJ rebels. The children at the school have since been moved to a safer location near Arlit Niger. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765065-NEVPSVP3DEG9VMXX3LOS/Tuaregrebels_011.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765071-A449TFZ77AW8KZDSAD1L/Tuaregrebels_012.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765217-PTH9L6470SP4NG6XR0VK/Tuaregrebels_013.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger ZAGADO, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of MNJ Tuareg rebels in Zagado, Nothern Niger, 7 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765288-WJ3H1557V4KT1RJFDWZ1/Tuaregrebels_014.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger ZAGADO, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of MNJ Tuareg rebels in Zagado, Nothern Niger, 7 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765123-2NITRR3OFTCWHE7VJLG1/Tuaregrebels_015.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765229-WRJMUXRDAFO6BAOBCPIQ/Tuaregrebels_016.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765167-MLRUXMJUXIT3XLYYKH53/Tuaregrebels_017.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765241-O39DIZYEF8IKRDQAXCDR/Tuaregrebels_018.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765276-8TZMAELZS32SWFCUL32Z/Tuaregrebels_019.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765263-UT19CI3JCPHNBLRAPVSC/Tuaregrebels_020.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765117-C1OXA71MDSUHD8H0OH02/Tuaregrebels_021.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765282-99I81N0EVOET6742KP1O/Tuaregrebels_022.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger FARES, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, on their way to Zagado to join forces with another faction of the Tuareg rebellion, MNJ are a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765270-ZLXI91RNMLTXCVVKL0QV/Tuaregrebels_023.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger FARES, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, on their way to Zagado to join forces with another faction of the Tuareg rebellion, MNJ are a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765111-TVAM25CZRGG90TBMHS03/Tuaregrebels_024.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger ZAGADO, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of MNJ breakaway faction leader and Tuareg Rissa ag Boula, a former Niger Army commander and Minister of Tourism photographed in Zagado, Nothern Niger, 7 April 2009. Boula is now on the run himself from the French as well as Niger forces. He has gone back to his own people and joined the Tuareg rebellion although it is under some scepticism from other MNJ leaders. He has a reputation as a fierce fighter and is seen with his sniper rifle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765198-XGU6CXICX8GW5ASKOAKA/Tuaregrebels_025.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement for Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and natural resource ownership, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 30 odd Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. In retaliation the Niger army attacked the school in July 2008 by attack helicopter and killed 17 MNJ rebels. The children at the school have since been moved to a safer location near Arlit Niger. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765302-3NJGV1PAGCDTICIX4XBA/Tuaregrebels_026.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement for Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and natural resource ownership, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 30 odd Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. In retaliation the Niger army attacked the school in July 2008 by attack helicopter and killed 17 MNJ rebels. The children at the school have since been moved to a safer location near Arlit Niger. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765135-DYLU34966T5XPBYUWIG9/Tuaregrebels_027.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger FARES, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, visit a Tuareg Nomad dwelling to pay homage to an elderly woman who they say is regarded as the mother of all Tuaregs, MNJ are a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765129-SI1ZOW8AL02TBTDPPEM8/Tuaregrebels_028.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765179-QTQX2XPGXY7V7ARRBAHP/Tuaregrebels_029.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765084-HBTF40ACVO9R2GDPWGIH/Tuaregrebels_030.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765258-9YVSQJ18Y51EX25ZGVK1/Tuaregrebels_031.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger FARES, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, stopping for water at a local well, MNJ are a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765192-EQCVUXKS9BF4T69GBETH/Tuaregrebels_032.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765160-Y4FEUK1RRGT23IDL6X02/Tuaregrebels_033.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765097-8HMYSZQZQE73TWH0184R/Tuaregrebels_034.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765246-2F86HCOT18G19XQ9QTQX/Tuaregrebels_035.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted in the desert on a training excercise close to a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765295-RUD9PVLTU91ZVWRBCK06/Tuaregrebels_036.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of Amoumane Kalakoa, the leader of the military wing of M.N.J, The Movement for Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and natural resource ownership, 5 April 2009. Kalakoa stands by the grave of his father and two other elderly men executed on the site by Niger Army soldiers. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 30 odd Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. In retaliation the Niger army attacked the school in July 2008 by attack helicopter and killed 17 MNJ rebels. The children at the school have since been moved to a safer location near Arlit Niger. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765103-CJDB9N0ZD2BMEAD78IQP/Tuaregrebels_037.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of M.N.J, The Movement of Justice in Niger, a Tuareg led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination, social injustice and resource ownership in Niger's growing Uranium and natural resources, 5 April 2009. The rebels are depicted standing on the grounds of a former school establised for Tuareg Nomad children. It sits on the North-eastern front of the Air mountain range near the rebel main base at Mt Tamgak. The school was attacked by the Niger Army in their search for rebels in August 2007, the teacher was threatened in front of the childten and three elderly men were reportedly executed by a Niger Army captain. Shortly afterwards the rebel counter attack secured 31 Niger Army hostages, one of whom still remains in Rebel hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765205-Z97MD45DI35BALFOQ4L6/Tuaregrebels_038.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger TCHIWADAGDAG, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of MNJ Tuareg Rebel camp at night with rebels gathered around a guitar player, 6 April 2009 in Tchiwadagdag. The guitar is strung with motorcycle brake cables and the player is Mahmoud Bashir, a commander in the MNJ. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158765141-UKRQH9M1C1C5SI5FY4RL/Tuaregrebels_039.jpg Tuareg Rebellion - Niger https://www.brentstirton.com/travel-1 daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675770-6EMMDYI373NZIAN20P08/Travel_049.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A young Tuareg artisan boy, Anara Ag Hamay Cisse, 13 years old, stands in the dunes outside of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, January 18, 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675535-VPPTGJSZ1K7QV9JN0LW1/Ennedi+Chad.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676070-YX65T2RM84ZNMBGG6H5E/trvl_003.jpg Travel CUIABA RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: A large male jaguar lies on the bank of the Cuiaba river after finishing a meal of capibara. Jaguars are a huge tourist lure and bring millions into the Pantanal every year. Ranchers complain that the jaguars also take cattle but their value for attracting tourisms far exceeds losses from cattle lost to these animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675401-TF2HP0N8G5MK0RNXFU3K/Bushman_0039+copy.jpg Travel Kalahari Desert: A Khoi San man is seen tracking as he hunts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675432-8I4JZXLF1U64UJW0IADQ/Travel_001.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675746-TSESWRNMEHCC88D6VQ5W/AmboTuskers_001.jpg Travel - AmboTuskers_001.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AmboTuskers_001.jpg CHYULU HILLS, AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: One-Ton, one of the most iconic tuskers in the world, is seen at a water hole in the Chulu hills. The Amboseli ecosystem, home to the most iconic elephant in the world, is under threat like never before. The Group Ranch system, which governed Maasai land rights and usage, has been dismantled and for the first time in the modern era, individual members have the right to sell their land parcels. The Group Ranches preserved land masses intact, used for both pastoralism as well as wildlife, now those are being fragmented as some Maasai have chosen to sell to outsiders. We now see factories, urban sprawl and large, water hungry agriculture in former elephant habitat. As a result, the Amboseli Ecosystem is being broken up and vital animal corridors are being disturbed and cut off. This affects all migrating animals who need land and water to survive. At this time, one of the solutions is to help local Maasai run their own conservancies and see benefit from tourism as well as maintain their traditional lifestyles. This involves buying land leases, and expensive and complicated process. Straddling southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, Big Life Foundation works to protect over 1.6 million acres in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. They use innovative conservation strategies that can serve as models elsewhere and collaborate closely with local communities, partner NGOs, national parks, and government agencies, Big Life seeks to protect and sustain East Africa’s wildlife and natural habitats, including one of the world’s best-known elephant populations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675795-MOWIWKM93NL1IDXRRJSH/AmboTuskers_013.jpg Travel - AmboTuskers_013.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AmboTuskers_013.jpg AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Umoja is one of a new generation of Emerging tuskers in the ecosystem. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676006-NQCFZL8DYRJ8KMEL0PFG/Travel_015.jpg Travel MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Traditional dress in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. These outfits will be worn on special occasions, namely Sing-Sing tribal get-togethers, Moka Compensation ceremonies, Bride-Price ceremonies and feasts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675571-ZX5YXWFEQZFFBVR5GT3O/trvl_016.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675610-4DRK97D8QQC9L3UAAK9M/Travel_048.jpg Travel LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676064-HQRM9YDXCIBIB8IOY2HM/Travel_050.jpg Travel SING RIVER, MINKEBI NATIONAL PARK, GABON, JUNE 2011: An anti-poaching team composed of Gabon Parcs personal, Gabon military, Baka pygmy porters and two Pirouge pilots conduct an anti-poaching mission up the Sing River in Minkebi National Park, Gabon, 26 June 2011. Gabon has recently seen a large spate of Elephant killings as a result of thousands of illegal goldminers that had flooded into the Minkebi region to exploit a lack of the rule of law in the reserve. Approximately a month ago the Gabonese military and Gabon Parcs Department conducted a large joint operation, inviting all these illegal miners to go home to their own countries or face detention. The presence of these illegals also created a thriving illegal ivory industry, fueled by the presence of Chinese traders in Gabon and neighbouring Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon. This expedition up the Sing River was to check for the presence of these illegals and to see if they were carrying out any poaching activity. There were no sightings and now only empty mining settelements remain. It appears the initial operations have put the word out and the illegal miners and poaching villages are no more in this region of Gabon. The operation involved travelling far up the Sing River in Minkbebi Park, cutting river pathways for the pirouges and doing a thorough check for poachers all the way up the river. There are plans for a permanent "Jungle Brigade" for this region within the next 6 months and that should safeguard the borders of Gabon and its wildlife from further poaching threats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675383-2VNLBUECBCK7YNFQLH5V/Travel_085.jpg Travel LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675305-AYJDYO6KS2D8XDVPEUHC/Travel_088.jpg Travel ASSEKREM, TASSILI DU HOGGAR, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: Achmed, a Tuareg guide and elder photgraphed in a mountain cabin in the Tassili Du Hoggar, a series of beautiful rock plateaus that begin approximately 300km's south of Tamanrasset and extend all the way to the Niger border, 17 April 2009, Assekrem, Tassili Du Hoggar. These images were photographed from a small mountaintop cloister run by followers of the Frenchman Charles De Foucald. Foucald, once a hedonistic 19th century playboy, became devoutly religous and moved to Tamanrasset and in 1911 chose Assekrem as the site of his hermitage. He was assasinated by Tuaregs in 1916 after he was suspected of being a French spy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675783-TE4EVP44AIE4L5OBMGRM/trvl_001.jpg Travel CHAPPADA DOS GUIMARAES, MATTO GROSSO, BRAZIL: Views of the highlands directly overlooking the Northern Pantanal. The rivers and rain here are supported by air-borne water vapor from the Amazon basin that manifests in rain in these highlands and is the contributing factor to the rivers that provide clean water and make the annual wet season flooding possibly for the Pantanal. As the Amazon has lost huge tracts of original forests to deforestation and logging, so the "flying rivers" that originate there have diminished in size. The health of the Pantanal ecosystem and its ancient wet and dry season are deeply reliant on these highlands and the water they provide as well as their connection to the Amazon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675857-RQWWM2EUW95ZZMD9E93H/trvl_002.jpg Travel EPULU, ITURI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Images of a Mbuti pygmy hunting group inside the forest in Okapi National Reserve. The Mbuti pygmies hunt wild meat in a sustainable manner, using nets they have created from forest vines. They conduct brief ceremonies asking for a good hunt, the men then lay out the nets in a long line in the forest while the women move through the forest, shouting and making a noise, driving any animals towards the nets. The Mbuti have a 15 to 20% success rate, similar to a lion. This is what makes this practice sustainable. Larger animals simply break through the net, meaning small duikers and other smaller animals make up the majority of capture. There are around 2300 Mbuti in the reserve, mostly living in harmony with the forest. It is when pygmies are co-opted by other parties for their hunting skills that that harmony is broken. Centuries of ill-treatment by the Bantu people have reduced pygmies in many areas to indentured servitude and a state of survival. Illegal mining camps in Epulu, some very large and politically connected, use pygmies to hunt bushmeat for the miners, supplying them with shotguns and shells and paying them with part of what they can shoot. The pygmies are also forced to hunt by the Congolese Army who protect many of the illegal mining areas. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675838-LPWZSDDVNEZM24WI4SK9/trvl_015.jpg Travel MYSORE, INDIA, OCTOBER 5, 2022: The final day of the Mysore Dasara, a festival of culture in the state of Karnataka and the only state festival in India where elephants are used. Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival that celebrates “the victory of truth over evil” that lasts 10 days. 12 Dasara elephants march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day. These elephants are considered the pride of the state. The elephants used in the Mysore Dasara are all capture elephants, they usually live in Dubare Elephant camp and form a vital part of a Forestry services team that captures wild rogue elephants and and breaks them down until they integrate into Dubare or another elephant camp. Many of these captive elephants were once part of the timber industry or they have been captured themselves, or they were calf victims of human/ elephant conflict and grew up in an elephant camp. Karnataka does not allow private ownership of elephants and the elephants are the property of the Forest Department. The Mysore Dasara attracts huge crowds, and it is essential that the elephants involved can remain calm in these circumstances and obey orders from their experienced mahouts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675845-5U5972983YTMDY3Z8M0S/AmboTuskers_018.jpg Travel - AmboTuskers_018.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AmboTuskers_018.jpg AMBOSELI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Njoroke ole Mpere, Vice Chairman, Nairrabala Conservancy. 80% of his community has decided to form their own conservancy, managing land use for a traditional way of life but also trying to take advantage of tourism as well as the land lease deal offered by conservation NGO Big Life. Mpere believes in the benefits to be gained from protecting their land for wildlife and he believes in protecting the land for his children's future. Maasai do not hunt bushmeat and understand how to live with animals better than other Kenyan people. He would like to see more compensation as he believes they are people who actually live with wildllife. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675500-7UORWDPS416MDD9E54HJ/trvl_018.jpg Travel YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, 17 JULY 2022: An older male elephant named Eranga walks on the beach inside Yala National Park. Apparently this male walks on the beach regularly, often in the moonlight. Yala park officials say he is the only one who does this. Research has shown that many elephants are individual thinkers and conservationists today say that it will be a case of how much we can understand this individual thinking combined with how much we care that will ensure a future in the wild for Asian elephants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675668-V4NDUV5G4K41W9LIP9V2/Travel_051.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675869-4WVCK2SPLH60TAA2KMDU/Travel_086.jpg Travel LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. One of the young warriors in this ceremony is wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion he speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675643-KDV5YS2GVWJ3BKNEAEWW/Travel_090.jpg Travel SOUTH KHANGAI MOUNTAINS, BAYANKHONGOR AIMAG, MONGOLIA, JULY 11, 2013: Nomad lifestyle in the early morning, South Khangai Mountains, Mongolia, July 11 2013. Nomads live largely off the milk and meat of their yaks and goats, they also make an alcoholic drink from fermented horse's milk. They lead simple but tough lives in this area, often using both horses and motorbikes as well as soviet era 4x4 vehicles to get around. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675740-HMZUMLCIJ4P2K64UEZ8F/Travel_004.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Scenes from the port of Timbuktu at the apex of the Niger River, Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa on 12 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675489-BSE6QQ0NR3K1E6TUZ56C/trvl_004.jpg Travel JOFFRE, PANTANAL, BRAZIL: Horses on a cattle ranch graze at the water's edge late in the afternoon. These horses are the only way to access large parts of the Pantanal for the majority of the year. They are a vital part of the cattle industry that has been in the Pantanal since the 16th century. Cattle are moved according to the season, once the rains come and the wet season begins, they can often be moved many miles away to higher ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675699-QE1JQ50V82T394B4BEBJ/trvl_007.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675704-28WOO09X1BZW27X99TJT/AmboTuskers_053.jpg Travel - AmboTuskers_053.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AmboTuskers_053.jpg AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675584-TIPAG975G482ZTBG23D0/Virunga2020_012.jpg Travel VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO: A herd of over 550 elephants recently crossed over from Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda to Virunga National Park in the DR Congo. This is the largest intact elephant herd in the world and a translocation like this has not been seen in the region since 1996, when conflict was at its peak in DRC and elephants fled into Uganda. Three seperate Ugandan sources have claimed this has happened because the UPDF, the Ugandan Army, has been taking advantage of the abasence of people during this Covid period to shoot elephants for their ivory. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675292-4D8WY6NV25MC6SAAR51P/Travel_053.jpg Travel LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676058-BPERDCWE92D6FU7W2SQ1/Travel_091.jpg Travel GIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, GUJARAT, INDIA, APRIL 9 2013: Amra Vejabhai, 71, is a Maldhari shepherd who lives with his family in a Maldhari community inside Gir Wildlife Sancturary, home to the Asiatic lion, the last lion outside of Africa inside Gir National Park, Gujarat, India, 9 April 2013. Ten years ago Amra was attacked by a lion while out with his buffalo and cows in the Sanctuary, the lion bit him on the neck when he tried to stop them killing a small buffalo. Amra was saved by his buffalo charging the lion which released him and ran. Amra claims he feels no ill will to the lions and sees them killing his cows and buffalo as just part of life in Gir, a place the Maldhari have inhabited with their cattle and buffalo for centuries. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reporage for Terra Matte Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675674-7BH4338CRJR3BEKZ1XYN/trvl_013.jpg Travel KANDY, SRI LANKA, 21 AUGUST 2021: The most important elephants in Sri Lanka are seen dressed for the ancient and very prestigious Esala Perahera in Kandy, celebrated for centuries to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four 'guardian' Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini. It is the only Perahera in the world which is held with the participation of more than fifty elephants and tuskers adorned with ceremonial costumes, hundreds of drummers, dancers and singers. This is an event that places tremendous stress on the elephants and that has resulted in human death and injuries before. It is also an important tourist draw for Sri Lanka, a country heavily dependent on tourism income. The elephants in this image are the most important in Sri Lanka and carry the tooth relic of the Buddha. There is a heated debate in Sri Lanka between temple associates and conservationists, with temple associates arguing for more elephants to be captured and conservationists saying that more capture activity from the wild seriously destabilizes herd intergrity and brings more elephants into suffering. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675693-VMOHCC0PNDKL2592TQ9L/trvl_014.jpg Travel KANDY, SRI LANKA, 21 AUGUST 2021: The most important elephants in Sri Lanka are bathed and dressed for the ancient and very prestigious Esala Perahera in Kandy, celebrated for centuries to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four 'guardian' Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini. It is the only Perahera in the world which is held with the participation of more than fifty elephants and tuskers adorned with ceremonial costumes, hundreds of drummers, dancers and singers. This is an event that places tremendous stress on the elephants and that has resulted in human death and injuries before. It is also an important tourist draw for Sri Lanka, a country heavily dependent on tourism income. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675904-GXNZU3DCFRGKRG2N4093/MM7909_110626_09720.jpg Travel SING RIVER, MINKEBI NATIONAL PARK, GABON, JUNE 2011: An anti-poaching team composed of Gabon Parcs personal, Gabon military, Baka pygmy porters and two Pirouge pilots conduct an anti-poaching mission up the Sing River in Minkebi National Park, Gabon, 26 June 2011. Gabon has recently seen a large spate of Elephant killings as a result of thousands of illegal goldminers that had flooded into the Minkebi region to exploit a lack of the rule of law in the reserve. Approximately a month ago the Gabonese military and Gabon Parcs Department conducted a large joint operation, inviting all these illegal miners to go home to their own countries or face detention. The presence of these illegals also created a thriving illegal ivory industry, fueled by the presence of Chinese traders in Gabon and neighbouring Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon. This expedition up the Sing River was to check for the presence of these illegals and to see if they were carrying out any poaching activity. There were no sightings and now only empty mining settelements remain. It appears the initial operations have put the word out and the illegal miners and poaching villages are no more in this region of Gabon. The operation involved travelling far up the Sing River in Minkbebi Park, cutting river pathways for the pirouges and doing a thorough check for poachers all the way up the river. There are plans for a permanent "Jungle Brigade" for this region within the next 6 months and that should safeguard the borders of Gabon and its wildlife from further poaching threats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675687-9F85ZMYH4DJRD4M50XSN/Travel_056.jpg Travel ULAAN BATAAR, MONGOLIA, 8 JULY 2013: Fashionable girls strike model poses underneath a dinosaur exhibit in Ulaan Bataar's central square, Mongolia, 7 July 2013. The square has two statues dedicated to the spirit of Ghengis Khan, Mongolia's undisputed hero. It is a popular meeting place in the city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675559-NHZKQ47HFYNFT2BV9LS6/Travel_093.jpg Travel Surviving Cancer, New Jersey, USA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675882-UTEO8Y0HCVPKFYO257PK/trvl_017.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675371-YKF062GN11TTC0FDD63H/Remote+Jungle+Africa.jpg Travel GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 24 2019: Magunda hill is one of the tallest areas inside Garamba and African Parks have built an observation post at this strategic site. Rangers are rotated in and out of this site on a weekly basis, on the lookout for people and militia groups entering the park to hunt its animals. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675617-V7GPJXH94T13N3FON9WH/Travel_057.jpg Travel THE STEPPES OF MONGOLIA, 10 JULY 2013: Scenes of nomad life on the way to the Steppes of Mongolia, 10 July 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675528-37CCXT0TTWKNPMMXIITW/Travel_101.jpg Travel LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes from a village hunt in the surrounding forest, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675851-8EUWF7KQBA2NJT4R0J3J/trvl_008.jpg Travel PANTANAL, BRAZIL, 23 MAY 2022: Seul Celso Rondon de Arruda is 67 years old, born and raised in Pantanal. As a cattle rancher, Seul Celso owns 800 cows and 14 horses. The first six months of 2022, he lost 40 calfs because of jaguar attack: each calf killed equals a total loss of 600 euros , if its a male and 400 if its a female. According to him, 2022 is a particularly bad year: on average, the amount of calf lost to jaguar attacks each year reached 20. He acknowledges that a strong jaguar population is a good thing for the Pantanal as it draw tourists to the area and boost the construction of lodges and hotel. But in the same times, jaguars become more accustomed to the presence of humans and thus become more reckless. He bares no grudjes toward hotel owners and the people from the tourism industry, but his opinion is that cattle ranchers should be compensated for the loss of cattle - by the governement or the hotel owners, he could not say. It is also a legal requirement that all ranch owners keep a minimum of 20% of the farmland wild so that corridors are formed for wildlife. This is also contentious amongst ranchers in the Pantanal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675758-FZZ597S53GS2VQZF65R9/Fishing+Crowd+Africa.jpg Travel SANJOU VILLAGE, BOUNDARY OF PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: The villagers of Sanjou engage in a fishing festival that occurs every 3 years. All the villagers wade through this lake with nets and baskets for a few days catching as many fish as possible. Fishing camps are banned within the National Park as they often become poaching camps. Fishing within Pendjari has been banned for two years and the park attempts to emply locals for all work as a means of compensating. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675319-R3IB5W2JP2ZB644OWK9Y/Travel_058.jpg Travel LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: Dasenetch pastoralist villages on the shores of northern Lake Turkana in North Kenya, 20 May 2010. The lake is central to the survival of the Dasenetch people, as well as water during the dry season, fishing has become a relatively new phenomenon for the Dasenetch, drought and climate change have forced them to look further than cattle for alternative sources of sustenance and economy. Fishing has become the primary means in the Lake Turkana region. The lake is the largest desert lake in the world and sustains both Turkana and Dasenetch people as well as Gabra and other tribes in the region. Lake Turkana faces an uncertain future however as the Gibe 3 dam project in Ethiopia, a massive hydro-electric scheme and Ethiopia's biggest single investment, comes on line. The dam project, designed to create electricity for sale to surrounding countries including Kenya, will reduce the flow of the Omo river dramatically and this river is the main feeder river for Lake Turkana. Significant changes in lake levels and in ecology can be expected as a result. Fertile flood plain invaluable for agriculture will also be negatively impacted. All of this bodes badly for the pastoralists of the Lake Turkana and Omo river region, these groups are already under severe subsistence pressure and there is a long history of armed conflict in the region. Weapons flow in to this region through Sudan and Somalia and there is little control over this trade which looks likely to accelerate if pressures increase in this region. At this time the Dam project has full support from Kenya's Nairobi government, despite the fact that there has been no Environmental Impact Asssesment produced for this scheme. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675681-CTP53DM56N85AA1EGZUF/Travel_103.jpg Travel THE STEPPES OF MONGOLIA, 10 JULY 2013: Scenes of nomad life on the way to the Steppes of Mongolia, 10 July 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675723-25RVFX0E49TVIPJZUMQW/trvl_012.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675910-PCBAEWJW00QHV2ODW6DS/Young+Fisherman+Benin.jpg Travel SANJOU VILLAGE, BOUNDARY OF PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK, BENIN, MAY 2019: The villagers of Sanjou engage in a fishing festival that occurs every 3 years. All the villagers wade through this lake with nets and baskets for a few days catching as many fish as possible. Fishing camps are banned within the National Park as they often become poaching camps. Fishing within Pendjari has been banned for two years and the park attempts to emply locals for all work as a means of compensating. Pendjari NP serves to anchor the transnational W-Arly –Pendjari (WAP) complex of over 35,000 km2. This is the biggest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa and is still in a state of mismanagement. AP hopes to resolve that by initially addressing Pendjari. Pendjari is also home to the critically endangered West African Lion. There are around 120 in Pendjari topday including 7 collared lions. It is also an important wetland and the Benin government is keen to realize the potential of the region. They have included Pendjari in their “Revealing Benin” plan to bring in tourism and investors. They invited AP in after seeing Zakouma’s success in Chad which they would like to replicate. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675832-7JN9UO4R551NV22M2NFH/Travel_059.jpg Travel LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. One of the young warriors in this ceremony is wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion he speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675729-X8968MVJFY34TP79FWAR/Travel_104.jpg Travel TOUWA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER 2009: A young Tuareg girl, Mariam Francois Acosta, 17, a girl descended from mixed Tuareg French blood, prepares for her wedding in the Niger city of Touwa, Spetember 25 2009. She is tended by the female members of her family and her friends. It is similar to a traditional wedding except for the nature of the clothing which is worn. She is dressed and made up, a meal is eaten, there is dancing with a Tuareg band on electric guitars, everyone goes to the Mosque at 3pm to give thanks for the wedding and after that she is considered married. That evening a party is thrown with more music and dancing. The bride and groom do not appear together for an official nuptials, it all occurs seperately. The name of the groom is Ibrahim Mahmoudane. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675332-SJWDA74F4RT6AH26FOJS/trvl_009.jpg Travel SAN FRANSCISCO FAZENDA, MIRANDA, MATTO GROSSO DU SUL, BRAZIL: A cowboy waits for the cattle to come into the enclosure after driving them from lower ground to higher ground. Cattle ranching is an ancient practise in the Pantanal. The cattle are usually moved from lower to higher ground as the dry season becomes the wet season. For hundreds of years, this was the economic driver of the Pantanal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675364-H3K4JOQJETF3HPVO5IE1/Travel_027.jpg Travel TSAVO EAST, KENYA, MAY 2011: Images of some of the last of the great Elephant tuskers in Africa, taken in Tsavo Eastm 18 May, 2011. Massive elephant poaching in recent years has seen most of the mature bull elephant population of African countries decimated for their ivory. A Tusker is defined as an elephant with a set of 100 pound ivory tusks, or therabouts. This depletion of the elephant gene pool is having a negative effect on populations, with weak dna being passed on instead of the strongest. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675481-VHVSWNW176H091B8T7OC/Travel_060.jpg Travel INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Early morning scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676024-UM1XXT06BEGX04ZUH70J/_00I5382.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675982-BFC3QF5DH7AQE4NTUA1I/trvl_010.jpg Travel TAQUARI RIVER DELTA AREA, MATTO GROSSO DOS SUL, PANTANAL, BRAZIL. Eraco Vilaba was born on Talisma farm and has lived there all of his 81 years. Despite this being the dry season his farm is always surrounded by water. When he was a boy, Eraco's father ran 5000 cattle on the farm until 1974. This permanently flooded situatuon is due to seriously flawed environmental planning in 1974 when the Brazilian government initiated an aggressive agricultural development plan in the highlands above the Pantanal. A huge flood dumped millions of tons of topsoil into the Taquari river and other tributaries, diverting the river and reducing the flow to the Paraguay river to 30% and creating a permanent flood condition which destroyed over 1 million hectares of the Pantanal overnight. Hundreds of farms were ruined and Talisma farm is one of only 4 farms still operating in the flooded delta. Nowadays, Eraco and his wife of 51 years, Sonia, grow bananas to survive. They are amongst the very last farmers still surviving in the Taquari river delta area and they say they will do this for two more years before they will join their children in the city of Corumba. Eroded soil continues to be dumped in the Taquari delta when the rains come and flow to the all-important Paraguay river continues to diminish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676052-S0JJIH00PTBENRVFCS2C/Travel_002.jpg Travel JOMBA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 30 April 2015: Two alpha male silverback mountain gorilla from the Mpua family seen in the Jomba rainforest, Virunga National Park, DRC. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675598-MEPALCB4SYPC6FMLZ7OL/Travel_147.jpg Travel DJANET, ALGERIA, 3 MAY: Scenic images of a Tuareg family picnicking in the desert outside of the town of Djanet on a Friday, the Muslim holy day, on April 3 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675565-30QL829XDF0EGJ6TWRDC/Travel_105.jpg Travel INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675630-T8M8M5NS4A3L3Q6XXSSL/trvl_006.jpg Travel DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 22ND OCTOBER 2022: Dubare is one of the larger elephant camps in India, a place where captured elephants are brought and kept. Elephant orphans from the wild are brought to these camps as well as elephants from Human/Elephant conflict incidents. Some of the elephants here are trained to be capture elephants, meaning they will deploy as a team to capture rogue elephants who are perceived to be dangerous to humans or destructive to property. These camps also play a lucrative role in tourism, with thousands of visitors streaming in to see the elephants. Dubare is also the place where the key elephants for the Mysore Dasara festival are housed. Dubare has seen 7 new elephant captures in the last 5 years, there are new camps in the area to accommodate the numbers and the rise in tourism. There is some worry amongst elephant activists that the decision to capture is gaining commercial impetus. Many of the older, experienced mahouts have also passed away in recent years, Covid is behind some of that. As a result, some level of wisdom has been lost and some of the deeper relationships between man and elephant have been lost too. A captured elephant requires breaking in, a brutal process in which they are kept in a huge stockade until they grow used to humans and acquiesce to their new lives. That new elephant will have two mahouts, a master, and his apprentice. This means two families will receive an income because of that elephant. These elephants are the property of the forest department of Karnataka. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675776-2ULQQ6CP7VW1DO8W4R6L/Travel_007.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Late Afternoon scenes at a funeral in the streets of Timbuktu, MALI, 5 JANUARY 2010. Funerals in Timbuktu are conducted separately, with the woman mourning inside the house of the deceased and the men outside on the street involved in prayers and remembrance in the Islamic tradition. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675763-EUQGUVQQ0KL68VNMRIQY/Travel_061.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, MALI, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009: A Songhai woman walks between temporary settlements on the outskirts of Timbuktu. Traders come from all over this region of Africa to do business in the legendary city. They come during the rainy season so as to have grazing for their animals and leave again when the season is over, heading back to Niger, Mauritania and other regions of the Sahara. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675591-E7A1XXB3N4HRVQAERT01/Travel_114.jpg Travel KAVANYONGI, LAKE EDWARD, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 AUGUST 2013: Scenes from the fishing village of Kavanyongi on the Northern shores of Lake Edward inside Virunga National Park, DRC, 9 August 2013. This lake shore village relies on fishing for its livelihood and for all its water needs. It is the biggest village on the lake shores on the Congolese side, with a population of 30 000. SOCO, a British oil company, has acquired the rights to prospect for oil on the shores of of Lake Edward under dubious circumstances, changing Congolese law from a no prospecting in Virunga rule to allowing prospecting within one year. This prospecting block places them inside the Park, a world heritage site and Africa's first ever National Park. Drilling for oil could prove disastorous for the fishing villages all around the lake shores as well as for all tributaries carrying water for Lake Edward, the source of the nile. If the lake is poisoned, it will affect fresh water supply, fish, hippo, multiple other species as well as migrating and local bird populations and the livelihood of more than 30 000 fisherman on the Congolese side of the lake. There is also danger to the Ugandan side and to other countries who benefit from Lake Edward as a water source. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675553-IOEA0HPEK860HSOU1RJ9/Travel_005.jpg Travel ABU DHABI, UAE, 2 DECEMBER 2017: A falcon hunting camp in the desert outside Abu Dhabi, UAE. This camp uses captive bred Houbara Bustards, the preferred prey species of Arab Falconers across the region. Rashid and Maktoum Al Maktoum, two young sheiks from the Dubai Royal family, are seen hunting with their Gyr and Saker falcons. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675789-D7R1RS1BC4SAEESDGJMA/Travel_063.jpg Travel THE STEPPES OF MONGOLIA, 10 JULY 2013: Scenes of nomad life on the way to the Steppes of Mongolia, 10 July 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675511-Y27HJKQEXZJWNUBL6RIZ/Travel_120.jpg Travel PARAVOOR, KERALA, INDIA, 15 APRIL 2013: An elephant festival at Paravoor, Kerala, India 15 April 2013. Elephants have become increasingly popular at religious festivals in Kerala, for centuries they have been used by the Hindu faithful because of their role in Hinduism and also as a symbol of power. In recent years both Christian and Islamic factions have introduced elephants into their festival. As a result these elephant have become heavily overused during the festival period. They have little rest, are surrounded by a roaring crowd, loud music and concussive fireworks. Elephants that are in Must have also been used, despite their increased aggression in this period. Accidents and killings have been commonplace, panicked and aggressive elephants have killed a number of spectators, as recently as January 2013 an elephant killed 3 woman spectators yet was allowed to continue performing. The elephant owners charge large fees for appearances and there are devout, fanatical followings for individual elephants. Despite the danger, people continue to flock to these events. Elephants are typically wild animals who have been caught and broken, then trained to obey commands. Elephants in Kerala spend their whole lives chained, living in small spaces like open air prisons and performing manual labor or appearing at these festivals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675826-79S23JFKHTMBVV8SAFOS/Travel_004.jpg Travel ERDENE SANT, CENTRAL MONGOLIA: A wild Saker Falcon mother and her chicks in a nest high over the steppe of Central Mongolia. The Saker falcon is the only species in the genus Falco with an endangered listing in the IUCN red list, because a population trend analysis has indicated that it may be undergoing a very rapid decline, particularly in Central Asia, with unsustainable capture for the falcon trade considered to be one of the causal factors. Electrocution via power lines is a larger issue, killing millions of birds annually, including an estimated 1000 Saker falcons every year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675637-N527NV27Z1YZEXNOXY5K/Travel_068.jpg Travel BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 6 AUGUST 2013: Images of the Bageni family in the gorilla sector of Virunga National Park, DRC, 6 August 2013. The gorillas sector is currently occupied by the M23 rebel movement of the Congolese army. Despite this and a previous occupation by a previous rebel group, the gorillas continue to survive, largely due the efforts of the ICCn, the Congolese Conservation Authority. The previous Bukima camps were destroyed, first by the CNDP rebel movement in 2008 and 2009; now most recently by their followers, the M23 rebels. Despite these setbacks and the ongoing danger, the ICCN Congolese conservation rangers continue to protect the mountain gorillas of the region and to plan for tourism which will follow if peace is achieved. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675940-JZ7PS56EIYBAR0GG68QI/Travel_124.jpg Travel GOBI DESERT, SINGING DUNES, MONGOLIA JULY 15, 2013: A storm breaks in the Gobi desert, Mongolia, July 15, 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675469-T4VAJ1U66Y0L5CMVJ6P9/Travel_006.jpg Travel Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A Oneisan practices with her Shamisen at the Asakusa Kenban where Geisha shows are held for clients. The bridge of the Shamisen is made of ivory and the plectrum , known as a Bachi, is also made of ivory and is said to create the best sound. The skin on the front of her Shamisen is made of cat skin and the skin at the back is made of dog skin. The instrument itself was made 15 years ago. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally skins were made using dog or cat skin but use of these skins gradually fell out of favor starting around 2006 due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. The bachi or plectrum used to play the shamisen also differ in size, shape, and material from genre to genre. The bachi used for nagauta shamisen are made out of three possible materials, i.e. wood, plastic, or ivory. Ivory is the preferred substance and Shamisen players often believe it delivers the best sound. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675604-RQRXEB935EKUY7GV7HC7/Travel_071.jpg Travel INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Evening scenes in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675922-ZOK554IOQ2BWZ5K0GIOY/Travel_132.jpg Travel BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 6 AUGUST 2013: Image of the plant life in the gorilla sector of Virunga National Park, DRC, 6 August 2013. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675476-W9V496TFXXNOTUVCL2EJ/African+Dancers+Malawi.jpg Travel MAJETE NATIONAL PARK, MALAWI, JUNE 2019: Dancers from Tsekera village practise the Gule Wamkulu dance, an old tradition that is sent to invoke the spirit of ancestors who will come to assist the villagers with rain, conflict etc. The locals believe that ancestors manifest in birds and animals found in the park. Nowadays the village performs this dance for tourist groups who come to visit Majete. The revenue generated goes to communities who then see the benefit of support conservation efforts for the park. Majete was taken over by African Parks in 2003. At the time it was a dead park, poached out and lawless. AP reintroduced Rhinos, Lions and Elephants, including the largest translocation of elephants since the fifties. Over 500 elephants made their way to Majete. This park serves as an example of how a park can be brought back from a wasteland to a life source for animals and communities. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675899-4XWY1H6W1RP3HYP00L3X/Travel_072.jpg Travel ZAGADO, NORTHERN NIGER, APRIL 2009: Images of Tuareg Nomad people gathered around a well site in Zagado, Nothern Niger, 7 April 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675407-GYNNCMF6YUMYFX463Z4Y/Travel_136.jpg Travel LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of community life in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675887-ZXLRQTRWXA4MLDFC4MFZ/1.jpg Travel MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675451-L2XLSZIQ78DU7MFX5QXT/Travel_076.jpg Travel ISHANGO, LAKE EDWARD, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. 11 AUGUST 2013: Local men bathe in the Semliki River as it flows into Lake Edward, Ishango, DRC, 11 August 2013. This river and the Lake itself are inside Virunga National Park, a World Heritage site, they are currently in danger of oil exploration by British oil company SOCO, who have acquired rights to prospect for oil through dubious means. Thousands of Lakeside inhabitants find their while way of life threatened by this exploration. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676082-4PP4GBIR77OX4XWD0W9U/Travel_138.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A Songhay man walks with his animals back into Timbuktu after a day of grazing in the desert outside of the city, Timbuktu, Mali, January 8, 2010. Many of the traditions of Timbuktu remain unchanged for the last thousand years and this is surely one of them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675814-ONADMV8OZ8TUEKT8M2XU/Travel_002.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676035-ZJR7VBIJVSQTQZ97WTGT/Travel_079.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Boys play soccer near a Tuareg desert mural in the center of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, 22 January 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676018-SF6S9HA67S4S3IM7GPSS/MM7761_090926_09436.jpg Travel MARARABA, NIGER, SEPTEMBER , 2009: Scenes of Tuareg semi-nomadic life from the small transit town of Mararaba, Niger, September 27 2009. This small town is an intersection point for Agadez and Niamey. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675378-WNO10YNAFVLKG8TN7ZWR/kenya.jpg Travel LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675988-WB79M9NN5EYWK5HYJZA8/Travel_084.jpg Travel LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676089-NNF8DXXCKNV90PS1AYAJ/African+Desert+Boy+.jpg Travel ENNEDI, CHAD, FEBRUARY 2019: A young uneducated camel herder inside Guelta D’Archei. Ennedi Reserve is a brand new African Parks venture, only a week old at the time of these images. These images show Guelta d’Archei, one of the few water bearing canyons in the region where camels and livestock come to drink. Water is scarce in this desert region and AP has a difficult job convincing nomads to be careful with the water in the few Guelta’s that have the resource. The Guelta d’Archei is a famous location where for hundreds of years nomads have brought their camels and livestock to water. It also features some of the very last of Chad’s West African crocodile that once existed throughout the Sahara at a time of more abundant rainfall. A striking characteristic of this population of crocodiles is dwarfism developed due to their isolation, which make them unusual. Three of these crocodiles survive in only a few pools in river canyons and are threatened with extinction. Competition for water between the nomads and the crocodiles is increasing and African Parks is seeking a solution to the problem in order to save these crocodiles. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675893-ICXCMXW6JQW6F558NCZK/Travel_008.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675916-HT0PNVZX9GXZPEPLDR65/Travel_143.jpg Travel MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675649-86VBRX3V3Z6RK59V9LV5/Travel_010.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675298-I80UKFUA7LLE0MMYS4PJ/Dead+Giraffes+Africa.jpg Travel ZAKOUMA, CHAD, MARCH 2019: The bones and skulls of three endangered Kordofan Giraffe seen at a researcher’s home inside Zakouma National Park. This parks holds more then half of the global population of Kordofan giraffe. Zakouma National Park is a 1,158-square-mile national park in southeastern Chad's Salamat Region. Zakouma is the nation's oldest national park, declared a national park in 1963 by presidential decree, giving it the highest form of protection available under the nation's laws. It has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2010 in partnership with Chad's government. Zakouma had more than 4,000 elephants in 2002, but fewer than 900 in 2005, and approximately 400–450 by 2010. Thanks for effective anti-poaching techniques by Africa Parks management, elephant numbers are recovering, there are a large number of new births in the herd and the elephants are dispersing rather than staying together all the time for protection. Zakouma is Chad's oldest national park, established by the nation's government in 1963. It’s wildlife have been threatened by the ivory trade and poaching, including by Sudanese Janjaweed members. In 2007, militia forces attacked the park's headquarters for its stockpile of 1.5 tons of ivory and killed three rangers. The government of Chad began working with African Parks in 2010 to help manage and protect the park and its wildlife, especially elephants. The park's anti-poaching strategy includes equipping rangers with military style training and weapons, GPS tracking units and radios to improve communications, mobility, and safety, as well as improving mobility through the use of four by fours, horses and air support. Local communities have also been recruited to supply intelligence on any groups moving into the area. Elephant matriarchs are collared and their groups are followed 24/7. There are always rangers within proximity of the herd. The European Union pledged €6.9m in 2011 to help pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675801-70ATREV0JKLD4IF2AG9T/Travel_013.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675390-GN9X9T9KVPWWMI3MA21F/Travel_144.jpg Travel LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party catches wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675953-3716VOJI7EKTQCRLQK8H/2.jpg Travel TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Huli Wigman waits out a rain-storm in his room, smoking and applying his traditional face paint while waiting for the rain to clear, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli Wigmen, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675717-QXY6RU7LHJFO1DGB73RJ/Travel_145.jpg Travel LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party gathers to catch wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675656-IHUZ55X1CMMOSV4VMUL3/Travel_003.jpg Travel A bushmen and his son take a break while walking through a farm that used to be part of their traditional hunting ground. The Bushmen are regarded by historians as the first people of South Africa yet they are the most marginalized people in the country. There is a land claim for them in the Kalahari region of the country but De Beers mining company is disputing part of the claim and the South African government is offering the land without mineral rights. The case is ongoing in the courts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675928-SQ77BSVE03YFJVZ708AK/70-2.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675395-LTYLS1TV3K67O6YTM5O5/110-blue-2.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675351-JIR3EUAG8E5IOE604LI6/Travel_001.jpg Travel QUNU, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 DECEMBER 2013: Xhosa Initiates pass by close to the funeral of Nelson Mandela, Qunu, South Africa, 14 December 2014. These initiates have recently been circumsized traditionally and without anesthetic. They will spend up to two months dressed this way and learning the tradtions of Xhosa culture. Nelson Mandela, an icon of democracy, also went through this tradtional ritual. Mandela was buried at his family home in Qunu after passing away on the 5th December 2013. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676012-DEMY5K9X6TYPXGI6QFBH/Travel0002.jpg Travel LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been moved off their land by Dassanech tribesman who raided their cattle and killed their people, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have in fact come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Turkana land. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is likely to increase as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam comes online next year. This will reduce the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size. This will decimate the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo will fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict will be likely to continue in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, could have a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675506-QK1V58CQXU4O9AJT3C6G/Travel_008.jpg Travel MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE, 23 NOVEMBER 2013: Young boys clown around posing as strongmen, Maputo beachfront, Mozambique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675413-QYJPA6D7YO95FSPYDDF8/Travel_009.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Children play in the rain in a welcome respite from the desert heat in a street scene in Timbuktu, a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, , September 11, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675623-IZMJ68DZJGYYA6MDN8WA/Travel_004.jpg Travel ISHANGO RANGER STATION, NORTHERN SECTOR, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK,DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-7 MAY 2015: Images of elephants bathing inside Lake Edward close to the IShango Ranger station in Virunga National Park, DRC. There are only around 200 Savanah elephants left in Virunga, victims of extensive poaching campaigns since 1995. There is an effort underway by the Rangers to protect these remaining elephants and reopen the corridor to Queen Elizabeth Park in nearby Uganda to see Virunga's elephants return. Potential oil exploration in the area further threatens Virunga's elephants, with the potential oil area falling inside their corridor and habitat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675819-UBEAYK3Y8E1WZGCQB52L/Travel_002.jpg Travel KANGATOSA, TURKANA, KENYA, 11 OCTOBER 2014: Turkana tribeswomen greet each other in the traditional way by touching heads. Many greetings in this tribe are meant to mimic the actions of cattle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675338-O5CDNRXXM1EFID2G8UUB/Travel_005.jpg Travel RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 2 MAY 2015: Moonlit images of active volcanoes within Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. Virunga has some of the most active volcanoes on the continent and offers tourism trips to Nyiragongo. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675444-ALY6GHFIFHGO0WHXRIHR/Travel_033.jpg Travel TASSILI 'N AJJER, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: Images of famed tourist site and traditional Tuareg land, Tassili 'n Ajjer, in the south of Algeria, 02 May 2009. (photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675661-ZHNKNSVNLY74NFJKXBPG/Travel0003.jpg Travel MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 2 AUGUST 2017: Scenes along the Mogadishu foreshore, destroyed by civil war beginning in the nineteen eighties. These buildings and many others along the foreshore are shrapnel-pitted ruins but they occupy some of the most desireable land in Somalia if stability comes to the country. This area was a beach paradise before the civil war with a heavy Italian presence. If Al Shabab can be defeated, many Somalis feel that will be the last hurdle to stability and a new and resurgent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675523-3OOB5IABQ3ME8AD6YSBM/Travel0012.jpg Travel VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2015: A view of the volcanoes Nyiragongo and Namalagira inside Virunga National Park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675711-RZPDE3TXXTEGTJUFI8GK/Travel0006.jpg Travel ADUA, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 21 JULY 2017: Local farmer Letebrhame Haily, 24, is seen in one of her fields at work.The hillside behind her farm has been afforested with new trees by Green Ethiopia, an NGO specializing in afforestation. They plant on denuded hillsides and the trees they form will play an important role in restoring the water table, preventing erosion and creating a better habitat for man and animal. Letebrhame says that since the new trees have grown, her land needs less water and produces more and healthier crops. She feels very grateful for the changes brought about by the new afforestation and says she now also has a little more money for her children and better food for the house. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675345-O1Z37MKCYX7N3Q0QID01/Travel0005.jpg Travel ERDENE SANT, CENTRAL MONGOLIA: Scenes with local nomads breaking in a new horse. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675326-EQI4QX1QLHUOWXWGY8T0/Travel0008.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675863-MAGPRQ9MPQ5LKF3L8VT5/Travel0017.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675578-5PZQ0P3LJYGNNA79XTBQ/Travel0018.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675994-608TV9BDCESBRMKLCWLW/Travel_005.jpg Travel DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675735-I4TQRNJ0M53BTCQFU3X9/MM8382_05-28-15_01405.jpg Travel NYIRAGONGO VOLCANOE, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 25 APRIL 2015: Porters wait out a rainstorm while carrying bags for tourists who will overnight at the top. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675947-70SAN4FPIKV3Q8TMA9EJ/Travel_003.jpg Travel MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A traditionally dressed elder in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. These outfits will be worn only on special occasions, namely Sing-Sing tribal get-togethers, Moka Compensation ceremonies, Bride-Price ceremonies and feasts. The man in the picture is a leader in the village and he is on his way to a compensation ceremony in which money and pigs will be exchanged for a land deal with another village. This convoluted process of compensation is part of the traditional way of life of village people. It is based on a system which addresses a community rather than individuals and is meant as an insurance system for the general well-being of all. In reality it limits access to education and medicine and is in many ways similar to compensation litigation in the USA. No-one benefits in the long term as individual efforts are closely monitored for flaws for which compensation is then sought, this often results in a one step forwards, two steps backwards mentality. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675425-69TB6BU19PTMPK4HBLB9/Travel_010.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676029-SZRW4HT4BWO7FU3ANBRA/Travel_011.jpg Travel TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. The Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia is likely to bring the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, sugar cane farms along the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms look likely to severly impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676046-3FYS04KCNII1YJ3IFKSI/Travel_012.jpg Travel INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Scenes at a Baptism in a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Baptism is very simple, three names are discussed by elders and then straws are drawn to choose the final name. The women perform a ritual of walking around the tent in a line with the leading woman brandishing two knives to symbolically cut away misfortune from the future of the child. The women then dance and sing and play the drums while men prepare goat mead and drink tea and discuss things while people visit from the surrounding nomad camps. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675541-Q9PB4SBOBM72DKCKTHOI/Travel_014.jpg Travel LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of kids enjoying the lake in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675808-AOEAEI1SYNMQ7GNRQ73Q/Travel_021.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675517-REY4S7AN0I4B2233QSRM/Travel_018.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU REGION, MALI, 21 SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg Nomads end the Ramadan fast in the desert about 50 kilometers outside of Timbuktu with prayer and dancing, Timbuktu Region, Mali, September 21 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675751-J1WUFMMKJRO55KFGEXY9/Travel_019.jpg Travel DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, JANUARY 2008: An image of Karo maidens in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia. The unique, intact tribal cultures of the remote Omo Valley are all threatened by 3 new dams which the Ethiopian Government is building to supply hydro-electric power to Ethiopia's major cities. The dams will reduce the flow of the Omo River to one fifth of its volume and remove the flood plain which is so valuable to the Omo tribes for Agrarian purposes. Mass forced migration and the break-up of these ancient cultures is likely to be the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675495-V0BGJE55PBN7NVH72N0N/Travel_020.jpg Travel INGAL, NIGER, OCTOBER 2009: Two young Tuareg women have their hair dressed by other Tuareg women inside a traditional nomad tent at a Tuareg Nomad camp, Ingal Region, Niger, 11 October 2009. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and will soon move again to be close to a good water source. The nomads survive on a diet of millet and camel milk which is occasionally supplemented by goat meat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675934-2BT9ZKJ97TKESDLVKXPZ/Travel_024.jpg Travel DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675875-935LM0NFFH2IX9RR9SXM/Travel_026.jpg Travel iMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, MAY 2011: Images of White Rhino in iMfolozi Game Reserve in Natal, South Africa, May 1, 2011. Hluwhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is the worlds largest repository of Rhino, with an estimated 2300 rhino in total, a majority of which are White and a large contingent of Black Rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675438-4NF8Z63Q3WBI3868H5YZ/Travel_030.jpg Travel MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of traditional "Mud-Men" in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. "Mud-Men" are originally thought to have originated from a small Chimbu province clan who was attacked by a much larger clan to steal their land. The smaller but smarter clan is reputed to have fled into the forest and there decorated themselves in mud and in the fearsome masks depicted here. They then counter-attacked the larger clan who, thinking they were being attacked by spirits of the forest , fled the area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676041-ZTR623XYTQLSI6WI7RK2/Travel_031.jpg Travel LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, JANUARY 2008: An image of an old woman of the Dassanech tribe sitting riverside in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia. The unique, intact tribal cultures of the remote Omo Valley are all threatened by 3 new dams which the Ethiopian Government is building to supply hydro-electric power to Ethiopia's major cities. The dams will reduce the flow of the Omo River to one fifth of its volume and remove the flood plain which is so valuable to the Omo tribes for Agrarian purposes. Mass forced migration and the break-up of these ancient cultures is likely to be the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675457-M1H48EWSUBRLFONZOV05/Travel_035.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Two Tuareg men drive a traditional Camel caravan laiden with salt tablets on twenty camels making the 16 day journey through the desert from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. Disputes between the clans of the Tuareg have also seen the caravans become far smaller, they are no longer incentivised to work together for a large caravan and it is rare to see a caravan of more than 20 camels nowadays. Everytime the caravan stops, the camels must be unloaded and it is hard and brutal work, many young Tuaregs would rather do something else or work with the Arab traders and their trucks. The Tuareg men on this caravan feel that the trade will continue on camels but that it will be the poor who undertake the long, arduous journey as they have no alternative. Ironically, most of the route with the exception of two small zones is now undertaken by the camel caravan on the same road that is used by the trucks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675357-NE8V9G2NSFJW0QDH9CPM/Travel_036.jpg Travel LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675547-TCTKNE1VA3COZDBEIPXC/Travel_037.jpg Travel MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675464-0NGYVK0MF1EX9Q1WLRS4/Travel_039.jpg Travel MPIMBWE, WESTERN TANZANIA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion Dancers from the Sakuma tribe perform the story of their lion killing outside a village in rural Mpimbwe, Western Tanzania, October 27, 2012. Lion dancers are men who have killed a lion in defense of their cattle or their village. They are a deeply superstitious people who believe that once they have killed a lion they have to become a lion dancer for 3 to 5 years to avoid going mad. They spend a year or longer preparing with the local witchdoctor and then go from village to village seeing their relatives and dancing while collecting tribute for their bravery. In a time when lion are very scarce in the region, this practice is actively discouraged by conservation organizations and it is slowly dying out. When the dancers appear in the villages, they are often praised and given money, goats and even sometimes a small cow. It is therefore something that some young men aspire to, even going as far as to venture into the local Katavi National Park in pursuit of a lion. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675312-OYS9HHHC91GNM07X4QCA/Travel_040.jpg Travel LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158675419-47Y1MHFUC06PQHT0IV1K/Travel_042.jpg Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676076-CU47KI3FX5AP037KDK07/Travel_044.jpg Travel TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A Mosque and two muslims on the outskirts of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, 23 January 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158676000-ERVA3TQELTZZ52PNYF44/Travel_045.jpg Travel KARAKORUM ROAD, MONGOLIA, 10 JULY 2013: Playing basketball in a nomad camp close to Karakorum, Mongolia, 10 July 2013. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://www.brentstirton.com/poor-white-south-african-in-progress daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703275-1K9O5HKMLN0U1YK8Z20Z/Disenfranchised_001.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703258-21T60NCU7VL0VLW1EUER/Disenfranchised_005.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703247-I0ORF3O47GCBVINOS87D/Disenfranchised_007.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703218-1WL7EADD54G47KPXPHIJ/Disenfranchised_009.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703263-15NA2LGW09P72B9G5G71/Disenfranchised_011.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703269-SWJB9NV88JAYGSFG4RC7/Disenfranchised_013.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703252-GS2J22OUWO09V8VAN8Q3/Disenfranchised_014.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703241-1VF31U3C63YMOUFT8Q5O/Disenfranchised_002.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703281-2CDKIDH6DWX3VWIS5EKE/Disenfranchised_006.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703286-DKS477DV340XIT42WWQH/Disenfranchised_008.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703206-0NPWIK8OCSQ3MITSEPWN/Disenfranchised_010.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703229-W7E326L46HOZZE3RM7RI/Disenfranchised_012.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703212-RABQQN7UHH68F56BCPR5/Disenfranchised_015+%281%29.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703224-4XBMPAUG25EX4IAOS52D/Disenfranchised_003.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158703236-38H6U95743VON1M33TN0/Disenfranchised_004.jpg Poor, White, South African -in progress https://www.brentstirton.com/iraq-assignment daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587791-I4YF7OPF86HBXASVB3MG/49-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_022.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: U.S forces and the Iraqi National Guard fight together during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. These National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025644759-V57QC7IBXDB371ZOAAKE/bs098a.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_027.jpg (Copy) KARBALA, IRAQ - MAY 17: Al-Mehdi Army supporters of radical cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder fight in the streets of Karbala. This group clashes on a daily basis with the coalition forces and tensions are high in the area. The fighting is taking place next to the holy shrine of Hussien Abbas. Supporters of head cleric Grand Ayotola Sistani are opposed to the Militia presence and this is causing division amongst the Shiiate people of Iraq. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705453-85J4DVTK2E4FV0WOO33Y/Iraq_034.jpg Iraq Assignment KARBALA, IRAQ - MAY 17: Al-Mehdi Army supporters of radical cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder fight in the streets of Karbala. This group clashes on a daily basis with the coalition forces and tensions are high in the area. The fighting is taking place next to the holy shrine of Hussien Abbas. Supporters of head cleric Grand Ayotola Sistani are opposed to the Militia presence and this is causing division amongst the Shiiate people of Iraq. *** Local Caption *** IRAQ ASSIGNMENT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025804949-G8EW1LSW2Y8GEU6LR2V8/bs25+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_005.JPG (Copy) NAJAF, IRAQ - JUNE 21: General David Petraeus, the three star American General charged with over-seeing the transition of power from the Coalition military authorities to the Iraqis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025921009-1RXKY8OLTA7R56TTWKRL/24+%282%29-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_009.JPG (Copy) 1234567BS_009.JPG TIKRIT,IRAQ - JUNE 10: General David Petraeus, the three star American General charged with overseeing the transition of power from the Coalition military authorities to the Iraqis. He is depicted on a visit to the Coalition base at one of Saddam Husseins former palaces. While on the visit he met with ICDC troops who have just finished instruction under US drill sergeants as well as touring the base facilities with Iraqi Army Brigadier General Abdul Kadir Jassim. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026055683-27TO1U6M9CMUDFNABEHK/Iraq_052.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026100423-VTEI0D98DLBEJUHHG7SL/Iraq_053.jpg Iraq Assignment NAJAF, IRAQ-MAY 2004: A young girl prepares to wear her Abaya full covering dress for the first time as she goes to pray in Najaf, the holiest city in Iraq for Shiites. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026137494-4LT2ZX6XN80QM9BV1BN8/Iraq_062.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026197359-64K6I12EBX9KSX77RB4A/Iraq_064.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD,IRAQ - MAY 16: The Arnold Classic Gym in Baghdad was founded in 1997 and has been the source of many of Iraq's body-building champions. Owner SahabTalib Mahdi is a former Asian champion and is a fanatical supporter of Arnold Schwartzenegger. The gym is a shrine to Arnold. Pictured from left are a host of Iraqi champions. Firas Jerges Aziz, 23, sitting, is a member of the Iraqi national team and the world youth champion for 2003. Hamid Abd Al-Rahman, 43, is a national trainer. Asad Hamid Jafar, 27, is lifting the weight over his head. He has been a member of the Iraqi national team for 7 years and is a three times winner of the Arabian Championship. The boy is Arnold Mahdi, the son of the owner and named after Arnold. The man to far right is Staar Atya Radi, the curent youth champion of Iraq. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587439-EKFRH3JA2CLG6GVVICUL/025+%283%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704741-D7CEN5V5I5L3GRHR9VTD/Iraq_035.jpg Iraq Assignment KARBALA, IRAQ - MAY 17: Al-Mehdi Army supporters of radical cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder fight in the streets of Karbala. This group clashes on a daily basis with the coalition forces and tensions are high in the area. The fighting is taking place next to the holy shrine of Hussien Abbas. Supporters of head cleric Grand Ayotola Sistani are opposed to the Militia presence and this is causing division amongst the Shiiate people of Iraq. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025921021-HDNMR0J36263RFA34MOP/Iraq_047.jpg Iraq Assignment NAJAF, IRAQ - JUNE 21: General David Petraeus, the three star American General charged with over-seeing the transition of power from the Coalition military authorities to the Iraqis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026100324-2JGV7L0R9KJQ0Z827W0F/bs21+%284%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026137563-FNBZBMFP9FT3EGDNOJ4O/Iraq_063.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026197509-9NGCK0VPN8HR0IQ4AWWA/16+%282%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587679-VHLK0I1GU1A54PDMBYFA/Iraq_007.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005. First Segeant Troy Hawkins falls wounded to the ground during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. Sgt Hawkins was wounded in the leg and shoulder but continued to direct troop movement before walking out of the fire zone.The Iraqi National Guard members he was fighting alongside have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705432-964BP8RH5AO5XB5I5R30/Iraq_036.jpg Iraq Assignment KARBALA, IRAQ - MAY 17: Al-Mehdi Army supporters of radical cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder fight in the streets of Karbala. This group clashes on a daily basis with the coalition forces and tensions are high in the area. The fighting is taking place next to the holy shrine of Hussien Abbas. Supporters of head cleric Grand Ayotola Sistani are opposed to the Militia presence and this is causing division amongst the Shiiate people of Iraq. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025920849-0K8AUDMPJZPJXAA70TRK/Iraq_048.jpg Iraq Assignment TIKRIT,IRAQ - JUNE 10: General David Petraeus, the three star American General charged with overseeing the transition of power from the Coalition military authorities to the Iraqis. He is depicted on a visit to the Coalition base at one of Saddam Husseins former palaces. While on the visit he met with ICDC troops who have just finished instruction under US drill sergeants as well as touring the base facilities with Iraqi Army Brigadier General Abdul Kadir Jassim. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026100312-I8FDPUHLV5JPU5X8AY9J/Iraq_054.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026197314-670DMA9GVODBI31D76YJ/Iraq_056.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 23 FEBRUARY 2005. Iraqi Politican and Women's Rights advocate Songul Chapook photographed at her home in Baghdad. Songul Chapook is one of the few female members of the Iraqi Interim Government General Assembly. The rise of hard line Islamists in Iraq currently threatens many of the civil liberties of Iraqi women, women like Songul Chapook are fighting for the constitutional recognition of those rights. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi women issues, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587584-R9CT4SO5I3Z51MWALWIM/42-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_041.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: U.S Army's First Cavalry, Task Force 1-9 First Segeant Troy Hawkins is tended by fellow soldiers after being wounded in the leg and the shoulder during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. Sgt Hawkins and his fellow U.S soldiers were fighting alongside Iraqi National Guard members who have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704978-ZPZMIHVV5GWR0BEUH9QL/Iraq_037.jpg Iraq Assignment NAJAF, IRAQ - Hussam Hassan washed the body of 12 year old Ali Basem Karim. He was killed in Basra when the wedding he was attending was attacked by extremist militias. The wedding were attacked because they were celebrating and that was not considered apporopriate by the militia group. Another child was wounded in the attack. *** Local Caption *** Assignment Iraq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025921074-Q7PCZO7LUODWZZDX9T5K/bs024.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026100251-BB8K88H3DN38Y0PHJAQ7/Iraq_055.jpg Iraq Assignment NAJAF, IRAQ - JANUARY 30 2005: An Iraqi women votes in the Iraqi national election in Najaf while an election official looks on. The Shiite holy city of Najaf enjoyed a calm election day with no violence and a good voter turnout reported at many voting stations. Najaf is an important holy city in the Shiite relegion and the city has been secured against election violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi elections in Najaf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026197333-Y6KJOBX0N73G89QKVK6G/021a.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_021.JPG (Copy) 1234567BS_021.JPG BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 20 FEBRUARY 2005. Interim Vice-President of Iraq, Ibrahim al- Jaafari, photographed outside of his office in the Green Zone, Baghdad. Jaafari is one of the leading candidates for the post of Iraqi Prime Minister. Central to his campaign strategy is his promise to rebuild Iraq through the political inclusion of all groups in a new Iraqi government.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi VP Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587405-3E2EG4WTS0VJPWV3048M/Iraq_009.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: U.S Army's First Cavalry, Task Force 1-9 First Segeant Troy Hawkins is tended by fellow soldiers after being wounded in the leg and the shoulder during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. Sgt Hawkins and his fellow U.S soldiers were fighting alongside Iraqi National Guard members who have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705419-9O3RSSU40MH0WCY4JSI0/Iraq_038.jpg Iraq Assignment NAJAF, IRAQ-MAY 2005: Hussam Hassan washes the body of 12 year old Ali Basem Karim who was killed in Basra when the wedding he was attending was attacked by extremist militias. The wedding was attacked because they were celebrating and that was not considered apporopriate by the militia group. Another child was wounded in the attack. *** Local Caption *** Assignment Iraq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025921125-I47IV36AGP9D7XT5Q5L9/Iraq_050.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026100289-XS8BS1G6TO5LMZXJYPKI/Iraq_057.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 24 FEBRUARY 2005. A young Iraqi woman wearing a Hijab headcovering looks through a range of modern evening dresses in a chic women's store in the Mansour neighbourhood of Baghdad. This western style of dress is threatened by the rise of newly elected hard line Islamists in Iraq. The Islamists are pushing for all women to wear the veil as the minimal sign of respect to fundamental Islamic law. The right for women to wear what they would like is only one of the points being lobbied for by women's rights groups in Iraq as the new Constitution is debated. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi women issues, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026197399-9W35LBSHBIFGLURCJ7XE/bs012+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_012.JPG (Copy) KARMA,IRAQ - MAY 27: Rusty Ede, 22, of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Ede was one of the Marines heavily involved in the fighting in Fallujah when tensions between the Marines and the insurgents were at their peak. Ede saw a fellow member of his squad badly wounded and when a rescue was attempted by another marine, that Marine was killed with a shot to the head. Fallujah saw one of the heaviest tolls exacted on the Marines during their time in Iraq.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587711-R09XGBNY3VTUD8V9CHT5/Iraq_010.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: An Iraqi National Guard member has his hand bandaged after being injured in a grendade attack during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. These National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705274-BQK8YJYLZQ6FN9CJ2831/92+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025921243-ANX1OALJ3D0TBIR04RP8/Iraq_051.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026100368-OTCMBC05TE4YGM1TGDD4/Iraq_061.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD,IRAQ - MAY 23 :Balasim Fadil Ahmed, a construction worker at the Sharkdijla Water treatment facility on the outskirts of Baghdad, inspects a new water tank.The Sharkdijla facility is built with the aid of US funding and supplies over 40% of Baghdad's water, channeling clean water to most of the poorer areas across the city. 4 Iraqi companies sub-contract on the building and maintenance of this facilitiy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587446-E2A45VBXWPOZZ4XWTTDA/55-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_058.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: Iraqi National Guard members question suspects caught during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. These National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705294-EK6VKUDQ92Y0GTY6ODQA/bs012+%282%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587897-UUSMKMCCCMKUY9V38AIX/Iraq_011.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: Iraqi National Guard members question a suspect caught during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. The suspect was caught with three handgrenade pins in his possesion. These National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704870-N3MV0JN0YU05JOMBAGOF/Iraq_039.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD,IRAQ - MAY 10:The Baghdad Fire-Brigade works to put out a fire in the Al-Amriya district of Baghdad.The fire broke out after a bomb blast at a Electricity sub-station and destroyed a large stockpile of new electrical equipment. Disruptions to power continue to plague Baghdad on a regular basis. Photo by Brent Stirton/Newsweek for Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587968-R1U2FKSWMUC3QNWVD56L/Iraq_012.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: A young Iraqi girl stares angrily as a member of U.S Army's First Cavalry , task force 1-9, walks through her house. The girl's father was arrested as a suspect during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. Iraqi National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705167-00T63XS9VL3B8F2I3KA9/Iraq_040.jpg Iraq Assignment IRAQ, BAGHDAD. MAY 5 2004. BODIES OF IRAQI CIVILIANS LIE IN A MORGUE OUTSIDE OF BAGHDAD. THEY WERE KILLED IN AN ATTACK ON A TRUCK DRIVEN BY A MAN WHO WAS ACCUSED OF COLLABORATING WITH THE AMERICANS. *** Local Caption *** IRAQ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587564-1FMVCUL7D7I8EJQ0061I/Irawinjured.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705445-YX9W4UQCMEGS694JVVDR/Iraq_041.jpg Iraq Assignment NAJAF, IRAQ - MAY 7: Relatives of the wounded wait in a local hospital in Najaf. 8 civilians were killed and 16 wounded as the coalition forces retaliated against militia attacks in the area. *** Local Caption *** Assignment Iraq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587948-SIY1AAJ98QX2NJYGC68S/007+%282%29-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705247-ZOBN3FZ8ZOHD9X1GJLIO/163.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587718-J0A8084TRV52BS2KPV4M/006+%284%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705104-436CFXA658GY40WS9HNJ/Iraq_042.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587616-W9AIVVHUJ6Q2XPICQWJ3/57.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_018.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: An Iraqi National Guard guards a suspected insurgent after his platoon was atttacked by grenades and small arms fire during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. These National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704911-FLEG1IKVCGJ8D6M2S6T8/Iraq_005.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587827-74VAOS523R0NR8TZEXJ0/36+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_012.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 16 FEBRUARY 2005: Iraqi National Guard members warily approach a man during a firefight in the troubled Haifa street area of Baghdad. These National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704932-S5KB2TYJYLUFNP4IRNOW/Iraq_013.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587704-9KR9ZCEG794DNBJ98K1R/008+%282%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705050-2IZIWXY8REFFEOK8XM43/35a+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587654-S92SVHTWNQFQTKX52HY7/014.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_014.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 12 FEBRUARY 2005: Iraqi National Guard members patrol troubled Haifa street in Baghdad. The majority of these National Guard members are Sunni and they have deliberately been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, they are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705120-DB3OICFNE1SJRBW7ES0K/Iraq_016.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587646-4GWFUNODD6FCKI8S46AS/017+%282%29-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_017.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 12 FEBRUARY 2005: Iraqi National Guard members patrol troubled Haifa street in Baghdad. The majority of these National Guard members are Sunni and they have deliberately been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes between Sunni militants and Shiite residents. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, they are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election discussion, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704966-P0TN2RM99R7DYUBMS2CN/Iraq_017.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587578-BIMPMUA2Y9UQ05XQU2FC/065.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705226-OP0URQQ2S6154Y3E12V5/26+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_017.JPG (Copy) KIRKUSH,IRAQ - JUNE 17: New soldiers for the Iraqi army train at the Kirkush training facility. CMATT, the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team, intially undertook the training of these soldiers but now that responsibility is being carried out by Iraqi trainers forming the first Brigade dedicated to the training of Iraqis by Iraqis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587367-5SMJ8GNQIXOUWJ1AJ8RY/144-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705352-6HAD8DQRNAW76HWZZFPE/Iraq_018.jpg Iraq Assignment TAJI, IRAQ - JUNE 17: New soldiers for the Iraqi army train at the Taji training facility. CMATT, the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team, intially undertook the training of these soldiers but now that responsibility is being carried out by Iraqi trainers forming the first Brigade dedicated to the training of Iraqis by Iraqis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587484-AM7MD4S97PHJ5MGHK2A3/58+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704733-GB00DRQIWFYGTQFP3D5J/Iraq_019.jpg Iraq Assignment FALLUJAH,IRAQ - MAY 6: Members of the new Iraqi army do security checks on houses in Fallujah, although not yet involved in active fighting against the militia activity in the town, this new army will soon be part of ensuring security in Fallujah. The new army includes former Baathist members and members of the old Iraqi army under Sadam Hussein. The soldiers depicted are wearing the old uniform from that time. *** Local Caption *** USNWR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587724-BHYYP13GQFL3JEXHT7ZJ/Iraq_014.jpg Iraq Assignment MAHMUYDIYAH,IRAQ - JUNE 7: Bravo company, 1st Armoured Division, 6th Infantry, patrols in Mahmuydiyah. They are depicted conducting car searchs for resistance members after just being mortared at their base. Bravo company has taken a number of hits this week, 17 soldiers were injured in a mortar attack and 3 were shipped to Germany to recover. This company has the highest number of Purple Hearts awarded in the Battalion. The Purple Heart is an award given to soldiers who have been wounded under enemy fire. The company is on an extended tour of Iraq, and morale ramains high despite the extended time period and high casualty rate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704856-A4DTRAH0QPR9EC6ZGTKH/Iraq_020.jpg Iraq Assignment FALLUJAH,IRAQ - MAY 6: Members of the new Iraqi army do security checks on houses in Fallujah, although not yet involved in active fighting against the militia activity in the town, this new army will soon be part of ensuring security in Fallujah. The new army includes former Baathist members and members of the old Iraqi army under Sadam Hussein. The soldiers depicted are wearing the old uniform from that time. *** Local Caption *** USNWR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587530-AGXATK4W69ISSF39P4KZ/Iraq_015.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 17 FEBRUARY 2005: Iraqi National Guard member Ali Nadim, 20, is rushed to hospital after being wounded by grenade attack during a firefight in the Haifa street area of Baghdad. These Iraqi National Guard members have been trained by U.S Coalition forces to work in this area which is a flashpoint for clashes. U.S forces are in the process of handing over complete authority to the Iraqi National Guard. Although still currently involved in the patrols, the U.S forces are phasing out their direct involvement in this kind of security operation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election Iraqi Nationa Army, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705180-UJKETHRY5NE7140SCC4I/Iraq_021.jpg Iraq Assignment MAHMUYDIYAH,IRAQ - JUNE 7: Sgt John Jones of Bravo company, 1st Armoured Division, 6th Infantry stares out the window of a Bradley armoured personel carrier as the company patrols in Mahmuydiyah. Bravo company has taken a number of hits in recent days. 17 soldiers were injured in a mortar attack and 3 were shipped to Germany to recover. This company has the highest number of Purple Hearts awarded in the Battalion. The Purple Heart is an award given to soldiers who have been wounded under enemy fire. The company is on an extended tour of Iraq, morale ramains high despite the extended time period and high casualty rate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587660-J6CWPD0NNIBMCEJ3SNYO/Iraq_031.jpg Iraq Assignment NAJAF, IRAQ - MAY 2004: Militia supporters of cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder guard the streets in Najaf. This group clashes on a daily basis with the coalition forces and tensions are high in the area. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705397-HFBOWQU7I92PT7QBQY4J/143+%282%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_005.jpg (Copy) FALLUJAH,IRAQ - MAY 6: Members of the new Iraqi army do security checks on houses in Fallujah, although not yet involved in active fighting against the militia activity in the town, this new army will soon be part of ensuring security in Fallujah. The new army includes former Baathist members and members of the old Iraqi army under Sadam Hussein. The soldiers depicted are wearing the old uniform from that time. *** Local Caption *** USNWR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587380-MI4N68VH8NPA0LR2W7CI/Iraq_032.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705425-J8NL6MKFJ55T0I8ACWZ1/Iraq_028.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587773-91US33AQHAFBJLD3IE49/bs028-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_002.JPG (Copy) NAJAF, IRAQ - MAY 8: Mehdi Army resistance fighters holed up in the cemetry in Najaf. These fighters are loyal to radical cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr and have taken heavy casulties in the last three days of fighting with US forces in and around Najaf. Most of the fighting has taken place around the cemetry, the Sadr supporters losing 7 fighters yesterday but claiming to have disabled a US tank and Humvee. These three front-facing young men are from left, Ghsan Al-Qutaifi, Adider Al-Muswi, and closest to camera, Kasim Al-Muswi. They are all students who have only just joined the resistance, leaving their studies to do so. They have already lost a brother to the recent conflict and when queried as to their feelings, stated that their mother said they should not mourn him but rather congratulate him. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704877-D0W16T8BF0A8K7FUQZOC/Iraq_029.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD,IRAQ - JUNE 03 : A huge mural in the Sadr City section of Baghdad. The mural depicts relatives of radical cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr. On the left is Mahammed Baqir Al-Sadr, a prominent cleric executed by Saddam Hussein in 1980. On the right is Mohammed Al-Sadr, the former Grand Ayotollah of Iraq. Support for Moqtada Al-Sadr and his anti-coalition sentiments continues to be strong in this area of Baghdad, as evidenced by the number of posters depicting him which have been added to this auspicious mural. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587596-PQZH823UGC08NHASDZTF/bs030c+copy-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Iraq Assignment Najaf: Madhi Army men wait to attach the American army close to a Mosque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705346-8QXGY395DTOAWMO0N9NT/Iraq_030.jpg Iraq Assignment KUFA, IRAQ- May 7: Followers of radical cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder attend Friday mosque in a time of daily clashes between Sadder's Militia suppoorters and coalition forces *** Local Caption *** Assignment Iraq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587491-6BS61KR4L379VIBXUR4F/Iraq_033.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704998-J4HOHQNGZORTC3WSX3D1/BS03b5.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_001.jpg (Copy) 1234567BS_001.jpg KUFA, IRAQ- May 7: Followers of radical cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder attend Friday mosque in a time of daily clashes between Sadder's Militia suppoorters and coalition forces *** Local Caption *** Assignment Iraq https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587627-9CNGHA2TIPEU2CHSW25V/bs047m.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705367-VAGPX9U3WR45SD5Z7T9O/018a.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_018.JPG (Copy) NAJAF, IRAQ - JANUARY 29 2005: An Iraqi policeman guards a polling station while talking to a young boy in the Iraqi city of Najaf. The Shiite holy city of Najaf enjoyed a calm pre-election day with no violence and many pilgrims on the street. Najaf is an important holy city in the Shiite relegion and the city has been secured against election violence. The Shiites are the majority population group in Iraq and are expected to turn out in good numbers tomorrow in Najaf for the Iraqi elections. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi elections in Najaf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158587603-DLS8JB8LJ6WNPS0IPCY1/bs087a.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_017.jpg (Copy) KARBALA, IRAQ - MAY 17: Al-Mehdi Army supporters of radical cleric Mugtada Al-Sadder fight in the streets of Karbala. This group clashes on a daily basis with the coalition forces and tensions are high in the area. The fighting is taking place next to the holy shrine of Hussien Abbas. Supporters of head cleric Grand Ayotola Sistani are opposed to the Militia presence and this is causing division amongst the Shiiate people of Iraq. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704904-43YTP861OMLVSY9NN9IO/bs004+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_004.jpg (Copy) IRAQ, BAGHDAD. MAY 5 2004. ATTACKS ON CIVILIAN TARGETS CONTINUE IN IRAQ. THE DRIVER OF THE THIS TRUCK WAS KILLED AS HE WAS SUSPECTED OF COLLABORATING WITH THE AMERICANS. *** Local Caption *** WAR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705153-P5BPGDII4U1ZK2RTGTKL/016+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_016.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD, IRAQ - 18 FEBRUARY 2005: A Shiite crowd of worshippers and mourners shout and wail in a manic bout of relegious fervour and grieving .The crowd was attending a speech at a funeral before Friday Prayers by Abdel Aziz Al-Hakim, the Leader of the Supreme Council of of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. The funeral was for 3 militant members of the Badre Brigade, an organisation loyal to Hakim's party. Shiites across Iraq are in the middle of the holy month of Muharram, a remembrance of the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad. Twin bombing incidents in Baghdad today killed at least 16 worshippers and wounded over 40. Last year at this time bombing killed 181 people in Iraq on the Shiite Holy day of Ashoura. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraqi post-election Iraqi Shiite ashoura celebrations, Baghdad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705091-2G41HQOQ04SK2OM34ADN/Iraq_043.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705404-KOIZFFM78T0I507CLIU9/Iraq_044.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD,IRAQ - JUNE 24: A member of the Iraqi Civil Defence Unit holds an Improvised Explosive Device disarmed today in Baghdad, 24 June, 2004. All of the members of the I.C.D.U. wish to remain anonymous. This is due to threats against them and their families for what the resistance views as collaboration with the Coalition forces. This small device is apparently enough to destroy a small buidling. As the handover approaches in Iraq, these bombs are responsible for a great deal of fear and apprehension amongst the Iraqi population. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705331-2Z5CHWYXBTW9T96KNZ5A/Iraq_045.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705112-7KDIX5OLLMSIPZIOC8QG/Iraq_046.jpg Iraq Assignment BAGHDAD,IRAQ - JUNE 06 : Ahmad Abd Al-Latif, 20, at his home in Baghdad. Ahmad lost his hand and the use of his arm when his brother and himself were caught in a cross-fire between coalition forces and resistance in Baghdad at the time the coalition took control of the capital. His brother was killed and he was forced to hide for the night in a toilet at a gas station. In the morning he was able to get to a hospital but doctors could not save his hand. Ahmad now suffers from depression and is ashamed of his condition. He is one of hundreds in this position in Baghdad. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704768-I38VY0JP5HSXPW84WTLY/112+%282%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_010.JPG (Copy) 1234567BS_010.JPG NAJAF, IRAQ - MAY 8: Mehdi Army resistance fighters holed up in the cemetry in Najaf. These fighters are loyal to radical cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr and have taken heavy casulties in the last three days of fighting with US forces in and around Najaf. Most of the fighting has taken place around the cemetry, the Sadr supporters losing 7 fighters yesterday but claiming to have disabled a US tank and Humvee. This image depicts the funeral of two Mehdi Army fighters who died in the fighting. They are being carried around the Imam Ali mosque in Najaf, a holy site in Iraq. The men depicted did not wish to give their names. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705280-8HK4FDLVS68TM0DTY553/135+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_004.JPG (Copy) 1234567BS_004.JPG BA'QUBAH, IRAQ - MAY 13: 183 prisoners were released from Abu Graib prison today. They were driven up through Tikrit and finally released in Ba' Qubah. These released prisoners came off the bus and immediately fell to their knees and began reciting verses from the Koran. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704819-5BMFLDIVLKNTUGNGJJNZ/BS021.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_002.JPG (Copy) BA'QUBAH, IRAQ - MAY 13: 183 prisoners were released from Abu Graib prison today. They were driven up through Tikrit and finally released in Ba' Qubah. Faris Bakak has been to 3 of these releases in the hope that his brother would be one of those released. He was not amongst today's. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705287-TUD7AG1AZ81TP3YZSE7D/136+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_007.JPG (Copy) BA'QUBAH, IRAQ - MAY 13: 183 prisoners were released from Abu Graib prison today. They were driven up through Tikrit and finally released in Ba' Qubah. Salma Mahdi Samir has been to many releases in the hope of seeing her son amongst those released. He was arrested 13 months ago and she has not seen him since. She claims that it costs $500 to arrange a visit. Her son is a former soldier who was arrested after the war as a suspected Saddam Hussein supporter. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705315-WUZO02P8644TMOB3PT18/138+%281%29.jpg Iraq Assignment - 1234567BS_004.JPG (Copy) BAGHDAD,IRAQ - MAY 12: The Baghdad High Crimes Unit is an elite police task force. They deal exlcusively with directives form the Special Criminal Court. They are divided into 5 divisions: Organised crime, Money-Laundering, Anti-terrorism, Kidnapping and Political Affairs. This image depicts two men who had been kidnapped and held tied to beds for 22 days on a remote farm in the south of Baghdad. When rescued by the high crimes Kidnapping unit and taken home to change they could not hide their gratitude and relief. *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704827-OI3JYZLZ0YLK38BKGDA6/Iraq_023.jpg Iraq Assignment MAHMUYDIYAH,IRAQ - JUNE 7: Exhausted members of Bravo company, 1st Armoured Division, 6th Infantry relax after a long patrol in Mahmuydiyah. On the wall behind them are messages of support from children in the states, some belonging to the soldiers, others not. Bravo company has taken a number of hits this week, 17 soldiers were injured in a mortar attack and 3 were shipped to Germany to recover. This company has the highest number of Purple Hearts awarded in the Battalion. The Purple Heart is an award given to soldiers who have been wounded under enemy fire. The company is on an extended tour of Iraq, and morale ramains high despite the extended time period and high casualty rate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705339-4DQCOD8I53ACX45KJ6A2/Iraq_024.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704783-X5K09JMX1O08G07E1AZL/Iraq_003.jpg Iraq Assignment KARMA,IRAQ - MAY 27: Corporal Ernie Moreno, 22, of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Moreno was one of the Marines heavily involved in the fighting in Fallujah when tensions between the Marines and the insurgents were at their peak. Moreno saw a fellow member of his squad badly wounded and when a rescue was attempted by another marine, that Marine was killed with a shot to the head. Fallujah saw one of the heaviest tolls exacted on the Marines during their time in Iraq.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704726-N3OCVNRFC2BS9W8H0KXD/Iraq_004.jpg Iraq Assignment FALLUJAH, IRAQ - MAY 22: Sgt. Fred Arencibia of 2nd Battalion, First Marine Regiment, Echo Company stands guard at base outside of Fallujah. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** SPECULATIVE FOR NEWSWEEK. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705389-XVQ8LEH13KWP1YU08KOY/Iraq_002.jpg Iraq Assignment FALLUJAH IRAQ, MAY 2004: A marine sniper team set up to protect an infiltration team going into Fallujah to extract a known insurgent. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705323-ZUZ1I59HAAHK2UMMO7W1/Iraq_001.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025704883-RNBDO7LYV90WHUUWZXJY/Iraq_025.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705309-AJYE4GVCERVIQYNAFKX6/Iraq_026.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705056-OENA9Q0IHG7JS8NCS1KN/Iraq_027.jpg Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025705360-56JS1NSUY787GOO0MZ6G/99.jpg Iraq Assignment https://www.brentstirton.com/papua-new-guinea-culture-in daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571748-7Z627HPNDOGK5R318H4F/PNG_001.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A traditionally dressed elder in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. These outfits will be worn only on special occasions, namely Sing-Sing tribal get-togethers, Moka Compensation ceremonies, Bride-Price ceremonies and feasts. The man in the picture is a leader in the village and he is on his way to a compensation ceremony in which money and pigs will be exchanged for a land deal with another village. This convoluted process of compensation is part of the traditional way of life of village people. It is based on a system which addresses a community rather than individuals and is meant as an insurance system for the general well-being of all. In reality it limits access to education and medicine and is in many ways similar to compensation litigation in the USA. No-one benefits in the long term as individual efforts are closely monitored for flaws for which compensation is then sought, this often results in a one step forwards, two steps backwards mentality. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028741389-54PQCPE8B19JN3BXDROH/PNG_025.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Traditional dress in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. These outfits will be worn on special occasions, namely Sing-Sing tribal get-togethers, Moka Compensation ceremonies, Bride-Price ceremonies and feasts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861734-YV8NF1M7XYOYV1AJJ7NP/PNG_026.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751029923407-SVWE7CGAFLUZVOIHXRH8/PNG_048.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175385-CVC5VOIZFBJ4UOCXEJ60/PNG_049.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PUKAPUKI, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2004: A local man showers underneath a waterfall in the rainforest close to his village in the mountains of Papua New Guinea. Traditional ways of life are under threat in Papua as villages have very little means of raising money through which to educate their children and pay medical bills. Traditional ways of life are based on sustainable farming and hunting practise. As Papuans move towards a more western lifestyle and the government attempts to raise capital for modernisation, villages are selling their natural resources such as the timber of the rainforest. This is a non-sustainable practise at this point and is having a devastating effect on water supply, traditional river routes and erosion patterns. Education as to these factors is a vital but lacking components in this transition period for Papua New Guinea. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571989-YBZR01W9O748KFR2JV2C/PNG_002.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition SEPIK RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: A Sunset image from the the Sepik River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 20 August 2006. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861728-HM85OC9GZUG9NM4C5XNQ/PNG_027.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174941-NVQT0MBL7PINEFAF8QXO/PNG_050.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571960-6AMUGA4ZROG0JYQMKG9T/PNG_003.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Traditional dress in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. These outfits will be worn on special occasions, namely Sing-Sing tribal get-togethers, Moka Compensation ceremonies, Bride-Price ceremonies and feasts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862035-UMG6VC9650OAS747SG2C/PNG_028.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175554-RSDK4ZQK5PRZOK3I5AKS/PNG_051.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Kuni tribe member Galeva Sep is a human rights and environmental activist in his home area of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 28 December 2008. Sep is a former Forensic detective who operated out of the capital city Port Morseby for 15 years. He shares his life with international NGO's, the media and the traditional settings of his home in Lake Murray in the remote Western Province of Lake Murray. Sep has a unifying vision for the future. After deciding to leave his police work to focus on his community he succesfully led a campaign against Malaysian logging giant Concord Pacific to stop illegal logging and gross exploitation of locals by the Malaysians. Sep then created, along with the help of Greenpeace, an eco-forestry project to benefit the local people of Lake Murray to whom the forest traditionally belongs. Sep believes that community based ecologically sustainable projects are the key to the current issues facing many Papua New Guineans. In that vein small sustainable eco-milling projects are rolling out in Lake Murray. These consist of 6 man teams who log by demand only. The mill is portable and a specific tree is chosen, felled, then the small mill constructed around it. There is thus no damage from roads and heavy machinery and only specific trees are targetted thus making for a sustainable venture with all proceeds going to local communities rather than to foreign bodies. The primary motivations of the community loggers is to raise sufficent funds to educate their children and to pay medical costs if the need arises. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Repo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571928-31Z2K3XH0M40PM517DNV/PNG_004.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861812-M1CSCMRW4XMC2T6LLAN3/PNG_029.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175228-6VXDPWMS6JAII320GWO3/PNG_052.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: The interior of a family hut in a Karawari village of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571801-9SQ44ZWXTRPTMND91V0A/PNG_005.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Traditional dress in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. These outfits will be worn on special occasions, namely Sing-Sing tribal get-togethers, Moka Compensation ceremonies, Bride-Price ceremonies and feasts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861927-1FKYN8GXZW4HPA33VEWL/PNG_030.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175438-F7C56PJI1BLOQ9CRDEW5/PNG_053.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571728-G4YMQZQMN4WWQH9D1KIO/PNG_006.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861869-IU8VCHC7C5H3NCKMVHNU/PNG_031.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MOUNT HAGEN, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A village elder dressed in the traditional ceremonial dress for men in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, 16 December 2008. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175464-0EZ3484HXPSK4UPORG6J/PNG_054.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571741-VGHKB1U6ZN4955OFXQWJ/PNG_007.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition SEPIK RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: Images from the the Sepik River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 20 August 2006. The tribesman is depicted wearing the feathers of the Cassowary Bird, a large Emu like ground based bird which is eaten by locals and its feathers used for adornment. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862029-IQUD018EH4YER3HBNCYV/PNG_032.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Traditional dress in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. These outfits will be worn on special occasions, namely Sing-Sing tribal get-togethers, Moka Compensation ceremonies, Bride-Price ceremonies and feasts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175405-SML92O8YP40RB8CB8ZGU/PNG_055.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571971-VXH811USY6T04IATSHU4/PNG_008.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Huli Wigman waits out a rain-storm in his room, smoking and applying his traditional face paint while waiting for the rain to clear, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli Wigmen, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861746-XIPGM0SLJTGIYDY542QT/PNG_033.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition FLY RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: Images of local people from the Fly River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 27 August 2006. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174875-GC0W2V46UWM6A4Z3O2U5/PNG_056.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition SEPIK RIVER BASIN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A mother washes her children in the Sepik river at the end of the day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571788-RYNWUJZOANTLRPWSTCMT/PNG_009.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Huli Wigman who performs for tourists waits out a rain-storm in his room, smoking and applying his traditional face paint while waiting for the rain to clear, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli Wigmen, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly and traditional dress is now reserved for tourism and important ceremonies only. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862047-413ERQ4YPMPCMBRVWRXN/PNG_034.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174841-QCPSVZYQYE25GPOCHZXP/PNG_057.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition FLY RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: Images of local fishermen living along the Fly River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 27 August 2006. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158572009-8AW7AZA6G4GUG2OE3BUH/PNG_010.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Huli Wigman waits out a rain-storm, smoking and applying his traditional face paint while waiting for the rain to clear, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli Wigmen, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862243-AP1R3XDTIYOOS5HSZLH5/PNG_035.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party catches wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175588-M4WWWDDLGBU9HC40R45P/PNG_058.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158572045-2KREDGN5B5U2ZYJYVMZE/PNG_011.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition SEPIK RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: Images of the Sepik River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 27 August 2006. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862024-Y5GXV4P219CC5C7M6Y15/PNG_036.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party gathers to catch wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175325-I0QPEN02YNZWSACZ9DJ9/PNG_059.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition FLY RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: An old woman fishes along the Fly River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 27 August 2006. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571611-XS5TAJNFRS2EK3TN0X18/PNG_012.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Huli Wigmen photographed at a sing-sing, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli tribe, the second largest tribe in PNG, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. Education and the Church have also been a profound influence. Although men often still wear traditional headgear and some face-paint, ragged western clothing is the norm although combinations of the traditional wear and western clothing are common. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861912-HI8KNCL8EU57WTDWGB7U/PNG_037.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition FLY RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: Images of local people on a hunting trip along the Fly River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 27 August 2006. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175511-C80J2N24ISYL1S41J43G/PNG_060.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition FLY RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: A local woman carries pieces of Sago Palm in a basket on her way to a village along the Fly River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 27 August 2006. Sago is the staple diet of most Papua New Guinean people and is derived from the Sago Palm tree. The women of the tribe extract the inner part of the Sago palm and then reduce it to a form which can be backed or fried into a coarse bread. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571982-VUH0MRL9BPPO839XRU59/PNG_013.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Huli Wigmen photographed at a sing-sing, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli tribe, the second largest tribe in PNG, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. Education and the Church have also been a profound influence. Although men often still wear traditional headgear and some face-paint, ragged western clothing is the norm although combinations of the traditional wear and western clothing are common. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862238-CWX6QT24C2ZBDW2X60C5/PNG_038.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party catches wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174913-IZDGBXFLHSRM5SBY8M0K/PNG_061.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of community life in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571447-EYT2QC6IXU7GYJ02CUC7/PNG_014.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Huli Wigmen photographed at a sing-sing, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli tribe, the second largest tribe in PNG, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. Education and the Church have also been a profound influence. Although men often still wear traditional headgear and some face-paint, ragged western clothing is the norm although combinations of the traditional wear and western clothing are common. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861982-EADJPEI368EW4BXEQAKR/PNG_039.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party catches wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175303-26PBWAPFDD6TOZDO7HQX/PNG_062.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of community life in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571794-5QRAJ6PF82YWVGJDU65B/PNG_015.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862172-SLA8PJ5LIDC4X49SQZKQ/PNG_040.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition FLY RIVER REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AUGUST 2006: Images of a local man carrying a wallaby he has killed on a hunting trip along the Fly River, a remote region of Papua New Guinea where life-style is still derived almost entirely from man's relationship to the natural world, 27 August 2006. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174760-710M11YUO9O3JDHWMC41/PNG_063.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Crocodiles captured on the lake are killed and skinned for sale and consumption, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571896-GF4NJ424IF0RW0GQL5QQ/PNG_016.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Papua New Guina highland tribal ceremony depicting images of "Spirit Men," also known as "Skeleton Men" attacking an evil forest Spirit known locally as the Omo Masalai, in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. Legend has it that the skeleton men are the formerly human victims of the forest spirit who attacked and ate them. The skeleton men are seen in the act of vengeance against the Forest Spirit monster. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862125-4ZOV6LZW46NQYJGA4GK4/PNG_041.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party catches wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175432-7M8DJYMCGKRNE4MGW4TE/PNG_064.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Crocodiles captured on the lake are killed and skinned for sale and consumption, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571631-7VS30RANHR45XZMICUWF/PNG_017.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Papua New Guina highland tribal ceremony depicting images of "Spirit Men," also known as "Skeleton Men" attacking an evil forest Spirit known locally as the Omo Masalai, in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. Legend has it that the skeleton men are the formerly human victims of the forest spirit who attacked and ate them. The skeleton men are seen in the act of vengeance against the Forest Spirit monster. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862018-J1PI4XXP1N4VYYISY4MQ/PNG_042.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party catches wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175505-SFC714JF7RQ3GF14I435/PNG_065.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571493-1PFUX0OLI3IPHXNYRD9Q/PNG_018.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Papua New Guina highland tribal ceremony depicting images of "Spirit Men," also known as "Skeleton Men" attacking an evil forest Spirit known locally as the Omo Masalai, in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. Legend has it that the skeleton men are the formerly human victims of the forest spirit who attacked and ate them. The skeleton men are seen in the act of vengeance against the Forest Spirit monster. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861951-MCP75YDBLWNH841Q9S1U/PNG_043.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A courtship ceremony in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. A boy who is atttracted to a girl will approach her and initiate these ceremonies very innocently, they will both gather a number of chaperones, at least six each. They then meet in the Womens house, under the strict supervision of the mothers and aunts of the girl. They sit down in a line with girls facing one way and boys the other way. They then sing songs and enjoy each others company. The girls virginity is highly prized and protected and is a key factor in the Bride-Price. After these meetings have been going on for a few months the girls parents will approach the boy and demand his intentions. If honourable the two clans will enter into negotiations for Bride-Price, transfer of said assets will take place soon after and the girl will belong to the boy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175212-LBXUNKT3VS84UODKOQUI/PNG_066.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Galeva Sep, a former policeman turned environmental activist photographed at Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Sep organised his community to expel exploitative Malaysian loggers and now runs his own eco-logging practise. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158572021-KK4C3HR3B7ADUCU57QAK/PNG_019.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A Papua New Guina highland tribal ceremony depicting images of "Spirit Men," also known as "Skeleton Men" attacking an evil forest Spirit known locally as the Omo Masalai, in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. Legend has it that the skeleton men are the formerly human victims of the forest spirit who attacked and ate them. The skeleton men are seen in the act of vengeance against the Forest Spirit monster. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861795-F7ITFU7DBKRU035C4GDA/PNG_044.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images from a Bride-Price ceremony in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. In a Bride-Price ceremony a women is bought from her family and her clan by another clan and paid for in pigs, the local currency in Kina, cattle, sometimes cows and often decorative objects that are held to have value. Once the gifts have been exchanged, the woman then belongs to her new husband. In many cases this objectifying of women in PNG culture is one of the key reasons behind domestic abuse. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174754-0RMH8FOHYXF8FSRZ5Z5S/PNG_067.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of community life in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571755-SH41PUAP86XJEYB02XBI/PNG_020.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of community life in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861836-ALU0Z1C49T2UU6SG3HCB/PNG_045.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images from a Bride-Price ceremony in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. In a Bride-Price ceremony a women is bought from her family and her clan by another clan and paid for in pigs, the local currency in Kina, cattle, sometimes cows and often decorative objects that are held to have value. Once the gifts have been exchanged, the woman then belongs to her new husband. In many cases this objectifying of women in PNG culture is one of the key reasons behind domestic abuse. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175194-0P9I637SV0M3XZVNFHBN/PNG_068.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of kids enjoying the lake in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571940-94Y9NYH5USE2VF2VHE59/PNG_021.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of traditional "Mud-Men" in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. "Mud-Men" are originally thought to have originated from a small Chimbu province clan who was attacked by a much larger clan to steal their land. The smaller but smarter clan is reputed to have fled into the forest and there decorated themselves in mud and in the fearsome masks depicted here. They then counter-attacked the larger clan who, thinking they were being attacked by spirits of the forest , fled the area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028862075-KP3SPEGRSQGS2OQJSSP4/PNG_046.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A man prays christiian prayers after a pilgrimage to the forest cave home of his ancestors, the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many villages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. Christian missionaries have brought profound change to this region in a short space of time and many of the villagers are now practising christians who have changed a great many tradtional ways in a very short space of time to fit in with their new found beliefs.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174904-J5PX7AH4M2CJ762CVYLB/PNG_069.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Boys play touch rugby in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of community life in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.)LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Scenes of community life in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make t https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571934-XJ3J13DN0J47PAHDOOWI/PNG_022.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of traditional "Mud-Men" in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. "Mud-Men" are originally thought to have originated from a small Chimbu province clan who was attacked by a much larger clan to steal their land. The smaller but smarter clan is reputed to have fled into the forest and there decorated themselves in mud and in the fearsome masks depicted here. They then counter-attacked the larger clan who, thinking they were being attacked by spirits of the forest , fled the area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028861885-V27NU2H84UUF1X1MAYOZ/PNG_047.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of the Karawari people of the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many vllages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175243-ZJXEUT8B8STQDZUKY9OB/PNG_070.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Eco-logging practised by a small group of men who cut only to order and bring a small portable mill to the tree itself rather than operate with destructive large scale traditional logging techniques, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571525-LR6D5VP134UP1C6WONY9/PNG_023.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MINDIMA VILLAGE, CHIMBU PROVINCE, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Images of traditional "Mud-Men" in a village in Chimbu Province, Highlands, Papua New Guinea, 18 December 2008. "Mud-Men" are originally thought to have originated from a small Chimbu province clan who was attacked by a much larger clan to steal their land. The smaller but smarter clan is reputed to have fled into the forest and there decorated themselves in mud and in the fearsome masks depicted here. They then counter-attacked the larger clan who, thinking they were being attacked by spirits of the forest , fled the area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175445-0YRP7XA1CNKF0RPW6XOY/PNG_071.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Eco-logging practised by a small group of men who cut only to order and bring a small portable mill to the tree itself rather than operate with destructive large scale traditional logging techniques, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158571624-KWYH4XOALG8I1972RFM5/PNG_024.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2009: A hunting party catches wild pig and Kassowary in remote areas along the shores of Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. These communities live lives very closely connected to the natural world. They hunt and fish and practise agriculture but always in harmony with the environment. Members of this community also chased away Malaysian Loggers in the area, citing exploitation and environmental damage. They now practise their own kind of sustainable eco-logging. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175624-7II9QEMIYRNJ4P4V1FBU/PNG_072.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: Recycling in practise in Kubut Village, Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, 1 January 2009. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175477-GM95P28HK7AAZL61I1FE/PNG_073.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition LAKE MURRAY, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: A teenage girl in western clothes stands in her house next to an old poster advertising a Miss PNG contest sponsored by an NGO. All sense of personal identity has changed very quickly in PNG with the aid of the church and other western influences. The women in the poster is how beauty and identity in PNG were depicted 10 years ago, this is no longer how people see themselves yet they still have great pride in their tradtions. A desire for personal progress dominates the minds of most young Papua New Guineans but the funds and the education are lacking. Lake Murray is a region where people have lived lives in harmony with nature for centuries. People make their living by hunting, farming, fishing, and growing rubber trees and now also with Eco-forestry. Their life-styles are dependant on the harmony between them and nature and they are trying to ensure a sustainable relationship for future generations. This has been complicated and compromised by the interventions of both international mining and logging groups over the last few decades but local community resistance is growing as rising anger mounts at the environmental damage done to rivers and forests which form the backbone of the village survival system. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174723-V3V5K5S6BFBQDCKDSS6A/PNG_074.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition KIUNGA, WESTERN PROVINCE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2009: Images of local village children playing in the Ok Tedi river surrounded by banks of poisonous mine sediment which has been dumped into the Ok Tedi river by the mining process of Ok Tedi mine, Kiunga, Papua New Guinea, 4 January 2009. The mine sediment is the result of copper and gold mining and contains amongst other chemicals iron pyrites which are poisonous to the eco-system. These images are shot outside Dome village which is a village traditionally dependant on the natural world. People hunt and fish and grow gardens of vegetables one the river banks none of which survive because of the content of the mined sediment. The Ok Tedi river has also shrunken dramatically in places as the sediment has grown to massive proportions on the former banks. All the fertile soil of the river bank has vanished and people have no option but to bathe in a river which is slowly poisoning all around it. Scientists at a recent water conference in Brisbane Australia from 3 different institutes have all predicted a major disaster when a natural and inevitable flood washes the iron pyrites in the sediment throughout the Ok Tedi and Fly River basin. This is an area of more than 30 000 people, all of whom will have their natural livelihood affected by the disaster. Despite 2 major court battles the Ok Tedi mine has succeeded in undermining the local populations and caused the PNG government to pass recent legislation which makes them immune to further compensation and legal action and renders the local landowners impotent. Current compensation to village landowners is in the region of 40 Kina a year, around $15. In the event of a major flood and the ensuing ecological disaster local ecologists predict civil unrest as a result of this issue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175257-BZ0PD6O77FPG87PCJ4VE/PNG_075.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Huli tribesmen photographed at a road-building project, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. Tari is the home of the Huli tribe, the second largest tribe in PNG, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. Education and the Church have also been a profound influence. Although men often still wear traditional headgear and some face-paint, ragged western clothing is the norm although combinations of the traditional wear and western clothing are common. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174816-8L5O8ATUQJMHZPOA3YL9/PNG_076.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MIDDLE SEPIK, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: An image of a young boy standing by a newly erected Catholic church in a building which used to be the Spirit house of the Karawari people of this village in the middle Sepik river, 15 December 2008. The Karawari are the most remote of the floodplains people, with many villages along the river barely a generation old. The most recent settlements date only from 1996. Christian missionaries have brought profound change to this region in a short space of time and many of the villagers are now practising christians who have changed a great many tradtional ways in a very short space of time to fit in with their new found beliefs.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175561-UIKLYEL1MCTUSFDD5KCA/PNG_077.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Huli Wigmen "Magic-Men" photographed at an ancestor skull cave, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. These "Magic-Men" keep the old tradition of ancestor protection alive, they maintain the skulls of men passed on and look after traditionally holy places. Both these men are supporters of the Catholic Church which they say is encouraging the both tradional ways and the ways of the Catholic church. Tari is the home of the Huli tribe, the second largest tribe in PNG, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. Education and the Church have also been a profound influence. Although men often still wear traditional headgear and some face-paint, ragged western clothing is the norm although combinations of the traditional wear and western clothing are common. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175535-3RTPEBEI7R2D5HY5KNNZ/PNG_078.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition TARI GAP, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Hela Huli Christian women photographed at a Catholic Church, Tari Gap, Papua New Guinea, 17 December 2008. These women are supporters of the Catholic Church which they say is encouraging both tradional ways and the ways of the Catholic church. Tari is the home of the Huli tribe, the second largest tribe in PNG, this highlands province was once considered one of the most remote areas of the highland region of Papua New Guinea, the outside world has only really been felt in the last 20 years. Recent oil discoveries in the region are now changing it quickly. Education and the Church have also been a profound influence. Although men often still wear traditional headgear and some face-paint, ragged western clothing is the norm although combinations of the traditional wear and western clothing are common. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175187-D8CKITBVLXEKIGFPHSDE/PNG_079.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes around Port Morseby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, 25 December 2008. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174921-0G0DTRHI1PO82K0CSR42/PNG_080.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition ERIMA SETTLEMENT, PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008:Scenes from poor settlement area Erima, Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea, 23 December 2008. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174737-639XH2FBLCEO67L7L56P/PNG_081.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes around Port Morseby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, 25 December 2008. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175411-RBO7I1F28PQHOMRRUWOL/PNG_082.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes of unemployed locals around Port Morseby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, 25 December 2008. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174826-1H1Z4A0IJ0SFRCYUL36F/PNG_083.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A security guard stands watch over a new refinery which has been built to handle oil and natural gas from the Highlands region of Tari which will be piped down to Port Morseby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, 25 December 2008. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175575-T1NZPXEE3IFNZ6RWWXPX/PNG_084.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MOUNT HAGEN, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Sureal Xmas scenes outside a supermarket in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, 16 December 2008.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174859-47CP2KGJ3DMBPEQDLE0J/PNG_085.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes around Port Morseby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, 25 December 2008. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174850-3H15YJWYKQ3K17JHHZA6/PNG_086.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MOUNT HAGEN, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes of highland people gambling in large groups at a local roadside market in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, 16 December 2008. People sell beetle-nut, vegetables, cigarettes at this market and also gamble at Bingo and local card games called Bam and Chicken. There is also a gambling game involving darts at almost every market in the highlands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175172-KRL470U4LFTWY9NPXNLO/PNG_087.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MOUNT HAGEN, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes of highland people at a local roadside market in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, 16 December 2008. People sell beetle-nut, vegetables, cigarettes at this market and also gamble at Bingo and local card games called Bam and Chicken. There is also a gambling game involving darts at almost every market in the highlands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175220-46OCJJKCHZKVWP3W2LU6/PNG_088.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MOUNT HAGEN, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes of highland people at a local roadside market in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, 16 December 2008. People sell beetle-nut, vegetables, cigarettes at this market and also gamble at Bingo and local card games called Bam and Chicken. There is also a gambling game involving darts at almost every market in the highlands. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174885-IWY77TPDM9EGHHEEJ7E5/PNG_089.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition MOUNT HAGEN, HIGHLANDS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Scenes from the Dump in Mount Hagen which is populated by people who drifted to the town in the 1970's and used the dump to farm pigs, a viable wealth stream in Papua New Guinea.,Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, 16 December 2008.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175458-8DWNK1YUUH94SVMHDTK5/PNG_090.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition EIGHT MILE SETTLEMENT, PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A "Raskol" gang member with his hand-made gun photographed in the impoverished eight mile settlement in Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea, 23 December 2008. These "junior" gangsters carry out robberies and other criminal activities every weekend, targetting people they consider to be "Bigshots. Their only regret is the death of good friends in these robberies in shoot-outs with the police. All four boys are under 20 and have grown up in Port Morseby, the dangerous capital city of PNG. Despite growing up here and seeing first hand the progress of the city, they feel all the changes are for the worse and would like to move back to the villages where their fathers are from and farm for a living instead of the city life. None of the boys envisage giving up their "Raskol" life-style in the meantime as they see now other way to earn money in their society. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175318-ERQ4J2GJKXYUZ97VV8ZH/PNG_091.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition EIGHT MILE SETTLEMENT, PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Four "Raskol" gang members and a hand-made gun photographed in the impoverished eight mile settlement in Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea, 23 December 2008. These "junior" gangsters carry out robberies and other criminal activities every weekend, targetting people they consider to be "Bigshots. Their only regret is the death of good friends in these robberies in shoot-outs with the police. All four boys are under 20 and have grown up in Port Morseby, the dangerous capital city of PNG. Despite growing up here and seeing first hand the progress of the city, they feel all the changes are for the worse and would like to move back to the villages where their fathers are from and farm for a living instead of the city life. None of the boys envisage giving up their "Raskol" life-style in the meantime as they see now other way to earn money in their society. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175424-9HRJ37S23IZE0P847UGU/PNG_092.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-JANUARY 2008: A young mother who is a victim of domestic violence hides her face to protect her identity, Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea, 8 January 2009. The woman's husband took up with another woman and when she confronted him he took her into the bush, hit her over the head with a bush-knife and broke her arm with an iron bar. Domestic violence is not part of traditional society in Papua New Guinea but it is now wide-spread and common. Social workers blame modern phenomenon such as money issues, gambling, alcohol and infidelity as a source of the problem. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175264-AH4DAV9BEAST5XN7QO20/PNG_094.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: A young Aids Orphan seen with his deceased mother's family in a poor settlement in Port Morseby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, 25 December 2008. Hiv Aids is a relatively new but devastating disease in Papua New Guinea. Modern life has seen a relaxation of attitudes to infidelity and this created a booming sex industry. It is currently estimated that PNG may already have an HIV statistic as high as 11% across the population. Illiteracy, a slow government response combined with superstition and taboos with regards to talking abut sex have fostered the ability of the disease to spread quickly amongst PNG's population. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030175398-B38S89YQQZ5MZUNXGSDI/PNG_095.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition OUTSKIRTS OF PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Refugee members of the OPM Free West Papua movement in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea, 23 December 2008. Many here have been political refugees for over 30 years. OPM's followers have been against the Indoneasean colonisation of West Papua since 1969 when the Indonesean government rigged a vote in West Papua to have it included in Indonesean colonial property. Today West Papua forms the second largest component in Indonesea's economy and they control the mining and other natural resources of West Papua through the use of military force and the migration of Indoneaseans to West Papua. OPM is fighting for the international Community to recognise West Papuan independence which was recognised in 1971 but handed over to the Indoneseans in a rigged election. Today OPM continues to operate against the Indoneasean Army in the Jungles of West Papua but they are vastly outnumbers and out-gunned and many of their people have had to flee West Papua and try to live in PNG, not an easy task. This group have lived as refugees for over 30 years and continue to be moved on from the land on which they camp. They have had very little help and are already on a third generation of children born into these circumstances. Most of the men in this camp are active members of OPM or have been political prisoners under the Indoneseans. They continue to be targets of the Indonesean Army. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174743-MPCWTYJ9LWPC0JPTGIQ0/PNG_096.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition OUTSKIRTS OF PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Refugee members of the OPM Free West Papua movement in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea, 23 December 2008. Many here have been political refugees for over 30 years. OPM's followers have been against the Indoneasean colonisation of West Papua since 1969 when the Indonesean government rigged a vote in West Papua to have it included in Indonesean colonial property. Today West Papua forms the second largest component in Indonesea's economy and they control the mining and other natural resources of West Papua through the use of military force and the migration of Indoneaseans to West Papua. OPM is fighting for the international Community to recognise West Papuan independence which was recognised in 1971 but handed over to the Indoneseans in a rigged election. Today OPM continues to operate against the Indoneasean Army in the Jungles of West Papua but they are vastly outnumbers and out-gunned and many of their people have had to flee West Papua and try to live in PNG, not an easy task. This group have lived as refugees for over 30 years and continue to be moved on from the land on which they camp. They have had very little help and are already on a third generation of children born into these circumstances. Most of the men in this camp are active members of OPM or have been political prisoners under the Indoneseans. They continue to be targets of the Indonesean Army. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751030174805-T8DR64ORGXCD4NC8FI44/PNG_097.jpg Papua New Guinea - Culture in Transition OUTSKIRTS OF PORT MORSEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA-DECEMBER 2008: Refugee members of the OPM Free West Papua movement in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea, 23 December 2008. Many here have been political refugees for over 30 years. OPM's followers have been against the Indoneasean colonisation of West Papua since 1969 when the Indonesean government rigged a vote in West Papua to have it included in Indonesean colonial property. Today West Papua forms the second largest component in Indonesea's economy and they control the mining and other natural resources of West Papua through the use of military force and the migration of Indoneaseans to West Papua. OPM is fighting for the international Community to recognise West Papuan independence which was recognised in 1971 but handed over to the Indoneseans in a rigged election. Today OPM continues to operate against the Indoneasean Army in the Jungles of West Papua but they are vastly outnumbers and out-gunned and many of their people have had to flee West Papua and try to live in PNG, not an easy task. This group have lived as refugees for over 30 years and continue to be moved on from the land on which they camp. They have had very little help and are already on a third generation of children born into these circumstances. Most of the men in this camp are active members of OPM or have been political prisoners under the Indoneseans. They continue to be targets of the Indonesean Army. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://www.brentstirton.com/adf-isis-in-congo-in-progress daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798015-N28PVNO89YNLE4YAGV5Z/ADFweb_001.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MBAOU, BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 6 APRIL 2021: Georgette Ndovya Kavugho, 32, was attacked by members of the A.D.F Islamist group in her home on the 16th of November 2019. They struck her with machetes, leaving deep cuts in the flesh of her arms and back, eventually leaving her for dead as they continued to ransack her village. 13 people died that night, and many others were abducted. “At around 1am I heard a woman’s voice shout, “break down that door,” said Georgette, “it was because one of my young children cried out in fear that they knew we were there. When asked why the ADF did this to her, Georgette says she has no idea. She lost the use of her right arm in the attack and shortly after, her husband left her, saying she was useless. He left her with 8 children to care for. She is trying to save money for a sewing machine with pedals so she can make a living for them. For Georgette and her children, one of the worst things is that ADF has stepped up their attacks against civilians recently and they remain as vulnerable as ever. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798161-CM39VHA55BWLSCFAVNID/ADFweb_003.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress BENI REGION, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, LATE 2020: This image is from a captured ADF fighters phone. It is suspected to have been taken after the ADF attacked Beni prison and two FARDC Congolese Army bases on the same day, freeing prisoners and capturing weapons and munitions. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798091-PMKJVRFXLM79B15LSPIR/ADFweb_004.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KASINDI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 APRIL 2021: Two recently detained ADF fighters who are seen in disguise to protect their identity while they collaborate with the Congolese Army FARDC. The man on the left is Kasereka Mwinid Omar, 19, who was converted to Islam in Beni prison and radicalized. He joined ADF when he was released and become the aid to the ADF leader Musa Baluku. He cooked for Baluku and helped to move money to ADF volunteers outside of DR Congo. He was privy to many of Balukus conversations on his sattelite phone and says that Baluku spoke mainly in Arabic and claimed to be speaking to people in Somalia, Mozambique and Afghanistan. Kasereka claims that he was taught military tactics by a Somali man who came to his camp in the forest. Another Somali man taught IED skills to more senior recruits. Kasereka says many foreign fighters came to the camps, including Nigerians, Mozambicans and Somalis. They often brought “sacks of money USD.” These fighters were treated as elites and given wives if they wanted them. Musa Baluku is said to be number 2 in ISCAP, the province so called by the Islamic State which includes both DR Congo and Mozambique. The man on the right is Palu Regan, 22, a muslim who joined ADF 3 years prior. Both men have participated on attack on the Congolese army and Mai Mai groups as well as attacks on civilians. The ADF attacks on civilians are charaterized by extreme violence and beheadings. Musa Baluku justifies this in the name of the true Islam. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798058-2AVP5TBPNT58B07Y5FAV/ADFweb_033.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 15 APRIL 2021: Bwambale Buwake Karibu, a young man from Uganda who authorities at Kangbayi Prison believe is a suspected ADF member. He was arrested in 2019 and displays signs of P.T.S.D. Many young male foreigners who are arrested in this region are often linked to the ADF without sufficient proof. ADF attacked this prison in late 2020 and freed over 1200 prisoners, of those, they recruited over 250 muslims for their cause. A large number of Christians were marched into the forest and killed at that time. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797978-OH1XKO583GXM6CDMM7Z4/ADFweb_034.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 15 APRIL 2021: Masika Mariete, 27, is a young woman who was abducted by the ADF on the 28th of December 2020. She woke up to gunfire and the sound of people yelling “Allah Akbar” in her hometown of Loselose. The ADF rebel attackers threw her in with a group of captives along with her child. The rebels then went house to house looting. The rebels made Masika and the other captives carry the goods up to the nearby Government military base. The base had already been overrun, deserted by the Congolese army. The rebels made Masika and the other captives watch as they set the camp ablaze. The rebels then released the captive children, including Masika’s, under the supervision of another woman from the village, and told them to leave. After returning to Loselose with the rest of the captives, the ADF fighters set about preparing food, apparently waiting for others to join them. Soon after, another group of rebels appeared out of the bush, taking command of the captives and marching them into Virunga National Park, the latest victims of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Islamic State affiliate in D.R Congo. Masika’s child was dead by the time she managed to escape two months later. She is no longer welcome at home, even though she was abducted. Masika is pregnant from repeated rape in the ADF camp. Local feeling against the ADF is deadly and her life may be in danger if she trys to return to Loselose, her unborn child is a factor in this. She is seen with another woman, Cecelia Mutwayo, who was also abducted and abused. She faces the same difficulty in returning home. These women were both forced to convert to Islam and lived in fear of being married off to a foreign fighter. They managed to escape while gathering food in the evening. Both these women are now in the hands of the Congolese army, they live in a prison-like situation, regularly forced to spend time with captured ADF fighters and FARDC soldiers, making them extr https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798154-AZZCF8DA20YIMCP658LT/ADFweb_005.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KASINDI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 APRIL 2021: A Congolese man who is a suspected collaborator with Islamic terror group, the ADF, is seen under arrest in a vehicle on his way to interrogation by the Congolese army. He was named by two recently captured ADF fighters as a collaborator with the ADF. The ADF is an islamic terror group that in recent years have developed a relationship with the Islamic state and are one part of the so called province of ISCAP, Mozambique’s “Al-Sunnah Wal Jamaa” is the other. The ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798126-5N7CK1KAQ1NZ8TX6241V/ADFweb_010.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MBAOU, BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 6 APRIL 2021: Florence Kikuluba Masika, 17, witnessed her grandfather, mother and father hacked to death by Islamic fundamentalist rebels the ADF. They abducted her for 4 months before she escaped. They also took her two brothers, one of whom is still missing. Florence was a victim of repeated sexual violence and the night before she was forced to marry the man who killed her father, she and one other girl managed to escape into the night, making their way back to their village over the next two days. “On the night they came, they told my mother to hold out her hand so they could cut it off, she refused and so they killed her and my father as well as my grandfather in front of us. They took us to the next house and did the same things there, they killed many people. They took us into the bush to their camp, all the women were separated from the men. They made us Muslims, gave us Muslim names and told us we were to be wives. I kept refusing every day but I could not and then I was just silent. I was then told I would be married to the man who killed my father. He was named Boas and he was wounded in the mouth. He was Ugandan, not Congolese. We were told that if we did not accept our husband, we would not get food. They gave my elder brother one goat as dowry for me. After I escaped, it has not been okay. My aunt is asking me why I cry when I am sleeping. There were women in the camp who came from my own village, but they have changed. They wear clothing that covers everything but their eyes and mouth so that men cannot see them. They have guns. They said they had been kidnapped and their parents killed but now they like it in the camp. One of them said that she has been back to her village 3 times. She said she wants to go back and convince them to come into the bush and convert, if they refuse she says she will kill them.” The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has develo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798098-F9Y2V1M076RPQPBD6YJA/ADFweb_007.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 APRIL 2021: Five suspected collaborators with Islamic terror group, the ADF, are brought in for interogation by the Congolese army. They were named by two recently captured ADF fighters as working with the ADF. The ADF is an islamic terror group that in recent years have developed a relationship with the Islamic state and are one part of the so called province of ISCAP, Mozambique’s “Al-Sunnah Wal Jamaa” is the other. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797985-J619F5DBCYT43TSEEWAP/ADFweb_011.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress BENI, DR CONGO, 3 APRIL 2021: Omar Kavota is a lawyer and activist for human rights and peace monitoring ngo CEPADHO in North Kivu. He was amongt the first to state the the ADF Islamic terror group was connected to Islamic State. “We have seen the history of ADF in the region, they were always a militant islamic group from Uganda. Under their former leader Jamil Makulu they become more radicalized, he was a stated disciple of Bin Laden. We saw how they shifted from Ugandan only ambitions to more global ambitions. We have heard from their captors that escaped, defectors who have come in that they have global jihadist ambitions like their Somali compatriats Al-Shabaab. In 2014 they escelated their campaign, taking 994 civilians. Amongst them were doctors and priests and MSF workers. Many escaped and their testemony paints a clear picture of the need for conversion to Islam in the camps and Shariah law. When Musa Baluku took over in 2015, his priority was to terrorize the civilian population. When the Congolese army attacked them, the ADF stepped up their campaing with increased brutality and many beheadings. We see a clear connection to the Islamic State in these actions. They have even made this clear in the flyers they distribute and their messaging for recruitment.“ (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798190-B8RFTW4HW0CM0PHES059/ADFweb_006.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MWENDA TOWN, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 APRIL 2021: One of the ways people in this region learn about ADF attacks is via social media, part of the reason the ADF has been so effective as a terror group. Most people have seen the images of their ruthless attachs on their phones. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one half of ISCAP, the so-called ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other half. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797971-ARIRBAVXAVGUIMS8OVGK/ADFweb_009.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 APRIL 2021: Five suspected collaborators with Islamic terror group, the ADF, are brought in for interogation by the Congolese army. They were named by two recently captured ADF fighters as working with the ADF. The ADF is an islamic terror group that in recent years have developed a relationship with the Islamic state and are one part of the so called province of ISCAP, Mozambique’s “Al-Sunnah Wal Jamaa” is the other. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798078-12O1NLO5OXOQIKN5E559/_72A2691.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798147-PEWC90V5AZQ9KXGC699V/_72A2748.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797950-3Q2130XJJYARS4UDF12F/_72A3136.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798038-E7I5STWSSN7FH4TXHO6M/_72A3268.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798132-G3IFECM00A06BFVT12ZZ/ADFweb_012.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MWENDA SURROUNDS, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 APRIL 2021: Congolese army forces are seen in their forward operating bases around Mwenda, a small town that sits at the foot of the Rwenzori mountains. It is close to Virunga National Park where a camp of ADF members live and hide. This town has been attacked multiple times by the ADF, with many civilians killed and some beheaded. A number of people including children have been abducted. As a result the Congolese army has a number of forward operating bases dotted around the area. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one half of ISCAP, the so-called ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other half. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798119-UZ36W7P0MXYDPDF8NXIL/ADFweb_013.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MWENDA SURROUNDS, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 APRIL 2021: Congolese army forces are seen in their forward operating bases around Mwenda, a small town that sits at the foot of the Rwenzori mountains. It is close to Virunga National Park where a camp of ADF members live and hide. This town has been attacked multiple times by the ADF, with many civilians killed and some beheaded. A number of people including children have been abducted. As a result the Congolese army has a number of forward operating bases dotted around the area. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one half of ISCAP, the so-called ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other half. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798112-QM4UCAU6SRVTU9GKHI5U/ADFweb_014.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MWENDA SURROUNDS, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 APRIL 2021: Congolese army forces practise a mortar drill in one of their forward operating bases around Mwenda, a small town that sits at the foot of the Rwenzori mountains. It is close to Virunga National Park where a camp of ADF members live and hide. This town has been attacked multiple times by the ADF, with many civilians killed and some beheaded. A number of people including children have been abducted. As a result the Congolese army has a number of forward operating bases dotted around the area. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one half of ISCAP, the so-called ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other half. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798023-O8E1VWDRN61PG8R2KXNA/ADFweb_015.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MWENDA SURROUNDS, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 APRIL 2021: A Congolese army major points out the routes ADF have used to come up and attack the village of Mwenda. Congolese army forces now have forward operating bases around Mwenda, a small town that sits at the foot of the Rwenzori mountains. It is close to Virunga National Park where a camp of ADF members live and hide. This town has been attacked multiple times by the ADF, with many civilians killed and some beheaded. A number of people including children have been abducted. As a result the Congolese army has a number of forward operating bases dotted around the area. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one half of ISCAP, the so-called ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other half. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798175-FG9JYDITLWQD6UEN552M/ADFweb_017.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress MWENDA SURROUNDS, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 APRIL 2021: A Congolese Army major instructs one of his men in his concealed position in a tree watching over pathways ADF have used to attack the town of Mwenda. Congolese army forces now have forward operating bases around Mwenda, a small town that sits at the foot of the Rwenzori mountains. It is close to Virunga National Park where a camp of ADF members live and hide. This town has been attacked multiple times by the ADF, with many civilians killed and some beheaded. A number of people including children have been abducted. As a result the Congolese army has a number of forward operating bases dotted around the area. The ADF is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The ADF are one half of ISCAP, the so-called ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other half. ADF have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798084-KZ8I08S988V6CLC0XULC/_72A3548.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798044-C4D8UC6LZ9AEOE374XI7/_72A3662.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798007-NZGHB8YM6U6S87E3BT1O/ADFweb_018.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798183-EDGD1JX3IJKSYENC2Q84/ADFweb_019.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798195-TRCOA3Q2T3J8YIYDJGK9/ADFweb_020.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797993-O22JJU4JGBMSGC5KSDKI/ADFweb_021.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797957-9UVMV32SMLOK6GHZVCBI/ADFweb_022.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798051-63MC40G5F3QNMFNSI692/ADFweb_023.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798140-ENNIK4VQXIUN8AQNTZ3S/ADFweb_024.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798065-NAV968N911ECPMXHX1ZX/ADFweb_025.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798105-45Y1I43BTQE1VPDF3X3I/ADFweb_026.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797965-EFW17U5CKPKB7KOG3OO1/ADFweb_027.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798169-3OVHYHFDP4SK810UUXWD/ADFweb_028.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798031-CBTDLVS0857K7P21QQ73/ADFweb_029.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158798071-2QN7C2YVZ87UWJDHJ3IT/ADFweb_030.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158797999-DU0BZM9K7LH6MA90J8TZ/ADFweb_031.jpg ADF - Isis in Congo - in progress KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://www.brentstirton.com/neglected-tropical-disease-work-in-progress daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661144-1BEZYN6CZHG2B47UBO7H/NTD_003.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress OUIDAH, BENIN, 25 OCTOBER 2019: Assiba Atonhou is only 24 years old. She has a four year-old son named Jeremy. Assiba contracted leprosy when she was 12 years old and it has ravaged her young body. She first discovered a wound on her arm that she said burnt her. Her parents took her to a traditional healer and he wasted their time and money for a few crucial years while the disease took over her body. Assiba says she was close to death when her parents were visited by one of a sisters of the local leprosy center. The sisters discovered her there and nursed her back to life. Assiba received treatment there for 3 years and then went home again. She became pregnant around that time. After she gave birth, she says the wounds reappeared and she became sick again. Assiba has lost faith in the treatment which she says does not work for her. Her biggest concern is Jeremy and how to pay for his schooling. Jeremy’s father is not involved at all and has abandoned his child. Assiba is totally reliant on the center for support and even though she says she is very bored of being there, she must remain as she has no other means of support. She prays often that she can be cured and leave the center for a normal life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661215-0ADVOR6LO9XCX4GL2DOX/NTD_010.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN, OCTOBER 22, 2019: Mother and Son, Angele Assi, 54 and her son Cyprien Tohou Egnon, 25. They have lived at the Madjre Anti-Leprosy center since 2017. In addition to Leprosy, Cyprien has some mental issues linked to the disease. Angele say of Cypriene, “He is my son, I will always be with him.” When Angele first displayed symptons, she went to a series of traditional healers who wasted valuable time and money in their misdiagnosis. This has been a common theme for many of these victims. Leprosy can be treated but it is vital it is diagnosed early and anti-biotics administered. Poverty, remote location, superstition, ignorance and a lack of qualified medical personnel all contribute to the endurance of this disease. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661196-YMWQ7WKK8M08LHYN9XNV/NTD_017.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress Ouidah, Benin: Robert Hounkankin, 8, developed a Burilli ulcer two months ago and it has already done serious damage to his arm. Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a chronic, debilitating, necrotizing disease of the skin and soft tissue. Buruli ulcer is an emerging infectious disease and is the third most common mycobacterial disease of the immunocompetent host, after tuberculosis and leprosy. Although it has been reported in over 33 countries around the world, the greatest burden of disease is in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, Australia, and Japan. It primarily affects children aged 5-15 years. Buruli ulcers generally begin as a painless dermal papule or subcutaneous edematous nodule, which, over a period of weeks to months, breaks down to form an extensive necrotic ulcer with undermined edges. Treatment includes a prolonged course of antibiotics and surgical debridement. Early identification and treatment are key, as lesions heal with scarring that can be a significant source of morbidity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661151-7Q6RVD50Z5NO9LYQKCDT/NTD_018.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress Ouidah, Benin: Joie Nontcho, 9, has been in hospital for the last two years due to debilitating and chronic Buruli ulcers which have been very difficult to get rid of. His sister dropped out of school and is with him to ensure he is cared for. Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a chronic, debilitating, necrotizing disease of the skin and soft tissue. Buruli ulcer is an emerging infectious disease and is the third most common mycobacterial disease of the immunocompetent host, after tuberculosis and leprosy. Although it has been reported in over 33 countries around the world, the greatest burden of disease is in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, Australia, and Japan. It primarily affects children aged 5-15 years. Buruli ulcers generally begin as a painless dermal papule or subcutaneous edematous nodule, which, over a period of weeks to months, breaks down to form an extensive necrotic ulcer with undermined edges. Treatment includes a prolonged course of antibiotics and surgical debridement. Early identification and treatment are key, as lesions heal with scarring that can be a significant source of morbidity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661261-6R4V76UTCBKCBDXMOULK/NTD_022.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress North Mecha Woreda, Amhara region of Ethiopia. A local woman suffering from Trachoma induced blindness. She is waiting to see if her her eyes can be operated on by a remote clinic from the Carter foundation that reached their area and identified them as potential candidates for surgery. The Amhara region is the most endemic area in the most endemic country. for Trachoma. Trachoma is an eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium is spreadby direct person-to-person contact, shared cloths and towels, and by eye-seeking flies. Children ages1–9 years and women harbor the greatest burden of disease. Repeated infections scar the inner eyelid, eventually causing the eyelid to turn inward. Once the eyelid has inverted, the eyelashes scratch the cornea, leading to irreversible blindness. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661202-Z9XX02SZ09116IUI6UD0/NTD_014.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress OUIDAH, BENIN, 25 OCTOBER 2019: Assiba Atonhou is only 24 years old. She has a four year-old son named Jeremy. Assiba contracted leprosy when she was 12 years old and it has ravaged her young body. She first discovered a wound on her arm that she said burnt her. Her parents took her to a traditional healer and he wasted their time and money for a few crucial years while the disease took over her body. Assiba says she was close to death when her parents were visited by one of a sisters of the local leprosy center. The sisters discovered her there and nursed her back to life. Assiba received treatment there for 3 years and then went home again. She became pregnant around that time. After she gave birth, she says the wounds reappeared and she became sick again. Assiba has lost faith in the treatment which she says does not work for her. Her biggest concern is Jeremy and how to pay for his schooling. Jeremy’s father is not involved at all and has abandoned his child. Assiba is totally reliant on the center for support and even though she says she is very bored of being there, she must remain as she has no other means of support. She prays often that she can be cured and leave the center for a normal life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661163-KHWTDR9KSKP1M0P0Y0XB/NTD_016.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN, OCTOBER 22, 2019: Veronica Gbado, 85, has had leprosy since the ago of 20. As a young woman, she lived in an area without access to western medicine and traditional healers wasted her time and money, resulting in a permanent condition. Veronica has lived in the Madjre Anti-Leprosy center for 21 years. She had five children in her life, 4 of whom died. She blames the tragedies of her life on witchcraft. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661234-PB0IPCZ46AOJW858CSWI/NTD_019.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress Gedefaye Metikie has had minor trichiasis (TT) for 3 or 4 years but has put off her surgery until her youngestchild is weaned. In the meantime, her oldest daughter Yalemworke Gashaw lovingly epilates the eyelashesrubbing against her mother’s eye between her fingernails in North Mecha Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Gedefaye is aware that a simple 10–15 minute surgery is available free of charge through the Lions/CarterCenter Sightfirst Initiative offered by the Amhara Regional Health Bureau. Trachoma is an eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium is spreadby direct person-to-person contact, shared cloths and towels, and by eye-seeking flies. Children ages1–9 years and women harbor the greatest burden of disease. Repeated infections scar the inner eyelid,eventually causing the eyelid to turn inward. Once the eyelid has inverted, the eyelashes scratch thecornea, leading to irreversible blindness. Photo Credit: Brent Stirton/GettyImages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661228-MEHPH5WF2C6PNOQC6TST/NTD_011.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress OUIDAH, BENIN, 25 OCTOBER 2019: Assiba Atonhou is only 24 years old. She has a four year-old son named Jeremy. Assiba contracted leprosy when she was 12 years old and it has ravaged her young body. She first discovered a wound on her arm that she said burnt her. Her parents took her to a traditional healer and he wasted their time and money for a few crucial years while the disease took over her body. Assiba says she was close to death when her parents were visited by one of a sisters of the local leprosy center. The sisters discovered her there and nursed her back to life. Assiba received treatment there for 3 years and then went home again. She became pregnant around that time. After she gave birth, she says the wounds reappeared and she became sick again. Assiba has lost faith in the treatment which she says does not work for her. Her biggest concern is Jeremy and how to pay for his schooling. Jeremy’s father is not involved at all and has abandoned his child. Assiba is totally reliant on the center for support and even though she says she is very bored of being there, she must remain as she has no other means of support. She prays often that she can be cured and leave the center for a normal life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661248-8I627AC0G65N1SKQN14L/NTD_020.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress Esmael Habtamu from The Carter Center for Trachoma Control Program is seen checking an elderly lady for signs oftrachoma in North Mecha Woreda, Amhara region of Ethiopia. The Amhara region is the most endemic area inthe most endemic country. Trachoma is an eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium is spreadby direct person-to-person contact, shared cloths and towels, and by eye-seeking flies. Children ages1–9 years and women harbor the greatest burden of disease. Repeated infections scar the inner eyelid,eventually causing the eyelid to turn inward. Once the eyelid has inverted, the eyelashes scratch the cornea, leading to irreversible blindness. (Photo credit: Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661157-8WAEB2ZPXX8EHHNDGBPB/NTD_002.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN: Patients at the Anti-Leprosy center in Madire, Benin. The patients at this center are here because they have been ostracized from their families and communities and have no-one to care fro them. There are currently 32 patients at the center and there are 9 centers across Benin. :eprosy remains a global disease, despite many people thinking it was eradicated centuries ago. Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves and upper airway. Feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, it is well established that Hansen's disease (leprosy) is not highly transmissible, is very treatable, and, with early diagnosis and treatment, is not disabling. Leprosy remains a misunderstood human infectious disease. The stigma long associated with the disease still exists in most of the world and the psychological and social effects may be more difficult to deal with than the actual physical illness. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661178-951S1YL681LJM32NXOQZ/NTD_021.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress North Mecha Woreda, Amhara region of Ethiopia. A group of five woman all from the same family, all suffering from Trachoma induced blindness. They are waiting to have their eye covering removed after a remote clinic from the Carter foundation reached their area and identified them as candidates for surgery. The Amhara region is the most endemic area in the most endemic country. for Trachoma. Trachoma is an eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium is spreadby direct person-to-person contact, shared cloths and towels, and by eye-seeking flies. Children ages1–9 years and women harbor the greatest burden of disease. Repeated infections scar the inner eyelid,eventually causing the eyelid to turn inward. Once the eyelid has inverted, the eyelashes scratch the cornea, leading to irreversible blindness. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661172-7VGK73C6TZ1943MLR10S/NTD_015.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN, OCTOBER 22, 2019: Sister Alphonsine Hounkpe, 45, became a nun in 2003. She says it was always her calling, she remembers feeling this as young as 6 years old. She did not have access to education until later, starting school at 11. She then became a nurse before committing her life to the church in 2003. In 2015 she was asked to go to the Leprosy center in Madjre where she has been dispensing care ever since. Long term residents say she offers great care and love, more so than anyone else they can remember. They also say she has a great sense of humor and is funny and uplifting to be around. “This is my calling, she says, I am obliged to give them hope and joy.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661222-VNJPAWD5VPJJYSVE09ZU/NTD_005.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN, OCTOBER 22, 2019: Gilbert Abalo, 55, is a child victim of Leprosy, he has suffered from the symptoms for over 40 years. He has lived at the Madjre Anti-Leprosy center for over 25 years. He lost his leg to gangrene over 6 years ago. Throughout it all, Gilbert has maintained an incredible sense of humor, “I laugh all the time, this disease is not a curse from someone else, like some people think. It is just something I live with now. It is in the hands of God.” Gilbert was unable to marry despite a woman he knew wanting that. Her parent prevented the union. Now he lives quietly at the center, raising chickens, maintaining a perfectly clean house and bringing humor wherever he goes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661190-4JZU3FJKWH46X10PXIWP/NTD_006.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN, OCTOBER 22, 2019: Gilbert Abalo, 55, is a child victim of Leprosy, he has suffered from the symptoms for over 40 years. He has lived at the Madjre Anti-Leprosy center for over 25 years. He lost his leg to gangrene over 6 years ago. Throughout it all, Gilbert has maintained an incredible sense of humor, “I laugh all the time, this disease is not a curse from someone else, like some people think. It is just something I live with now. It is in the hands of God.” Gilbert was unable to marry despite a woman he knew wanting that. Her parent prevented the union. Now he lives quietly at the center, raising chickens, maintaining a perfectly clean house and bringing humor wherever he goes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661254-FWGN1U913HFNSNWXFE0P/NTD_012.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress Agnove Island, Benin: This island is a place where Lepers were once isolated, living lives cut off from society. Today, it is a fishing village and there are only three people on the island with Leprosy. This is because the local hospital is aware of the disease and medical personel who work in this area know what to look for. Dadjro Adoubekenon, 74, is from a family where three people had leprosy. He has it now but is on treatment and remains hopeful about returning to work as a fisherman once his treatment is complete. He has 6 kids and his primary concern is how to support his family. Prior to going on treatment for the disease, Dadjro did not leave his house for 4 months and his family were preparing for his death. Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves and upper airway. Feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, it is well established that Hansen's disease (leprosy) is not highly transmissible, is very treatable, and, with early diagnosis and treatment, is not disabling. Leprosy remains a misunderstood human infectious disease. The stigma long associated with the disease still exists in most of the world and the psychological and social effects may be more difficult to deal with than the actual physical illness. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661241-K90BYC7FWGRB2UW6YNO8/NTD_013.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress Agnove Island, Benin: This island is a place where Lepers were once isolated, living lives cut off from society. Today, it is a fishing village and there are only three people on the island with Leprosy. This is because the local hospital is aware of the disease and medical personel who work in this area know what to look for. Dadjro Adoubekenon, 74, is from a family where three people had leprosy. He has it now but is on treatment and remains hopeful about returning to work as a fisherman once his treatment is complete. He has 6 kids and his primary concern is how to support his family. Prior to going on treatment for the disease, Dadjro did not leave his house for 4 months and his family were preparing for his death. Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves and upper airway. Feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, it is well established that Hansen's disease (leprosy) is not highly transmissible, is very treatable, and, with early diagnosis and treatment, is not disabling. Leprosy remains a misunderstood human infectious disease. The stigma long associated with the disease still exists in most of the world and the psychological and social effects may be more difficult to deal with than the actual physical illness. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661184-P97F2RQXHJWBCA949ZFQ/NTD_007.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress Dogbo, Benin: Ouinsson Hounssi, 12, is a recent survivor of Leprosy. She contracted the disease from her mother, who did not know she had the disease.. They were both treated at the same time, on an anti-biotic regime for a year. The bacteria that causes the disease is insidious and first attacks the nerve endings. typically in the feet and the hands. People who contract the disease usually find out too late to prevent nerve damage that is permanent. That is what happened to Ouinsson’s hands, they are permanently damaged from the disease, despite it being eradicated from her body. One of the key goals with those who fight against the spread of Leprosy is to get to children as early as possible to end deformity. There are currently 9 Leprosy centers in Benin and the disease is still present in many countries around the world. Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves and upper airway. Feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, it is well established that Hansen's disease (leprosy) is not highly transmissible, is very treatable, and, with early diagnosis and treatment, is not disabling. Leprosy remains a misunderstood human infectious disease. The stigma long associated with the disease still exists in most of the world and the psychological and social effects may be more difficult to deal with than the actual physical illness. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661209-EXA2DWDEU5L0I6FE4RVZ/NTD_008.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN, OCTOBER 22, 2019: Beatrice Hounkpevi, 49, was 16 when she was first diagnosed with Leprosy. She lost her toes within the first two years. In 2018 she finally lost her leg to gangrene. She is seen having a talk and a laugh with Sister Alphonsine who takes care of the lepers with two other sisters. They have an excellent relationship and Beatrice says Sister Alphonsine helps her in life every day. Beatrice was born in Togo and explains that when she went to school there, they had to cross a river twice a day to get there. She believes that is where she contracted Leprosy. Beatrice has had two husbands, both of whom left her because of the disease. She had 5 children with her second husband, when he left her he decided to ban her children from seeing her, the great tragedy in her life. “From time to time, I will receive a phone call from one of them, that is the thing I live for. A call is enough and so I pray for that call.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158661268-W7Q35K5MVN8LRHCYUWV0/NTD_009.jpg Neglected Tropical Disease - work in progress MADJRE, DOGBO, BENIN, OCTOBER 22, 2019: Sister Alphonsine Hounkpe, 45, is seen cleaning the wounds of lepers at the anti-leprosy center in Madjre. She became a nun in 2003. She says it was always her calling, she remembers feeling this as young as 6 years old. She did not have access to education until later, starting school at 11. She then became a nurse before committing her life to the church in 2003. In 2015 she was asked to go to the Anti Leprosy center in Madjre where she has been dispensing care ever since. Long term residents say she offers great care and love, more so than anyone else they can remember. They also say she has a great sense of humor and is funny and uplifting to be around. “This is my calling, she says, I am obliged to give them hope and joy.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://www.brentstirton.com/rhino-wars daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663456-PE1UUWEYK11FBYTTJDID/Rhino_005.jpg Rhino Wars TUGELA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, COLENSO, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of a female rhino who 4 months ago survived a brutal dehorning by poachers who used a chainsaw to remove her horns and a large section of bone in this area of her skull, Natal, South Africa, November 9, 2010. The poachers surveyed the area by helicopter, mapped out the movements of the Rhino and the Guards and then darted the animal and hacked of the horn with a chainsaw. In an act of callous brutality they left the animal alive when they left with the horns. This Rhino was consequently found the next day wandering around in unimaginable pain. She also had a young 4 week old calf who was seperated in the incident and subsequently died of starvation and dehydration. The female adult miraculously survived the dehorning and with some vetrinary supervision has gone on to join up with a male bull who accompanies her and helps her to survive. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663375-VCYKKDTISPSKZBXJ1J51/Rhino_017.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663312-M3KJ95R4SZ9G1A93P01J/Rhino_015.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663567-WTPBZ9K1SAJ9YJ8BIM50/Rhino_055.jpg Rhino Wars iMFOLOZI HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, MAY 2011: Images of a young Black Rhino Rhino who has grown up in captivity after being orphaned at a young age in iMfolozi Game Reserve in Natal, South Africa, May 2, 2011. Hluwhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is the worlds largest repository of Rhino, with an estimated 2300 rhino in total, a majority of which are White and a large contingent of Black Rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663580-YIQ8DLBFDF2Z7H8V42A1/Rhino_056.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of a White Rhino calf, mother and juvenile male in holding pens at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 6 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663352-S9DIEN1SWJSJDA9V0E2O/Rhino_058.jpg Rhino Wars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663286-VT5V60C75T82QF41AYF6/Rhino_059.jpg Rhino Wars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663589-SWMGEDK203RVLK0VAL0E/Rhino_007.jpg Rhino Wars SOUTH AFRICA, MAY 2011: A secret, secure Rhino horn safe which functions as a half-way storage for horns collected from National and Provincial Parks within South Africa, May 05, 2011. The location is a closely-guarded secret as there is a history of these locations being targeted by armed gangs who are attracted to the high value of the horn on the illegal market. The rise of the Asian middle class and the current Cities legislation regarding Rhino horn has led to these horns becoming very valuable, a large horn going for as much as $150 000. As such they are in high demand in organised crime circles. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663680-WFPFD9XCL7WU9BRAAO4S/Rhino_018.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663331-Q39LJHNS3GD6NFRPCA7J/Rhino_016.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663637-X22KOL284BTE8G4GWCBH/Rhino_057.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of a White Rhino calf, mother and juvenile male in holding pens at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 6 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663541-RVFWV49ETDL843YYE56L/Rhino_060.jpg Rhino Wars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663553-9BCF1ENTA3ATI7S4FAPZ/Rhino_008.jpg Rhino Wars MESSINA, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: White Rhino meat hangs in cold storage after a morning hunt on Dawie Groenewald's hunting lodge in Messina, South Africa, March 25 2011. Groenewald along with his wife and 11 of his employees are currently accused of involvement in the illegal Rhino Horn trade. He is suspected of killing a number of rhino on his farm and de-horning them without permits for the conservation authority. Groenewald denies this but has become the posterboy for the Rhino poaching epedemic sweeping South Africa. He is free on bail and authorities have not confiscated his helicopter or his guns. He continues to conduct hunts on his property for a majority Vietnamese and Eastern European clientele. Groenewald claims that he would prefer to conduct green hunts, with anathetics administered by dart and subsequent dehorning replacing killing the animal but admits that there is a section of the Asian marker that prefers horn that comes from an animal which has been shot. Groenewald voice concern over the increasingly bureacratic permitting system in South Africa which he claims makes it very difficult to make money from the expensive business of breeding Rhino. He states that you cannot make money from a dehorned Rhino given the current ban on the horn trade, you have to kill the animal in a legal hunt in order to secure the horn. Groenewald makes a direct connection to this and the rise in poaching. Groenewald is no stranger to controvery, being arrested in the US in 2009 on a suspect stuffed Leopard import document as well as connections to other suspect dealings concerning wildlife. Groenewald voices confidence over the upcoming trial, stating a lack of evidence on the part of the state. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663273-DLVCVMJJFU6ZHE59IZQR/Rhino_019.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663293-82PL4UNCTLYOND77HI5E/Rhino_061.jpg Rhino Wars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663449-9YR1VSWCEIR97BHZV8AD/Rhino_009.jpg Rhino Wars MESSINA, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: A White Rhino skin is salted for curing after a morning hunt on Dawie Groenewald's hunting lodge in Messina, South Africa, March 25 2011. Groenewald along with his wife and 11 of his employees are currently accused of involvement in the illegal Rhino Horn trade. He is suspected of killing a number of rhino on his farm and de-horning them without permits for the conservation authority. Groenewald denies this but has become the posterboy for the Rhino poaching epedemic sweeping South Africa. He is free on bail and authorities have not confiscated his helicopter or his guns. He continues to conduct hunts on his property for a majority Vietnamese and Eastern European clientele. Groenewald claims that he would prefer to conduct green hunts, with anathetics administered by dart and subsequent dehorning replacing killing the animal but admits that there is a section of the Asian marker that prefers horn that comes from an animal which has been shot. Groenewald voice concern over the increasingly bureacratic permitting system in South Africa which he claims makes it very difficult to make money from the expensive business of breeding Rhino. He states that you cannot make money from a dehorned Rhino given the current ban on the horn trade, you have to kill the animal in a legal hunt in order to secure the horn. Groenewald makes a direct connection to this and the rise in poaching. Groenewald is no stranger to controvery, being arrested in the US in 2009 on a suspect stuffed Leopard import document as well as connections to other suspect dealings concerning wildlife. Groenewald voices confidence over the upcoming trial, stating a lack of evidence on the part of the state. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663345-GCYC6OR4NZOTQSP1KG26/Rhino_020.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663306-1LEQ50XGX1NLJHER959K/Rhino_062.jpg Rhino Wars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663535-JW5XSIQ0DH82SMWF8RAY/Rhino_010.jpg Rhino Wars MESSINA, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: Dawie Groenewald, Game farmer and Professional Hunter, in his hunting lodge on his farm in Messina, South Africa, March 25 2011. Groenewald along with his wife and 11 of his employees are currently accused of involvement in the illegal Rhino Horn trade. He is suspected of killing a number of rhino on his farm and de-horning them without permits for the conservation authority. Groenewald denies this but has become the posterboy for the Rhino poaching epedemic sweeping South Africa. He is free on bail and authorities have not confiscated his helicopter or his guns. He continues to conduct hunts on his property for a majority Vietnamese and Eastern European clientele. Groenewald claims that he would prefer to conduct green hunts, with anathetics administered by dart and subsequent dehorning replacing killing the animal but admits that there is a section of the Asian marker that prefers horn that comes from an animal which has been shot. Groenewald voice concern over the increasingly bureacratic permitting system in South Africa which he claims makes it very difficult to make money from the expensive business of breeding Rhino. He states that you cannot make money from a dehorned Rhino given the current ban on the horn trade, you have to kill the animal in a legal hunt in order to secure the horn. Groenewald makes a direct connection to this and the rise in poaching. Groenewald is no stranger to controvery, being arrested in the US in 2009 on a suspect stuffed Leopard import document as well as connections to other suspect dealings concerning wildlife. Groenewald voices confidence over the upcoming trial, stating a lack of evidence on the part of the state. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663674-3Q046CAVSHWLIN74KCUA/Rhino_021.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663388-KO62LFHBL0N69EFMLI2C/Rhino_063.jpg Rhino Wars BAO LOC, LAM DONG PROVINCE, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: A wealthy woman grinds illegal imported rhino horn openly in a coffee shop with her dealer sitting alongside her, Bao Loc, Vietnam, October 6 2011. The piece of horn she is grinding and the smaller piece on the table were until recently one piece, part of a larger illegal consignment which the dealer claims came into Vietnam through Malaysia or Indonesia. When asked whether they were concerned about grinding the horn in the open in a coffee shop, they laughed and said they paid the Vietnamese equivalent of $1500 every month to the police for protection. There was a policeman in the coffee shop at the time, at one point he is visible coming down the stairs. He is part of their system say the dealers. The wealthy woman claims she purchased the horn because she had kidney stones and is worried about cancer. Since using the horn, she claims to have increased energy, better skin and does not feel the kidney stones anymore. She says that she now uses the horn every day as a preventative measure. The irony of the horn trade today is that it is a centuries old practise in Vietnam, with mass belief in its power as an extractor of poisons and as a cure for measles. Nowadays however, the horn is so expensive it is only available to the upper middle class and the wealthy. The people who used it most over the centuries, ie the poor, can now no longer afford it. As a result of the demand amongst the poor, many people form groups and purchase the horn for the use of the group. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663573-I3Q55DB4HMWVAF7VNF8T/Rhino_011.jpg Rhino Wars MESSINA, SOUTH AFRICA, APRIL 2011: Accused Rhino farmer Dawie Groenewald, his wife and 11 employees attend a hearing on their case in the Messina Magistrates Court, South Africa, 11 April 2011. Groenwald is accused of transgressing the Endangered Species act after a number of unaccounted for Rhino carcasses were found on his property, a game ranch and hunting facility in Messina in far North East South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663515-OHR5KEB1CXQQMOICJ7M3/Rhino_022.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663442-QI6AKDVUO1POOP9N2SMG/Rhino_012.jpg Rhino Wars MESSINA, SOUTH AFRICA, APRIL 2011: Accused Rhino farmer Dawie Groenewald, his wife and 11 employees attend a hearing on their case in the Messina Magistrates Court, South Africa, 11 April 2011. Groenwald is accused of transgressing the Endangered Species act after a number of unaccounted for Rhino carcasses were found on his property, a game ranch and hunting facility in Messina in far North East South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663475-97KJMW7VIO9D2ERZ3Z3Y/Rhino_023.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of a security observation post in strategic Rhino defence areas of Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve where The International Anti-Poaching Foundation is leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe to learn, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663381-TGVJQFRZMXZ8TFCSVS5N/Rhino_013.jpg Rhino Wars HOEDSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, APRIL 2011: An investigation team from SanParks, Nature conservation and private security investigators inspect two 5 day old poached White Rhino carcasses on a private game farm outside Hoedspruit in North West South Africa, April 7 2011. The Rhino were both shot with a '375 hunting rifle equipped with a silencer by a professional who used a single bullet on each animal. The horns on both were removed using a knife blade. The investigators swept the bodies with a metal detector and recovered an intact bullet and part of a blade. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663318-TNY7RDFII72UOVSQQ5U0/Rhino_024.jpg Rhino Wars OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA, JULY 2011: A four man anti-poaching team permanently guards Northern White Rhino on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino, the worlds most endangered animal. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. The team have developed extraordinary relationships with these Rhino, leaning on them, scratching them and displaying tremendous affection towards these most endangered of animals. Each of the men in these teams feels a genuine vocation towards the protection of these animals, something the rhino seem to sense, and this emerges on a daily basis as the men walk with the rhino through their day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663338-YWDD82DZ7L1VSK0GYZ8V/Rhino_014.jpg Rhino Wars VAALWATER, NORTHERN SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: Members of private security firm "Quemic" patrol and maintain anti-poaching observation points on Welgevonden, a private game ranch with Rhino in the Vaalwater area of Northern South Africa, March 23 2011. The last Rhino poaching incident on this property occured on this property over 3 yeas ago as a result of the professionalisation of security. Not all Rhino owners can afford this financial commitment, leaving other wide open to organised professional Horn poachers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663623-J249VES3JC6KGPHXHX53/Rhino_027.jpg Rhino Wars OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA, JULY 2011: A four man anti-poaching team permanently guards Northern White Rhino on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino, the worlds most endangered animal. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. The team have developed extraordinary relationships with these Rhino, leaning on them, scratching them and displaying tremendous affection towards these most endangered of animals. Each of the men in these teams feels a genuine vocation towards the protection of these animals, something the rhino seem to sense, and this emerges on a daily basis as the men walk with the rhino through their day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663607-CMRGPIT75225YT793H1A/Rhino_028.jpg Rhino Wars OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA, JULY 2011: Exhausted anti-poaching team members sleep after an all-nighter on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663522-UG84OUQ79VVVT5563TYJ/Rhino_029.jpg Rhino Wars NELSPRUIT, NORTH EAST SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: The world's largest White Rhino breeder, John Hume, 69, looks out at a few of his 500 plus White Rhino as they come in from grazing on his 6500 Hectare ranch for a daily snack of lucerne mixed with game pellets, Nelspruit, South Africa, March 19 2011. A self made multi-millionaire, Hume is a controversial character in the conservation world. He advocates a sustainable consumption of rhino horn as a renewable resource as a method to combat the plague of poaching which killed 333 rhino in South Africa in 2010, the highest ever figures and the fastest acceleration of the killing of these unique animals in history. John Hume is adament in his believes that the insatiable Asian demand for Rhino horn and the subsequent illegal slaughter can only be curbed by a sustained, humane harvesting of horn from Rhino kept on large grazing farms by professional farmers for the purposes of commercial conservation. This brings him into direct conflict with much of the conservation world, despite the recent wide-spread popularity of darting and de-horning Rhino across much of South Africa as an anti-poaching deterrent. The rise of the Asian middle class, in particular China and Vietnam, combined with recent clampdowns on permits for legal Rhino hunting, has seen the price of Rhino horn sky-rocket to a level comparable with gold. John Hume has stated that he has well over $25 million worth of Rhino horn which is legally permitted and locked away in bank vaults across South Africa, waiting for a day when he hopes it will be legal to trade. In essence Hume is like a futures trader, gambling millions on the acquisition of White Rhino which he states is both a compassionate gesture and also a great business investment if the law-makers in the conservation world "could only see sense." Hume believes the Rhino has the resources through which to save itself from the threat of extinction. A fully grown horn can be harvested every 3 years with min https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663644-Z4HTT9LVIZZT866SFETY/Rhino_030.1.jpg Rhino Wars NELSPRUIT, NORTH EAST SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: De-horned White Rhino come in from grazing to be fed nutritious Lucerne and game pellets on Mauricedale, the 6500 hectare game ranch of the world's largest White Rhino breeder, John Hume, Nelspruit, South Africa, March 19, 2011. A self made multi-millionaire, Hume is a controversial character in the conservation world. He advocates a sustainable consumption of rhino horn as a renewable resource as a method to combat the plague of poaching which killed 333 rhino in South Africa in 2010, the highest ever figures and the fastest acceleration of the killing of these unique animals in history. John Hume is adament in his believes that the insatiable Asian demand for Rhino horn and the subsequent illegal slaughter can only be curbed by a sustained, humane harvesting of horn from Rhino kept on large grazing farms by professional farmers for the purposes of commercial conservation. This brings him into direct conflict with much of the conservation world, despite the recent wide-spread popularity of darting and de-horning Rhino across much of South Africa as an anti-poaching deterrent. The rise of the Asian middle class, in particular China and Vietnam, combined with recent clampdowns on permits for legal Rhino hunting, has seen the price of Rhino horn sky-rocket to a level comparable with gold. John Hume has stated that he has well over $25 million worth of Rhino horn which is legally permitted and locked away in bank vaults across South Africa, waiting for a day when he hopes it will be legal to trade. In essence Hume is like a futures trader, gambling millions on the acquisition of White Rhino which he states is both a compassionate gesture and also a great business investment if the law-makers in the conservation world "could only see sense." Hume believes the Rhino has the resources through which to save itself from the threat of extinction. A fully grown horn can be harvested every 3 years with minimal trauma to the ani https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663468-5267O4JV81VYPQSBLZCW/Rhino_030.jpg Rhino Wars KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: "Rambo," a 9 month old White Rhino orphan is raised by hand on a game farm outside of Klerksdorp after being abandoned by his mother at 5 days old, Klerksdorp, South Africa, March 25 2011. When he was found, Jackals had already begun eating his tail. He is now 200 kilograms and quickly becoming too big to handle safely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663547-LSHSOIUCKHZXXLJSB1TX/Rhino_031.jpg Rhino Wars KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: A White Rhino cow is de-horned as a precautionary anti-poaching measure on a game farm outside of Klerksdorp, South Africa, March 25 2011. Rhino Poaching has reached epedemic proportions in South Africa, with 334 killed in 2010 and 77 killed by the 25 March 2011. Many game farmers are increasingly turning to de-horning their animals as a protective measure against poaching. A 2 year study in Zimbabwe on the effects of de-horning has revealed no negative repercussions to the animal, and has seen less animals killed through fighting and horn damage. The horn grows back after 3 years to its full size without trauma to the animal and thus can be seen as a renewable, sustainable resource for the Asian markets if legalized. At this time the only legal means to obtain a horn in South Africa is through a permitted hunt with a member of the conservation authority present. This means that the animal has to die before the horn is available. Statistics on poaching prove that the lack of access to legal horn has seen poaching become common and the price of Rhino horn has reached an all time high. The counter argument to de-horning for profit is that it will lead to an interference in the natural world and an abuse of the resource in terms of animal treatment. Most Vets across South Africa have adopted de-horning as a neccesary anti-poaching technique to save the animals from being killed for their horn. On average a de-horning takes an experienced vet no more than 25 minutes to do from start to finish and the animal goes straight back to feeding with no visible sign of trauma afterwards. A standard 8 cms of stump is left behind, ensuring no actual tissue is ever damaged on the Rhino. The horns once taken are fitted with micro-chips, individually permitted and in most cases stored in bank vaults for security purposes. If the Rhino horn trade is ever legalised these horns will form the back bone of financial security for the farmers who take o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663689-V937BSNXXOYLRXGJHMRK/Rhino_032.jpg Rhino Wars KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: A White Rhino cow is de-horned as a precautionary anti-poaching measure on a game farm outside of Klerksdorp, South Africa, March 25 2011. Rhino Poaching has reached epedemic proportions in South Africa, with 334 killed in 2010 and 77 killed by the 25 March 2011. Many game farmers are increasingly turning to de-horning their animals as a protective measure against poaching. A 2 year study in Zimbabwe on the effects of de-horning has revealed no negative repercussions to the animal, and has seen less animals killed through fighting and horn damage. The horn grows back after 3 years to its full size without trauma to the animal and thus can be seen as a renewable, sustainable resource for the Asian markets if legalized. At this time the only legal means to obtain a horn in South Africa is through a permitted hunt with a member of the conservation authority present. This means that the animal has to die before the horn is available. Statistics on poaching prove that the lack of access to legal horn has seen poaching become common and the price of Rhino horn has reached an all time high. The counter argument to de-horning for profit is that it will lead to an interference in the natural world and an abuse of the resource in terms of animal treatment. Most Vets across South Africa have adopted de-horning as a neccesary anti-poaching technique to save the animals from being killed for their horn. On average a de-horning takes an experienced vet no more than 25 minutes to do from start to finish and the animal goes straight back to feeding with no visible sign of trauma afterwards. A standard 8 cms of stump is left behind, ensuring no actual tissue is ever damaged on the Rhino. The horns once taken are fitted with micro-chips, individually permitted and in most cases stored in bank vaults for security purposes. If the Rhino horn trade is ever legalised these horns will form the back bone of financial security for the farmers who take o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663696-IMP4URXXZW880287G4JF/Rhino_033.jpg Rhino Wars KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: A White Rhino cow is de-horned as a precautionary anti-poaching measure on a game farm outside of Klerksdorp, South Africa, March 25 2011. Rhino Poaching has reached epedemic proportions in South Africa, with 334 killed in 2010 and 77 killed by the 25 March 2011. Many game farmers are increasingly turning to de-horning their animals as a protective measure against poaching. A 2 year study in Zimbabwe on the effects of de-horning has revealed no negative repercussions to the animal, and has seen less animals killed through fighting and horn damage. The horn grows back after 3 years to its full size without trauma to the animal and thus can be seen as a renewable, sustainable resource for the Asian markets if legalized. At this time the only legal means to obtain a horn in South Africa is through a permitted hunt with a member of the conservation authority present. This means that the animal has to die before the horn is available. Statistics on poaching prove that the lack of access to legal horn has seen poaching become common and the price of Rhino horn has reached an all time high. The counter argument to de-horning for profit is that it will lead to an interference in the natural world and an abuse of the resource in terms of animal treatment. Most Vets across South Africa have adopted de-horning as a neccesary anti-poaching technique to save the animals from being killed for their horn. On average a de-horning takes an experienced vet no more than 25 minutes to do from start to finish and the animal goes straight back to feeding with no visible sign of trauma afterwards. A standard 8 cms of stump is left behind, ensuring no actual tissue is ever damaged on the Rhino. The horns once taken are fitted with micro-chips, individually permitted and in most cases stored in bank vaults for security purposes. If the Rhino horn trade is ever legalised these horns will form the back bone of financial security for the farmers who take o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663367-KJ6YP4OE5NGN0T3QZHMI/Rhino_034.jpg Rhino Wars KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: A White Rhino cow is de-horned as a precautionary anti-poaching measure on a game farm outside of Klerksdorp, South Africa, March 25 2011. Rhino Poaching has reached epedemic proportions in South Africa, with 334 killed in 2010 and 77 killed by the 25 March 2011. Many game farmers are increasingly turning to de-horning their animals as a protective measure against poaching. A 2 year study in Zimbabwe on the effects of de-horning has revealed no negative repercussions to the animal, and has seen less animals killed through fighting and horn damage. The horn grows back after 3 years to its full size without trauma to the animal and thus can be seen as a renewable, sustainable resource for the Asian markets if legalized. At this time the only legal means to obtain a horn in South Africa is through a permitted hunt with a member of the conservation authority present. This means that the animal has to die before the horn is available. Statistics on poaching prove that the lack of access to legal horn has seen poaching become common and the price of Rhino horn has reached an all time high. The counter argument to de-horning for profit is that it will lead to an interference in the natural world and an abuse of the resource in terms of animal treatment. Most Vets across South Africa have adopted de-horning as a neccesary anti-poaching technique to save the animals from being killed for their horn. On average a de-horning takes an experienced vet no more than 25 minutes to do from start to finish and the animal goes straight back to feeding with no visible sign of trauma afterwards. A standard 8 cms of stump is left behind, ensuring no actual tissue is ever damaged on the Rhino. The horns once taken are fitted with micro-chips, individually permitted and in most cases stored in bank vaults for security purposes. If the Rhino horn trade is ever legalised these horns will form the back bone of financial security for the farmers who take o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663656-DEQFXIX22ONJIX6FLXXY/Rhino_035.jpg Rhino Wars KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, MARCH 2011: A White Rhino cow is de-horned as a precautionary anti-poaching measure on a game farm outside of Klerksdorp, South Africa, March 25 2011. Rhino Poaching has reached epedemic proportions in South Africa, with 334 killed in 2010 and 77 killed by the 25 March 2011. Many game farmers are increasingly turning to de-horning their animals as a protective measure against poaching. A 2 year study in Zimbabwe on the effects of de-horning has revealed no negative repercussions to the animal, and has seen less animals killed through fighting and horn damage. The horn grows back after 3 years to its full size without trauma to the animal and thus can be seen as a renewable, sustainable resource for the Asian markets if legalized. At this time the only legal means to obtain a horn in South Africa is through a permitted hunt with a member of the conservation authority present. This means that the animal has to die before the horn is available. Statistics on poaching prove that the lack of access to legal horn has seen poaching become common and the price of Rhino horn has reached an all time high. The counter argument to de-horning for profit is that it will lead to an interference in the natural world and an abuse of the resource in terms of animal treatment. Most Vets across South Africa have adopted de-horning as a neccesary anti-poaching technique to save the animals from being killed for their horn. On average a de-horning takes an experienced vet no more than 25 minutes to do from start to finish and the animal goes straight back to feeding with no visible sign of trauma afterwards. A standard 8 cms of stump is left behind, ensuring no actual tissue is ever damaged on the Rhino. The horns once taken are fitted with micro-chips, individually permitted and in most cases stored in bank vaults for security purposes. If the Rhino horn trade is ever legalised these horns will form the back bone of financial security for the farmers who take o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663601-ETDCMSLRATEM15O7VFXL/Rhino_036.jpg Rhino Wars DAMARALAND, NORTH KUNEINE, NAMIBIA, APRIL 2011: Images of the Damaraland region of Namibia, the last place in the world where Black Rhino still roam freely, Namibia, April 18 2011. The desert adapted black rhino that survive in the remote and arid Kunene region of north west Namibia are the ONLY rhino world-wide that have survived on communal land with no conservation status. They are in the fullest sense of the word truly wild. No fences. No borders. They live and go where they please. Namibia represents a success story for Rhino at a time where they are severely under threat everywhere else in the world. There have been successful breeding programs in these extremely remote regions, buy-in from local communities for tourist dollars has reinforced these programs and Save The Rhino Trust Namibia has provided community training and Ranger patrols made up of different ethnicities from the regional communities. For now, these factors have kept the Black Rhino of Namibia safe from poaching, previously an epedemic in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic magazine.) **Overview from SAVE THE RHINO TRUST NAMIBIA: The desert-adapted black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) surviving in the Kunene Region (former Damaraland and Kaokoland) in the arid, north-west of Namibia are the only rhino worldwide, surviving on communal land with no formal conservation status. Furthermore, they are the largest truly free-ranging black rhino population left in the world.However, in the early 1980’s in this vast, beautiful and spectacular desert, a savage slaughter of desert wildlife took place. As the number of rhinos shrank, resulting in their near extinction, a Trust was formed with the aim of ensuring protection of the remaining rhinos while affording, elephant and other wildlife, the chance to recover to sustainable numbers. With the help of international funds, Save the Rhino Trust - Namibia was officially registered as Welfare Organization number W.O. 53.in 1982.I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663495-EH03ZG5SPKTWKZWX7X94/Rhino_037.jpg Rhino Wars DAMARALAND, NORTH KUNEINE, NAMIBIA, APRIL 2011: Images of the Damaraland region of Namibia, the last place in the world where Black Rhino still roam freely, Namibia, April 18 2011. The desert adapted black rhino that survive in the remote and arid Kunene region of north west Namibia are the ONLY rhino world-wide that have survived on communal land with no conservation status. They are in the fullest sense of the word truly wild. No fences. No borders. They live and go where they please. Namibia represents a success story for Rhino at a time where they are severely under threat everywhere else in the world. There have been successful breeding programs in these extremely remote regions, buy-in from local communities for tourist dollars has reinforced these programs and Save The Rhino Trust Namibia has provided community training and Ranger patrols made up of different ethnicities from the regional communities. For now, these factors have kept the Black Rhino of Namibia safe from poaching, previously an epedemic in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic magazine.) **Overview from SAVE THE RHINO TRUST NAMIBIA: The desert-adapted black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) surviving in the Kunene Region (former Damaraland and Kaokoland) in the arid, north-west of Namibia are the only rhino worldwide, surviving on communal land with no formal conservation status. Furthermore, they are the largest truly free-ranging black rhino population left in the world.However, in the early 1980’s in this vast, beautiful and spectacular desert, a savage slaughter of desert wildlife took place. As the number of rhinos shrank, resulting in their near extinction, a Trust was formed with the aim of ensuring protection of the remaining rhinos while affording, elephant and other wildlife, the chance to recover to sustainable numbers. With the help of international funds, Save the Rhino Trust - Namibia was officially registered as Welfare Organization number W.O. 53.in 1982.I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663668-MPP1CIGZ699F3998W48T/Rhino_039.jpg Rhino Wars iMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, MAY 2011: Images of a White Rhino cow and calf in iMfolozi Game Reserve in Natal, South Africa, May 3, 2011. Hluwhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is the worlds largest repository of Rhino, with an estimated 2300 rhino in total, a majority of which are White and a large contingent of Black Rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663325-BHF1LCR1L6OJ8SEAKHLL/Rhino_041.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of a 3 week old Black Rhino Calf born at the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe, April 25, 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663483-XA9JUA7855DK1HFUS2NV/Rhino_042.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of a 3 week old Black Rhino Calf born at the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe, April 25, 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663501-VCZHDD91PSVU22QS537B/Rhino_043.jpg Rhino Wars VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of a 3 week old Black Rhino Calf born at the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe, April 25, 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663703-2IH48MDBHXFL72IG1FQI/Rhino_044.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663509-1I58V1MZ6HT1CFQQTEYI/Rhino_045.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663489-GXXPMB9O4XK4KFHRTJHB/Rhino_046.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663299-ASA38NMSD6LNBWDWJFR3/Rhino_047.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663662-7K3TDQ9TB6MZB5L17S7O/Rhino_048.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663360-OMY4TIVWQ35VHOKYCQW8/Rhino_049.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663280-54URJKQICIJLJFPQ8OTO/Rhino_050.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663630-ZS4JPBG5ABJ0XS3Z4XAR/Rhino_051.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663462-ZAC4A99MXJ8BB2CUKLYK/Rhino_052.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE-iMFOLOZI PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, NOVEMBER 2010: Images of Black Rhino capture for Translocation at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa, November 7, 2010. This park is famous for its translocation programs which saved the Southern White Rhino from extinction. WWF is involved in funding for security operations in the Park and also creates new Black Rhino population in an effort to replicate the success of the White Rhino translocation program. The Black Rhino remains critically endangered in Africa today. 247 Rhinos have been killed for their horns so far in 2010 in South Africa, a tenfold increase over previous years. WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) is successfully expanding the range of the Black Rhino outside of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife protected areas into private- and community-owned land. BRREP project manager, Jacques Flamand, said: “Our approach is to develop strong partnerships with communities and private owners. They must comply with strict criteria regarding the management of Black Rhino – from security to land size - before we move the animals onto their land. The project has increased the Black Rhino population and reduced its critically endangered status. Black Rhino require an extensive range – in northern KwaZulu Natal the carrying capacity is 300 to 400 hectares per Black Rhino. The Black Rhino is a flagship species that attracts tourists and helps extend the conservation footprint in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for WWF) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663528-HI1J0TX5AZ77GC2PBK1U/Rhino_053.jpg Rhino Wars HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA: Images of Rhino inside the capture Bomas at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve waiting to be transported to St Lucia as part of a translocation program designed to distribute both Black and White Rhino to secure locations within South Africa, 29 April 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158663560-EHBS4HT652SR926Q2LP9/Rhino_054.jpg Rhino Wars iMFOLOZI HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, MAY 2011: Images of a young Black Rhino Rhino who has grown up in captivity after being orphaned at a young age in iMfolozi Game Reserve in Natal, South Africa, May 2, 2011. Hluwhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is the worlds largest repository of Rhino, with an estimated 2300 rhino in total, a majority of which are White and a large contingent of Black Rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/falcons-today daily 0.75 2025-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733727-9S84JIEATISK0VUOMV4P/FalconsLrg_001.jpg Falcons Today ERDENE SANT, CENTRAL MONGOLIA: A wild Saker Falcon mother and her chicks in a nest high over the steppe of Central Mongolia. The Saker falcon is the only species in the genus Falco with an endangered listing in the IUCN red list, because a population trend analysis has indicated that it may be undergoing a very rapid decline, particularly in Central Asia, with unsustainable capture for the falcon trade considered to be one of the causal factors. Electrocution via power lines is a larger issue, killing millions of birds annually, including an estimated 1000 Saker falcons every year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733680-PCX8GU3ND4AE569E0H9Z/FalconsLrg_037.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seen inside the foyer of his home in Dubai. He is holding his favourite Gyr Falcon and is surrounded by other high end falcons that were bred especially for him. The mural behind him depicts his sons Rashid and Maktoum in the desert with falcons. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditioned vehicles with special perches to and from the training grounds. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. Falcons were severely threatened 50 years ago by the advent of chemicals like DDT, the Arab world has been at the forefront of restoring falcon populations and it is the Arab world that is the epicenter for breeding and the largest client for these birds. This resurgence has elevated Falconry to Intangible Heritage status by Unesco. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733992-XM9V34O82JADDQS1CUYT/FalconsLrg_042.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 20, 2018: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is greeted by his son Rashid as he trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733707-YFXJQYJBFVC4VBN8O4IX/FalconsLrg_002.jpg Falcons Today BAYAN, CENTRAL MONGOLIA, MAY 2017: Batbayar Bold, a member of the Mongolian Wildlife Science and Conservation Center, examines artificial nests for the Saker Falcon in the steppe of Central Mongolia. Bayaraa checks the chicks individually, looks at their wings, weighs them and records their numbers and growth rates. The Mongolians have created over 5000 artificial nest sites in areas without naturally occurring nests or trees. In Mongolia, the globally endangered Saker falcon is harvested from the wild for the international falconry trade, yet little is known about the implications of this harvest for the conservation of the species. The use of artificial nests is a well-established conservation technique, which can be used to increase the size and distribution of breeding bird populations that are limited by the availability of natural nesting sites. Saker Falcons do not build their own nest but take over nests built by other birds. In nest site limited habitats the artificial nest projects create the potential to create a managed and easily monitored population in, which supports a sustainable harvest. Furthermore, artificial nests could contribute to the control of rodent pest species in the steppe ecosystem by increasing predator densities and predation rates. The Saker falcon is the only species in the genus Falco with an endangered listing in the IUCN red list, because a population trend analysis has indicated that it may be undergoing a very rapid decline, particularly in Central Asia, with unsustainable capture for the falcon trade considered to be one of the causal factors. Electrocution via power lines is a larger issue. The Mongolian government has permitted an annual harvest quota of Saker falcons for the Arabian falconry market, with this trade being conducted under the auspices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Falconry is an important aspect of regional cultural heritage in the Arabian Gulf, with the use of wild S https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733667-S6Q4C00V109RZNBP5XY9/FalconsLrg_043.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733633-85VYQGF1XI9MCIWQTPA1/FalconsLrg_003.jpg Falcons Today BAYAN, CENTRAL MONGOLIA, MAY 2017: Batbayar Bold, a member of the Mongolian Wildlife Science and Conservation Center, examines artificial nests for the Saker Falcon in the steppe of Central Mongolia. He speaks with local Mongol nomads who live close to this particular nest about the work he is doing, they expressed their appreciation to him. Bayaraa checks the chicks individually, looks at their wings, weighs them and records their numbers and growth rates. The Mongolians have created over 5000 artificial nest sites in areas without naturally occurring nests or trees. In Mongolia, the globally endangered Saker falcon is harvested from the wild for the international falconry trade, yet little is known about the implications of this harvest for the conservation of the species. The use of artificial nests is a well-established conservation technique, which can be used to increase the size and distribution of breeding bird populations that are limited by the availability of natural nesting sites. Saker Falcons do not build their own nest but take over nests built by other birds. In nest site limited habitats the artificial nest projects create the potential to create a managed and easily monitored population in, which supports a sustainable harvest. Furthermore, artificial nests could contribute to the control of rodent pest species in the steppe ecosystem by increasing predator densities and predation rates. The Saker falcon is the only species in the genus Falco with an endangered listing in the IUCN red list, because a population trend analysis has indicated that it may be undergoing a very rapid decline, particularly in Central Asia, with unsustainable capture for the falcon trade considered to be one of the causal factors. Electrocution via power lines is a larger issue. The Mongolian government has permitted an annual harvest quota of Saker falcons for the Arabian falconry market, with this trade being conducted under the auspices of the Convention on Internationa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733890-O2X7VH928XGF9KKGP53O/FalconsLrg_044.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 16, 2018: Elite captive bred hybrid Gyr falcons sit inside specially designed 4x4 vehicles in the desert outside Dubai. Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is training his falcons in the desert. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majori https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733734-REXNA4XCE9J0MXFZK3I0/FalconsLrg_004.jpg Falcons Today ERDENE SANT, CENTRAL MONGOLIA, 21 MAY 2017: Boldbaatar Batjargal is a Mongolian master falconer. He is seen with an injured chick that comes from a nest where Boldbaatar has imprinted himself on the mother and tamed her. He noticed that the chick has a deformed foot that had become wrapped up in some material inside the nest. This caused the foot to grow badly and he is concerned for the chick’s survival. Boldbaatar plans to hand raise this chick and see if he can heal the foot so that this bird will be able to hunt independently. He has been a falconer for 15 years, working with these rare birds since 2002. He is seen with his current Saker Falcon, a bird he will release into the wild again when the season ends. Today he is well known as one of the country’s master falconer’s working with Saker and Gyr falcons. He first saw Pakistani’s capturing wild falcon in 2002 and work with the birds. He found that fascinating and when he found an injured Saker that had been clawed by an eagle, he healed the injured bird and developed a relationship with the falcon. That bird was stolen from him but by then he had developed a keen sense of the history of falconry and it’s role for the Mongols. Ghingis Khan was said to have over 500 falconers in his army. Boldbaatar sees it as a way to reconnect to the past and the present at the same time. Boldbaatar sees falconing as being part of a great tradition, thereby connecting to his Mongol ancestors. “Mongolia was oppressed for a long time in our history, we almost abandoned falconry. This is a way for me to reconnect to our past Mongol traditions. “ Boldbaatar is well known for his ability to connect to Saker and Gyr falcons, imprinting on them quickly and forming a relationship with a wild bird within a couple of days. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733978-X5FGG1BZ8639LNNEJCZ4/FalconsLrg_047.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733714-HPOPFGV7K6LPK76BQ1E5/FalconsLrg_005.jpg Falcons Today ERDENE SANT, CENTRAL MONGOLIA, 22 MAY 2017: Boldbaatar Batjargal is a Mongolian master falconer. He has been a falconer for 15 years, working with these rare birds since 2002. He is seen with his current Saker Falcon, a bird he will release into the wild again when the season ends. Today he is well known as one of the country’s master falconer’s working with Saker and Gyr falcons. He first saw Pakistani’s capturing wild falcon in 2002 and work with the birds. He found that fascinating and when he found an injured Saker that had been clawed by an eagle, he healed the injured bird and developed a relationship with the falcon. That bird was stolen from him but by then he had developed a keen sense of the history of falconry and it’s role for the Mongols. Ghingis Khan was said to have over 500 falconers in his army. Boldbaatar sees it as a way to reconnect to the past and the present at the same time. Boldbaatar sees falconing as being part of a great tradition, thereby connecting to his Mongol ancestors. “Mongolia was oppressed for a long time in our history, we almost abandoned falconry. This is a way for me to reconnect to our past Mongol traditions. “ Boldbaatar is well known for his ability to connect to Saker and Gyr falcons, imprinting on them quickly and forming a relationship with a wild bird within a couple of days. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733986-87LWKQ9XWUQYE0RNXNPY/FalconsLrg_049.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 12 2018: Maktoum Maktoum, the son of Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seen while he trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733971-7XVOZLT5EU8VVGLQVE2Q/FalconsLrg_006.jpg Falcons Today BAYAN, CENTRAL MONGOLIA, 22 MAY 2017: Batbayar Bold, a member of the Mongolian Wildlife Science and Conservation Center, records electrocuted Saker falcons along a single 15 KW distribution power line between Bayan and Galmut in Western Mongolia. A study was conducted on this line for the period of one year. Over 300 endangered Saker falcons were killed by electrocution as well as many other raptors. In a one-year study of this line alone, over 300 Saker falcons died due to electrocution. Mongolia has over 4000 kilometers of power-lines, many of them unsafe. Globally millions of birds are killed this way. Avian electrocution at power lines is a well-documented phenomenon, yet factors influencing the frequency of electrocution events and the efficacy of mitigation techniques remain relatively under-reported. Electrocution frequency at line poles was associated with density of small mammal holes and the deployment of mitigation measures. It is likely that local prey abundance influences the frequency of birds of prey perching on power poles, which is consequently reflected in electrocution rate. This study evaluated the efficacy of mitigation measures and found that the use of perch deflector spikes on the cross arms of line poles reduced electrocution rates when 3 or 4 spikes were deployed. Perch deflectors probably worked by reducing the opportunity for birds to perch adjacent to pin insulators rather than by reducing the frequency of birds perching on the cross arm per se. At anchor poles, reconfiguration of jump wires at two phases, so they passed under the cross arm rather than over, significantly reduced electrocution rates. These mitigation measures potentially represent a relatively inexpensive method to reduce the frequency of raptor electrocution events in regions where cost is a key factor for power line managers in determining whether or not any form of mitigation is used. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/VERBATIM FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733883-KJZSVAPS0PE2BN3GRGO8/FalconsLrg_051.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 12, 2018: Maktoum Maktoum, the son of Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seen while he trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733553-FXP96L02E9FF6R8EGPIN/FalconsLrg_008.jpg Falcons Today ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, 27 MAY 2017: An image of over 280 Saker falcons electrocuted on powerlines covering only a small 55 kilometer study area. These falcons were collected in a study conducted over one year by Mongolia's Wildlife Science and Conservation Center, Batbayar Bold, one of their biologists is seen laying out the falcons. There are over 4000 kilometers of powerlines in Mongolia, estimated to have killed over 5,000 Saker's alone in the last 5 years. Powerlines globally kill millions of raptors every year, this is due to a design defect which electrocutes birds when they touch the live wires. Mongolia's Wildlife Science and Conservation institute is attempting to convince power companies and government to implement design changes in an effort to curb the killing. Mongolia's government sells falcons to the Arabs of the UAE, long time falconer's for whom falconing is the sport of kings. The UAE helps to fund the research on powerlines and artificial nesting in Mongolia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733955-AZAGCPRPZ2CA5WQF613B/FalconsLrg_053.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733801-VNV6YP52TERLFP72KJ4T/FalconsLrg_009.jpg Falcons Today ELGIN, SCOTLAND, 11 JUNE 2017: Howard Waller is one of the world’s premier Falcon breeders. He is seen inside the cage of a male Gyr Falcon who he has imprinted. The male views Howard as a mate and when it is mating season, this bird will fly onto the hat Howard is wearing and ejaculate. Howard will collect the semen and use it for artificial inseminisation. He breeds exclusively for Sheikh Butti in Dubai. Howard sees captive breeding of elite falcons as the best means to stop wild trapping. In recent years there has been a dramatic fall off in wild bird trafficking to the UAW, this is due to the high mortality rate, uncertainty over the health and dna of the bird and its hunting pedigree, the availability of superior captive bred hunting falcons of a superior hybrid pedigree. Howard is a Rhodesian by birth that was forced to flee the country when Mugabe came to power due to his military service. He moved to South Africa where he ran an adventure school and bred falcons in an amateur capacity. Through a contact in the Falconry world, he met Sheikh Butti, a senior member of the Royal family of Dubai and a prominent man in the UAE. Sheikh Butti is a falcon connoisseur, a descendant of thousands of years of men who worked with falcons in the “sport of kings.” The Arab world is a place where Falconry has long been considered a sacred sport; the Sheikh was one of these believers. Sheik Butti was looking for someone who could work for him breeding elite falcons in Dubai and he decided to give Howard a chance. Working out of a small quarters on the Sheikh’s farm for two years on nothing but a handshake and a small compensation package, Howard’s diligence and superior knowledge soon yielded successes that had eluded the Sheikh under lesser breeders. He build his original DNA base out of wounded and confiscated falcons brought in illegally into Dubai. This diligence and success led to great confidence and a deepening relationship between these two men and when Howa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733863-HB9Q7ZI2UNYQRXRPKQGX/FalconsLrg_058.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 18, 2018: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seens with his sons and assistants while he trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733821-KNGXOG8SPWVRJ5Q3IR43/FalconsLrg_013.jpg Falcons Today ELGIN, SCOTLAND, 9 JUNE 2017: Howard Waller feeds young Gyr/Peregrine falcon chicks wiht quail meat 4 times daily. During this process Howard will often bring his face very close to the chicks and make the noises that an adult female would make. The feeding and the noises all make the chicks view Howard as their parent and increase their bond with him. This is a key part to imprinting the chicks on him. Howard Waller is one of the world’s premier Falcon breeders. He breeds exclusively for Sheikh Butti in Dubai. Howard sees captive breeding of elite falcons as the best means to stop wild trapping. In recent years there has been a dramatic fall off in wild bird trafficking to the UAW, this is due to the high mortality rate, uncertainty over the health and dna of the bird and its hunting pedigree, the availability of superior captive bred hunting falcons of a superior hybrid pedigree. Howard is a Rhodesian by birth that was forced to flee the country when Mugabe came to power due to his military service. He moved to South Africa where he ran an adventure school and bred falcons in an amateur capacity. Through a contact in the Falconry world, he met Sheikh Butti, a senior member of the Royal family of Dubai and a prominent man in the UAE. Sheikh Butti is a falcon connoisseur, a descendant of thousands of years of men who worked with falcons in the “sport of kings.” The Arab world is a place where Falconry has long been considered a sacred sport; the Sheikh was one of these believers. Sheik Butti was looking for someone who could work for him breeding elite falcons in Dubai and he decided to give Howard a chance. Working out of a small quarters on the Sheikh’s farm for two years on nothing but a handshake and a small compensation package, Howard’s diligence and superior knowledge soon yielded successes that had eluded the Sheikh under lesser breeders. He build his original DNA base out of wounded and confiscated falcons brought in illegally into Dubai. This dil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733508-3X3OWHJWITCON5NZPEMV/FalconsLrg_060.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 18, 2018: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seen with his sons and assistants while he trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. S https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733603-HXCLOXP80NIC45BCV2FI/FalconsLrg_020.jpg Falcons Today ELGIN, SCOTLAND, 8 JUNE 2017: Young falcons are placed in a Hacking Box on breeder Howard Waller's property. This is a box placed on the moor out of sight of human contact. The young birds who have previously know a lot of human contact are now rewilded throught this process where they will experience a minimum of human contact. The birds wear transmitters and are kept up here for up to 5 weeks. During that time, they will learn to fly and identify prey and become used to living in the wild by themselves. Howard Waller is one of the world’s premier Falcon breeders. He breeds exclusively for Sheikh Butti in Dubai. Howard sees captive breeding of elite falcons as the best means to stop wild trapping. In recent years there has been a dramatic fall off in wild bird trafficking to the UAW, this is due to the high mortality rate, uncertainty over the health and dna of the bird and its hunting pedigree, the availability of superior captive bred hunting falcons of a superior hybrid pedigree. Howard is a Rhodesian by birth that was forced to flee the country when Mugabe came to power due to his military service. He moved to South Africa where he ran an adventure school and bred falcons in an amateur capacity. Through a contact in the Falconry world, he met Sheikh Butti, a senior member of the Royal family of Dubai and a prominent man in the UAE. Sheikh Butti is a falcon connoisseur, a descendant of thousands of years of men who worked with falcons in the “sport of kings.” The Arab world is a place where Falconry has long been considered a sacred sport; the Sheikh was one of these believers. Sheik Butti was looking for someone who could work for him breeding elite falcons in Dubai and he decided to give Howard a chance. Working out of a small quarters on the Sheikh’s farm for two years on nothing but a handshake and a small compensation package, Howard’s diligence and superior knowledge soon yielded successes that had eluded the Sheikh under lesser breeders. He buil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733876-2RUZ32B7551DPD5BA8LX/FalconsLrg_062.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, 29 September, 2017: A falcon trainer for the Crown Prince of Dubai puts a Gyr falcon through its paces in the desert outside of Dubai. On this occasion, a drone was used to tow a lure that the falcon chased after. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of ge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733591-UT05KK1KPNLS3NOX2DJ1/FalconsLrg_021.jpg Falcons Today ELGIN, SCOTLAND, 8 JUNE 2017: Young falcons are placed in a Hacking Box on breeder Howard Waller's property. This is a box placed on the moor out of sight of human contact. The young birds who have previously know a lot of human contact are now rewilded throught this process where they will experience a minimum of human contact. The birds wear transmitters and are kept up here for up to 5 weeks. During that time, they will learn to fly and identify prey and become used to living in the wild by themselves. Howard Waller is one of the world’s premier Falcon breeders. He breeds exclusively for Sheikh Butti in Dubai. Howard sees captive breeding of elite falcons as the best means to stop wild trapping. In recent years there has been a dramatic fall off in wild bird trafficking to the UAW, this is due to the high mortality rate, uncertainty over the health and dna of the bird and its hunting pedigree, the availability of superior captive bred hunting falcons of a superior hybrid pedigree. Howard is a Rhodesian by birth that was forced to flee the country when Mugabe came to power due to his military service. He moved to South Africa where he ran an adventure school and bred falcons in an amateur capacity. Through a contact in the Falconry world, he met Sheikh Butti, a senior member of the Royal family of Dubai and a prominent man in the UAE. Sheikh Butti is a falcon connoisseur, a descendant of thousands of years of men who worked with falcons in the “sport of kings.” The Arab world is a place where Falconry has long been considered a sacred sport; the Sheikh was one of these believers. Sheik Butti was looking for someone who could work for him breeding elite falcons in Dubai and he decided to give Howard a chance. Working out of a small quarters on the Sheikh’s farm for two years on nothing but a handshake and a small compensation package, Howard’s diligence and superior knowledge soon yielded successes that had eluded the Sheikh under lesser breeders. He buil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733541-0F5N5TK9958T99RD18AO/FalconsLrg_063.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158734012-X8OOLC0I1FHZ8X2LESC8/FalconsLrg_022.jpg Falcons Today ELGIN, SCOTLAND, 10 JUNE 2017: Howard Waller and his daughter Jennifer take young falcons out onto the moor on their Scottish property and prepar them for a Hacking Box. These are imprinted birds used to a human presence but they will go to Dubai where they will be trained to hunt. It is necessary to place these birds in the wild for a period before they go to Dubai. This is where they will learn to fly, learn to operate in a wild space without humans and learn to see other birds, including prey species, in the wild. The birds will be taken out intially for the day and then returned to Howard's home which they see as a nest. Eventually they will be left out in the hacking box for up to five weeks. Howard Waller is one of the world’s premier Falcon breeders. He breeds exclusively for Sheikh Butti in Dubai. Howard sees captive breeding of elite falcons as the best means to stop wild trapping. In recent years there has been a dramatic fall off in wild bird trafficking to the UAW, this is due to the high mortality rate, uncertainty over the health and dna of the bird and its hunting pedigree, the availability of superior captive bred hunting falcons of a superior hybrid pedigree. Howard is a Rhodesian by birth that was forced to flee the country when Mugabe came to power due to his military service. He moved to South Africa where he ran an adventure school and bred falcons in an amateur capacity. Through a contact in the Falconry world, he met Sheikh Butti, a senior member of the Royal family of Dubai and a prominent man in the UAE. Sheikh Butti is a falcon connoisseur, a descendant of thousands of years of men who worked with falcons in the “sport of kings.” The Arab world is a place where Falconry has long been considered a sacred sport; the Sheikh was one of these believers. Sheik Butti was looking for someone who could work for him breeding elite falcons in Dubai and he decided to give Howard a chance. Working out of a small quarters on the Sheikh’s farm for https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733585-RPB47E3RW7T4A1PXYT6U/FalconsLrg_064.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, 29 September, 2017: A falcon trainer for the Crown Prince of Dubai puts a Gyr falcon through its paces in the desert outside of Dubai. On this occasion, a drone was used to tow a lure that the falcon chased after. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of ge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733933-OT98SJ0W7Q1252T69HUQ/FalconsLrg_026.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, 18 OCTOBER 2018: Howard Waller, master falcon breeder for Dubai’s Sheik Butti Al Maktoum, captures falcons in their cages at the Sheiks palace in order to prepare them for transport to Scotland where his breeding facility is located. Howard and Sheik Butti carefuly work out successful breeding lines and which birds will be used for breeding and which will be used for hunting. Howard Waller is one of the world’s premier Falcon breeders. He is a Rhodesean by birth that was forced to flee the country when Mugabe came to power due to his military service. He moved to South Africa where he ran an adventure school and bred falcons in an amateur capacity. Through a contact in the Falconry world, he met Sheikh Butti, a senior member of the Royal family of Dubai and a prominent man in the UAE. Sheikh Butti is a falcon connoseur, a descendant of thousands of years of men who worked with falcons in the “sport of kings.” The Arab world is a place where Falconry has long been considered a sacred sport, the Sheikh was one of these believers. Sheik Butti was looking for someone who could work for him breeding elite falcons in Dubai and he decided to give Howard a chance. Working out of a small quarters on the Sheikh’s farm for two years on nothing but a handshake and a small compensation package, Howard’s diligence and superior knowledge soon yielded successes that had eluded the Sheikh under lesser breeders. This led to great confidence and a deepening relationship between these two men and when Howard felt that he could no longer make sufficient progress with the birds in the hot and limited climate of the Dubai, Sheikh Butti requested that Howard think of what would be an ideal set up for him to continue his breeding and research operation. After some time Howard chose a location in the highlands of Scotland, not far from Inverness. This location offered him a perfect combination of cold climate for the birds, a peaceful location in which to do his work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733528-E4O55YT1W2D3R1P8F4EM/FalconsLrg_065.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733795-MFAG1LF9QODSH4JEVIQY/FalconsLrg_028.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, 18 OCTOBER 2018: Howard Waller attempts to resuscitate a young falcon he has bred from birth. The resuscitation was unsuccessful and the falcon died. Howard was attempting to tranquilize the bird for DNA swabbing for transport to Scotland for breeding purposes. The falcon has too much water in its system and its lungs collapsed, the water was supposed to have been removed the day before from all cages but was not done in the case of this particular bird. Howard Waller is one of the world’s premier Falcon breeders. He is a Rhodesean by birth that was forced to flee the country when Mugabe came to power due to his military service. He moved to South Africa where he ran an adventure school and bred falcons in an amateur capacity. Through a contact in the Falconry world, he met Sheikh Butti, a senior member of the Royal family of Dubai and a prominent man in the UAE. Sheikh Butti is a falcon connoseur, a descendant of thousands of years of men who worked with falcons in the “sport of kings.” The Arab world is a place where Falconry has long been considered a sacred sport, the Sheikh was one of these believers. Sheik Butti was looking for someone who could work for him breeding elite falcons in Dubai and he decided to give Howard a chance. Working out of a small quarters on the Sheikh’s farm for two years on nothing but a handshake and a small compensation package, Howard’s diligence and superior knowledge soon yielded successes that had eluded the Sheikh under lesser breeders. This led to great confidence and a deepening relationship between these two men and when Howard felt that he could no longer make sufficient progress with the birds in the hot and limited climate of the Dubai, Sheikh Butti requested that Howard think of what would be an ideal set up for him to continue his breeding and research operation. After some time Howard chose a location in the highlands of Scotland, not far from Inverness. This location offered him a perfect combinati https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733815-Z7P606BHDNRPKNRU4F87/FalconsLrg_066.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 16, 2018: A mallard duck is placed inside a drone and then dropped from height to train elite falcons in the desert outside Dubai. Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are capti https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733625-JDIUT2KT9YS6BQN9FG48/FalconsLrg_032.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. These are some of his housing facilities for the birds, air-conditioned indoor arenas. Most birds used in modern day arabian falconry come from colder climates and so are housed this way. They are also only flown very early in the morning or late in the evening. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often ar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733926-NUY2TYXMATMCB2J6NLBD/FalconsLrg_068.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733639-DV7SKGJ5MC197RSVY4IV/FalconsLrg_033.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. These are some of his housing facilities for the birds, both air-conditioned indoor and outdoor arenas.The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast ma https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733808-8IMLDGA9CT3G2MXJ2OXU/FalconsLrg_072.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733566-B3DL7F2EQBZQ3QGYYWD2/FalconsLrg_081.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 12 2018: Maktoum Maktoum, the son of Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seen while he trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733560-NM824A85JUJB1PF8M1YV/FalconsLrg_083.jpg Falcons Today https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733609-V8UP7VFCOHREW6P0T6GT/FalconsLrg_085.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, 15 OCTOBER 2018: Captive bred Gyr hybrid falcons, a new breed of super falcon, capture Mallard ducks during training in the desert outside Dubai. These birds will be used for falcon hunts in Pakistan and Uzbekistan and an incredible amount of care is taken with their breeding and welfare. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-br https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733856-NERLSPP5GVERMJXXUEEK/FalconsLrg_087.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, 15 OCTOBER 2018: Captive bred Gyr hybrid falcons, a new breed of super falcon, capture Mallard ducks during training in the desert outside Dubai. These birds will be used for falcon hunts in Pakistan and Uzbekistan and an incredible amount of care is taken with their breeding and welfare. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-br https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733579-X3HSDSNZDGZY8AIUKRS3/FalconsLrg_090.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, 4TH DECEMBER 2017: Sheikh’s Rashid and Maktoum Maktoum train their falcons in the Dubai desert on a windy day. These days are more difficult to train on but help to build strength in the falcons. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733782-L7GWISSSHL57FJ4FXCR3/FalconsLrg_096.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, 4TH DECEMBER 2017: Sheikh’s Rashid and Maktoum Maktoum train their falcons in the Dubai desert on a windy day. These days are more difficult to train on but help to build strength in the falcons. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733653-6MQRVQKSJKAT3QAG0REC/FalconsLrg_101.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER , 2017: Peter Bergh, co-owner of Royal Shaheen Falconry, is seen working on his radio controlled aircraft,, the "Berghwing" which he has designed along wiht a Belegium pilot. It is the most advanced RC aircraft being used in falconry training today. It is a far more radical design than any of the other current RC offerings. This allows him to more close imitate the movements of the prey species and also the falcons themselves. Peter developed the wing alongside a pilot from Belgium and it’s enclosed propeller and GPS auto guidance system is a cut above anything else currently on the market. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the fi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733904-RSQMN92TU0HGKL92GVL4/FalconsLrg_102.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER , 2017: Peter Bergh, co-owner of Royal Shaheen Falconry, trains a new falcon with his son Henry in the desert outside of Dubai. Peter is heavily involved in falconry for tourism in Dubai, showcasing cultural heritage in the region. He has also developed a radio-controlled aircraft that tows a lure for training falcons, he calls this the Bergh Wing and it is a far more radical design than any of the other current RC offerings. This allows him to more close imitate the movements of the prey species and also the falcons themselves. Peter developed the wing alongside a pilot from Belgium and it’s enclosed propeller and GPS auto guidance system is a cut above anything else currently on the market. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert regio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733869-3R2L3FAI2GAMGNIQHL4H/FalconsLrg_103.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 2, 2017: Peter Bergh, co-owner of Royal Shaheen Falconry, trains a new falcon in the desert outside of Dubai using his own design for a radio controlled plane. Peter is heavily involved in falconry for tourism in Dubai, showcasing cultural heritage in the region. He has developed a radio-controlled aircraft that tows a lure for training falcons, he calls this the Bergh Wing and it is a far more radical design than any of the other current RC offerings. This allows him to more close imitate the movements of the prey species and also the falcons themselves. Peter developed the wing alongside a pilot from Belgium and it’s enclosed propeller and GPS auto guidance system is a cut above anything else currently on the market. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive t https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733496-O4P5SQB8T3QCIUML59TO/FalconsLrg_112.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, 22 OCTOBER 2018: Passengers for a Falcon hunt in Uzbekistan prepare to depart Dubai on a private flight reserved for Dubai royalty. The falcon handlers are in the back of the plane with the birds. The sheiks and UAE royalty usually depart the next day on another private flight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733693-JEVH602G41TMO20A2HH3/FalconsLrg_113.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, 22 OCTOBER 2018: Passengers for a Falcon hunt in Uzbekistan prepare to depart Dubai on a private flight reserved for Dubai royalty. The falcon handlers are in the back of the plane with the birds. The sheiks and UAE royalty usually depart the next day on another private flight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158734006-MYUSOKYYAW7GIMAW9E23/FalconsLrg_115.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 2 DECEMBER 2017: A falcon hunting camp in the desert outside Abu Dhabi, UAE. This camp uses captive bred Houbara Bustards, the preferred prey species of Arab Falconers across the region. Rashid and Maktoum Al Maktoum, two young sheiks from the Dubai Royal family, are seen hunting with their Gyr and Saker falcons. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733913-W9EEGE3OIQ8HCDT3YGE5/FalconsLrg_120.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Rashid and Maktoum Maktoum, the sons of Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, hunt Curlews with their falcons in the desert outside Sharjah. On this day, Rashid caught 3 Curlews with his newly trained falcons, something which pleased him a great deal.After the hunt, he used the captured Curlews to further train his falcons for the ultimate prey, the Houbara Bustard. The Sheikh, his father, begins falcon training before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733660-VNOFYMSIDOKGZCUOZ31Z/FalconsLrg_122.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 2 DECEMBER 2017: A falcon hunting camp in the desert outside Abu Dhabi, UAE. This camp uses captive bred Houbara Bustards, the preferred prey species of Arab Falconers across the region. Rashid and Maktoum Al Maktoum, two young sheiks from the Dubai Royal family, are seen hunting with their Gyr and Saker falcons. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733756-5BKASZBM9R7647LCRAMM/FalconsLrg_124.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 2 DECEMBER 2017: A falcon hunting camp in the desert outside Abu Dhabi, UAE. This camp uses captive bred Houbara Bustards, the preferred prey species of Arab Falconers across the region. Rashid and Maktoum Al Maktoum, two young sheiks from the Dubai Royal family, are seen hunting with their Gyr and Saker falcons. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733687-7S90979GIRS5SBJSKHDY/FalconsLrg_127.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 2 DECEMBER 2017: A falcon hunting camp in the desert outside Abu Dhabi, UAE. This camp uses captive bred Houbara Bustards, the preferred prey species of Arab Falconers across the region. Rashid and Maktoum Al Maktoum, two young sheiks from the Dubai Royal family, are seen hunting with their Gyr and Saker falcons. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733939-287ROIRBJM1P6HC01FHC/FalconsLrg_130.jpg Falcons Today BERGA SOKUR RESERVE, WESTERN ABU DHABI, MARCH 27, 2018: Houbara Bustard egg selection and maintenance inside the International Fund for Houbara Conservations National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi. These birds are specially bred to replenish depleted wild populations and are the primary prey species for falconers from the Middle East. The idea is to create a sustainable population for future falcon hunts. The birds are released as juveniles, coming off a special diet that weens them for their new environments. The following is how the National Avian Research centre in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, describes its role: “ National Avian Research Centre - Sweihan The Center located in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, was established in 1989 as the first center specialized in breeding and conducting research related to the Asian Houbarabustard. In 1996, the center produced its first Asian captive bred Houbara chick among fifteen breeds that were produced during the year. The year 2004 witnessed the release of five Houbara bustards casting the first batch of captive bred Houbara released in the wild in the United Arab Emirates. The releasing of captive bred Houbara continues every year in different locations within the country. In 2007, the first case of hatching four chicks from female captive bred Houbara was observed in three wild nests. Researchers at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation are studying the movements of birds carrying tracking devices throughout their range countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. The National Avian Research Centre has become the leading center of Asian Houbara research with advanced programs of observation and studying the physiological, genetic and behavioral characteristics of the Asian Houbara. The Center pays great attention to its program of releasing Asian captive bred Houbara within the UAE. We, at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, recognize that our efforts alone are not sufficient to achieve our long-term s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733502-37EWQDRALZQGOZ84PH0G/FalconsLrg_131.jpg Falcons Today BERGA SOKUR RESERVE, WESTERN ABU DHABI, MARCH 27, 2018: Houbara Bustard egg selection and maintenance inside the International Fund for Houbara Conservations National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi. These birds are specially bred to replenish depleted wild populations and are the primary prey species for falconers from the Middle East. The idea is to create a sustainable population for future falcon hunts. The birds are released as juveniles, coming off a special diet that weens them for their new environments. The following is how the National Avian Research centre in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, describes its role: “ National Avian Research Centre - Sweihan The Center located in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, was established in 1989 as the first center specialized in breeding and conducting research related to the Asian Houbarabustard. In 1996, the center produced its first Asian captive bred Houbara chick among fifteen breeds that were produced during the year. The year 2004 witnessed the release of five Houbara bustards casting the first batch of captive bred Houbara released in the wild in the United Arab Emirates. The releasing of captive bred Houbara continues every year in different locations within the country. In 2007, the first case of hatching four chicks from female captive bred Houbara was observed in three wild nests. Researchers at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation are studying the movements of birds carrying tracking devices throughout their range countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. The National Avian Research Centre has become the leading center of Asian Houbara research with advanced programs of observation and studying the physiological, genetic and behavioral characteristics of the Asian Houbara. The Center pays great attention to its program of releasing Asian captive bred Houbara within the UAE. We, at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, recognize that our efforts alone are not sufficient to achieve our long-term s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733919-AQCV7I1XOW1X2AGCT8IF/FalconsLrg_133.jpg Falcons Today BERGA SOKUR RESERVE, WESTERN ABU DHABI, MARCH 27, 2018: Houbara Bustard egg selection and maintenance inside the International Fund for Houbara Conservations National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi. These birds are specially bred to replenish depleted wild populations and are the primary prey species for falconers from the Middle East. The idea is to create a sustainable population for future falcon hunts. The birds are released as juveniles, coming off a special diet that weens them for their new environments. The following is how the National Avian Research centre in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, describes its role: “ National Avian Research Centre - Sweihan The Center located in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, was established in 1989 as the first center specialized in breeding and conducting research related to the Asian Houbarabustard. In 1996, the center produced its first Asian captive bred Houbara chick among fifteen breeds that were produced during the year. The year 2004 witnessed the release of five Houbara bustards casting the first batch of captive bred Houbara released in the wild in the United Arab Emirates. The releasing of captive bred Houbara continues every year in different locations within the country. In 2007, the first case of hatching four chicks from female captive bred Houbara was observed in three wild nests. Researchers at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation are studying the movements of birds carrying tracking devices throughout their range countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. The National Avian Research Centre has become the leading center of Asian Houbara research with advanced programs of observation and studying the physiological, genetic and behavioral characteristics of the Asian Houbara. The Center pays great attention to its program of releasing Asian captive bred Houbara within the UAE. We, at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, recognize that our efforts alone are not sufficient to achieve our long-term s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733841-MKTN5CT7U8N64FU1IOK8/FalconsLrg_135.jpg Falcons Today BERGA SOKUR RESERVE, WESTERN ABU DHABI, MARCH 27, 2018: Images from the International Fund for Houbara Conservations National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi. On this occasion over 200 captive bred Houbara Bustard’s were selected from breeding pens and released into the Berga Sokur reserve in the deserts of Abu Dhabi. These birds are specially bred to replenish depleted wild populations and are the primary prey species for falconers from the Middle East. The idea is to create a sustainable population for future falcon hunts. The birds are released as juveniles, coming off a special diet that weens them for their new environments. The following is how the National Avian Research centre in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, describes its role: “ National Avian Research Centre - Sweihan The Center located in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, was established in 1989 as the first center specialized in breeding and conducting research related to the Asian Houbarabustard. In 1996, the center produced its first Asian captive bred Houbara chick among fifteen breeds that were produced during the year. The year 2004 witnessed the release of five Houbara bustards casting the first batch of captive bred Houbara released in the wild in the United Arab Emirates. The releasing of captive bred Houbara continues every year in different locations within the country. In 2007, the first case of hatching four chicks from female captive bred Houbara was observed in three wild nests. Researchers at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation are studying the movements of birds carrying tracking devices throughout their range countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. The National Avian Research Centre has become the leading center of Asian Houbara research with advanced programs of observation and studying the physiological, genetic and behavioral characteristics of the Asian Houbara. The Center pays great attention to its program of releasing Asian captive bred Houbara within the UAE. We, at the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733774-WZRA2M6CZLBCVU5H1RFB/FalconsLrg_138.jpg Falcons Today BERGA SOKUR RESERVE, WESTERN ABU DHABI, MARCH 27, 2018: Images from the International Fund for Houbara Conservations National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi. On this occasion over 200 captive bred Houbara Bustard’s were selected from breeding pens and released into the Berga Sokur reserve in the deserts of Abu Dhabi. These birds are specially bred to replenish depleted wild populations and are the primary prey species for falconers from the Middle East. The idea is to create a sustainable population for future falcon hunts. The birds are released as juveniles, coming off a special diet that weens them for their new environments. The following is how the National Avian Research centre in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, describes its role: “ National Avian Research Centre - Sweihan The Center located in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, was established in 1989 as the first center specialized in breeding and conducting research related to the Asian Houbarabustard. In 1996, the center produced its first Asian captive bred Houbara chick among fifteen breeds that were produced during the year. The year 2004 witnessed the release of five Houbara bustards casting the first batch of captive bred Houbara released in the wild in the United Arab Emirates. The releasing of captive bred Houbara continues every year in different locations within the country. In 2007, the first case of hatching four chicks from female captive bred Houbara was observed in three wild nests. Researchers at the International Fund for Houbara Conservation are studying the movements of birds carrying tracking devices throughout their range countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. The National Avian Research Centre has become the leading center of Asian Houbara research with advanced programs of observation and studying the physiological, genetic and behavioral characteristics of the Asian Houbara. The Center pays great attention to its program of releasing Asian captive bred Houbara within the UAE. We, at the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733947-BYQ9610I10C5TJQHTLGI/FalconsLrg_139.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017: Emirati falconers walk past a mural depicting traditional Bedouin life in the desert with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditioned vehicles with special perches to and from the training grounds. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. Falcons were severely threatened 50 years ago by the advent of chemicals like https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733742-PEK53QFCOASAT2X09N6P/FalconsLrg_143.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2017: Scenes from Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the largest and best known falcon hospital in the world. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. These scenes depict falcons being x-rayed, given endoscopies to ensure there are no internal problems and having their throats checked to ensure none of the common diseases may be present. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733674-W6QFQK9P9QB2AL10W72A/FalconsLrg_144.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2017: Scenes from Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the largest and best known falcon hospital in the world. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. These scenes depict falcons being x-rayed, given endoscopies to ensure there are no internal problems and having their throats checked to ensure none of the common diseases may be present. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733834-V59NCXO1R0MFMEKWN83U/FalconsLrg_146.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2017: Scenes from Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the largest and best known falcon hospital in the world. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. These scenes depict falcons being x-rayed, given endoscopies to ensure there are no internal problems and having their throats checked to ensure none of the common diseases may be present. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733827-ZN7CF5REWIPXN7QUYVUQ/FalconsLrg_149.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2017: Scenes from Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the largest and best known falcon hospital in the world. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. These scenes depict falcons being x-rayed, given endoscopies to ensure there are no internal problems and having their throats checked to ensure none of the common diseases may be present. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733788-ID7Q416T2CX5B3TV53TJ/FalconsLrg_150.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2017: Scenes from Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the largest and best known falcon hospital in the world. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. These scenes depict falcons being x-rayed, given endoscopies to ensure there are no internal problems and having their throats checked to ensure none of the common diseases may be present. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733998-YUEKGI1IVA6U85CQ4BU4/FalconsLrg_152.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER , 2017: Scenes from Dubai Falcon Hospital, the private facility of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the deputy ruler of Dubai. This is the oldest falcon hospital in the world and is used by Sheikh Hamdan and his family and associates. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. These scenes depict falcons being x-rayed, given endoscopies to ensure there are no internal problems and having their throats checked to ensure none of the common diseases may be present. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733515-VU5R8QK0KUGFNSUTWZUG/FalconsLrg_154.jpg Falcons Today ABU DHABI, UAE, 5 DECEMBER 2017: Scenes from the annual International Association of Falconry conference in Abu Dhabi. Representatives from all around the world attend the festival where cultures share falconing techniques and knowledge and agreements on future efforts are agreed upon. This year also saw female falconers from the Emirates Faconers Club attend the festival. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733700-JYFS05XZC4EUW4WMDG0Q/FalconsLrg_157.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 4, 2017: A falconer from Royal Shaheen Falcons flies a falcon from a Jumeriah hotel group rooftop, the famous Burg Al Arab in the background. Falcons are flown around a number of hotels in Dubai as a means of pest control from pigeons and crows. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733897-5QVKGT32ALHKMBLCRUG9/FalconsLrg_159.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 4, 2017: A falconer from Royal Shaheen Falcons flies a falcon from a Jumeriah hotel group rooftop, the famous Burg Al Arab in the background. Falcons are flown around a number of hotels in Dubai as a means of pest control from pigeons and crows. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733721-H4V9B2CZXCRQEB5K9XV9/FalconsLrg_160.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, 26 September, 2017: Tourist balloons take off in the desert outside of Dubai. Inside the basket are two falconers from Royal Shaheen Falconry who will entertain the crowd with falconry at height over the desert. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733521-L8C0V8BD030KPJ6KJIMG/FalconsLrg_162.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, September 30, 2017: Royal Shaheen falconer Esmerie Van Aarde, perfoms a falcon show for tourists from a hot air balloon over the desert in a Dubai dawn. This is the only known flight of falcons from a hot air balloon and this show is conducted for tourists who are interested in the cultural heritage of the Emirates. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733547-E4BKQ49ZTVTLL090L88F/FalconsLrg_165.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 12, 2018: Swiss tourists experience the essence of falconry on a tour with Royal Shaheen, a group specializes in falconry events in Dubai. Falcons were severely threatened 50 years ago by the advent of chemicals like DDT, the Arab world has been at the forefront of restoring falcon populations and it is the Arab world that is the epicenter for breeding and the largest client for these birds. This resurgence has elevated Falconry to the status of Intangible Heritage by Unesco. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733573-O9SDCTQGYEEDFOJQ3CZP/FalconsLrg_166.jpg Falcons Today DUBAI, UAE, OCTOBER 12, 2018: Swiss tourists experience the essence of falconry on a tour with Royal Shaheen, a group specializes in falconry events in Dubai. Falcons were severely threatened 50 years ago by the advent of chemicals like DDT, the Arab world has been at the forefront of restoring falcon populations and it is the Arab world that is the epicenter for breeding and the largest client for these birds. This resurgence has elevated Falconry to the status of Intangible Heritage by Unesco. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733645-95DDMA5FS28RVG7C2IY7/FalconsLrg_173.jpg Falcons Today ALPINE, CALIFORNIA, 12 MAY 2018: Visitors to Sky Falconry experience what it is like to work with a bird of prey as they handle a Harris Hawk for the first time. Sky Falconry is one of the few USA Falconry schools licensed to bring this experience to people who are not falconers. Guests go on a hawk walk in the mountains and learn how to use a glove and how to handle the bird when it flies to and from the glove. Falconry is a heavily governed sport in the USA where organizations like the Peregrine Fund have done a great deal to restore raptors in the wild. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733596-VNI5TAJJGUS5R24VJ83W/FalconsLrg_174.jpg Falcons Today ALPINE, CALIFORNIA, 12 MAY 2018: Visitors to Sky Falconry experience what it is like to work with a bird of prey as they handle a Harris Hawk for the first time. Sky Falconry is one of the few USA Falconry schools licensed to bring this experience to people who are not falconers. Guests go on a hawk walk in the mountains and learn how to use a glove and how to handle the bird when it flies to and from the glove. Falconry is a heavily governed sport in the USA where organizations like the Peregrine Fund have done a great deal to restore raptors in the wild. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733848-TM44O40N3JRQKKFMS4P3/FalconsLrg_181.jpg Falcons Today SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE, USA, 26 MAY 2018: Falconry handler John Prucich, also known as the FalcOner, wrangles falcons, owls and buzzards on a photo shoot. John runs a Seattle based company specializing in "all things birds of prey." On this day he was working with Fine Art photographer Kindra Nikole Timmerwilke and model Rachel Dooley as they photographed a series of fantasy scenes in the wilderness around Seattle. John worked with a buzzard, two falcons and two owls to help Kindra and Rachel achieve the vision they have for this series of fine art images. Raptors and especially falcons, are a part of mythology in many cultures and are held up as icons of power and grace around the world. We see them on currency, in superhero comics and films and across the Arab world as a powerful symbol. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) http://www.the-falconer.com/about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733766-FSS0W0D5NCJL1QAJP7ZU/FalconsLrg_184.jpg Falcons Today SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE, USA, 26 MAY 2018: Falconry handler John Prucich, also known as the FalcOner, wrangles falcons, owls and buzzards on a photo shoot. John runs a Seattle based company specializing in "all things birds of prey." On this day he was working with Fine Art photographer Kindra Nikole Timmerwilke and model Rachel Dooley as they photographed a series of fantasy scenes in the wilderness around Seattle. John worked with a buzzard, two falcons and two owls to help Kindra and Rachel achieve the vision they have for this series of fine art images. Raptors and especially falcons, are a part of mythology in many cultures and are held up as icons of power and grace around the world. We see them on currency, in superhero comics and films and across the Arab world as a powerful symbol. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) http://www.the-falconer.com/about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733615-ZB2U9DTEFPGRYYQ6GDKV/FalconsLrg_187.jpg Falcons Today SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE, USA, 26 MAY 2018: Falconry handler John Prucich, also known as the FalcOner, wrangles falcons, owls and buzzards on a photo shoot. John runs a Seattle based company specializing in "all things birds of prey." On this day he was working with Fine Art photographer Kindra Nikole Timmerwilke and model Rachel Dooley as they photographed a series of fantasy scenes in the wilderness around Seattle. John worked with a buzzard, two falcons and two owls to help Kindra and Rachel achieve the vision they have for this series of fine art images. Raptors and especially falcons, are a part of mythology in many cultures and are held up as icons of power and grace around the world. We see them on currency, in superhero comics and films and across the Arab world as a powerful symbol. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) http://www.the-falconer.com/about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733534-EC4ZX3LTDO2OKGFMNIRP/FalconsLrg_189.jpg Falcons Today SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE, USA, 26 MAY 2018: Falconry handler John Prucich, also known as the FalcOner, wrangles falcons, owls and buzzards on a photo shoot. John runs a Seattle based company specializing in "all things birds of prey." On this day he was working with Fine Art photographer Kindra Nikole Timmerwilke and model Rachel Dooley as they photographed a series of fantasy scenes in the wilderness around Seattle. John worked with a buzzard, two falcons and two owls to help Kindra and Rachel achieve the vision they have for this series of fine art images. Raptors and especially falcons, are a part of mythology in many cultures and are held up as icons of power and grace around the world. We see them on currency, in superhero comics and films and across the Arab world as a powerful symbol. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) http://www.the-falconer.com/about https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158733749-AE80H51P0O36D6OQE17W/FalconsLrg_191.jpg Falcons Today JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING, 14TH JUNE 2018: Fred Hamilton James,17, is seen with his Red-Tail Hawk, Misty, out in the woods of Wyoming. Fred asked his parents for a falcon from the age of 12. They steadfastly refused him, knowing how much of a commitment a bird like that would be. When Fred was 15, doctors discovered he had a brain tumor that necessitated emergency surgery. When Fred came out of the anesthesia, one of the first things he said was, “Can I have a falcon?” At that point his parents would have given him anything. They said yes, and Fred set out to trap a wild falcon. At around the same time, their neighbor called, knowing of Fred’s passion for birds. “There’s a Golden Eagle trapped in our Fence, come on over.” This turned out to be Misty and Fred and her have been together ever since. Fred says that ever since he was young he’s wanted to be a falconer, now he wants to find a way to make it his life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/akashinga-the-brave-ones daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891625-FVN8WB5BBWBT377T85UX/AkashingaWeb_001.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Specially selected women from an all female. conservation ranger force undergo concealment and fire and movement training in the bush to curb poaching. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds ha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891588-9RBDZN7K4X4H6OV6PGZH/AkashingaWeb_050.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Sergeant Vimbai is seen as a role model in her community. Through her conservation work she has distanced herself from an extremely abusive marriage and is now able to pay school fees for her children despite coming from the poorest demographic in Zimbabwe. She is part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891703-Z3HAWSVB6QMO2ZPCUHI2/AkashingaWeb_013.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones KAROI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Seven village men injured by a leopard receive treatment from Akashinga Sergeant Vimbai Kumire. The men were injured when they foolishly pursued and killed a leopard that had strayed into their fields. Although this is an illegal act, the Akashinga forces deployed to help the injured and take the more seriously wounded to hospital over 50km away. This is the kind of community relations these women rely on to be effective in their work. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891543-DJ66UN8DFWLBLD90N98S/AkashingaWeb_002.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891661-JS094TYDR26GHOK42F37/AkashingaWeb_014.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones KAROI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Seven village men injured by a leopard receive treatment from Akashinga Sergeant Vimbai Kumire. The men were injured when they foolishly pursued and killed a leopard that had strayed into their fields. Although this is an illegal act, the Akashinga forces deployed to help the injured and take the more seriously wounded to hospital over 50km away. This is the kind of community relations these women rely on to be effective in their work. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891409-58BU8TG4WYFPNDQY1DMH/AkashingaWeb_003.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891465-V7NDWBQPI75946G896XB/AkashingaWeb_015.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: A 5 member patrol walks through the wilderness they protect in Phundundu. This patrol is in the bush for 5 days at a time. They are part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891421-AXZKU3URW8APGN1VC587/AkashingaWeb_004.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891391-IOOW1ZABRAV9N9AQQF9D/AkashingaWeb_016.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: A 5 member patrol walks through the wilderness they protect in Phundundu. This patrol is in the bush for 5 days at a time. They are part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891672-I94ACHSDJ5ZK19ZA6AIS/AkashingaWeb_005.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891441-89R2O6F5EOI5M6U4ULXS/AkashingaWeb_017.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: A 5 member patrol walks through the wilderness they protect in Phundundu. This patrol is in the bush for 5 days at a time. They are part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891666-4HATJYUF4KXRNHEEKG1C/AkashingaWeb_006.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891697-9GCR8OV1ZKQIECUQ3TNB/AkashingaWeb_018.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: A 5 member patrol walks through the wilderness they protect in Phundundu. This patrol is in the bush for 5 days at a time. They are part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891630-6234UN084TDH73LCMZ2C/AkashingaWeb_007.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891649-M1GRCNVVKE3VLA3KFNNB/AkashingaWeb_019.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: An Akashinga patrol member discovers and dismantles animal snares in the wilderness they protect in Phundundu. This patrol is in the bush for 5 days at a time. They are part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891606-UZ2APP2HHXF7CQK19TFT/AkashingaWeb_008.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891521-3D7FTPEF29IAVNVPKTY8/AkashingaWeb_020.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: A patrol group takes a break as they walk through the wilderness they protect in Phundundu. This patrol is in the bush for 5 days at a time. They are part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891612-4CTODSQ2MHEHUPXTY2B5/AkashingaWeb_009.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891532-AXVNTE4OSNPOUPB0ZBOG/AkashingaWeb_021.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Here some of these women are seen interacting with elephant and out on patrol. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally reliant on the nature, credibility and intuition o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891575-K4NXT6OW42R4D5HKQ3N6/AkashingaWeb_010.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as Akashinga undergo tough training in the bush near their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891678-3DSF2J9METJTWESTKOUQ/AkashingaWeb_022.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Here some of these women are seen interacting with elephant and out on patrol. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally reliant on the nature, credibility and intuition o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891618-308IPSSU8DWHRPP2S5L7/AkashingaWeb_011.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. In this image the women are seen working with the local community trying to find an elephant that has become a crop raider. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally relia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891550-0DEWQZ3ETN8BYTD74H0W/AkashingaWeb_023.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: A 5 member patrol cooks vegan food at an observation point in the wilderness they protect in Phundundu. This patrol is in the bush for 5 days at a time. They are part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891526-ZYUW4I1BJD1NZWQFY8OW/AkashingaWeb_012.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Specially selected women from an all female. conservation ranger force undergo sniper training in the bush to curb poaching. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally reli https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891415-HN7NV2JYUMSHC7RC2CPN/AkashingaWeb_024.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” undergo house penetration training near their base for operations against organized environmental criminals. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891563-SGDRYSC9SCNXMX4NL45E/AkashingaWeb_025.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” undergo house penetration training near their base for operations against organized environmental criminals. They are being taught by Damien Mander, former Australian SAS member. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891504-FH2OSMGG5BMXRT1XE9XJ/AkashingaWeb_026.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” undergo house penetration training near their base for operations against organized environmental criminals. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891434-Z0I76C3BUEH8ZKIEKTKI/AkashingaWeb_027.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” undergo house penetration training near their base for operations against organized environmental criminals. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891684-DPAB4KA8YC330SFW42CM/AkashingaWeb_028.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones KAROI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” prepare to enter a dwelling during a 2am night operation against a known poaching group, working alongside Zimbabwean Criminal Investigation Division officers. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and MAPP, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891601-2S25L4LYQB53NTTSS834/AkashingaWeb_029.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones KAROI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” speak to a teenager to gain information during a 2am night operation against a known poaching group, they were working alongside Zimbabwean Criminal Investigation Division officers. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and MAPP, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891569-UC17R74593XLSF1RGW1Z/AkashingaWeb_030.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher and discover sacks of skins in his basement. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891471-NWWM06B70RT6SBW2D8WD/AkashingaWeb_031.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher and discover sacks of skins in his basement. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891428-N1SE5AKV2EVDFYO9JS37/AkashingaWeb_032.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher and confiscate hunting rifles used to illegally shoot wildlife. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891478-Z8DAOGVD541X1H0Z7A10/AkashingaWeb_033.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher and confiscate hunting rifles used to illegally shoot wildlife. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891459-MB3F4LUFOXW60OC08J7F/AkashingaWeb_034.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones CHIRUNDU, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: The wife of a poacher hands over illegal animal skins to a member of the female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga.” Intelligence for this anti-poaching operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891484-JCNXVRYCC9712BMMFU6B/AkashingaWeb_035.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones KAROI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” interview a poachers wife during a night operation against a known poaching group, working alongside Zimbabwean Criminal Investigation Division officers. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and MAPP, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891398-ULL78AACZ7YWR6AI5DA1/AkashingaWeb_036.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher after discovering leopard skins and other animals parts in his home. They are seen taking video testimony for court proceedings, it is likely this man will receive a minimum five years in prison. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891556-WV9QZ1H9PJ9BX3XLEN2Q/AkashingaWeb_037.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher after discovering leopard skins and other animals parts in his home. They are seen taking video testimony for court proceedings, it is likely this man will receive a minimum five years in prison. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891496-IMOJ8RQL864FDFRPZGD3/AkashingaWeb_038.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher after discovering leopard skins and other animals parts in his home. They are seen taking video testimony for court proceedings, it is likely this man will receive a minimum five years in prison. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891449-KUHQ3MRKNPLCZ2DOLQII/AkashingaWeb_039.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones MAKUTI, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest a notorious wildlife poacher after discovering leopard skins and other animals parts in his home. They are seen taking video testimony for court proceedings, it is likely this man will receive a minimum five years in prison. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and M.A.P.P, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891643-3N4TUSJ8IG71KDUOEESD/AkashingaWeb_040.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones CHINOY, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Undercover members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest an ivory poacher during night operations. This man had escaped custody once already until the Akashinga women tracked him down. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and MAPP, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891404-E9VMNFX7ZFOQCDIZIRKA/AkashingaWeb_041.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones CHINOY, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Undercover members of the all- female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” arrest an ivory poacher during night operations. This man had escaped custody once already until the Akashinga women tracked him down. Intelligence for the operation was gathered through the Akashinga community intelligence networks and MAPP, an anti-poaching group that works hand in hand with these female rangers. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891516-EQ4B1GVQVSW0HBJM45A0/AkashingaWeb_042.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force Akashinga seen in a tent classroom at their base. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally reliant on the nature, cred https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891581-RAR53BSI1LIJBFA40H66/AkashingaWeb_043.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” speak with a counsellor who comes to see them twice a month at their base. Many of these women come from extremely disadvataged and abusive situations and the organization believes that access to counselling is an empowering and often first time opportunity to bring up and deal with painful issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891491-Z1N6UFHYJMP0GO1UF9AJ/AkashingaWeb_044.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Femal Rangers visit a local truck stop. Before their new roles as conservation rangers, a number of these rangers may have seen such truck stops as their only means of making money through prostitution. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891454-HSCPMIK8T0NEXVCH0MTJ/AkashingaWeb_045.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Here members of the unit visit local schools where many of the young school girls view them as role models for self-empowerment. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891595-K7SJUJ3YQ9ZXF1DNTHGV/AkashingaWeb_046.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Here members of the unit visit local schools where many of the young school girls view them as role models for self-empowerment. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891510-5XJ7AJMMLMXNFMZJQSHI/AkashingaWeb_047.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: The female Akashinga members voluntarily all became vegans to demonstrate their commitment to all forms of life on the planet. They are seen being served vegan meals by vegan chefs who have come from South Africa to teach the rangers about vegan cooking. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891690-BHLLTXVFHJVFVF9YGKBM/AkashingaWeb_048.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force Akashinga seen in their spartan tent accommodation in their camp. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891636-MX8ZPVMHWSM3V4LBGRPH/AkashingaWeb_049.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, December 2018: Members of the all female conservation ranger force Akashinga seen in their spartan tent accommodation in their camp. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891655-BN47A80ZA19UB0OAIX62/AkashingaWeb_051.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Sergeant Vimbai Kamire comes home from the bush to visit her two daughters during her time off. Sergeant Vimbai is seen as a role model in her community. Through her conservation work she has distanced herself from an extremely abusive marriage and is now able to pay school fees for her children despite coming from the poorest demographic in Zimbabwe. She is part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158891538-8N5636634WM152BVZ64C/AkashingaWeb_052.jpg Akashinga - The Brave Ones PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, DECEMBER 2018: Sergeant Vimbai Kamire comes home from the bush to visit her two daughters during her time off. Sergeant Vimbai is seen as a role model in her community. Through her conservation work she has distanced herself from an extremely abusive marriage and is now able to pay school fees for her children despite coming from the poorest demographic in Zimbabwe. She is part of an all female conservation ranger force known as “Akashinga” Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting in Zimbabwe. Predominately male forces are often hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The International Anti-Poaching Foundation, led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organization used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ that defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. https://www.brentstirton.com/portraits daily 0.75 2025-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805091-ASIEZ1UYLW6DCKH6JAB8/portraits_001.jpg Portraits BEFALE, TSHUAPA, EQUATEUR PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 APRIL 2021: Henriete Bakete Wanda, 13, waits in an isolation room at remote Befale hospital to be treated with antibiotics for an infection of Monkeypox. Henriete is very fortunate that her mother knew the symptoms, brought her to the hospital early and could afford treatment. She is also fortunate that she lives in the same village as the hospital, ensuring that she could access treatment before the virus fully takes root and the tell-tale lesions appear on her body. In this rare case, early intervention has saved Henriete from possible death or long-term health complications. Monkeypox is first passed onto humans when an infected primate or rodent is eaten. Once that human is infected, they are highly contagious and multiple infections at a village level are common. In most cases, the remote rural poor cannot afford the medicine or the travel and expense of going to the nearest rural hospital. That hospital may also not have the necessary antibiotics. Superstition, traditional hunting of bushmeat as a protein source, traditional medicine practices and a failure to social distance all add to the infection rate once Monkeypox comes to a village. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805461-M8B2QVF6L8T808SS0TVR/portraits_028.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805353-M7L84HLB5GKDY214NYG4/Coloured_060+copy.jpg Portraits In South Africa the term ‘Coloured’ is used without offence and refers to five million plus people who have multiple heritages. One of the most traumatic events to happen to the coloured nation was the 1968 forced removal of more than 60,000 Coloured people from District 6, a traumatic decision by the Apartheid government that displaced people from their homes and business in the heart of Cape Town over to the Cape Flats in townships like Hanover Park and Mitchell’s Plain. This destroyed their economy, deeply affected extended family and threatened social order within the Coloured community. Gang culture and other forms of resistance emerged. Today, many Coloured people feel that after democracy came in 1994, they were once again thrown away by the ANC government, who many feel prioritized blacks over Coloureds. Today the murder rate in Cape Town averages 10 per day, many of those on the Cape Flats. The drug trade is a mainstay of gang income and there are thousands of addicts. Intergenerational trauma is a strong feature for many Coloured familes on the Cape Flats. That said, there are many successful Coloured people all over South Africa. One of the most significant movements amongst Coloured people today is recognition of their identity beyond the classification first given them by the British and then cemented under Apartheid. This section of the Coloured nation wants to be identified as Khoi and connected to the First People of South Africa. First image: Trevor Alexander Classen, 60, is supposedly the longest serving prisoner in South African history. Trevor feels today that the forced removal of coloured people from District 6 in Cape Town from 1968 was a huge factor in creating a territory mentality in coloured people in the Cape and subsequently laying the foundation for gangs across the Cape Flats. He says it was a case of “you say we are bad, let us show you how bad we can be.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805826-WWAZRLE3NU1FCR2T7V0M/B0007216.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804972-IQLI41G8C0KPIWNPHZ14/ITI_03477.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805687-D7JJMIRD2ALPVMWALRFQ/basicJerico+copy.jpg Portraits Jericho Brown, Pulitzer Prize winner for Poetry, 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805760-SZGAAMLDAOPW943WQ2OP/Bushmanatfence.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805317-RTDIA9C63MVW3P8X31XH/Andersonnew.jpg Portraits - Andersonnew.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Andersonnew.jpg CAPE COAST, GHANA, JULY 2009: Anderson Cooper and crew visit a former Slave Fortress on the Cape Coast of Ghana ahead of President Obama's visit to Ghana, July 12 2009. Slaves were interred at the fort throughout many years of slaving practise in Ghana's history. Anderson visited the cells and dungeons where many slaves perished over the centuries of slaving practise in Ghana. (Photo by Brent Stirton/CNN.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805820-DBSFJFGOLH6ZQUTY2KEA/portraits_004.jpg Portraits CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Navajo Punk rock band Sihasin is seen with their horse Moonshadow in a canyon in Cameron, Arizona. Sihasin comes from a long tradition of protest music and expouses traditional Navajo values to their audience. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805693-6PHELNIN4SM2PLNINQTS/portraits_005.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805813-DB2TZAW7KLGDM9WSEIZM/portraits_003.jpg Portraits PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, USA, 15 JULY 2015: Dr Carl June, head of the Cart19 cancer program at UPenn surveys the Philadelphia skyline from the construction platform for his new laboratory. The lab is being built with help from Novartis who have supported Dr June for a number of years. Dr June has pioneered new Gene therapy in the search for a cure for cancer, revolutionizing how we may come to conquer the disease. He and his team have developed a means by which to use the HIV virus as a targeting vector for cancer cells, allowing the patients own T-cells to go to war once they have been turned into super cells and re-injected into the patients body. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805132-AGCPJVUCJ7AXIDL5SXQB/LRAleader.jpg Portraits GULU, UGANDA, 20 NOVEMBER 2014: Caesar Ochelo, former Intelligence chief for the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, the notorious terror group that has spread chaos amongst the populations of Uganda, DR Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan since the eighties. Caesar claims he was abducted by the LRA and spent 25 years with them. Most experts agree that he joined voluntarily and he is credited with orchestrating many of the worst attrocities comitted by the LRA. Caesar was captured in 2012 but claims he was thinking of defecting. He now lives in Gulu, scene of many LRA attacks under an amnesty. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805576-WX3OI21HBWXFK23VC35F/Musangwesmall.jpg Portraits VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Mudshidzi, 15, and Nanjana, 13, Ndevana, are seen after a sparring session at their home in Venda. These two young fighters are the eldest sons of the president of the Musangwe comittee, Poison Ndevana. He says his two eldest are still too young to train seriously but he sees them as future champions. The two boys fight at every Musangwe event and are fearless of their opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Poison is a former Umkhonto Wi Sizwe ANC military wing fighter but he was already a Musangwe Champion before he joined the Liberation movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805169-OJG6LTR5SBK8FOFXO9HR/portraits_021.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805395-6GZKQDK57UATJE1RY0KH/Anthony.jpg Portraits In memory of Anthony, the youngest patient ever to use a Berlin Heart, a external device that replaces your own heart while you are waiting for an operation or a transplant. Anthony lived only a year or so after his final procedure, when he died of an opportunistic infection. He was a huge WWF wrestling fan. I met him for a micro-second and have never been able to forget him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805668-PNG6BU9H48A11RUJL1QI/portraits_095.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805738-JLI1MQIQFZK2EJHK7ERA/portraits_057.jpg Portraits TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A young Tuareg artisan boy, Anara Ag Hamay Cisse, 13 years old, stands in the dunes outside of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, January 18, 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805336-SH7FMP8V81NPWHAVETE3/portraits_007.jpg Portraits VARANASSI, INDIA, 2 OCTOBER 2013: Kumkum Chowdhary, 12, plays by herself on the roof of a small donor hospital in Varanassi, India. Kumkum is a victim of severe burns from a gas fire. India has one of the highest incidents of severe burns per capita yet has very few proper burns units throughout the country. Kumkum was severely burned when a naive boy in her village asked to hold a candle while he tried to transfer gas from one canister to another. He promised Kumkum a sweet if she would help him. The resultant explosion burnt her over most of her body, the boy was uninjured and ran away. Kumkum has been in this condition for more than three years with only basic medical care. Her parents are poor people and they cannot afford the necessary travel let alone medical care she requires. This hospital in Varanassi is one of the very few the poor can access. It is based on the efforts of a single doctor, a plastic surgeon who has made it his priority to serve the poor who would otherwise never be able to access this kind of surgery. Kumkum will first have her hands repaired to offer some use and then her face and body will be attended to. It will require at least a year of surgeries and recovery before she will be able to lead a normal life. This recovery is not something she would ever be able to access without the help of this unique facility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805545-SF9FRXHW2HENURTQOITD/Boysinvestssml.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805538-46ETY45AXH68IB9P8CMH/Portraits0002.jpg Portraits PATERNOSTER, SOUTH AFRICA, 2 APRIL 2017: Juan Villarino stands on a dirt road trying to hitch to from St Helena Bay to Paternoster. (Photo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805262-TZILYI5DDRXOAZI59D4F/_53A1771.jpg Portraits October 13, 2020: Emmanuel De Merode, Chief Warden of Virunga National Park. He is photographed in Mutwanga, at the foot of the Ruwenzori mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805512-H020FLVNM1C2X3D34SKS/addportraits_006.jpg Portraits ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDIA, USA, 21 MARCH 2016: Marine Cpl. Michael Jernigan was five weeks from leaving Iraq when an improvised explosive device mangled his right hand and left knee, shattered his entire forehead, destroyed both eyes and left him with a traumatic brain injury. The shrapnel from two rigged 105 shells blew him twenty meters out of the gun turret of the Humvee he was in, passing straight through his right eye and out of his left. This was on August 22, 2004. He became the first US serviceman to lose both eyes in combat in Iraq. Michael underwent 30 surgeries over 12 months enduring tremendous pain and trauma. He eventually had a Bilateral Anucleation where the remains of both eyes were removed and spacers were implanted. One of his optical nerves is badly damaged, the other remains intact. He has no sight whatsoever. Michael is seen in his hometown of St Petersburg, Florida with his new Guide dog “Treasure.” Mike was initially paired up with a guide dog from Southeastern Guide dogs in Florida and became involved with that organization. He helped start the Paws for Patriots non-profit program through the Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto as well as the Paws for Independence. Today he is the associate director of philanthropy for Southeastern Guide dogs and lives in St Petersburg, Florida, where he grew up. His mission is to provide guide dogs to veterans who have lost their sight in the course of their duties. Michael has also completed a college degree and is a regular speaker on behalf of US veterans. The currents state of research in Blindness is moving forward at a rapid pace. Retinal implants combined with Stem Cell technology and Gene Therapy, the future may well offer whole eye replacement, a dream for many in the world of blindness. Michael remains philosophical about this. “I have been blind for 11 and a half years now. I’m okay with being blind, Organ regeneration was once Star-Trek stuff but I know that these days they are moving ahea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805610-ST8AEUEN62IMLX21A0VK/NGSeminar_083.jpg Portraits ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 6 JANUARY 2015: Djime Said, 50, the lone survivor of the Ranger massacre at Heban, Chad, on the 3rd September 2012. The rangers were killed by poachers who were members of the Sudanese military. They killed the rangers because a few weeks earlier, the Rangers had found their camp and taken all their ammunition, horse and provisions. The attack occured in the very early morning when it was still dark and the Rangers were sleeping. Djime Said was employed as a cook with them in the rainy season. He said there was suddenly heavy firing out of nowhere and he found himself rolling down the steep hill that made up the Ranger post at Heban. He was shot in the buttocks but managed to hide away for the day and then come back to the camp that night where he confirmed all were dead and the camp looted. Said spend the next week trying to get to help, two days of which were spent wading through a dense swamp on his way to aid. He received $2000 compensation from the Chadian government for his injuries. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805569-VV39Z6J6YFSPBIBOZ05A/FB_006.jpg Portraits MBARE, HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 22 JANUARY 2020: Sekesayi Idah Hwiza, 86, is a former freedom fighter from Zimbabwe’s war of liberation. She was involved in a notorious incident where freedom fighters blew up a major fuel depot in Harare. She was involved in hiding the explosives and the fighters in her home and she was subsequently tortured by the authorities at the time. She was also threatened and hurt by the freedom fighters who were suspicious of what she may have told the authorities. She suffered from PTSD for many years and she claims that working with Friendship Benches helped her to get over that. The grandmothers of FB work as voluntary counselers for those who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. The participants are taught a structured approach to identifying problems and to find workable solutions. The grandmothers follow a detailed script contained in a manual to conduct 6 sessions on a bench located in a discreet area outside the clinic. They listen and have the trust of the patients due to the cultural traditions of older woman being beacons of trust and confidentiality. The Grandmothers say that they are also benefitting, their problems gain perspective and they have a better sense of community. This therapy was developed by Dixon Chibanda, Zimbabwe’s leading psychiatrist, and has spread around the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805053-JC9NNREGYRVNGP3W8KWY/portraits_007.jpg Portraits Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A Oneisan practices with her Shamisen at the Asakusa Kenban where Geisha shows are held for clients. The bridge of the Shamisen is made of ivory and the plectrum , known as a Bachi, is also made of ivory and is said to create the best sound. The skin on the front of her Shamisen is made of cat skin and the skin at the back is made of dog skin. The instrument itself was made 15 years ago. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally skins were made using dog or cat skin but use of these skins gradually fell out of favor starting around 2006 due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. The bachi or plectrum used to play the shamisen also differ in size, shape, and material from genre to genre. The bachi used for nagauta shamisen are made out of three possible materials, i.e. wood, plastic, or ivory. Ivory is the preferred substance and Shamisen players often believe it delivers the best sound. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805124-SG3965AZOLWIT8T6A8U2/portraits_006.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805163-YCRIGS3HFPTZW2OY7PZX/Portraits0004.jpg Portraits NABOOMSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, FEBRUARY 2017: Dean Botha, 14, is the only son in a family that has been attacked on their farm 4 times in the course of his young life. Deon has seen his grandparents badly beaten in the first attack, they were bludgeoned to death in the second attack, his mother raped by a farm worker in the third attack and in the most recent he was forced to flee into the bush at night when 5 men trapped his mother inside and he fled barefoot to seek help on a neighbouring farm 8 miles away. “I heard gunshots in the house and then men came out and took the truck, I thought they were looking for me so I went deeper into the bush to avoid being seen. I wanted to get to a neighbor, I did not know what those men had done to my mom. “ Deon is very angry as a result of these attacks and is seeing a psychologist to help him cope with his feelings. It took him a long time to leave the house after the most recent attack and he is obsessive about protection. He goes to boarding school now but calls his mother every night to check on her safety. His parents are stoic, saying they will remain on the farm despite these attacks: “This is our land, this is what we do, where should we go from here? We are surviving, we must go on, this is all that we know.” Gerda Botha regrets that her son has been exposed to this. “I wish I had been attacked while I was alone, my son should not have to cope with this. “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805706-3W701C15TL4U1T1HFK6A/Chimpanzee+and+African+woman.jpg Portraits LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is one of two women currently running Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house with Itsaso and Lorena, raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805008-DEFOBJCG9WJ7F904JWIW/portraits_006.jpg Portraits DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, trains his falcons in the desert outside Dubai. The Sheikh begins before dawn during the season, using multiple techniques to train the falcons to peak condition for hunting. He is preparing them for a falcon hunt in Uzbekistan where he will hunt alongside other members of the Royal family in a tradition that goes back millennia in the Arab world. His son’s Maktoum and Rashid are talented falconers who share his passion for the hunt; they accompany the Sheikh in his training sessions. Training consists of multiple techniques where lures are used in multiple manifestations. Hand lures, lures on ropes, lures towed behind radio -controlled airplanes. Live prey is also used to accustom the birds to killing and build a blood lust. These are typically released and the falcons must hunt them out of the sky. Quails, ducks and finally, the prey of choice, Houbara Bustards, are used to train the falcons. All of these prey species are bred in the region and in the international hunting areas specifically for this purpose. In the UAE, where a huge amount of progress has occurred at an accelerated rate over the last 60 years, falconry is seen as a link back to the past and to the ancient culture of the Bedouin. Falcons were used for centuries for hunting food and the Arabs have a long association with falcons. Nowadays it is the sport of choice across the Arab world. Twenty years ago, most of the birds used were from wild capture, a fact that meant falcons were taken from the wild and subjected to long and dangerous journeys from as far away as Siberia and Mongolia. Many did not survive and those that did often arrived sick and in poor condition. Most of those falcons also came from colder climates and did not survive the heat of the desert region. These days, the vast majority of falcons used in the UAE are captive bred birds. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and li https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805649-9VSOZFQYGM3VGNCABDFD/portraits_009.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805224-1MK0Z6SH95NQHSFGLOGV/portraits_025.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805557-3S88HDCEX2AABNVME5KV/Portraits0006.jpg Portraits MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: The president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmagio, the 9th elected president of this complicated country. President Farmagio is an American citizen and part of the Somali diaspora displaced around the world by civil war inside Somalia. He spent much of his time in the US in Buffalo NY advocating for the rights of minorities. Inside his office at Villa Somalia, he has a large portrait of Aden Abdulle Osman positioned directly in his line of sight. Osman was the first president of an independent Somalia, elected in 1960. President Farmagio says he likes to be able to look up and see that portrait because when Osman lost the campaign for re-election by one vote, he willing stepped down in one of the first true acts of African political democracy. Current President Farmagio sees this as an inspiration for leadership in Somalia, a country he hopes to lead to stability and increased prosperity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805311-3PRKHSK3YVAKE3P12PRQ/addportraits_009.jpg Portraits POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 APRIL 2016: Dawie Groenewalt, South Africa's alleged Rhino horn kingpin and the subject of a 6 year old court case involving multiple charges related to illegal Rhino handling, horn theft, money laundering amongst other charges. He is seen on his game farm in Polokwane where he breeds high-end game for sale and hunting purposes. Groenewalt has also been charged and arrested in the USA on animal trophy charges. Groenwalt denies any wrong doing. He is also one of the driving forces behind the court effort to legalize the rhino trade in South Africa. Interestingly, if horn was to be legalized, most of his charges would disapear and he would be in a prime position as a breeder to make significant money from rhino horn. He owns two large properties for breeding and hunting purposes and he hosts many international hunters on those properties. In a small circle of breeders, vets, lawyers and hunters, Dawie is connected to many people in this world. He states freely that South Africa's recent decent not to apply to CITES for the legalization of horn is a death knell for rhino in the wild in South Africa. He further alleges that Kruger National Park, the largest repository for Rhino in the world, vastly over-reports their rhino numbers. Interestingly again, Kruger is Groenwalt's largest source for Rhino, he has won repeated tenders for rhino from the park. He is also connected to John Hume, the worlds largest Rhino breeder and one of three partners in Groenwalt's legal efforts to legalize Rhino horn for export to Asia. He claims to receive multiple calls from both Chinese and Vietnamese buyers on a monthly basis, all asking for horn. He also tells of taking representatives from both nations to John Hume's place and to show them Hume's cache of horns from dehorning. This cache is allegedly worth in excess of 300 000 000 South African Rand, around 20 million dollars. He argues in favour of breeding and dehorning for export, stating that John Hume al https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804940-2ZN0OSCOUNLTIF1OYMO9/BigLife_054.jpg Portraits - BigLife_054.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) BigLife_054.jpg AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Ruben Saitoti, head of ranger training at the Big Life training center. Part of Big Life's conservation strategy is local recruitment of Maasai to preserve nature and also to win local hearts and minds.. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805066-MTW69E2C1V94TSYAUIQO/RP939cm26.jpg Portraits RP939cm26.tif https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805118-8IHBIOMXX7P98OHXW73S/portraits_030.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805582-704UAWC3VLOPCUA2H3QA/portraits_002.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805712-4OFJ42U0WASYBUSARJZD/Albinoskin.jpg Portraits Ghana: A village woman with Vitiligo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805629-EBNWL5K0LBF4CPP4TWCQ/portraits_002.jpg Portraits JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, FEBRUARY 2013: Sister Felicita Humwara, the head of history and religious studies at Juba Day Secondary School, Juba, South Sudan, February 3, 2013. Sister Humwara has taken a special interest in early marriage students and students who have fallen pregnant while at school. This is not uncommon in South Sudan. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805481-L1YZ8E6JP33PXK2UNNCP/portraits_008.jpg Portraits VARANASI, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: VARANASSI, INDIA, 2 OCTOBER 2013: Kumkum Chowdhary, 13, poses on the roof of a small donor hospital in Varanassi, India. She is seen 10 months after she first underwent surgery to heal her terrible burns. This is one of the very few facilities in India to offer plastic surgery to the poor. Kumkum is a victim of severe burns from a gas fire. India has one of the highest incidents of severe burns per capita yet has very few hospital burns units throughout the country. Kumkum was severely burned when a naive boy in her village asked to hold a candle while he tried to transfer gas from one canister to another. He promised Kumkum a sweet if she would help him. The resultant explosion burnt her over most of her body, the boy was uninjured and ran away. Kumkum has been in this condition for more than three years with only basic medical care. Her parents are poor people and they cannot afford the necessary travel let alone medical care she requires. This hospital in Varanassi is one of the very few the poor can access. It is based on the efforts of a single doctor, a plastic surgeon who has made it his priority to serve the poor who would otherwise never be able to access this kind of surgery. It will require at least 5 years of succesive surgeries and recovery before she will be able to lead a normal life. This recovery is not something Kumkum would ever be able to access without the help of this unique facility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805434-8FA7JMIL7QISJ7Z1CB8A/18628_0147.jpg Portraits CAPE COAST, GHANA, JULY 2009: Anderson Cooper and crew in Ghana to interview President Barack Obama as he visits a former Slave Fortress on the Cape Coast of Ghana , July 11 2009. Slaves were interred at the fort throughout many years of slaving practise in Ghana's history. Obama was in Ghana as part of a three country tour with Ghana as the final stop. (Photo by Brent Stirton/CNN.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805563-KQLEALMWL7X07GESJ5X3/portraits_023.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805195-1ZKS4F75RORTEE1CFW9W/portraits_024.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804952-KOON0MPHN4TET02CZJR2/portraits_008.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805745-OF3YSQZGFHSKOA79ZZCT/portraits_025.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805027-TDO6QX1TWG70ICW92SYT/portraits_012.jpg Portraits LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: A blind and mentally handicapped Dasenetch man, Michael, 20, in Lake Turkana North Kenya, 20 May 2010. A lack of any access to medical care resulted in brain damage when Michael was born. It remains an important priority for pastoralist tribes all over Kenya to have access to medical care in their communities in order to secure the well being of their people. The cost of this is driving many pastoralists to abandon traditional cattle practises and adopt other economic pursuits in order to cope with the pressures of their changing lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805157-ICVWVKRFU27U7XXT7625/portraits_014.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805467-CJJGG2E2U6MVE4VTVSCA/portraits_015.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805863-PA3GQN9MV16BMJUHAKX1/portraits_031.jpg Portraits Iraqi Olympic Wrestling champion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805383-9UP75EEQ0GZOCJHS45QC/portraits_038.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805079-PDM8MWFUEGVXNQR3OCV8/portraits_047.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805428-XP53TIH5J2CHJXCLXLFZ/portraits_051.jpg Portraits POLTAVA, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Scenes inside Poltava Tuberculosis clinic, a facility with insufficent resources which is the only facility for Tuberculosis patients in Poltava, Ukraine, 26 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805806-6UH2MMUSPAJB6BXF6D8V/portraits_054.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805850-F1MK92HEX0F37648ZKRV/portraits_059.jpg Portraits RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA-MAY 2004: A young aids orphan stands alone in a field after a church service. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805786-733ZJWDRX0F0YE2X1C0M/portraits_074.jpg Portraits RP047cm3.tif https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805021-9C4TVBCI3BOEIZM394BN/portraits_117.jpg Portraits JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA-JANUARY 2002: A masked man recovers from a severe Sadism and Masochism session with his Mistress at a house in suburban Johannesburg. During this session he was whipped and burnt with a cigar. This is the only means by which he finds a sense of self-worth. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805359-KPKNQ882CM8JL397CSZJ/portraits_082.jpg Portraits VATICAN CITY-ROME, SEPTEMBER 2005. A member of the Conclave to decide the next Pope, photographed at the Popes funeral in Rome 2005. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805267-YGW1H642O84N2T15M1KO/portraits_040.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805455-1Q5FYAU26FC1FK68E837/Virunga2020_004.jpg Portraits RUMANGABO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Emmanuel Lukoo Bahati, head of the Gorilla sector for Virunga National Park. Emmanuel was the sole survivor of an ambush against his patrol by a Mai Mai milita group. Despite being wounded, he evaded the attackers for 6 hours in the bush before making his way to a ranger outpost. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805151-W8YSN7XQP75S9M6QO2OA/portraits_067.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805002-BWGIH501P7IJ4FPODSIM/portraits_097.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805040-ZMC1FGLP992X1SFJD7N2/portraits_100.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805773-F04MLS6F8XN1ZMMUXXPW/portraits_019.jpg Portraits MANHATTAN NEW YORK - AUGUST 2011: Professor Irshad Manji, Human Rights Activist and Director of the Moral Courage Project at New York University, photographed overlooking Manhattan on 10 August 2011 in New York. Professor Manji is an outspoken liberal Muslim with a number of controversial books to her name. She is a lesbian and a strong advocate for the individual rights of women within Islam as well the presence of individual thought over dogma. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Newsweek Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805551-5C196ENLBKM18880564S/portraits_041.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805700-ISG29KIVT1OBVYRH63K4/portraits_118.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804995-BZ0RGOHX4SIG0WTQIFV8/airtrafficlrg.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805499-TRR9RF9OIWQIBF0YBDG8/addportraits_003.jpg Portraits OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 5 November 2015: Gerd Gamanab, 67, is a completely sightless man hoping for a miracle at a blindness camp in Omaruru District hospital in Namibia. He lost his sight to 50 years of farm labour in the Namibian sun and dust, which destroyed both of his corneas. This kind of blindness is the result of living in remote locations with prolonged exposure to fierce elements and no eye care anywhere nearby. A lack of education as to what was happening to his eyes also allowed this to occur. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805674-LCVRPWPJKTQPA2OELURT/Librarycensor_014.jpg Portraits - Librarycensor_014.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Librarycensor_014.jpg LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, JUNE 30TH, 2024: Elana K. Arnold is one of the most banned authors in America and a frequent victim of conservative thinking. She is seen with her daughter Davidson. Elana has had 16 of her titles banned or challenged. This is the second largest list of targeted books of any American author, according to PENAmerica. Claims against her young adult novels, the books most often challenged, include statements that “they are pornographic, anti-Christian, and support abortion and vulgarity.” In her defense, Elana states that she writes novels that “explore and reflect the fascinating, complex and sometimes bloody, fraught, dangerous experiences of my own coming of age. I know that the things that I write can feel subversive and uncomfortable and unsettling and even gross. But that’s what writing is. It’s about wrestling with life, and life is all these things, too. These parents say they want to keep kids “innocent.” But that’s not true. What they want is to keep kids ignorant — ignorant about America’s history and racism, ignorant about violence towards cisgender and transgender women, ignorant about the LGBTQIA+ community, ignorant about their own bodies.” Elana moved out of Huntington Beach because she felt pressure to keep her queer daughter Davidson safe, she moved her family to Long Beach where historically there is a far greater acceptance of diversity and inclusion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805188-RRI1PDUD2IT995Q6SKFD/TimbuktuCorporate.jpg Portraits NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: TIMBUKTU, MALI: Darhamane Moulaye Haidara, a scholar of ancient manuscripts in the city of Timbuktu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804966-YZ3PXTHNIEYMGQCUUMVH/portraits_021.jpg Portraits MICHIGAN-DEARBORN, USA- OCTOBER 2007: Scenes from the Republican Presidential Candidates Debate in Michigan-Dearborn, USA, 8 October 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805370-G018I3R2MLNOCWJJ2TO0/LGBT_002.jpg Portraits - LGBT_002.jpg (Copy) LGBT_002.jpg NAIROBI, KENYA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2023: 18 year old Ayan Farah Dahr was born as a girl but identifies as a trans man. When he was 15, he left his home in Mogadishu, Somalia; found his way onto a bus that took him to the Kenyan border and, under cover of darkness, he walked over the Kenyan border and made his way to Nairobi. He did this to escape persecution in Somalia for being who he felt he really was, a boy trapped in a female body that felt male to him. When he finally got to Nairobi, he slept rough outside the headquarters of UNHCR because he had heard that the UN offered resettlement programs for persecuted LBGTQIA people. In Somalia, his family had him arrested for dressing like a boy, they said he was a bad influence on girls. When he got to Nairobi, he tried to get a job in the Somali district of Eastley, there shopkeepers grabbed him and stripped him to find out what he was. Ayan was deeply traumatized by that and he finds it difficult to leave the safe house he's finally in, provided by the Refugee Coalition of East Africa, who try to care for LGBTQIA youth who had to flee their homes for their own protection. Ayan waits now to hear if he will be resettled, he hopes in America, a process that could take many years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805060-MTC8CQSCD6J7GEDFMMIE/FarmMurdersSA_001.jpg Portraits PETERSBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 18 NOVEMBER 2016: Barend Pienaar, a self-described patriot of the Afrikaaner nation, stands amongst crosses symbolizing dead farmers killed in farm attacks litter a hillside close to the highway near Petersburg, South Africa. Pienaar is one of the people involved in creating this monument and an ardent self defence advocate for farmers. He has been called a racist for his thinking but he sees his thinking as necessary for white self-preservation. Formerly a member of right wing organizations he now sees the farmers in South Africa as going from attempted self-determination to self-preservation. Pienaar is part of a network of over 1000 community protection participants country wide and is a key figure for farm defence in his region. Official government figures say that close to 4000 white farmers have been killed since 1994 in South Africa. Agricultural and farmer organizations say that number is much higher and believe that the attacks on farmers are not only about criminal opportunism but that there is also a political motive. The number of farmers in South Africa has dwindled steadily from around 105 000 in 1994 to around 35 000 today. Farmers in these isolated areas have received very little support from the police and have formed community protection groups to try to curb these attacks. Many of the attacks are particularly brutal, with rape and torture the norm. There are also many incidents where the murderers take little; killing seems to be the motivation. There has been a steady rise in anti-white sentiment in South Africa since the death of Nelson Mandela. The Economic Freedom Front Party, a right wing black party who’s leader Julius Malema has regularly used hate speech against the white population, is publicly talking about throwing whites off their land and given it back to the blacks. This is historically inaccurate and is an attempt by Malema to mislead a naïve and ignorant black following for personal gain. Malema has on https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805604-YRMU9WCCRK4TJN1DSZBF/add+_001.jpg Portraits Charlie Sexton outside rehersals, Austin, Texas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805752-6286LL2GYWXR5FSR1BYW/Nun+Africa.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805442-BGHKD8QNLCH9KDCZCS9R/portraits_009.jpg Portraits PANTANAL, BRAZIL, 23 MAY 2022: Seul Celso Rondon de Arruda is 67 years old, born and raised in Pantanal. As a cattle rancher, Seul Celso owns 800 cows and 14 horses. The first six months of 2022, he lost 40 calfs because of jaguar attack: each calf killed equals a total loss of 600 euros (if its a male) and 400 if its a female. According to him, 2022 is a particularly bad year: on average, the amount of calf lost to jaguar attacks each year reached 20. He acknowledges that a strong jaguar population is a good thing for the Pantanal as it draw tourists to the area and boost the construction of lodges and hotel. But in the same times, jaguars become more accustomed to the presence of humans and thus become more reckless. He bares no grudjes toward hotel owners and the people from the tourism industry, but his opinion is that cattle ranchers should be compensated for the loss of cattle - by the governement or the hotel owners, he does not say. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro/Rocher Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805623-39IO2GW1BD49SYXZ21PH/Andersonweb.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805047-BXRYIMZCG5A9S2CFWJY0/portraits_001.jpg Portraits MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Chief Evandor Gaviao, 30, and his adopted son, the young chief of the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governme https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805015-GIXTF8SB9ZABBOLXPLTN/portraits_005.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805876-641Z2SKSLC3LJXQSJK8T/LRAsoldier.jpg Portraits OBO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, 18 NOVEMBER 2014: Recent Lord's Resistance Army defector, Michael Onen, photographed at the African Union Ugandan Army base at Obo, Central African Republic. Onen defected after spending 16 years in the LRA after being abducted as a child and taken far from his home village in the DR Congo. The scars on his back are as a result of beatings he received from his LRA captors. He defected on 11 September 2014 as he feared for his life after Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, disaproved of a relationship he has with a woman in the LRA. The Ugandan contingent as well as the Africom American personel based here are focused on the apprehension of the Lord's Resistance Army, the notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony which has terrorized citizens of Uganda, C.A.R, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the last 4 decades. In recent times the LRA has turned its focus to Ivory as a means of income. This is having a devastating effect on elephant populations everywhere they operate. Michael Onen was part of the poaching team operating in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2012 this team killed 21 elephants, in 2014 they killed 26 elephants in Garamba. These tusks are currently in transit to Darfur, where the notorious leader of the LRA, Joseph Kony has ordered them to be brought. They will be carried by 3 separate groups for security, all moving in different directions. Michael Onen says that once in Darfur, these tusks will be sold to the Sudanese Army and transported to Khartoum from where they will make their way to China. Profits from the ivory will be used by the LRA for arms and resupply. Michael Onen was abducted by the LRA in 1998 while still a child, he was pressed into service by the terror group. He says that Kony lives by instilling fear in his fighters, resocializing children into killers who do his bidding. That bidding now includes the killing of elephants as well as people. (Photo by Bren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805299-1XEAI99LZ6W5T5QOF98E/portraits_016.jpg Portraits DILABYNO, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Beshadar people, closely related to the Hamar tribe, in a traditional bull-jumping ceremony in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. The bull-jumping ceremony is one of the most important in a man's life, and once completed allows him to take a wife and marry. The Hamar people and their tribal affiliates conduct a bull-jumping on a regular basis while the Karo people are much more selective in who they allow to bulljump and jump far less frequently. The ceremony is about hierachy and membership in the tribe and typically involves a young man who undergoes a number of rituals before he leaps onto and runs rapidly over a series of cattle held by other men who have recently jumped. Once completed he is a man in the eyes of the tribe. An important part of the ceremony is the ritualistic whipping which women actively seek out from certain men known as Mazha. The women harrass these men who then whip them once with a thin reed like stick before casting the stick away. The whipping causes bleeding and pain but the women look upon it as a sign of strength, loyalty and obligation to the bulljumper. They become incensed through a series of dances and then demand to be whipped in a macho, masochistic display. The resultant scars are worn as a badge of honor by many of the women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805635-7UZ2CQNB7YF25JRUPFH7/portraits_004.jpg Portraits FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805680-MTDF0PUL566MVT0P62FH/portraits_009.jpg Portraits VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2015: ICCN conservation rangers working as a bodyguard unit wait for a visit from the Minister of the Environment at Rumangabo Ranger Headquarters. Fighting in the region between FDLR rebels and Virunga's rangers continues to be a problem and bodyguard units are assigned to key wardens in the park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805732-GY5Y0L09QK1I3M9R7QZA/Blindgirl.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805725-PKPSKNXA09W0NII168NC/Portraits0001.jpg Portraits THOYANDO, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 9 DECEMBER 2016: Steven Nditwani, 26, is one of two current senior champions in Venda's Musangwe fighting. This is an old sport practised by men in Venda and it has become a rite of passage for many Venda men, a way of displaying their courage in fronts of enthusiastic crowds over the Xmas period. Steven has been fighting since 2010 and won his first championship in 2013. The Venda people are superstitious and the fighters are no exception. Before a small fight Steven will rub a mixture of salt, child's urine and goat or pig fat on his body. Before a big fight, he will consult a traditional healer or Sangoma for a more potent solution. Most fights are not for money but when invited by the King or another VIP, fighters will perform for a pool of up to R40,000.00, the equivalent of $2,700.00. That money can be shared amongst as many as 20 fighters with the winner taking the lions share. Steve is seen doing pushups, hitting a puch bag made of a maize sack and with his brother Emmanuel. Steve likes to watch wrestling and boxing videos for inspiration, especially Mike Tyson and Muhammed Ali. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805799-2Q6T5M4NI7KHBY8V4GY0/Leadership+Africa+Ranger+.jpg Portraits GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 21 2019: Head of Law Enforcement for Garamba National Park, Major Pascal Adrio Anguezi. Leadership is always a key issue for these rangers and there will be new officer training in the park shortly. Garamba is a Park in North East DRC bordering South Sudan. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most complex parks, with a difficult history. It has for many years been an elephant poaching epicenter, with heavily armed Sudanese poachers and Lord’s Resistance Army militia’s both decimating elephant populations as well as targeting the local population. African Parks signed an MOU with the ICCN, Congo’s conservation authority, in 2005. Since then, a number of rangers have continued to die in the course of their duties but slowly the park has gained traction against local poachers and foreign armed groups. From 2016 law enforcement strategy has been completely overhauled, the rangers were better equipped and technology has become a vital component in the fight. Poaching of elephants was down 50% in 2017 and in the 2018 it was down further. Over 1200 elephants remain and over 40 of those have collars for monitoring purposes. Garamba is also home to some of the last remaining Kordofan giraffe population and there is an action plan for that population. In a region of almost no economic opportunity, Garamba employs almost 500 full time staff and almost 2000 short term contract workers. There is a large amount of illegal mining around Garamba and the park is actively involved in speaking with those miners about alternative livelihoods and how the park may help with that. The Ranger force is around 300 and they provide security to tens of thousands of people who live around the park as well as vulnerable refugee groups escaping conflict in the region. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805448-1JDYUQ0BNF0C1EBSH12M/Traditional+Ghana+dress.jpg Portraits Accra, Ghana: Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong is the head of the Ghana Sickle Cell Foundation and a world expert on the disease. He lost his son to the disease and has always been a passionate advocate since his days as a medical student. Novartis is partnering with the government and the Sickle Cell Association of Ghana, which is headed by Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, a former Olympic athlete who earned a medical degree at Yale and led sickle cell clinics at Tulane University and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before returning to Ghana to fight the disease in his home country. Novartis aims to expand a newborn screening program, expand distribution of the drug hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell, and begin clinical trials in Ghana for a new, experimental sickle cell treatment. Sickle Cell disease is the leading cause of strokes in young children. Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include a low number of red blood cells (anemia), repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalized for more serious complications. Sickle Cell is the leading cause of strokes in young children between the ages of 3 to 6 years of age. The signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease are caused by the sickling of red blood cells. When red blood cells sickle, they break down prematurely, which can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and delayed growth and development in children. The rapid breakdown of red blood cells may also cause yellowing of the eye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805305-6W2MAZF0GCC9A3YRQL4R/portraits_026.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805274-RY36E1XW28E85IA84R68/portraits_008.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804983-5WX2THHBF0QCBXI4SMXU/Websiteversion.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805256-U2BJA4ZF3NS0SOSMB0S9/Portraits0005.jpg Portraits New Delhi India, June 2006: Sahara shelter for women in Delhi, the women who are housed here get six months in which to put their lives back together. Most of the women are sex workers and drug addicts and come from a terrible history of sexual violence and battery. Many of the women are in hiding from pimps and husbands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804989-QXSPJLNPGLNL5XATTA7Q/MM7761_090414_05522+copy-2.jpg Portraits TAMANARANSSET, SOUTHERN ALGERIA, APRIL 2009: A Tuareg Nobleman related to Tuareg royalty stands in a courtyard in Tamanarasset, Southern Algeria, 14th April 2009. Tuareg Nobility is no longer recognised by the Algerian authorities but continues to matter to the Tuaregs themselves. The Tuareg Royal line ended in 1902 when the Tuareg were finally conclusively defeated at the Battle of Tit, an area 45 km outside of Tamanaransset. Tamanarasset is a former Tuareg town which has now been taken over by Algerian Arabs as well as many other immigrant groups, partly as a result of the Algerian Civil War and also as a strategic economic and military base for the Algerian government. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805176-6KSCUR89209F4I5E3DUJ/portraits_031.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805870-30ARTROS6H1R21DYS9KJ/portraits_033.jpg Portraits LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805243-OVL6LVJ6VDNASIGRPQS2/Ricelady.jpg Portraits Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805033-R8QQ2J3974HNF5PT62AI/portraits_003.jpg Portraits KISUMU, KENYA, 21 JUNE 2015: Shelvine Achreng is sick with Leukemia and Sickle Cell disease. Her parents are impoverished farm labourers who cannot afford transport to the appropriate hospital, let alone the costs of treating Shelvine's condition. Victims of this kind of disease amongst Africa's poor are destined to die without outside intervention. Non-Communicable diseases like Cancer, Hypertension and Diabetes are on the rise in Africa, adding to the strain the more traditional diseases already place on populations. Poverty only serves to increase fatalities amongst the poorest of these. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805833-PZ89PSDJHZZ8OPTQFTZW/addportraits_005.jpg Portraits HANOI, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: Pham, 32, a man born without eyes due to Agent Orange contamination which affected his father while he fought as a soldier in the Vietnam war, Hanoi, Vietnam, October 10, 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805856-Y6PU9ATJK8M7K270FAWU/portraits_003.jpg Portraits OSAKA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Fumon Tanaka, 73, Samurai master and descendent of a long and distinguished line of Samurai warriors in Japan. He is seen at a temple complex in Osaka, Japan. Sensei Tanaka is somewhat controversial amongst the pursuants of the Samurai arts in that he embraces the media and has appeared in films, documentaries and commercials all showcasing his Samurai martial arts skills. This is controversial in Samurai culture as many pursuants believe in secrecy and humbleness and not in ostentatious display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805845-ENJGI0TF52P2WQR0BJRW/_54A2389-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805414-FAA3N7ZR35CR81IK9SE1/portraits_016.jpg Portraits SOCHI, RUSSIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Advocate Igor Kukochkin is one the very few lawyers in Russia prepared to defend those who have been illegally evicted and their homes destroyed to make way for Olympics construction in Sochi, Russia, November 26, 2012. His lonely stance highlights the lack of legal transparency in the process and in addition, the use of threats and intimidation to force people from their homes and the legal profession away from defending them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805293-UW0POVDR9XZXRV5TRUL0/portraits_037.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805085-86U6ZJ8RDIOLHT8CIKAT/portraits_016.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805389-EWA7SAGOZDOXNX7DJ72K/portraits_050.jpg Portraits DONETSK, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: A young Aids affected child in the home of his HIV+ drug addicted mother in their poverty stricken village on the first day of school, Donetsk, Ukraine, 1 September 2011. Ukraine is the most HIV infected nation in Europe today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805662-O37H599V3VKRQNOL0WX0/portraits_055.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805597-MMMUR785VT79AZ4WR15G/portraits_068.jpg Portraits SING RIVER, MINKEBI NATIONAL PARK, GABON, JUNE 2011: An anti-poaching team composed of Gabon Parcs personal, Gabon military, Baka pygmy porters and two Pirouge pilots conduct an anti-poaching mission up the Sing River in Minkebi National Park, Gabon, 26 June 2011. Gabon has recently seen a large spate of Elephant killings as a result of thousands of illegal goldminers that had flooded into the Minkebi region to exploit a lack of the rule of law in the reserve. Approximately a month ago the Gabonese military and Gabon Parcs Department conducted a large joint operation, inviting all these illegal miners to go home to their own countries or face detention. The presence of these illegals also created a thriving illegal ivory industry, fueled by the presence of Chinese traders in Gabon and neighbouring Congo Brazzaville and Cameroon. This expedition up the Sing River was to check for the presence of these illegals and to see if they were carrying out any poaching activity. There were no sightings and now only empty mining settelements remain. It appears the initial operations have put the word out and the illegal miners and poaching villages are no more in this region of Gabon. The operation involved travelling far up the Sing River in Minkbebi Park, cutting river pathways for the pirouges and doing a thorough check for poachers all the way up the river. There are plans for a permanent "Jungle Brigade" for this region within the next 6 months and that should safeguard the borders of Gabon and its wildlife from further poaching threats. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805488-BEG8M82WI6P22K0DHDHK/portraits_096.jpg Portraits VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, APRIL 2011: Images of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation leading a Pro-bono training workshop for Rangers who have come from all over Zimbabwe, April 5, 2011. Led by Australian Damien Mander, 31, a former Special Operations soldier in the Australian military, the IAPF is teaching anti-poaching techniques which include tracking, self-defence, observation positions, weapons training and patroling techniques including tracking, ambush and arrest techniques. The work is largely pro-bono and is supported by donations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804977-9ELVT44BSH7KBO0DZS7U/image-asset.jpeg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805494-6X89PHBP24SL5D0RA7YB/Hijraweb.jpg Portraits - Hijraweb.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Hijraweb.jpg New Delhi, India: A Trans-gendered sex-worker photographed at her home in a slum in Delhi. These are women born as men who live as women and are all HIV+. They have all been using IV drugs and are now being taken care of by Sahara, an Indian NGO. These trans-gendered men are all the primary means of support for their families. In two cases here the men support a wife, a boyfriend, as well as three kids. With only their bodies as sexual collateral they form a very high risk group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805287-EGUTD4Z4IFTYVSYYPN53/Christiaan.jpg Portraits JERUSALEM, ISRAEL-APRIL 2007: CNN's Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour in Israel for CNN special, "God's Warriors." Amanpour was accompanied by Cameraman Rich Brooks, Producer Andy Segal, Executive Director Jody Gottlieb, Sound Technican/Editor Ted Lerner and Israel CNN Producer Mike Schwartz. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805589-B4E8878C72X8IMOMODWO/portraits_109.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804947-LUUECR38U4OHKDI5QDX9/boys2.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805281-ZF3TRQ26KHHWEEDD107T/addportraits_001.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805347-VQF7Z89ZIMQ1TNWV0P0A/portraits_009.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805249-5I4191MDJHA214EFD5GK/portraits_003.jpg Portraits DUBAI, UAE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017: Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma, a senior member of the Dubai Royal family, is seen inside the foyer of his home in Dubai. He is holding his favourite Gyr Falcon and is surrounded by other high end falcons that were bred especially for him. The mural behind him depicts his sons Rashid and Maktoum in the desert with falcons. Sheikh Butti is the first UAE falconer and likely the first Arab to ever train and hunt with a captive bred bird, a Gyr falcon that became famous across the region twenty years ago. He altered perception about what was possible with captive breeding and the performance of his falcons helped to win the argument for the superiority of captive-bred hybrids and purebred falcons. There has been a careful refining of genetics by master breeders like Howard Waller who have created a whole new class of falcons that have become the birds of choice in the Emirates. They are housed in special air-conditioned facilities where they can resist the high temperatures of the desert. Most training for hunts and racing is done in the very early morning, when temperatures are low and the birds won’t suffer heat exhaustion. The birds travel in air-conditioned vehicles with special perches to and from the training grounds. The higher echelons of the UAE falconers literally spend millions of dollars on housing, training and caring for their falcons. There are a number of falcon hospitals across the UAE that cater exclusively to the welfare of these birds. Expert international veterinarians staff these hospitals and birds are cared for at the same level as people. Falcons were severely threatened 50 years ago by the advent of chemicals like DDT, the Arab world has been at the forefront of restoring falcon populations and it is the Arab world that is the epicenter for breeding and the largest client for these birds. This resurgence has elevated Falconry to Intangible Heritage status by Unesco. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for National https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805073-S0QB45P53DV58HYUTPWN/portraits_022.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805656-WHNAM02SSWACHBM580K7/portraits_010.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805138-PYDJEHW3S4F3721P3832/LGBT_001.jpg Portraits - LGBT_001.jpg (Copy) LGBT_001.jpg NAIROBI, KENYA, 30 SEPTEMBER 2023: Trans women Olivia and Pretty are seen on the weekend in a local hotel swimming pool close to their safe house, this is one of the very few places where they can risk being themselves when no-one is watching. Olivia is sick and living in a refugee camp and Pretty plays an almost maternal role in their relationship. They are seen comforting each other in a rare moment of public spontaneity. This kind of display of affection would draw negative attention in almost all of Kenya and the police would likely be called. Both of these trans women have refugee status but the perception of homosexuality would almost certainly lead to arrest and extortion. Olivia is a trans woman who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and has lived for the last three years in vulnerable conditions in Kakouma refugee camp in the north of Kenya. She is photographed in a safe house for trans women in Nairobi, where she is visiting Pretty. Olivia is in Nairobi because she is sick and cannot be treated for her condition in Kakouma. Pretty is a make-up artist and fellow refugee. Pretty has been waiting five years for her resettlement status from the UN agencies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805237-BAS8VQW2H9HU9Z997SMT/Gyana+hunter.jpg Portraits RUPUNUNI RIVER, GUYANA: Herman Phillips, 63, has lived his whole life in the Rupununi region bases on a subsistence existence. He believes that is his natural right as an indigenous person in the Rupununi. He fishes uses his bow and arrow, nets and lines and he hunts in the forest. This is how he has fed and clothed his 8 children and he would like to see that be an option for them too. Members of the Sustainable Wildlife Management Program, SWM, on a Rupununi River expedition with partners, the South Rupununi Conservation Society. This trip focused on fishing, bow-fishing and local hunting and lifestyles. It also took in the condition of the river and the sidecreeks employed by locals for food and shelter and occasional gold mining prospecting. In the Rupununi region, on Amerindian land, everything is ruled by the village and they control hunting and fishing. In the protected areas, the villages and government partner on these things. The Rupununi Region is located in the southwest of Guyana. It consists mostly of large tracts of primary forest, with about 20% of its land area covered by natural Neotropical savanna and seasonally flooded wetlands. The region has approximately 24,000 inhabitants, including indigenous groups that rely on subsistence hunting, fishing and farming. During recent years, fish populations have declined, and similar trends are being observed for terrestrial wildlife. Studies indicate that hunting-dependent livelihoods are sustainable within indigenous lands. Scenarios highlight the probability of future disruption due to infrastructure development, competition with other more lucrative land uses, climate change, and cultural transformation. While conservation efforts are evolving in the Rupununi, there is a need to foster long-term sustainable management practices. In addition, there is a need to share lessons learnt that may be valuable in other Caribbean and Amazonian countries. The SWM Guyana project is building upon existing strategie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805505-973LY5VF0K3SG4OEQG94/portraits_011.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805642-SSUCEVDBC1GHB48EUA96/portraits_008.jpg Portraits PHUNDUNDU WILDLIFE AREA, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2018: Specially selected women from an all female. conservation ranger force undergo sniper training in the bush to curb poaching. Akashinga (meaning the ‘Brave Ones’ in local dialect) is a community-driven conservation model, empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage a network of wilderness areas as an alternative to trophy hunting. Many current western-conceived solutions to conserve wilderness areas struggle to gain traction across the African continent. Predominately male forces are hampered by ongoing corruption, nepotism, drunkenness, aggressiveness towards local communities and a sense of entitlement. The I.A.P.F, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation led by former Australian Special Forces soldier Damien Mander, was created as a direct action conservation organisation to be used as a surgical instrument in targeting wildlife crime. In 2017 they decided to innovate, using an all- female team to manage an entire nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The program builds an alternative approach to the militarized paradigm of ‘fortress conservation’ which defends colonial boundaries between nature and humans. While still trained to deal with any situation they may face, the team has a community-driven interpersonal focus, working with rather than against the local population for the long-term benefits of their own communities and nature. Cut off from places of worship and burial, grazing areas, access to water, food, traditional medicine and given limited opportunity for employment or tourism benefits, it’s little wonder many of these communities struggle to see any value in conservation efforts. Women have traditionally played major roles in battle and are now re-emerging as key solutions in law enforcement and conflict resolution. In the Middle-East, counterinsurgency operations that involve penetrating and working with the local population to try and win the hearts and minds have become fundamentally reli https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805341-HRIZAW6ZK4JHR8ALWQHU/portraits_006.jpg Portraits VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Swami Biswanathanda, the religious leader of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. He is seen at the temple complex located on the Mission grounds. This is one of the best schools for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805216-CTSW1D84NM0TQ6PWTKQ3/Conservationterror_046.jpg Portraits ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK, CHAD, 7 JANUARY 2015: The "Wild Dog" Ranger horse patrol group as it prepares to leave for a week of anti poaching patrol at Zakouma National Park, Chad. The horse patrols are the old guard of Zakouma's rangers and have seen a good deal of conflict in their time in the park. Zakouma lost nearly 75% of its elephants in the decade before 2011 due to raids by Janajaweed and Sudanese poachers, many of them from the Sudanese military. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a big supporter of the elephant of Zakouma and of its elephants. The herds here until recently used to be as large as 1000 animals all moving together, severe poaching over the last decade saw that number decimated and now only around 20% of the number remains. Since 2011 however there has been control over poaching and there has not been a single elephant poached in the last 2 years. The president of Chad, Idris Deby, is a strong supporter of the park and Zakouma is on the upsurge in terms of its elephant population once again. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804959-ICTWHTBM3RNQ24XOSQVG/portraits_027.jpg Portraits DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP, KARNATAKA, INDIA, 23rd OCTOBER 2022: The senior mahouts in Dubare elephant camp on their way to the forest in the early morning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158804933-EQ13REXX7HDLECKG6YM2/portraits_015.jpg Portraits Turkana, North Kenya, October 9 2014: A severely malnourished Turkana child who’s family has been driven out of their traditional land by invading Dassanech from Southern Ethiopia. The Dassanech have themselves been forced to relocate by new Ethiopian Sugar Cane farms and Dam projects which have reduced the flow of water in the Omo river by four fifths of its usual size. This is now affecting over 600 000 armed tribesmen on both side of the Ethiopia/Kenya border and conflict is increasingly the norm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805098-PJVN60Y6I4NJOR68YSKI/Portraits_0134.jpg Portraits DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805365-OSE7I9IHAJMBK3RDNIJK/portraits_017.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805525-JHDOOGYAU7BZ38EZOMP1/portraits_026.jpg Portraits - 1234567BS_015.JPG (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) 1234567BS_015.JPG NAJAF, IRAQ - JUNE 21: General David Petraeus, the three star American General charged with over-seeing the transition of power from the Coalition military authorities to the Iraqis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Iraq Assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805402-WZ6SN9H3CZE0OAVREL1U/portraits_107.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805330-WCWOWDHSM718NUUBX7VE/portraits_001.jpg Portraits VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, JANUARY 25 2015: Emmanuel De Merode, head warden of Virunga National Park, is seen in the Southern sector headquarters of Rumangabo with two of his permanent bodyguards. De Merode has worked inside Virunga since 1992 and has been present for all the trials and tribulations of Virunga since then. He has been head warden since 2008. He has negotiated with two major Rebel groups to keep access to the mountain gorillas of the region, he has dealt with the deaths of more than 170 of his Rangers. He has been a conservation visionary in securing funding to continue the running of Virunga and pioneered the building of sustainable hydroelectric projects to win the hearts of local communities and stave off the threat of oil exploration. De Merode was shot four times last year by three unknown men who are either linked to the FDLR rebel group or to Soco oil, a British oil compnay De Merode has been campaigning against. He was back in the park a month after he was shot despite warnings about his health and his safety. De Merode continues to spearhead the global campaign to protect Virunga, beloved by his men and one of the most respected conservation figues in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805474-7A73KSOTFDQ0WV1HUMBW/portraits_002.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805616-8WRD0HQZWARH3R8PYSYL/portraits_014.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805144-SUK644FYG8W7Z5TKPYU3/Portraits0003.jpg Portraits MARBLE HALL, SOUTH AFRICA, 18 NOVEMBER 2016: Diederich Beyers and his wife Dolla and one of their three childen are seen in one of their fields on their farm in Marble Hall, South Africa. Beyers is seen one week after his farm home was invaded by 6 men who tied him and his wife up and ransacked their home. The attackers told him they were going to kill him and they threatened to rape his wife. As the attackers were preparing to leave, they told him once they had loaded the cars they were coming back to kill him and his family. Temporarily alone and without a gun to his head, Beyers managed to escape the cable ties binding his arms and grab a hidden shot gun and kill one attacker and wound two others. His wife was still cutting the cable ties binding his legs as he took his first shot. He says the incident was terrifying and credits God with saving their lives. He says the thought of his sleeping children and his wife gave him strength to survive this incident. Beyer's feels bad about killing the one man and says he does not bear the black man any ill-will. One of the wounded was caught by the police and he confessed that this group had commited 5 other murders and was also involved in illegal rhino poaching. Beyers says that he knows that farmers have no choice but to take their protection into their own hands. He say he knows he cannot rely on the government or the police but he remains positive about South Africa and is willing to work with everyone towards a future. The official government figures say that close to 4000 white farmers have been killed since 1994 in South Africa. Agricultural and farmer organizations say that number is much higher and believe that the attacks on farmers are not only about criminal opportunism but that there is also a political motive. The number of farmers in South Africa has dwindled steadily from around 105 000 in 1994 to around 35 000 today. Farmers in these isolated areas have received very little support from the police and ha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805719-X3AK2S4OQJB0U30IM8G8/Portraits_0144-SharpenAI-Focus.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805839-0JLZG87AYVYWWGGCSZQ5/portraits_092.jpg Portraits MASAAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010. Samson Lenjirr, 41, the AG Chief Game Warden of the Mara Triangle Conservancy Masaai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, 21 February 2010. Lenjirr has been an outspoken critic of the abundance of illegal safari lodges, camps and hotels in the reserve. He has campaigned for a proper land management plan from the Kenyan Government and spoken out fearlessly about corruption and the resulting overcrowding and ecologically unsound practises happening in the Mara today. There are currently 108 tourist operations in the greater Mara area, of which only 29% meet the legal standards to be in business. Lenjirr believes that unless something is done soon, the Mara will reach a tipping point from which there can be no return for arguably the most important wildlife reserve in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805209-S0FY9EZ5LP0PEV7QO0L7/portraits_029.jpg Portraits CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Jones Benally, a famous medicine man, dances the Navajo Hoop dance in a small canyon in the badlands of Cameron, Arizona. The hoop dance is traditionally performed at the end of a grueling nine day ceremony and is a form of storytelling dance representing various animals, symbols and storytelling elements, all representing the never ending circle of life for the Navajo. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805324-WZY19W92NPOO7RDM854V/portraits_044.jpg Portraits TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: The Imam of the Djingareiber Mosque, Timbuktu's oldest and most important Islamic place of worship, seen during Ramadan, September 6, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805766-4KA2NB0QYLHZO8OV589A/JaneG90.jpg Portraits - JaneG90.jpg (Copy) JaneG90.jpg PARIS, FRANCE, 30 November 2023: Jane Goodall photographed in Paris for Le Figaro Magazine. ( Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805104-IHTQMG3EHGU2X70NVH50/Stacey.jpg Portraits Democrat supporters who travelled from Texas to support Stacey Abrams at the end of a rally led by Kamala Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805181-6WLCVFQUR1CXK8OU9Z61/portraits_011.jpg Portraits CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Claysun Benally with his horse in Cameron, Arizona. Claysun is a strong believer in traditional Navajo values and along with his father keeps several horses on their property in Flagstaff. The Navajo have a long relationship with the wild horse, a relationship characterized by gentleness and agreement rather than breaking the horses spirti to the will of man. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805793-2DVSC3ZACHJIM4ZVVTI5/portraits_094.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805408-8L48Q5UHV8QY164Z1TVK/portraits_016.jpg Portraits The youngest patient ever to use a Berlin Heart, a device which replaces your own heart while waiting for an operation or a transplant. The Berlin Heart is located outside of the body. Tragically, this young boy lived only a year or so after his final procedure, when he died of an opportunistic infection. He was a huge WWF wrestling fan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805111-TY1XEN9Z6V3PZL8YIAQ2/portraits_002.jpg Portraits DOUME VILLAGE, CLOSE TO LASTOURSVILLE, GABON, 29 JUNE 2021: Expert bushmeat hunter Nkani Mbou Mboudin is seen with an antelope he just shot hunting in the forest around his village. This village survives on fishing and bushmeat. Gabon has a sustainable bushmeat culture, largely because of its small population and large protected habitats. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIFOR, CIRAD, WCS) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805532-ICS2AZ6679FEIAFBHU6F/addportraits_008.jpg Portraits NEW YORK CITY, USA, 18 MARCH 2016: Sandford Greenberg and Art Garfunkel seen at their Alma Mater Columbia University. Greenberg lost his sight in his first few months at Columbia as a young man. Garfunkel was his room-mate at the time and went to help Greenberg climb out of his desperation at finding himself blind. They made a significant train journey back to NY city and once they reached Grand Central became separated and then Greenberg was forced to make his way to Columbia University alone as a blind man for the first time. When Greenberg finally reached Columbia he felt a touch on his arm and it turned out that Garfunkel had been alongside him the entire time. Greenberg sites this moment as when it first occurred to him that he was going to be fine despite his blindness. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805202-25FTRR6HR09N81CH6NHA/portraits_048.jpg Portraits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805779-L9PIL3QPXIU155BS0WWZ/RVblind_014.jpg Portraits BALEKE VILLAGE, BENGAMISA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Drugs for Neglected Disease Biologist Dr Sabine Specht spent seven weeks in Congo in the summer looking at onchocerciasis, also know as riverblindness. Specht is currently working on four different compounds that could help eliminate African river blindness. Her ideal is to arrive at a single compound that addresses multiple conditions and is tolerable for the human body. Primary amongst these candidates is TylaMac, produced by the pharmaceutical company AbbVie. This trial has been running since 2015 in Congo, specifically in Masi-Manimba in Kwilu Province and in Kimpese in Bas-Congo Province, both prolific onchocerciasis areas. So far, according to Specht, 40 patients have participated in a new phase IIb efficacy trial. A total of 150 are expected to participate. Her current visit is a follow-up appointment, where she and the local team will take tissue samples from the first 40 patients who received TylaMac in the summer, which will then be examined histologically by Prof. Hörauf at the University of Bonn. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158805518-BXGXGFP33EIYFAS8C4NG/portraits_017.jpg Portraits MUZZAFARPUR, INDIA, 5 SEPTEMBER 2014: Ragini Kumari, 10, was badly burnt by a Kerosene fire when she was 2 years old, she is one of over 6 million people burnt in India every year. Ragini has suffered constrictions of her neck and shoulders and lived in a permanently cramped and restricted postion ever since. Her family is deeply impoverished and like millions of India's poor she has been unable to secure the necessary surgery. Renowned plastic surgeon to the poor, Dr Subodh Singh, found Ragini at a burns camp he held in her area and has arranged for her to attend his clinic where he performs free surgery for the poorest of the poor of India. She is seen at her home before surgery and on her journey to his clinic in Varnasi, India. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://www.brentstirton.com/amboseli-land-crisis-maasai-and-the-elephants daily 0.75 2025-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877898-TPYOPELJVLC65TRU3HOQ/AmboTuskers_001.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_001.jpg (Copy) CHYULU HILLS, AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: One-Ton, one of the most iconic tuskers in the world, is seen at a water hole in the Chulu hills. The Amboseli ecosystem, home to the most iconic elephant in the world, is under threat like never before. The Group Ranch system, which governed Maasai land rights and usage, has been dismantled and for the first time in the modern era, individual members have the right to sell their land parcels. The Group Ranches preserved land masses intact, used for both pastoralism as well as wildlife, now those are being fragmented as some Maasai have chosen to sell to outsiders. We now see factories, urban sprawl and large, water hungry agriculture in former elephant habitat. As a result, the Amboseli Ecosystem is being broken up and vital animal corridors are being disturbed and cut off. This affects all migrating animals who need land and water to survive. At this time, one of the solutions is to help local Maasai run their own conservancies and see benefit from tourism as well as maintain their traditional lifestyles. This involves buying land leases, and expensive and complicated process. Straddling southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, Big Life Foundation works to protect over 1.6 million acres in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. They use innovative conservation strategies that can serve as models elsewhere and collaborate closely with local communities, partner NGOs, national parks, and government agencies, Big Life seeks to protect and sustain East Africa’s wildlife and natural habitats, including one of the world’s best-known elephant populations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878107-CLE8MK5ANZ804P0FVR51/AmboTuskers_002.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_002.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) CHYULU HILLS, AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: One-Ton, one of the most iconic tuskers in the world, is seen at a water hole in the Chulu hills. The Amboseli ecosystem, home to the most iconic elephant in the world, is under threat like never before. The Group Ranch system, which governed Maasai land rights and usage, has been dismantled and for the first time in the modern era, individual members have the right to sell their land parcels. The Group Ranches preserved land masses intact, used for both pastoralism as well as wildlife, now those are being fragmented as some Maasai have chosen to sell to outsiders. We now see factories, urban sprawl and large, water hungry agriculture in former elephant habitat. As a result, the Amboseli Ecosystem is being broken up and vital animal corridors are being disturbed and cut off. This affects all migrating animals who need land and water to survive. At this time, one of the solutions is to help local Maasai run their own conservancies and see benefit from tourism as well as maintain their traditional lifestyles. This involves buying land leases, and expensive and complicated process. Straddling southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, Big Life Foundation works to protect over 1.6 million acres in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. They use innovative conservation strategies that can serve as models elsewhere and collaborate closely with local communities, partner NGOs, national parks, and government agencies, Big Life seeks to protect and sustain East Africa’s wildlife and natural habitats, including one of the world’s best-known elephant populations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877979-1WLHGJVFHJ3SYXOZ4KGG/AmboTuskers_035.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_035.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Ruben Saitoti, head of ranger training at the Big Life training center. Part of Big Life's conservation strategy is local recruitment of Maasai to preserve nature and also to win local hearts and minds.. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877831-FEI56PI3CODL1FY8GYIW/AmboTuskers_036.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_036.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Paul Wambi, KWS Chief Warden of Amboseli National Park. The park is famous for its elephants and is major source fo revenue for the Kenyan Government. Wildlife corridors are key to this, there are currently 22 Maasai conservancies in the ecosytem and Wambi feels the inconnectivity of those is threatened by the sale of land from used to be intact Maasai Group Ranches. Wambi says this has serious impacts on animal migration and increases human wildlife conflict. He sees these sales as bad for the Maasia and says most sales end badly for the seller and for Maasai culture. He adds that Kenyan Wildlife Service has put the word out that if you buy land in certain areas, they will not allow you to develop it. Wambi feels that at a critical point KWS must step in and safeguard the land for animals. He sees Big Life's land leaseing scheme as part of the solution. The other is finding a solution to powerful buyers who are policially connected. He feels you have to comare the economic value of the land in terms of both conservation and development. Wambi sees animals such as lions and elephants as hugely more profitable than cattle or agriculture. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878075-AXVUJ3E95O6BI86K59T7/AmboTuskers_048.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_048.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878112-79BNXP3QP1T08MYBCOQS/AmboTuskers_050.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_050.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877805-8PY7FC7773R8JXTAKRTX/AmboTuskers_003.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_003.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) CHYULU HILLS, AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: One-Ton, one of the most iconic tuskers in the world, is seen at a water hole in the Chulu hills. The Amboseli ecosystem, home to the most iconic elephant in the world, is under threat like never before. The Group Ranch system, which governed Maasai land rights and usage, has been dismantled and for the first time in the modern era, individual members have the right to sell their land parcels. The Group Ranches preserved land masses intact, used for both pastoralism as well as wildlife, now those are being fragmented as some Maasai have chosen to sell to outsiders. We now see factories, urban sprawl and large, water hungry agriculture in former elephant habitat. As a result, the Amboseli Ecosystem is being broken up and vital animal corridors are being disturbed and cut off. This affects all migrating animals who need land and water to survive. At this time, one of the solutions is to help local Maasai run their own conservancies and see benefit from tourism as well as maintain their traditional lifestyles. This involves buying land leases, and expensive and complicated process. Straddling southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, Big Life Foundation works to protect over 1.6 million acres in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. They use innovative conservation strategies that can serve as models elsewhere and collaborate closely with local communities, partner NGOs, national parks, and government agencies, Big Life seeks to protect and sustain East Africa’s wildlife and natural habitats, including one of the world’s best-known elephant populations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877911-YIB14IUSOHYIPJHJAHX3/AmboTuskers_037.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_037.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Images of training at Big Life's ranger training academy. Part of Big Life's conservation strategy is local recruitment of Maasai to preserve nature and also to win local hearts and minds.. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878009-6TV8SVPAHA7L1CR70GJ9/AmboTuskers_049.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_049.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877880-3B27SI6ZTPQGGIDBCF76/AmboTuskers_051.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_051.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878136-BS8BWXO66RVIFW57S61J/AmboTuskers_004.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_004.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) CHYULU HILLS, AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: One-Ton, one of the most iconic tuskers in the world, is seen at a water hole in the Chulu hills. The Amboseli ecosystem, home to the most iconic elephant in the world, is under threat like never before. The Group Ranch system, which governed Maasai land rights and usage, has been dismantled and for the first time in the modern era, individual members have the right to sell their land parcels. The Group Ranches preserved land masses intact, used for both pastoralism as well as wildlife, now those are being fragmented as some Maasai have chosen to sell to outsiders. We now see factories, urban sprawl and large, water hungry agriculture in former elephant habitat. As a result, the Amboseli Ecosystem is being broken up and vital animal corridors are being disturbed and cut off. This affects all migrating animals who need land and water to survive. At this time, one of the solutions is to help local Maasai run their own conservancies and see benefit from tourism as well as maintain their traditional lifestyles. This involves buying land leases, and expensive and complicated process. Straddling southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, Big Life Foundation works to protect over 1.6 million acres in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem. They use innovative conservation strategies that can serve as models elsewhere and collaborate closely with local communities, partner NGOs, national parks, and government agencies, Big Life seeks to protect and sustain East Africa’s wildlife and natural habitats, including one of the world’s best-known elephant populations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877950-B2G9J8HF94G2YZADS5VO/AmboTuskers_038.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_038.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Images of training at Big Life's ranger training academy. Part of Big Life's conservation strategy is local recruitment of Maasai to preserve nature and also to win local hearts and minds.. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877873-7DLKON8GZUWB70COMD4I/AmboTuskers_052.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_052.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877892-1XKIZ9MFOHCR86AF80WP/AmboTuskers_005.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_005.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: The swamps of Amboseli National Park are the vital reservoir for water for the region. As development and population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. and their access to water threatened. Amboseli National Park (government owned and managed) is to the south centre of the ecosystem. It protects the largest permanent water sources in the ecosystem, which are a series of spring fed swamps (water originates on Kilimanjaro). Strictly a wildlife refuge, no settlement allowed, cattle allowed under strict conditions only to access water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877794-W0UPDQWD4UGGCIUSGHUJ/AmboTuskers_039.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_039.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Images of training at Big Life's ranger training academy. Part of Big Life's conservation strategy is local recruitment of Maasai to preserve nature and also to win local hearts and minds.. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877998-16T03F873EEGUS5Q13RM/AmboTuskers_053.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_053.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878101-QQRGXGFPQOO85XKSCOXI/AmboTuskers_006.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_006.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: The swamps of Amboseli National Park are the vital reservoir for water for the region. As development and population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. and their access to water threatened. Amboseli National Park (government owned and managed) is to the south centre of the ecosystem. It protects the largest permanent water sources in the ecosystem, which are a series of spring fed swamps (water originates on Kilimanjaro). Strictly a wildlife refuge, no settlement allowed, cattle allowed under strict conditions only to access water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878089-00EH1XKOTNMDFNUGISJM/AmboTuskers_040.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_040.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Big Life builds specially designed elephant fences and repairs them daily if needed. They also offer compensation for losses. It is all part of their hearts and minds campaign for conservation of elephants. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878032-EMARO9E6NMM44G6V96SC/AmboTuskers_054.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_054.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Emergency veterinatian work on Bronski, a tusker close to Amboseli National Park. Bronski was speared in the leg but KWS vet Dr Kariuki is more concerned with swelling in the joint of Bronski's leg hind leg. The vet speculates that he may have injured the joint fleeing the spearing site. The collapse of joints after many years is often fatal to elephants. It was necessary to use a rope and a vehicle to lift Bronski back to his feet after the anathetic. Its a very delicate operation to work on these tuskers, many of them are of advanced age and there is always the possibiltiy they do not recover. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877843-CAHERLJTEXHITVHKDX6A/AmboTuskers_007.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_007.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: The swamps of Amboseli National Park are the vital reservoir for water for the region. As development and population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. and their access to water threatened. Amboseli National Park (government owned and managed) is to the south centre of the ecosystem. It protects the largest permanent water sources in the ecosystem, which are a series of spring fed swamps (water originates on Kilimanjaro). Strictly a wildlife refuge, no settlement allowed, cattle allowed under strict conditions only to access water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878082-PGE3TV5WSP1A9O3MQSQI/AmboTuskers_041.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_041.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Big Life builds specially designed elephant fences and repairs them daily if needed. They also offer compensation for losses. It is all part of their hearts and minds campaign for conservation of elephants. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878051-R8FLRKGOK1I14LN48MOA/AmboTuskers_055.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_055.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Emergency veterinatian work on Bronski, a tusker close to Amboseli National Park. Bronski was speared in the leg but KWS vet Dr Kariuki is more concerned with swelling in the joint of Bronski's leg hind leg. The vet speculates that he may have injured the joint fleeing the spearing site. The collapse of joints after many years is often fatal to elephants. It was necessary to use a rope and a vehicle to lift Bronski back to his feet after the anathetic. Its a very delicate operation to work on these tuskers, many of them are of advanced age and there is always the possibiltiy they do not recover. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877922-RJHD8CCMZOES2NS3T7IF/AmboTuskers_008.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_008.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: A huge cement factory and surrounding labor settlement lies on one side of an elephant corridor whill on the other lie agricultural farms and the homes of pastoralists. As population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878026-3TDM0T9E7BXUP9E3QINB/AmboTuskers_042.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_042.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: A Maasai woman farmer looks at the damage to her crops done by elephant the night before. Big Life builds specially designed elephant fences and repairs them daily if needed. They also offer compensation for losses. It is all part of their hearts and minds campaign for conservation of elephants. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877905-3KRFLKOJOKZPX56P75B5/AmboTuskers_056.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_056.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Emergency veterinatian work on Bronski, a tusker close to Amboseli National Park. Bronski was speared in the leg but KWS vet Dr Kariuki is more concerned with swelling in the joint of Bronski's leg hind leg. The vet speculates that he may have injured the joint fleeing the spearing site. The collapse of joints after many years is often fatal to elephants. It was necessary to use a rope and a vehicle to lift Bronski back to his feet after the anathetic. Its a very delicate operation to work on these tuskers, many of them are of advanced age and there is always the possibiltiy they do not recover. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877820-MYY2HG8CF236FL1VVS9O/AmboTuskers_009.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_009.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Ngoing Veg is a large agricultural development in the middle of what is known as the elephant garden on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. When the Group Ranch system of land management recently ended and all Maasai members became individual land owners, some of those Maasai sold their land to outside developers. Many of these people are politiically powerful and have taken far more than they are allowed. Ngong Veg owners have an EIA for 120 acres but have taken 580 acres. Their 3 boreholes suck water away from animals and pastoralists. Human wildlife conflict has always existed in Amboseli but as development and population has grown in the area and Maasai group ranch memebers have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted and their access to water and grazing threatened. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877945-6CY9Y9M5UV0R3BEM7FW5/AmboTuskers_043.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_043.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: A Big Life education officer talks to Maasai school kids about conservation, in a sustained campaign for sustainability for the ecosystem. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878015-CMA7D4MK83HDW2J6WVV7/AmboTuskers_057.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_057.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Emergency veterinatian work on Bronski, a tusker close to Amboseli National Park. Bronski was speared in the leg but KWS vet Dr Kariuki is more concerned with swelling in the joint of Bronski's leg hind leg. The vet speculates that he may have injured the joint fleeing the spearing site. The collapse of joints after many years is often fatal to elephants. It was necessary to use a rope and a vehicle to lift Bronski back to his feet after the anathetic. Its a very delicate operation to work on these tuskers, many of them are of advanced age and there is always the possibiltiy they do not recover. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877800-FG310BYIYXIDX4RHA8SR/AmboTuskers_010.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_010.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Ngoing Veg is a large agricultural development in the middle of what is known as the elephant garden on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. When the Group Ranch system of land management recently ended and all Maasai members became individual land owners, some of those Maasai sold their land to outside developers. Many of these people are politiically powerful and have taken far more than they are allowed. Ngong Veg owners have an EIA for 120 acres but have taken 580 acres. Their 3 boreholes suck water away from animals and pastoralists. Human wildlife conflict has always existed in Amboseli but as development and population has grown in the area and Maasai group ranch memebers have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted and their access to water and grazing threatened. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877855-304B34HFS8ZDU7D9U3L8/AmboTuskers_044.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_044.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Angama Lodge, an exclusive high end hotel that leases land from the local Maasai Kimana Conservancy. They employ locals and for every guest they pay something to the conservancy as well an annual fee for the land and the animals on it. This is the kind of development that can strengthen conservation policies in the region as well as protect the integrity of continuous conservation land that allows for animal migration. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877939-T7Z5YRYKF25OBNMF7E6W/AmboTuskers_058.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_058.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Emergency veterinatian work on Bronski, a tusker close to Amboseli National Park. Bronski was speared in the leg but KWS vet Dr Kariuki is more concerned with swelling in the joint of Bronski's leg hind leg. The vet speculates that he may have injured the joint fleeing the spearing site. The collapse of joints after many years is often fatal to elephants. It was necessary to use a rope and a vehicle to lift Bronski back to his feet after the anathetic. Its a very delicate operation to work on these tuskers, many of them are of advanced age and there is always the possibiltiy they do not recover. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878003-I56CZTGX8WZOSP62E585/AmboTuskers_011.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_011.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Elephant paths lead out of Amboseli National Park directly to a mudhole at a pastoralist settlement. Human wildlife conflict has always existed in Amboseli but as development and population has grown in the area and Maasai group ranch memebers have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted and their access to water and grazing threatened. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878069-94RMM9X1DJBI8MQRMNS8/AmboTuskers_045.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_045.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Visitors pose for pictures with replicas of the tusks of Tolstoy, a legendary Amboseli elephant who died from a spear wound. Angama Lodge is an exclusive high end hotel that leases land from the local Maasai Kimana Conservancy. They employ locals and for every guest they pay something to the conservancy as well an annual fee for the land and the animals on it. This is the kind of development that can strengthen conservation policies in the region as well as protect the integrity of continuous conservation land that allows for animal migration. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877850-CPSFKD3FUDTLZDOXI5D1/AmboTuskers_059.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_059.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Emergency veterinatian work on Bronski, a tusker close to Amboseli National Park. Bronski was speared in the leg but KWS vet Dr Kariuki is more concerned with swelling in the joint of Bronski's leg hind leg. The vet speculates that he may have injured the joint fleeing the spearing site. The collapse of joints after many years is often fatal to elephants. It was necessary to use a rope and a vehicle to lift Bronski back to his feet after the anathetic. Its a very delicate operation to work on these tuskers, many of them are of advanced age and there is always the possibiltiy they do not recover. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878142-JQ1S2Y9FIVFDTJPPVRHF/AmboTuskers_012.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_012.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Umoja is one of a new generation of Emerging tuskers in the ecosystem. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878130-MO1PIIL7ACPM6EV5NZRA/AmboTuskers_046.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_046.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877916-L4U6QW02GT2805S7EUXQ/AmboTuskers_013.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_013.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Umoja is one of a new generation of Emerging tuskers in the ecosystem. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878045-864PNYNA7VZMNQ0M5CO7/AmboTuskers_047.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_047.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Craig, one of the most iconic of the Tuskers of Amboseli, is seen on Kitende Conservancy, a local Maasai run conservancy where land owners have chosen a traditional way of life as well as conservation land leasing through Big Life. This kind of elephant is one of a kind and is worth millions annually in tourist revenue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877928-C36F2S2YBXV1XHA3HXGR/AmboTuskers_014.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_014.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Umoja is one of a new generation of Emerging tuskers in the ecosystem. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877961-H0I5SH2UGSKO1I43U84L/AmboTuskers_015.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_015.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Umoja is one of a new generation of Emerging tuskers in the ecosystem. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877967-HMT1Z3SPTY1FM9CZT0T9/AmboTuskers_016.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_016.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Purka Lakooya, 65, and one of his wives Naisanti Purka, 51 have a son in the Big Life NGO ranger training program. Big Life is attempting to address the threat of development on Maasai land by long term lease deals with Maasai landowners as well employment , education and clinics in the region. Purka Lakooya disagrees with the idea of Maasai selling their land, he sees it as a threat to their culture and the way they have lived with animals for centuries. He beleives the solution must be managed communally. He and Naisanti are grateful for the incomce their son's ranger job will provide and are hoping two other son's can enter the program. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878124-OUU4WAF2UXNF45SECKNW/AmboTuskers_017.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_017.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Njoroke ole Mpere, Vice Chairman, Nairrabala Conservancy. 80% of his community has decided to form their own conservancy, managing land use for a traditional way of life but also trying to take advantage of tourism as well as the land lease deal offered by conservation NGO Big Life. Mpere believes in the benefits to be gained from protecting their land for wildlife and he believes in protecting the land for his children's future. Maasai do not hunt bushmeat and understand how to live with animals better than other Kenyan people. He would like to see more compensation as he believes they are people who actually live with wildllife. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878039-NEN5A24TFWD0UH65JHA0/AmboTuskers_018.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_018.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Njoroke ole Mpere, Vice Chairman, Nairrabala Conservancy. 80% of his community has decided to form their own conservancy, managing land use for a traditional way of life but also trying to take advantage of tourism as well as the land lease deal offered by conservation NGO Big Life. Mpere believes in the benefits to be gained from protecting their land for wildlife and he believes in protecting the land for his children's future. Maasai do not hunt bushmeat and understand how to live with animals better than other Kenyan people. He would like to see more compensation as he believes they are people who actually live with wildllife. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877868-APC59SWTPKK3FDNM7LBG/AmboTuskers_019.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_019.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Njoroke ole Mpere, Vice Chairman, Nairrabala Conservancy. 80% of his community has decided to form their own conservancy, managing land use for a traditional way of life but also trying to take advantage of tourism as well as the land lease deal offered by conservation NGO Big Life. Mpere believes in the benefits to be gained from protecting their land for wildlife and he believes in protecting the land for his children's future. Maasai do not hunt bushmeat and understand how to live with animals better than other Kenyan people. He would like to see more compensation as he believes they are people who actually live with wildllife. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877812-AH5LXGFUW4XOMOCOFS5T/AmboTuskers_020.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_020.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Njoroke ole Mpere, Vice Chairman, Nairrabala Conservancy. 80% of his community has decided to form their own conservancy, managing land use for a traditional way of life but also trying to take advantage of tourism as well as the land lease deal offered by conservation NGO Big Life. Mpere believes in the benefits to be gained from protecting their land for wildlife and he believes in protecting the land for his children's future. Maasai do not hunt bushmeat and understand how to live with animals better than other Kenyan people. He would like to see more compensation as he believes they are people who actually live with wildllife. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877986-2082J3ASWZ6V5QLE3AMJ/AmboTuskers_021.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_021.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Njoroke ole Mpere, Vice Chairman, Nairrabala Conservancy. 80% of his community has decided to form their own conservancy, managing land use for a traditional way of life but also trying to take advantage of tourism as well as the land lease deal offered by conservation NGO Big Life. Mpere believes in the benefits to be gained from protecting their land for wildlife and he believes in protecting the land for his children's future. Maasai do not hunt bushmeat and understand how to live with animals better than other Kenyan people. He would like to see more compensation as he believes they are people who actually live with wildllife. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877826-JW2VNYUD5QE1EO9YZW6G/AmboTuskers_022.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_022.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Saningo Temuka, 26, is a Maasai man who works as a day labourer on other people's land. Saningo's father sold his land and thereby took away Saningo's heritage and ability to live in the Maasai way. Recently there have been more and more sales of Maasai land, as the Group Ranch system has been done away with and members become individual land owners. Some Maasai have been tempted by quick money but at the expense of their way of life and a larger threat to the coexistence of pastoralists and wild animals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877992-7CLCWA46B60CJ5YYMD6X/AmboTuskers_023.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_023.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Big Life ranger Daniel Kutata speaks with Maasai waiting to water their cattle and goats at a new temporary water hole that is only available seasonally. These Maasai say that with all the development in the areas there is no longer guaranteed water. The swamps of Amboseli National Park are the vital reservoir for water for the region. As development and population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. and their access to water threatened. Amboseli National Park (government owned and managed) is to the south centre of the ecosystem. It protects the largest permanent water sources in the ecosystem, which are a series of spring fed swamps (water originates on Kilimanjaro). Strictly a wildlife refuge, no settlement allowed, cattle allowed under strict conditions only to access water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877973-JDPTGVMA2WA5Q73Z0PDZ/AmboTuskers_024.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_024.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Big Life ranger Daniel Kutata speaks with Maasai waiting to water their cattle and goats at a new temporary water hole that is only available seasonally. These Maasai say that with all the development in the areas there is no longer guaranteed water. The swamps of Amboseli National Park are the vital reservoir for water for the region. As development and population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. and their access to water threatened. Amboseli National Park (government owned and managed) is to the south centre of the ecosystem. It protects the largest permanent water sources in the ecosystem, which are a series of spring fed swamps (water originates on Kilimanjaro). Strictly a wildlife refuge, no settlement allowed, cattle allowed under strict conditions only to access water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877837-39GSJKJE6LWTBZ2SU3JI/AmboTuskers_025.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_025.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Big Life ranger Daniel Kutata speaks with Maasai waiting to water their cattle and goats at a new temporary water hole that is only available seasonally. These Maasai say that with all the development in the areas there is no longer guaranteed water. The swamps of Amboseli National Park are the vital reservoir for water for the region. As development and population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. and their access to water threatened. Amboseli National Park (government owned and managed) is to the south centre of the ecosystem. It protects the largest permanent water sources in the ecosystem, which are a series of spring fed swamps (water originates on Kilimanjaro). Strictly a wildlife refuge, no settlement allowed, cattle allowed under strict conditions only to access water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877886-IGZQQBJWVL3CHN62AD9B/AmboTuskers_026.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_026.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Big Life ranger Daniel Kutata speaks with Maasai waiting to water their cattle and goats at a new temporary water hole that is only available seasonally. These Maasai say that with all the development in the areas there is no longer guaranteed water. The swamps of Amboseli National Park are the vital reservoir for water for the region. As development and population has grown in the area and Maasai have sold off land traditionally utilized in harmony with animals, elephants and other animals find their movement increasingly restricted. and their access to water threatened. Amboseli National Park (government owned and managed) is to the south centre of the ecosystem. It protects the largest permanent water sources in the ecosystem, which are a series of spring fed swamps (water originates on Kilimanjaro). Strictly a wildlife refuge, no settlement allowed, cattle allowed under strict conditions only to access water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878118-24KBM3NH8P5PQH3W1SYS/AmboTuskers_027.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_027.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Zebras lie dead in a recently fenced off piece of land that used to be part of communal Maasai Land but which has been sold and recently fenced. The owner fenced without consideration for animals and their access to water. These zebras and other aninals died of thirst before conservation NGO Big Life were able to cut the fence and let the animals out. There is speculation that the owner fenced the area so he can graze his animals in time of drough and keep other pastoralists out. This is the anthithesis of Maasai traditional culture, which has no fences and has allowed for the free movement of both cattle and wild animals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878020-7QIZW6AQOTMCS6F31MA2/AmboTuskers_028.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_028.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Zebras lie dead in a recently fenced off piece of land that used to be part of communal Maasai Land but which has been sold and recently fenced. The owner fenced without consideration for animals and their access to water. These zebras and other aninals died of thirst before conservation NGO Big Life were able to cut the fence and let the animals out. There is speculation that the owner fenced the area so he can graze his animals in time of drough and keep other pastoralists out. This is the anthithesis of Maasai traditional culture, which has no fences and has allowed for the free movement of both cattle and wild animals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877956-CF6UEXR9TX9JDV9D81VZ/AmboTuskers_029.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_029.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: A Big Life ranger points to where his team had to cut the fence on a recently fenced off piece of land that used to be part of communal Maasai Land but which has been sold and recently fenced. The owner fenced without consideration for animals and their access to water. 4 zebras and other animals died of thirst before conservation NGO Big Life were able to cut the fence and let the animals out. There is speculation that the owner fenced the area so he can graze his animals in time of drough and keep other pastoralists out. This is the anthithesis of Maasai traditional culture, which has no fences and has allowed for the free movement of both cattle and wild animals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878095-VFRCTFW6YLO1GELBN0V4/AmboTuskers_030.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_030.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephants and is major source fo revenue for the Kenyan Government. Recently there are talks about reparations to the Maasai who's land was taken for the park. Local conservancy members are asking for 40%, which if handled correctly, could ensure limited development and the land for animals as a priority. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878063-3DP1TF78HILRQLQWVS3V/AmboTuskers_031.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_031.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephants and is major source fo revenue for the Kenyan Government. Recently there are talks about reparations to the Maasai who's land was taken for the park. Local conservancy members are asking for 40%, which if handled correctly, could ensure limited development and the land for animals as a priority. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877861-BHFO0MGEFG63TCTHFS6W/AmboTuskers_032.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_032.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephants and is major source fo revenue for the Kenyan Government. Recently there are talks about reparations to the Maasai who's land was taken for the park. Local conservancy members are asking for 40%, which if handled correctly, could ensure limited development and the land for animals as a priority. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158877933-2M5V207OEGLCA81D718U/AmboTuskers_033.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_033.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephants and is major source fo revenue for the Kenyan Government. Recently there are talks about reparations to the Maasai who's land was taken for the park. Local conservancy members are asking for 40%, which if handled correctly, could ensure limited development and the land for animals as a priority. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158878057-3F5GKPROH4QGJD0NL4MV/AmboTuskers_034.jpg Amboseli Land Crisis - Maasai and the Elephants - AmboTuskers_034.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephants and is major source fo revenue for the Kenyan Government. Recently there are talks about reparations to the Maasai who's land was taken for the park. Local conservancy members are asking for 40%, which if handled correctly, could ensure limited development and the land for animals as a priority. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://www.brentstirton.com/aids-drugs-and-uncertainty-in-ukraine daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654187-VNAZQVT8WNCXSYQGIBQ9/UkraineAids_01.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A young man in the final stages of full blown Aids lies in a coma days from death in hospital, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 31 August 2011. He has a very low T cell count and is almost certain to die from immune failure related disease. The reason his case is so dire is because there have been no new admissions allowed to the list of Anti Retro-Viral therapy recipients for those people living with full blown Aids in Ukraine since the end of 2010. Nine months later in September 2011 all those people who have become critically ill but are not on the old list of ART recipients are living under a death sentence as their immune systems collapse. There is a new Government in Ukraine and the Ministry of Health controls all ART (Anti-RetroViral treatment,) medicine. As this business is put out to tender to the various pharmaceutical companies, a series of ignorances, bribes and corrupt practises hinder this vital service from coming into being in time to provide life-saving ART therapy to those who are dying without it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653857-3D3WBPJKE8HBKT5PRWU1/UkraineAids_05.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_103.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Tanya, 29, is a sex-worker and drug user who is HIV+. She has an eleven year old son and lives with 5 other sex workers in a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood. She used to weigh 100 kilograms but has wasted away to nothing. She has severe septicemia on her legs and a rampant addiction. Tanya tells that sometimes in the past wealthy men would seek her out for sex as part of a bizarre "Russian roulette with Aids" scenario, where they would have unprotected sex and dice with the odds of contracting HIV. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654075-11BVA06X3TMT5X9KOUWV/UkraineAids_19.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine POLTAVA, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: An addict prepares to treat his grossly septic feet in a filthy apartment in Poltava while his mother, 80, looks on, Ukraine, 26 August 2011. They both deal out of the apartment and feel they have little economic alternative. He has been using drugs for over 30 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653871-MGYZO1LVJDB8AUWA872Q/UkraineAids_20.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: HIV + drug addict Sacha bathes his mother every day in their small apartment in Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 31 August 2011. He takes care of her, washing her clothes, feeding her and makes sure she is cared for. Sacha is worried as he moves into full blown Aids that there will be no-one to look after his elderly mother. The reason his case is so worriesome is because there have been no new admissions allowed to the list of Anti Retro-Viral therapy recipients for those people living with full blown Aids in Ukraine since the end of 2010. Sacha is not on that list and is inelegible for treatment as a result. Nine months later in September 2011 all those people who have become critically ill but are not on the old list of ART recipients are living under a death sentence as their immune systems collapse. There is a new Government in Ukraine and the Ministry of Health controls all ART (Anti-RetroViral treatment,) medicine. As this business is put out to tender to the various pharmaceutical companies, a series of ignorances, bribes and corrupt practises hinder this vital service from coming into being in time to provide life-saving ART therapy to those who are dying without it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654039-J2RTBR8YPC7QXF58MV3O/UkraineAids_25.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Scenes from the Tuberculosis Hospital in Kiev, Ukraine, 7 September 2011. Staff work under difficult conditions, with many patients who are drug addicts and criminals. There are also severe shortages in terms of funding for new equipment and security for the staff. Staff in the hospital have been attacked by patients, police are afraid of the disease these patients carry and have not acted to protect the nurses and doctors who risk their lives daily in the care of these patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654118-YK7IPCMJMDVVCEFQVBMW/UkraineAids_27.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine POLTAVA, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Scenes inside Poltava Tuberculosis clinic, a facility with insufficent resources which is the only facility for Tuberculosis patients in Poltava, Ukraine, 26 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654113-JKCR9JA4XIEBIJSW1LSK/UkraineAids_28.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A prisoner n the last stages of full-blown Aids who has been rushed to the Kiev Aids Center from prison receives compassionate care from a doctor while chained to the bed, The Kiev Aids Center in Kiev, Ukraine, 25 August 2011. This facility is one of two in Ukriane and deals with many drug addicts and other difficult Aids infected people. There are strict rules and conditions in the wards which staff claim are neccesary to protect them from aggressive, manic patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654163-IS8K6VI7XANCZBNAGH2N/UkraineAids_49.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DONETSK, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: A young Aids affected child in the home of his HIV+ drug addicted mother in their poverty stricken village on the first day of school, Donetsk, Ukraine, 1 September 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654081-2T586RYIMG25TUR9QCRM/UkraineAids_02.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A very sick man living with full blown Aids holds up his young son while his wife looks on, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 31 August 2011. This man has a very low T cell count and is almost certain to die soon. He recently married his girlfriend and the mother of his child to ensure she will inherit his possesions when he dies. The reason his case is so dire is because there have been no new admissions allowed to the list of Anti Retro-Viral therapy recipients for those people living with full blown Aids in Ukraine since the end of 2010. Nine months later in September 2011 all those people who have become critically ill but are not on the old list of ART recipients are living under a death sentence as their immune systems collapse. There is a new Government in Ukraine and the Ministry of Health controls all ART (Anti-RetroViral treatment,) medicine. As this business is put out to tender to the various pharmaceutical companies, a series of ignorances, bribes and corrupt practises hinder this vital service from coming into being in time to provide life-saving ART therapy to those who are dying without it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653917-X61Q1P95WSDBQ8WCJHDD/UkraineAids_06.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_111.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Lena, 28, a sex worker and drug addict helps Tanya, 28, also a sex worker, to inject into her diseased leg, the easiest place for them to find a vein. Both girls are HIV+ and live in the apartment with 4 other sex workers who are all addicts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654046-TWSM42C1T2FH7BXOKUDR/UkraineAids_21.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A Christian Ukrainian counselling group made up of ex addicts prays in a stairwell at their office in Kiev, Ukraine, 24 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653904-RTUREFQRS6LA4VBYJFF5/UkraineAids_29.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A prisoner n the last stages of full-blown Aids who has been rushed to the Kiev Aids Center from prison receives compassionate care from a doctor while chained to the bed, The Kiev Aids Center in Kiev, Ukraine, 25 August 2011. This facility is one of two in Ukriane and deals with many drug addicts and other difficult Aids infected people. There are strict rules and conditions in the wards which staff claim are neccesary to protect them from aggressive, manic patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654058-45M7T8XVI1PV8DFLWBDC/UkraineAids_51.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DONETSK, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: A HIV+ man and his HIV negative wife and her adopted daughter in their home in Donetsk, Ukraine, 1 September 2011. He met her when he came for treatment for his Tuberculosis at a clinic where she worked as a doctor and they have been together ever since. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654145-415OWY3DK2RPDA461I8S/UkraineAids_03.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654093-F2B2YF3ZZODSB0T964P9/UkraineAids_07.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_148.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Tanya, 29, is a sex-worker and drug user who is HIV+. She has is pictured with her eleven year old son Vitali. He does not go to school and spends his days playing computer games and dreaming about Africa where he says he will enjoy doing nothing. When asked if he knows his mother is an addict he say "Yes but I don't want to talk about that." They live with 5 other sex workers in a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood. Tanya used to weigh 100 kilograms but has wasted away to nothing. She has severe septicemia on her legs and a rampant addiction. Tanya tells that sometimes in the past wealthy men would seek her out for sex as part of a bizarre "Russian roulette with Aids" scenario, where they would have unprotected sex and dice with the odds of contracting HIV. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654175-KN58RRMK4ZQEFXFZLRIC/UkraineAids_22.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Scenes from the Tuberculosis Hospital in Kiev, Ukraine, 7 September 2011. Staff work under difficult conditions, with many patients who are drug addicts and criminals. There are also severe shortages in terms of funding for new equipment and security for the staff. Staff in the hospital have been attacked by patients, police are afraid of the disease these patients carry and have not acted to protect the nurses and doctors who risk their lives daily in the care of these patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653851-NC17M6FWOFJ2DH2UOLVP/UkraineAids_30.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A prisoner n the last stages of full-blown Aids who has been rushed to the Kiev Aids Center from prison receives compassionate care from a doctor while chained to the bed, The Kiev Aids Center in Kiev, Ukraine, 25 August 2011. This facility is one of two in Ukriane and deals with many drug addicts and other difficult Aids infected people. There are strict rules and conditions in the wards which staff claim are neccesary to protect them from aggressive, manic patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653877-76029SZQ7K5F8O4805Q5/UkraineAids_52.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KHARKOV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: In addition to normally orphaned children, Orphanage Zeleniy Gai in Kharkov, Ukraine is a home to HIV + children, Aids affected children as well as children removed from homes where parents were either too addicted to care for them or too remiss as a result of their addictions, August 28 2011. This orphanage is one of the few in Ukraine to make children living with HIV a priority. There are special excercise programs, therapy using animals and special new born units all designed to care for these children. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653817-NRU2YW491V8TOMEHSLDL/UkraineAids_04.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_179.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) DONETSK, UKRAINE - AUGUST 16 2005: Tatjana, 42, is a former drug addict who started taking drugs at age 32. She became HIV+ in 1996 and quit. She has two children, a daughter of 23 and son of 16. She has been on anti retro virals for a year but they are having an adverse effect on her. She cannot walk properly, hear properly and feels the whole time that something inside her is pushing her, driving her, so she spend most of her time walking around her tiny apartment. She cannot talk properly and cries constantly. Tatjana's mother Olga, 72, takes care of her and her 16 year old son. This is something she does more out of a sense of duty than love and that weighs heavily on Tatjana and makes for a loveless atmosphere in the apartment. Tatjana's mother also stated, "They should shoot all drug users. I don't understand why the government should spend money on them." thus illustrating her lack of understanding of the far reaching implications of HIV for families and communities. This lack of understanding is commonplace in Ukraine and is the norm. HIV + people are often treated as criminals rather than victims. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653949-MZJ552J5W3BOPVLT7MVV/UkraineAids_08.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_072.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: In a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood of Poltava, two brothers shoot up drugs while their mother looks on helpless in her own home. Alla, left, is the mother of Dima, 39, middle, and Ruslan, 36, right. They have been addicts for over 20 years and in that time both sons have had daughters. Alla lost her husband 15 years ago and had to quit her job as a kindergarten teacher to look after her addict sons. Ruslan, the younger son, often berates her for being a bad mother as a means of controlling her and ensuring that she will continue to look after him and his brother. It is rumoured in the neighbourhood that the family deals in drugs so as the two brothers can maintain their addiction. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653923-R60Z4947S1C0IYWPKVNR/UkraineAids_23.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine POLTAVA, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Scenes inside Poltava Tuberculosis clinic, a facility with insufficent resources which is the only facility for Tuberculosis patients in Poltava, Ukraine, 26 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654027-MBAI13ZRVQ8DY51L3XXL/UkraineAids_53.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KHARKOV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: In addition to normally orphaned children, Orphanage Zeleniy Gai in Kharkov, Ukraine is a home to HIV + children, Aids affected children as well as children removed from homes where parents were either too addicted to care for them or too remiss as a result of their addictions, August 28 2011. This orphanage is one of the few in Ukraine to make children living with HIV a priority. There are special excercise programs, therapy using animals and special new born units all designed to care for these children. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653943-KLX3ZA7CJ9FL8CVCIMAZ/UkraineAids_09.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_075.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: In a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood of Poltava, one of two brothers shoot up drugs while their mother looks on helpless in her own home. Alla, left, is the mother of Dima, 39, middle, and Ruslan, 36, out of frame. They have been addicts for over 20 years and in that time both sons have had daughters. Alla lost her husband 15 years ago and had to quit her job as a kindergarten teacher to look after her addict sons. Ruslan, the younger son, often berates her for being a bad mother as a means of controlling her and ensuring that she will continue to look after him and his brother. It is rumoured in the neighbourhood that the family deals in drugs so as the two brothers can maintain their addiction. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653838-OYA9K6HG7588CK9E89L6/UkraineAids_24.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Scenes from the Tuberculosis Hospital in Kiev, Ukraine, 7 September 2011. Staff work under difficult conditions, with many patients who are drug addicts and criminals. There are also severe shortages in terms of funding for new equipment and security for the staff. Staff in the hospital have been attacked by patients, police are afraid of the disease these patients carry and have not acted to protect the nurses and doctors who risk their lives daily in the care of these patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653845-38MITFO0WJO7O98BFOCC/UkraineAids_54.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Banchensky Svyato - Voznesensky Monastry Orphanage is an orphanage founded by the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine which takes exceptional care of 253 kids, Ukraine, 6 September 2011. 44 of the kids at the orphanage are HIV+ and live in a special building with permanent care-givers and exceptional living conditions. The kids on ART therapy receive that daily at breakfast, the kids old enough to go to school do so at the local village school. The younger kids receive a kindergarten style education on the orphanage premises. This orphanage has been taking in HIV+kids since 2002, in marked contrast to the normally negative attitudes displayed by the church towards HIV+ people in Ukraine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653831-8KODNWMJLM17UFXKU2XE/UkraineAids_10.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KHARKOV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Addicts cook up an Ephedrine based Amphetamine cocktail in a small apartment in a housing project in Kharkov, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654181-7YSXLM3583NGSAHBW2Y8/UkraineAids_33.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653974-L0A71LJ6CHI3WKJAHAC9/UkraineAids_55.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654052-31816N9ULJYIY3037JNE/UkraineAids_11.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KHARKOV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Addicts cook up an Ephedrine based Amphetamine cocktail in a small apartment in a housing project in Kharkov, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653883-EGZAY1JD0L5PPQ803CMW/UkraineAids_34.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653825-Q1XJEK0K7DGRFXBWZFZ0/UkraineAids_56.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Banchensky Svyato - Voznesensky Monastry Orphanage is an orphanage founded by the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine which takes exceptional care of 253 kids, Ukraine, 6 September 2011. 44 of the kids at the orphanage are HIV+ and live in a special building with permanent care-givers and exceptional living conditions. The kids on ART therapy receive that daily at breakfast, the kids old enough to go to school do so at the local village school. The younger kids receive a kindergarten style education on the orphanage premises. This orphanage has been taking in HIV+kids since 2002, in marked contrast to the normally negative attitudes displayed by the church towards HIV+ people in Ukraine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653955-5Y4CYYBLVNSZECXJM29M/UkraineAids_12.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Maria, a drug addict and sex worker, entertains a client in a room she rents in a house from an old lady, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. Maria uses drugs on a daily basis and sees many men every week but remains HIV negative. She claims she need the money to support herself, her habit and her 9 year old daughter. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653968-ZGWHYPIVVV5V5CCPB0D3/UkraineAids_35.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Addicts undergo sleep therapy during the drug detox program at Psycho Neurological Dispensary, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 31 August 2011. This program has good success in getting patients back to a pysiological level where they can receive counselling for their addictions. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654125-C5NL8686NVYT5E3QJXNL/UkraineAids_57.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Banchensky Svyato - Voznesensky Monastry Orphanage is an orphanage founded by the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine which takes exceptional care of 253 kids, Ukraine, 6 September 2011. 44 of the kids at the orphanage are HIV+ and live in a special building with permanent care-givers and exceptional living conditions. The kids on ART therapy receive that daily at breakfast, the kids old enough to go to school do so at the local village school. The younger kids receive a kindergarten style education on the orphanage premises. This orphanage has been taking in HIV+kids since 2002, in marked contrast to the normally negative attitudes displayed by the church towards HIV+ people in Ukraine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653929-56QBWG72ZE9BNQG9RVIU/UkraineAids_13.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Maria, a drug addict and sex worker, entertains a client in a room she rents in a house from an old lady, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. Maria uses drugs on a daily basis and sees many men every week but remains HIV negative. She claims she need the money to support herself, her habit and her 9 year old daughter. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654157-MC3ADKYD6CUCNLOR48K1/UkraineAids_36.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KRYVYI RIG, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Addicts undergo sleep therapy during the drug detox program at Psycho Neurological Dispensary, Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine, 31 August 2011. This program has good success in getting patients back to a pysiological level where they can receive counselling for their addictions. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654033-UNNVEKYKTL4L3N2H9R0X/UkraineAids_14.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654000-E0U0KZ3IL9H955DE6A8K/UkraineAids_15.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654087-YPODBDJ4DHNBMEWIZXN0/UkraineAids_16.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_122.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: A roadside sex worker who is a drug addict services a client in scrub just off the main road leading in and out of Poltava. These girls see between one and five clients a night, for an average of $8 a time. Many of these girls move from town to town across the country with truckers, spreading the HIV virus as they go. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653911-A2ZKXAQ21YMTCRCKXHW8/UkraineAids_39.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DNEPROPETROVSK, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A former Surgical doctor, Olga, conducts mobile rapid testing for the Aids virus in housing projects amongst drug users, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, 30 August 2011. Olga came to work in these communities because she was unknowingly infected with HIV by a surgical patient in late 2000 when she was 26. Her hospital found out at the regular 6 month testing required by surgical doctors. Olga was then asked to resign by the Chief Medical officer and when she refused was subjected to humiliating and multiple pressures at work. She was finally forced to resign after 4 months of unrelenting pressure and active rumor mongering amongst hospital staff that she had been working as a prostitute and violating her privacy by telling other about her HIV status. She spent the next two years locked away in her apartment, not daring to tell anyone and being a total recluse. Since then she has embraced her HIV + status and uses her medical training to care for disadvantaged HIV+ people in her town. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653936-J0ZOQTO1YHKXK9L2ENRU/UkraineAids_17.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine ODESSA, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Images of a gynacological examination in the vehicle of local Ngo "Faith, Hope, Love" which works with Sex-workers in Odessa, Ukraine 4 September 2011. The Ngo has a vehicle with a gynacologist, two social workers and a driver which moves around the city 4 nights a week doing rapid testing for HIV, handing out condoms and referals, counselling and also performing gynacological services for sex-workers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654194-UBUM1IRBQU2YUH0ECVDI/UkraineAids_40.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DNEPROPETROVSK, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: A former Surgical doctor, Olga, conducts mobile rapid testing for the Aids virus in housing projects amongst drug users, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, 30 August 2011. Olga came to work in these communities because she was unknowingly infected with HIV by a surgical patient in late 2000 when she was 26. Her hospital found out at the regular 6 month testing required by surgical doctors. Olga was then asked to resign by the Chief Medical officer and when she refused was subjected to humiliating and multiple pressures at work. She was finally forced to resign after 4 months of unrelenting pressure and active rumor mongering amongst hospital staff that she had been working as a prostitute and violating her privacy by telling other about her HIV status. She spent the next two years locked away in her apartment, not daring to tell anyone and being a total recluse. Since then she has embraced her HIV + status and uses her medical training to care for disadvantaged HIV+ people in her town. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654106-99YPU6SRPTNERNNGAEDS/UkraineAids_18.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653962-QLQII4A7HFWS376IK30R/UkraineAids_41.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KHARKOV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Tamara is an HIV+ drug addict on the run from the police, Kharkov, Ukraine, 28 August 2011. She has no access to identity documents because she is on the run and as a result cannot access medical treatment, CT4 counts and Anti-retroviral medication. She is on the run because she stole to support her addiction. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654169-Y4AMWQC80P37GGZSHYAX/UkraineAids_42.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KHARKOV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Sergei helps his partially paralysed friend Volver to shower at a rehabilitation centre in Kharkov, Ukraine, 29 August 2011. Volver was paralysed when he used a drug made up of Ephedrine and other chemicals which permanently damaged his nervous system. Sergei and other members of this recovering addict community help Volver to get through each day with acts of kindness that bind them together like brothers. This unselfish daily activity gives lie to the fact that addicts and also HIV+ people in Ukraine are often seen as unworthy people undeserving of compassion. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654014-I3H18T1BDTVKP1FX49MU/UkraineAids_43.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine POLTAVA, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Sergei, a veteran former addict who now actively counsels and supports people trying to get off drugs in Poltava, Ukraine, 26 August 2011. Sergei went on a Methadone substitution program to get off heroin and then quit Methadone to live drug free. He is the first addict in Poltava to have made this very difficult and painful step. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654138-W8AC9AHWP2TIF5HSK05Y/UkraineAids_44.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DNEPROPETROVSK, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Images from Ukraines' only Condom manufacturing plant, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, 30 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654131-949WYH5DY3K6SXZHAJF1/UkraineAids_45.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DNEPROPETROVSK, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: Images from Ukraines' only Condom manufacturing plant, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, 30 August 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653810-WJISDMAEG6OCYJ81PTGK/UkraineAids_46.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine KIEV, UKRAINE, AUGUST 2011: An HIV+ mother swallows her Methadone dosage at a drug substitution program using Methadone to substitute for Heroin at the Kiev Aids Center in Kiev, Ukraine, 25 August 2011. This program has been treated with suspicion by the Authorities and the hospital has been raided a few times by over-zealous authorities who do not condone the program despite its world wide success rate. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653865-31LY7W6O0XCHEDWW9V3Q/UkraineAids_47.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DONETSK, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: Alina, a 10 year old HIV+ girl is examined by doctors at a mobile unit which moves between small cities dealing with HIV+ children who would not otherwise have access to treatment, Donetsk, Ukraine, 1 September 2011. Alina is the daughter of HIV+ drug addicts, her T cell count is checked as is her weight and growth, she also receives 3 months ART therapy medication from the doctors of this mobile unit. Alina is extraordinarily independent, she spends most of her time with her great grandmother and essentially raises herself, she consults with the doctors on how her body is coping with the disease and she understands what is happening to her completely. She cooks, cleans and plans for herself and does well at school and is very independent and well mannered, especially for someone who comes from her social circumstances. A person to be hugely admired and loved. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654020-8STAFL55GJQ9ELYSQSA8/UkraineAids_49.1.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine DONETSK, UKRAINE, SEPTEMBER 2011: A young Aids affected child in the home of his HIV+ drug addicted mother in their poverty stricken village on the first day of school, Donetsk, Ukraine, 1 September 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654151-7WZYEBHY7ARQZ0REWF9Z/UkraineAids_26.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_171.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 15 2005: Andrey, 28, waits to be X-rayed at the local TB hospital. He is HIV+ and has advanced TB. They are often linked in Ukraine. Andrey received a five year prison sentence for drug possesion but his parents were able to pay a $300 bribe to officials and have him sent to the hospital instead. It is likely that he will be jailed again. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654007-ER34MEVI4D28YU2DEGM8/UkraineAids_31.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_303.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) KHERSON, UKRAINE - AUGUST 18 2005: A prisoner with full blown Aids lies in an intensive care ward at Kherson Prison Hospital for prisoners with HIV/Aids. Kherson Prison is the only Prison in Ukraine where HIV + prisoners are treated. There are no programmes in place for funding for Anti Retro Viral treatments for prisoners. The prisoners know they are dieing and that treatment is not available to them. The prison hospital has recently used small government funding to attempt to modernise but cannot go further due to lack of funds. No testing equipment is available and all tests have to go to Odessa for results. In the last year the number of HIV + prisoners passing through this hospital has tripled. For most prisoners ignorance adds to the stigma of Aids and it is difficult to gain a true idea of HIV statistics behind bars in Ukraine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653890-ZULZIXWWEJQZDLWMW9WS/UkraineAids_32.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_304.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) KHERSON, UKRAINE - AUGUST 18 2005: Prisoners with full blown Aids lie in an intensive care ward at Kherson Prison Hospital for prisoners with HIV/Aids. Kherson Prison is the only Prison in Ukraine where HIV + prisoners are treated. There are no programmes in place for funding for Anti Retro Viral treatments for prisoners. The prisoners know they are dieing and that treatment is not available to them. The prison hospital has recently used small government funding to attempt to modernise but cannot go further due to lack of funds. No testing equipment is available and all tests have to go to Odessa for results. In the last year the number of HIV + prisoners passing through this hospital has tripled. For most prisoners ignorance adds to the stigma of Aids and it is difficult to gain a true idea of HIV statistics behind bars in Ukraine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654064-E7JS3O81V3JK6KYTWOMM/UkraineAids_37.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_152.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 15 2005: A patient sits alone in the entertainment room of the Aids wing of Poltava Psychiatric Hospital. There is no facility for HIV+ people at any hospital in Poltava. If they require treatment they are forced to come and live in the Psychiatric hospital. The man depicted has been living there for 3 years and has no friends and only a cat for company. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654069-OSZLU6CNPWL1STWHY74M/UkraineAids_38.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_182.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) DONETSK, UKRAINE - AUGUST 16 2005: Sacha, 33, was a drug addict for 12 years before he found relegion. He believes that God found him and saved him from himself. He continues to deal drugs but he now collects needles for needle exchange programmes in Donetsk. He gives those clean needles out to the addicts who frequent his house, a perfect fromula for needle exchange. When he was using drugs he almost destroyed the home he is sitting in. Now he is trying to rebuild it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158654100-EI8SQBY8W6YIE832C9EU/UkraineAids_48.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_355.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) ODESSA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 21 2005: A group of streetkids sleeping in a damp, filthy underground cellar in Odessa. All of the 6 kids in the cellar are HIV+ and many have signs of advanced Tuberculosis. When they were told of their HIV+ status the kids reportedly said, "Kill us, give us an injection and let us die now." Local NGO "The Way Home" tries to visit these kids on a regular basis and takes them food, condoms and clean needles. It is estimated that there are over 5000 of these streetkids in Odessa. They speak no common moral language as a result of their experiences on the street and form their own criminal underclass in Ukraine. They are often used by older criminals as thieves as they are difficult to prosecute as minors. The girls are often forced to act as prostitutes and are extremely vulneralbe to rape, pregnancy at a young age and sexually transmitted disease. The fact that many of them are HIV+ and drug users only adds to their desperation and fearlessness. Neglecting the streetkid/HIV issue means a growing future problem for authorities in Ukraine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158653898-Z7N5V4XFSYNDAWW1M9QL/UkraineAids_50.jpg AIDS, Drugs and Uncertainty, Ukraine - GBCUKRAINE_027.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) KIEV, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Nadia is a 6 year old Aids orphan at the Kiev Orphanage Berezka. She has been living with full blown Aids for some years now and is on Anti Retro Viral treatment made possible by the Global funds involvement in the orphanage. Nadia is significantly older than the other 20 HIV+ abandoned children at the orphanage and it is looking increasingly unlikely she will be adopted. In spite of this she is a bright and independant child who is very loving to all visitors. The orphanage is home for abandoned children from age zero to 4 years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** AIDS https://www.brentstirton.com/albino-boys daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883834-GKDU4PTME2TD0EPPZFF8/BlindAlbinism_01.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883767-8SOZ72XBUQZSTP9LL628/BlindAlbinism_09.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883779-7B4CNWKMMM5VGF25WWRU/BlindAlbinism_11.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883733-41VOPPTHVL6ZU1KYUZ39/BlindAlbinism_13.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883816-3Y7VFMY5PCS2YBY4GH37/BlindAlbinism_15.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883853-K4BYU7GROST1FVNF9QQO/BlindAlbinism_17.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883786-Q81AVIWQ7CKD42L0CHIE/BlindAlbinism_19.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883773-4MZYH3RRZWITG7LMQOQT/BlindAlbinism_21.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883799-B90R2ICUDZ7WZL61T7J8/BlindAlbinism_25.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883847-7UZ7RPG3WRHDUAQ2C4PK/BlindAlbinism_27.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883828-TVDFNLDQ78SU57XQ5DE6/BlindAlbinism_29.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883746-8B4O6F3Y8E1VKU45PAP0/BlindAlbinism_02.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883702-B4XO3IXUBATKGPD7LPPN/BlindAlbinism_10.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883695-5E05RLILD6QCJF06U8ER/BlindAlbinism_12.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883805-5YW4UOT75EUFLV0JJNKZ/BlindAlbinism_14.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883682-LY58U5CSHQLO7Q95C4CR/BlindAlbinism_16.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883721-4HFX006W7SEQAAVGERIU/BlindAlbinism_18.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883727-YSE9K8IALD035CYHNBDR/BlindAlbinism_20.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883792-I0OM1ZPCAHO5GVZGNJNB/BlindAlbinism_22.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883740-VM8S8W018EEBQZX49P3Q/BlindAlbinism_26.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883811-KDEAT94HBY646PLUAZR0/BlindAlbinism_28.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883840-NJ6AHDIBUE23V100GFA1/BlindAlbinism_30.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883822-PFPJMGSLXM7HNKDIJHNT/BlindAlbinism_03.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883753-7D2VBXNZXMNLD9365939/BlindAlbinism_04.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883859-6S6R8KNAFP8YF0S7RGAF/BlindAlbinism_05.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883760-W3TGUTZ7WR35D4DFS8SI/BlindAlbinism_06.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883708-8IR4UCKWCQUWX9CVCX3B/BlindAlbinism_07.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158883715-ZAXEVGGK0YRALWND5MCI/BlindAlbinism_08.jpg Indian Boys with Albinism Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://www.brentstirton.com/hivaids-issues-in-progress daily 0.75 2025-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/bde97dee-69f4-438f-a528-07171efd5da2/HIVAIDS_001.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress ZAKA, ZIMBABWE, 14 JUNE 2009: A man and women suffering from advanced Tuberculosis are taken to a clinic via ox-wagon in a rural area of Zaka, Zimbabwe, 24 June 2009. It is likely that both are HIV positive. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state. As a result of food scarcity in the failed state, malnutrition plays a large role in the rapid decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans. 25% of Zimbabweans are estimated to be HIV positive but there is only one ARV dispensing facility in the capital Harare. Its costs around $20 for the blood work to get on the program, a sum well beyond the reach of most in a country of over 90% unemployment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/3e722a18-aa11-4071-a4a3-55791ca22f6e/HIVAIDS_002.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress ZAMBIA-ZIMBABWE BORDER: A dying Aids patient is bathed by her mother and aunt. The girl passed away shortly after this photograph. A lack of access to clean water accelrated the decline of her immune system combined with little access to nutrition in a time of drought in Zambia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/179c442e-1c08-45b9-866b-ea6f1b182991/HIVAIDS_004.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress SOWETO SOUTH AFRICA: An Hiv+ women on anti-retrovirals does her yoga routine in the garden of her home in Soweto township. Four months prior to this she was unable to walk and considered a final stage case. The access to medication has made her life possible again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/07f58e1a-f7ae-46bc-aa7f-f817513f1172/HIVAIDS_005.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Meru, Kenya-28 November 2006: Elisabeth Mweru,28, feeding herself again for the first time in weeks as she recovers from severe tuberculosis. Elizabeth was found in an advanced stage of full blown Aids by a group of self-supporting HIV+ women in her village. She has been cared for by them to the point where she can now sit up and begin to feed herself. HIV rates in Kenya are now at 5 to 1 in terms of women to men, indicating a strong feminisation of the disease. As a result groups of Kenyan HIV+ women are banding together to offer each other education and support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/0cc05991-faa9-4557-8260-9e59718378bb/HIVAIDS_010.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Meru, Kenya-28 November 2006: Elisabeth Mweru,28, feeding herself again for the first time in weeks as she recovers from severe tuberculosis. Elizabeth was found in an advanced stage of full blown Aids by a group of self-supporting HIV+ women in her village. She has been cared for by them to the point where she can now sit up and begin to feed herself. HIV rates in Kenya are now at 5 to 1 in terms of women to men, indicating a strong feminisation of the disease. As a result groups of Kenyan HIV+ women are banding together to offer each other education and support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/ddb6cedf-f836-4edf-b656-c4c47488b170/HIVAIDS_012.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress A man living with HIV is seen outside his home in rural Zambia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/91674c45-6469-4ce9-84e0-82c90975a236/HIVAIDS_013.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: An HIV/AIDS victim is buried in a paupers grave, South Johannesburg,. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/9207f962-c68e-4467-9d29-5e3ce38d09c0/HIVAIDS_026.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress New Delhi India, June 2006: Sahara shelter for women in Delhi, the women who are housed here get six months in which to put their lives back together. Most of the women are sex workers and drug addicts and come from a terrible history of sexual violence and battery. Many of the women are in hiding from pimps and husbands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/b007c8ff-ac62-4e02-b504-f867f5b41fc6/HIVAIDS_027.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress New Delhi, India June 2006: Modicare provides VCTC screening and counselling services at a hospital in Delhi for HIV + people and HIV affected patients. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/0b9dd1e5-3a33-4db1-b60d-750ae23f3c2c/HIVAIDS_030.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress New Delhi, India, June 2006: Trans-gendered sex-workers photographed at their home in a slum in Delhi. These men live as women and are all HIV+. They have all been using IV drugs and are now being taken care of by Sahara, an Indian NGO. These trans-gendered men are all the primary means of support for their families. In two cases here the men support a wife, a boyfriend, as well as three kids. With only their bodies as sexual collateral they form a very high risk group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/a84bb852-852a-4b79-b75b-c26f7c408fcb/HIVAIDS_031.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress New Delhi, India, June 2006: A gay couple kiss in their home in Delhi. One man is a doctor, the other a businessman. Being gay in India is a very taboo issue and most gay men lead double lives as a result. Talking about HIV to gay men is doubly difficult as a result. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/2f60b4f3-8d01-4ea8-af41-6f6c17042dd4/HIVAIDS_038.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: In a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood of Poltava, Alla, the mother of two addicted sons, holds a portait of herself with her sons before they become addicts more than 20 years ago. Alla lost her husband 15 years ago and had to quit her job as a kindergarten teacher to look after her addict sons. Ruslan, the younger son, often berates her for being a bad mother as a means of controlling her and ensuring that she will continue to look after him and his brother. It is rumoured in the neighbourhood that the family deals in drugs so as the two brothers can maintain their addiction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/f8c3f4fc-943b-46b1-b2a1-62d4d46fe048/HIVAIDS_039.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: A roadside sex worker who is a drug addict services a client in scrub just off the main road leading in and out of Poltava. These girls see between one and five clients a night, for an average of $8 a time. Many of these girls move from town to town across the country with truckers, spreading the HIV virus as they go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/bf9cc028-a3e9-4034-86e4-5710e4eb1cde/HIVAIDS_040.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 15 2005: Andrey, 28, waits to be X-rayed at the local TB hospital. He is HIV+ and has advanced TB. They are often linked in Ukraine. Andrey received a five year prison sentence for drug possesion but his parents were able to pay a $300 bribe to officials and have him sent to the hospital instead. It is likely that he will be jailed again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/7ab0930d-f053-443e-94bf-06a07068b4c1/HIVAIDS_042.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress KIEV, UKRAINE - AUGUST 22 2005: Natacha, 28, is the mother of 3 children. She is seen in hospital with her youngest, a baby girl of 2 months. Natacha's husband died an Aids related death two days before this picture. She is HIV+ and currently severly ill in hospital. Her husband was an intermittent drug user, she claims to have never used IV drugs. Natacha contracted the disease from her husband. So far two of her children have tested negative and she is hoping it will be the same for the latest child. Natacha is currently looking for a night job which will allow her to support her children and look after them during the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/9f8a196f-ec60-433e-96ad-999a654049d9/HIVAIDS_055.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Trans woman prostitution in Little India, Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/7c475a1b-b7eb-496b-ae8c-d89167dc695b/HIVAIDS_057.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Trans woman prostitution in Little India, Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/d2c08da9-f586-4ac7-a26d-f9e33827d860/HIVAIDS_003.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Nakondeo, Zambia A starving HIV+ farmer sits amongst the ruins of his failed crop, Nakondeo, Zambia. Improper agricultural practise, a lack of government subsidy and climate change have all contributed to an ongoing drought in Zambia. Those living with HIV have succumbed that much faster as a result. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/354fa703-7c67-4208-9262-6d235f52394c/HIVAIDS_006.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Meru, Kenya-28 November 2006: Elisabeth Mweru,28, coughs while feeding herself again for the first time in weeks as she recovers from severe tuberculosis. Elizabeth was found in an advanced stage of full blown Aids by a group of self-supporting HIV+ women in her village. She has been cared for by them to the point where she can now sit up and begin to feed herself. HIV rates in Kenya are now at 5 to 1 in terms of women to men, indicating a strong feminisation of the disease. As a result groups of Kenyan HIV+ women are banding together to offer each other education and support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/cc6296f4-2f57-4cb5-83ea-93aec92a7433/HIVAIDS_011.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA-MAY 2004: A young aids orphan stands alone in a field after a church service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/61d1ea8f-4d5f-424f-b277-23df21cd957f/HIVAIDS_014.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Grandmothers looking after their grandchildren after the HIV + parents have died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/e5455511-2f6c-4b19-88da-6b697cfceb06/HIVAIDS_028.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress New Delhi, India June 2006: Modicare trucker Aids education project. A team of facilitators meet with truckers and conduct safe sex and HIV awareness workshops. The work is done via folk media, condom parties, one to one counselling, and small group discussions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/6a18b600-44ef-4a71-a7e1-6b294dc908b4/HIVAIDS_032.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Tanya, 29, is a sex-worker and drug user who is HIV+. She has an eleven year old son and lives with 5 other sex workers in a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood. She used to weigh 100 kilograms but has wasted away to nothing. She has severe septicemia on her legs and a rampant addiction. Tanya tells that sometimes in the past wealthy men would seek her out for sex as part of a bizarre "Russian roulette with Aids" scenario, where they would have unprotected sex and dice with the odds of contracting HIV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/c6ea69ae-d999-4534-a0e0-4cc2ca79f605/HIVAIDS_041.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress DONETSK, UKRAINE - AUGUST 16 2005: Tatjana, 42, is a former drug addict who started taking drugs at age 32. She became HIV+ in 1996 and quit. She has two children, a daughter of 23 and son of 16. She has been on anti retro virals for a year but they are having an adverse effect on her. She cannot walk properly, hear properly and feels the whole time that something inside her is pushing her, driving her, so she spend most of her time walking around her tiny apartment. She cannot talk properly and cries constantly. Tatjana's mother Olga, 72, takes care of her and her 16 year old son. This is something she does more out of a sense of duty than love and that weighs heavily on Tatjana and makes for a loveless atmosphere in the apartment. Tatjana's mother also stated, "They should shoot all drug users. I don't understand why the government should spend money on them." thus illustrating her lack of understanding of the far reaching implications of HIV for families and communities. This lack of understanding is commonplace in Ukraine and is the norm. HIV + people are often treated as criminals rather than victims. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/7e2ec2f9-623e-4071-b988-b4304053b197/HIVAIDS_043.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress IEV, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Nadia is a 6 year old Aids orphan at the Kiev Orphanage Berezka. She has been living with full blown Aids for some years now and is on Anti Retro Viral treatment made possible by the Global funds involvement in the orphanage. Nadia is significantly older than the other 20 HIV+ abandoned children at the orphanage and it is looking increasingly unlikely she will be adopted. In spite of this she is a bright and independant child who is very loving to all visitors. The orphanage is home for abandoned children from age zero to 4 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/4eb4d481-0b7a-4e5e-90ac-03c819ae132a/HIVAIDS_056.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Trans woman prostitution in Little India, Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/d3fc7c95-821b-481d-b192-bbd4bb8330d4/HIVAIDS_007.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress HARARE, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A severely ill HIV+ young woman alone in a one bedroom shack in a makeshift township in Harare, Zimbabwe, 21 June 2009. She says "My parents are dead, my brother and everyone I know is unemployed, I have nothing, that is why I am dying now." Zimbabwe has a reportedly 24% HIV positive population, one of the highest rates of infection in the world. The Zanu PF government has crippled the economy as well as interfered in Aid organisations coming into the country. There are no real Aids education campaigns, hospitals are extremely expensive and 85% of the population is unemployed. This has meant that healthcare is a distant dream for most Zimbabweans. A few institutions offer Anti-Retroviral treatments but it costs an average of $20 to get through the neccesary testing to get on the program. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state and food prices remain beyond the reach of most. Malnutrition thus contributes to the rapid decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans, even those fortunate enough to be on ARV treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/a4741653-4791-4339-b787-5d1f8d9e97c2/HIVAIDS_015.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Grandmothers looking after their grandchildren after the HIV + parents have died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/c144449b-0fce-42ba-a616-3f8f3e45ce30/HIVAIDS_029.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Bombay, India July 2006: Commercial Sex Workers on Falkland road, a long standing red light district in Bombay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1c314826-5784-44f8-9e4e-a2fb9e198b62/HIVAIDS_033.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Tanya, 29, is a sex-worker and drug user who is HIV+. She has is pictured with her eleven year old son Vitali. He does not go to school and spends his days playing computer games and dreaming about Africa where he says he will enjoy doing nothing. When asked if he knows his mother is an addict he say "Yes but I don't want to talk about that." They live with 5 other sex workers in a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood. Tanya used to weigh 100 kilograms but has wasted away to nothing. She has severe septicemia on her legs and a rampant addiction. Tanya tells that sometimes in the past wealthy men would seek her out for sex as part of a bizarre "Russian roulette with Aids" scenario, where they would have unprotected sex and dice with the odds of contracting HIV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/e7ff9813-3731-441c-886d-6207775f6ad6/HIVAIDS_044.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress KHERSON, UKRAINE - AUGUST 18 2005: Prisoners with full blown Aids lie in their intensive care ward at Kherson Prison Hospital for prisoners with HIV/Aids. Kherson Prison is the only Prison in Ukraine where HIV + prisoners are treated. There are no programmes in place for funding for Anti Retro Viral treatments for prisoners. The prisoners know they are dieing and that treatment is not available to them. The prison hospital has recently used small government funding to attempt to modernise but cannot go further due to lack of funds. No testing equipment is available and all tests have to go to Odessa for results. In the last year the number of HIV + prisoners passing through this hospital has tripled. For most prisoners ignorance adds to the stigma of Aids and it is difficult to gain a true idea of HIV statistics behind bars in Ukraine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/fd7d5cc9-29d0-4145-92b7-82f791c10b92/HIVAIDS_008.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress HARARE, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A severely ill HIV+ 16 year old girl is tended by her sister in a one bedroom shack in a makeshift township in Harare, Zimbabwe, 21 June 2009. They live with their grandmother as their parents died of Aids 5 years previously. They have no income and the grandmother relies on vending to try and bring in money. The recent collapse of the finacial system and the introduction of the US dollar and South African rand as the unit of currency has made it very difficult for casual vendors to obtain currency with which to trade. Zimbabwe has a reportedly 24% HIV positive population, one of the highest rates of infection in the world. The Zanu PF government has crippled the economy as well as interfered in Aid organisations coming into the country. There are no real Aids education campaigns, hospitals are extremely expensive and 85% of the population is unemployed. This has meant that healthcare is distant dream for most Zimbabweans. A few institutions offer Anti-Retroviral treatments but it costs an average of $20 to get through the neccesary testing to get on the program. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state and food prices remain beyond the reach of most. Malnutrition thus contributes to the rapid decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans, even those fortunate enough to be on ARV treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/c4a7503d-f5fe-492b-a251-de4ef75b1925/HIVAIDS_016.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Grandmothers looking after their grandchildren after the HIV + parents have died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/38eee1b9-db50-45c3-a7ac-bde24e75b654/HIVAIDS_034.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress DONETSK, UKRAINE - AUGUST 16 2005: Sacha, 33, was a drug addict for 12 years before he found relegion. He believes that God found him and saved him from himself. He continues to deal drugs but he now collects needles for needle exchange programmes in Donetsk. He gives those clean needles out to the addicts who frequent his house, a perfect fromula for needle exchange. When he was using drugs he almost destroyed the home he is sitting in. Now he is trying to rebuild it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1ceafa9b-dd75-4188-bb2a-08be35e455ea/HIVAIDS_045.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress KHERSON, UKRAINE - AUGUST 18 2005: A prisoner with full blown Aids lies in an intensive care ward at Kherson Prison Hospital for prisoners with HIV/Aids. Kherson Prison is the only Prison in Ukraine where HIV + prisoners are treated. There are no programmes in place for funding for Anti Retro Viral treatments for prisoners. The prisoners know they are dieing and that treatment is not available to them. The prison hospital has recently used small government funding to attempt to modernise but cannot go further due to lack of funds. No testing equipment is available and all tests have to go to Odessa for results. In the last year the number of HIV + prisoners passing through this hospital has tripled. For most prisoners ignorance adds to the stigma of Aids and it is difficult to gain a true idea of HIV statistics behind bars in Ukraine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1d0c4dfe-9894-4b96-a25a-e87ee2c29896/HIVAIDS_009.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress HARARE, ZIMBABWE, JUNE 2009: A daughter looks on at her HIV+ mother lying desperately ill in a one bedroom shack in a makeshift township in Harare, Zimbabwe, 21 June 2009. Neither are employed or have any money and they were turned away from the hospital for lack of fees for admission. Zimbabwe has a reportedly 24% HIV positive population, one of the highest rates of infection in the world. The Zanu PF government has crippled the economy as well as interfered in Aid coming into the country. There are no real Aids education campaigns, hospitals are extremely expensive and 85% of the population is unemployed. This has meant that healthcare is distant dream for most Zimbabweans. A few institutions offer Anti-Retroviral treatments but it costs an average of $20 to get through the neccesary testing to get on the program. Transport costs alone to and from the hospital are beyond the means of most Zimbaweans in this failed state. As a result of scarcity food malnutrition plays a large role in the decline of HIV+ Zimbabweans, even those fortunate enough to be on ARV treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/96517a43-28d1-4c47-b82f-cca1f2b69e2c/HIVAIDS_017.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Grandmothers looking after their grandchildren after the HIV + parents have died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/b39118ed-706a-4c3c-8880-cb134aa64a14/HIVAIDS_035.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress ODESSA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 21 2005: A group of streetkids sleeping in a damp, filthy underground cellar in Odessa. All of the 6 kids in the cellar are HIV+ and many have signs of advanced Tuberculosis. When they were told of their HIV+ status the kids reportedly said, "Kill us, give us an injection and let us die now." Local NGO "The Way Home" tries to visit these kids on a regular basis and takes them food, condoms and clean needles. It is estimated that there are over 5000 of these streetkids in Odessa. They speak no common moral language as a result of their experiences on the street and form their own criminal underclass in Ukraine. They are often used by older criminals as thieves as they are difficult to prosecute as minors. The girls are often forced to act as prostitutes and are extremely vulneralbe to rape, pregnancy at a young age and sexually transmitted disease. The fact that many of them are HIV+ and drug users only adds to their desperation and fearlessness. Neglecting the streetkid/HIV issue means a growing future problem for authorities in Ukraine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/22ebcde3-a748-4b2c-9202-b42fa2688475/HIVAIDS_046.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 15 2005: A patient sits alone in his room in the Aids wing of Poltava Psychiatric Hospital. There is no facility for HIV+ people at any hospital in Poltava. If they require treatment they are forced to come and live in the Psychiatric hospital. The man depicted has been living there for 3 years and has no friends and only a cat for company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/44983a35-0311-477f-a01f-44012393b369/HIVAIDS_018.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress A dying husband is seen with his wife and children https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/12c62383-cbb1-4d00-b6d4-11588e10f7ea/HIVAIDS_036.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress ODESSA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 21 2005: 2 streetkids shoot up in a filthy squat in a wrecked, unsafe house in Odessa. They are using a needle and syringe that were lying on the floor of the squat. Both boys are HIV+. All 6 of the boys who live in the squat are HIV+ and drug users, according to tests conducted by a local NGO.The average age of the boys is 14. Local NGO "The Way Home" tries to visit these kids on a regular basis and takes them food, condoms and clean needles. It is estimated that there are over 5000 of these kids in Odessa. They speak no common moral language as a result of their experiences on the street and form their own criminal underclass in Ukraine. They are often used by older criminals as thieves as they are difficult to prosecute as minors. The girls are often forced to act as prostitutes and are extremely vulneralbe to rape, pregnancy at a young age and sexually transmitted disease. The fact that many of them are HIV+ and drug users only adds to their desperation and fearlessness. Neglecting the streetkid/HIV issue means a growing future problem for authorities in Ukraine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/15db4064-ec0e-4e71-871c-a7aa295c8d6a/HIVAIDS_047.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress KIEV, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: Dimitri, 25, is an HIV+ IV drug user who has used drugs since he was 16. He is currently under treatment for chronic addiction and related helath issues in Kiev Aids Centre hospital number Five, the best facility for Aids patients in Ukraine. The hospital has some of the latest equipment but has enormous recruiting problems for qualified doctors. Low salaries and a fear of Aids amongst health professionals mean that these facilities are currently under-utilised. The salary of the top doctor at the facility is $200 a month, a sum she considers well paid by local standards. Many young people who qualify as doctors in the Ukraine seek other employment as a result of the low salary scale offered by government medical facilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/b4060542-f66e-4607-ae8e-01578cb1af6c/HIVAIDS_019.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress A Soweto, South African woman living with HIV is seen meditating in her home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/10e57a87-8585-4d20-b63b-56d41a0d0d31/HIVAIDS_037.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress POLTAVA, UKRAINE - AUGUST 12 2005: In a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood of Poltava, two brothers shoot up drugs while their mother looks on helpless in her own home. Alla, left, is the mother of Dima, 39, middle, and Ruslan, 36, right. They have been addicts for over 20 years and in that time both sons have had daughters. Alla lost her husband 15 years ago and had to quit her job as a kindergarten teacher to look after her addict sons. Ruslan, the younger son, often berates her for being a bad mother as a means of controlling her and ensuring that she will continue to look after him and his brother. It is rumoured in the neighbourhood that the family deals in drugs so as the two brothers can maintain their addiction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/ee197532-fb70-4f72-a2da-10c2021264c8/HIVAIDS_048.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress CHENG DU, CHINA NOVEMBER 25 2004: A young under-age prostitute in a brothel on the outskirts of Cheng Du. Her face is covered as she is too afraid of repercussions to be photographed with her face showing. Many of these young girls are lured to the cities by the prospect of a better economic future. She cannot read or write and thus has limited opportunities other than prostitution. Many of these girls see between five to eight clients a day. Chinese men are also known to pay more for sex without a condom. As a result of all these factors and without adequate programmes on the ground to educate them, these girls are prime candidates for HIV infection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/6e2a2831-a7b7-425d-9754-e0ed4d46ad13/HIVAIDS_020.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Aids education in Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/31deae9a-fd12-43ea-95ef-de2a39267152/HIVAIDS_049.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress BEIJING, CHINA-NOVEMBER 18 2005: Two gay men make out in a bathroom in Beijing. The man with his head turned away works as a male prostitute. He is from a rural area and has no education. He cannot even sign his name. As a result he works as a prostitute but cannot read any literature warning him of the dangers of his profession. Until as recently as 2001, being a homosexual in China was often treated as a psychological illness and resulted in persecution, stigmatisation and even imprisonment.. As a result of public stigma, very few men are openly gay in China. This has resulted in less openess about HIV and less sharing of information about the disease. This has left China's gay male population more at risk to the disease. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/79f43fb4-7ddc-41e7-8655-3c33bf0be921/HIVAIDS_021.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress An HIV + man receives oxygen in a De Beers Clinic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/429b1174-2764-4b18-8dfa-0bfaa5f8d2ad/HIVAIDS_050.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress KUN MING, CHINA NOVEMBER 23 2004: Young sex-workers entertain a client in a brothel bedroom on the ouskirts on Kun Ming city. The girls are too afraid of repercussions to be photographed with their faces showing, citing official clients and stigma as the one of the reasons for anonimity. Many of these young girls are lured to the cities by the prospect of a better economic future. These girls work in a fairly upsacle brothel and earn around eight thousand yuan a month($1000). By comparison an average government employee earns 2000 yuan a month. Rural girls often cannot read or write and thus have limited opportunities other than prostitution when moving to the cities. As a result of all these factors and without adequate programmes on the ground to educate them, these girls are prime candidates for HIV infection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/dcb9ae6d-3b63-49a0-ac09-f8f9f1dd26aa/HIVAIDS_022.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress A dance group rehearse, they use dance to bring HIV Aids awareness to Townships in South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/65912cb8-8730-4630-bcd3-bd5b0929f381/HIVAIDS_051.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress BEIJING, CHINA NOVEMBER 21: Soldiers from the world's largest army march past an Aids awareness campaign on Bar Street in Beijing. Public awareness campaigns have been slow in coming for China and are often not permanent features. It is only recently that this is becoming a priority for the Chinese authorities. Stigma, denial, and misinformation about the disease have all held back this process of informing the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/64756abc-d6db-4c01-9bea-0be83f88fad1/HIVAIDS_023.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress HIV+ aids orphans play in a care home in South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/8a4787d8-6917-4c6f-8fc0-4a1ae56087fe/HIVAIDS_052.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/e54199fb-a4cf-4263-93b1-e2cd0aae60ad/HIVAIDS_024.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress New Delhi, India, June 2006: Michaels care home, run by Sahara, is a shelter for the HIV+ and for drug users. Many of Sahara's counsellors are former drug users and sex workers and understand the needs of the patients very well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/c1017682-94b0-4d43-90ea-093b0d3f3ab6/HIVAIDS_053.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/6ae4045c-77d0-44da-ba9b-491af57d868e/HIVAIDS_025.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Delhi India, June 2006: Drug addicts use freely in the slum areas of Delhi. NGO Sahara attempts to work with these people and inform them of the risks they are taking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/754816d4-e5ca-4c42-bea7-e22d26a72d64/HIVAIDS_054.jpg HIV/AIDS Issues -in progress Trans woman prostitution in Little India, Singapore. https://www.brentstirton.com/sustainabilitycsr daily 0.75 2025-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554655-95NQYHDQEG7TSLLZIPVO/sustainlrg_001.jpg Sustainability Wildlife Conservation Society - Republic of Congo: Regulated sustainable bushmeat hunting with Mbuti pygmies in conjunction with WCS. This is done with limited cartridges, the catch is weighed and counted. Hunting is only allowed for 5 months of the year and is done in timber concessions bordering national parks. The Mbuti also hunt with nets they make themselves and spears for the animals driven into them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554290-8EZ345EXZDIQG5ISUJZU/sustainlrg_007.jpg Sustainability The Rocher Foundation: The recovery of the Pantanal in Brazil after the fires in 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554642-RRLBWUCEGJRFEL6BXN7R/B0012166.jpg Sustainability - B0012166.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Virunga Airwing has now taught and qualified 5 Congolese pilots who have received extensive training in South Africa and DRC. 5 more are currently scheduled to go to SA for training . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554572-VL3N97PJV8BHZMS5HJD9/VirungaJan24_057-Enhanced-NR.jpg Sustainability - VirungaJan24_057-Enhanced-NR.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) MUTSORA, SOUTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 19 JANUARY 2024: Images of local farmer Jean Bosco Mulibi, 63, as he examines vanilla pods on his farm in Mutsora. Jean has been a victim of the ADF Isis affiliate in the area on a number of occasions. This group uses terror to cause the locals to flee and they then steal their crop as a means of supporting their fundamentalist agenda. There are many sustainable factories run by Virunga National Park as a means of income for the park as well as a hearts and minds campaign for the population that lives around the park. The park runs soap, coffee, chocolate and palm oil factories in Mutsora. All of these are run through sustainable hydroelectricity that the park produces themselves. All the cacao beans, coffee beans and palm nuts are locally sourced and there are farmers unions supported by the park and experts have been brought in to maximize production.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554150-PMS7V8DTCKPCNB4S6IR2/sustainlrg_021.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL: PORTRAITS OF THE BLIND ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554367-R8B5428VG4L64JNN6MPQ/VirungaJan24_060-Enhanced-NR.jpg Sustainability - VirungaJan24_060-Enhanced-NR.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) MUTSORA, SOUTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 19 JANUARY 2024: Images of local farmer Noe Borase, 74, as he examines cacao plants on his farm in Mutsora. Noe has been a victim of the ADF Isis affiliate in the area on a number of occasions. This groups uses terror to cause the locals to flee and they then steal their crop as a means of supporting their fundamentalist agenda. There are many sustainable factories run by Virunga National Park as a means of income for the park as well as a hearts and minds campaign for the population that lives around the park. The park runs soap, coffee, chocolate and palm oil factories in Mutsora. All of these are run through sustainable hydroelectricity that the park produces themselves. All the cacao beans, coffee beans and palm nuts are locally sourced and there are farmers unions supported by the park and experts have been brought in to maximize production.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554800-85HYLMIN93K4JRAYKF4N/sustainlrg_023.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL: PORTRAITS OF THE BLIND ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554254-BRR9YFI1T5J9WI90F2ZR/sustainlrg_024.jpg Sustainability IAPF AKASHINGA FEMALE RANGER FORCE - ZIMBABWE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554296-AOSH81HHK3DPMEJ4YVI8/sustainlrg_084.jpg Sustainability University of the Witswatersrand, South Africa: Book project for Fourie Collection of San artifacts with San elders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554520-8GN0QUR4A1B3PATK9NH6/sustainlrg_085.jpg Sustainability Novartis Annual report: Vietnames Doctors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554143-RV6JMARI0UUVQ9TCRHI9/sustainlrg_106.jpg Sustainability Water Issues around the world: Part of exhibit at the World Economic Forum in Davos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554033-97PA8AW40HOE0LRXJ5Y5/sustainlrg_124.jpg Sustainability Global Fund: HIV/ Aids South Africa and India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554430-RMOKTAPBSQSG4HISUK98/sustainlrg_125.jpg Sustainability - Zimbabe Today: Mugabe's Victims - WUA (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Zimbabe Today: Mugabe's Victims - WUA Global Fund: HIV/ Aids South Africa and India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554062-9DWR1B3K3AMK9SH17T9K/sustainlrg_107.jpg Sustainability Water Issues around the world: Part of exhibit at the World Economic Forum in Davos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554267-NV6TJZY0R616E51WDM1H/sustainlrg_129.jpg Sustainability Global Fund: HIV/ Aids South Africa and India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554130-98YKC3W4VGGS7B0POF07/sustainlrg_004.jpg Sustainability Wildlife Conservation Society - Republic of Congo: Regulated sustainable bushmeat hunting with Mbuti pygmies in conjunction with WCS. This is done with limited cartridges, the catch is weighed and counted. Hunting is only allowed for 5 months of the year and is done in timber concessions bordering national parks. The Mbuti also hunt with nets they make themselves and spears for the animals driven into them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554188-C1ZG6QGFM9Z2B1BFDSJS/BigLife_059.jpg Sustainability - BigLife_059.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Images of training at Big Life's ranger training academy. Part of Big Life's conservation strategy is local recruitment of Maasai to preserve nature and also to win local hearts and minds.. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554787-WHOMSBDEIHGYHDGB61A6/sustainlrg_022.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL: PORTRAITS OF THE BLIND ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554243-BVXJOP6KUH5JV2QKON3T/BigLife_070.jpg Sustainability - BigLife_070.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Angama Lodge, an exclusive high end hotel that leases land from the local Maasai Kimana Conservancy. They employ locals and for every guest they pay something to the conservancy as well an annual fee for the land and the animals on it. This is the kind of development that can strengthen conservation policies in the region as well as protect the integrity of continuous conservation land that allows for animal migration. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554682-WEB83S3UGXOYEY2YUS2D/sustainlrg_025.jpg Sustainability IAPF AKASHINGA FEMALE RANGER FORCE - ZIMBABWE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554709-RFBZ3QOURH5E0PM0X3EU/sustainlrg_086.jpg Sustainability Novartis Annual report: Vietnames Doctors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554768-OQURPH4ZT3W3C9FIW3IV/sustainlrg_126.jpg Sustainability Global Fund: HIV/ Aids South Africa and India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554111-5DSBAR7LGUZ8BT3JC4RR/sustainlrg_108.jpg Sustainability Water Issues around the world: Part of exhibit at the World Economic Forum in Davos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554284-GXR2QCG29ZYG72Q2WMN2/sustainlrg_005.jpg Sustainability Wildlife Conservation Society - Republic of Congo: Regulated sustainable bushmeat hunting with Mbuti pygmies in conjunction with WCS. This is done with limited cartridges, the catch is weighed and counted. Hunting is only allowed for 5 months of the year and is done in timber concessions bordering national parks. The Mbuti also hunt with nets they make themselves and spears for the animals driven into them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554074-4FRDS6Z5JZLQP0MI6Y7U/BigLife_100.jpg Sustainability - BigLife_100.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA: Emergency veterinatian work on Bronski, a tusker close to Amboseli National Park. Bronski was speared in the leg but KWS vet Dr Kariuki is more concerned with swelling in the joint of Bronski's leg hind leg. The vet speculates that he may have injured the joint fleeing the spearing site. The collapse of joints after many years is often fatal to elephants. It was necessary to use a rope and a vehicle to lift Bronski back to his feet after the anathetic. Its a very delicate operation to work on these tuskers, many of them are of advanced age and there is always the possibiltiy they do not recover. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554603-AQ9VZ7S99TWKF3TX4GF0/sustainlrg_026.jpg Sustainability IAPF AKASHINGA FEMALE RANGER FORCE - ZIMBABWE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554695-I2YZIZU2I34I4VKQ45W9/sustainlrg_089.jpg Sustainability Coca-Cola: Water and Sanitation projects in South Africa and Mozambique https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554661-V7HKG4QKLJTDQEG2VOUB/sustainlrg_109.jpg Sustainability Water Issues around the world: Part of exhibit at the World Economic Forum in Davos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554027-D99SZS5IYV8D6H7NHHUB/sustainlrg_006.jpg Sustainability The Rocher Foundation: The recovery of the Pantanal in Brazil after the fires in 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554781-TD0YU57363TGNU70AM6O/sustainlrg_008.jpg Sustainability The Rocher Foundation: The recovery of the Pantanal in Brazil after the fires in 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554412-GSSN3ENY33ZV18XNQSFH/sustainlrg_027.jpg Sustainability IAPF AKASHINGA FEMALE RANGER FORCE - ZIMBABWE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554460-6YQWPFM6ON82L0KH9LAT/sustainlrg_088.jpg Sustainability Coca-Cola: Water and Sanitation projects in South Africa and Mozambique https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554118-V5AVAOM96WA0MWFRTHIG/sustainlrg_110.jpg Sustainability Water Issues around the world: Part of exhibit at the World Economic Forum in Davos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554466-K6SNP1GKDHPL0BZZ0VYL/sustainlrg_009.jpg Sustainability The Rocher Foundation: The recovery of the Pantanal in Brazil after the fires in 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554086-W2DQ1AOWAS2POS2JTT9N/sustainlrg_028.jpg Sustainability Halo Trust anti-landmine campaign - Mozambique https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554649-6ICLQZ4CEMDG4Y442E0Y/sustainlrg_090.jpg Sustainability Coca-Cola: Water and Sanitation projects in South Africa and Mozambique https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554378-PTC0BH6HX1S35D6BC1HQ/sustainlrg_111.jpg Sustainability Water Issues around the world: Part of exhibit at the World Economic Forum in Davos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554742-Z70QXQ9EKV73ZBEIGC82/sustainlrg_010.jpg Sustainability The Rocher Foundation: The recovery of the Pantanal in Brazil after the fires in 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554565-1OS1FGPFZ1VAY4RBDCTN/sustainlrg_029.jpg Sustainability TETE, MOZAMBIQUE, NOVEMBER 2013: A HALO deminer prepares to detonate landmines with an explosive charge as part of demining operations in the Chinzunga hills close to Cabora Bassa, Mozambique, 18 November 2013. The HALO team cleared 15 landmines on this day and detonated them as usual before they left for the day. The average HALO deminer makes $260 a month doing this job, considered a good salary in Mozambique. The HALO deminers in this area are dealing with landmines laid in the 1970's by the Portugese military who were attempting to defend the vital Cabora Bassa Hydro-electric dam, a strategic target for the Frelimo rebels at the time. Today, over 40 years later, these mines still maim and kill the local populace and prevent them utilizing vital agricultural land. This scene was photographed at demining operations close to the HALO Demining camp in the mountains of Chinzunga. Mozambique was one of the most heavily landmined countries in the war, both from its 11 year long War of Libertation as well as its conflicts with both South Africa and Rhodesia for sheltering both the ANC and Mugabe's Zanla freedom fighters. Halo has cleared over 22,700 anti personnel mines and reclaimed of 500, 000 square meters of land for the local populace. HALO runs both mechinical and manual operations. Mozambique is pushing hard to meet its donor obligations to be land-mine free by the end of 2014, under the mandate of the Ottawa convention on the land mine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for the ICRC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554272-Z681UIJ0WC4MV0SXB279/sustainlrg_091.jpg Sustainability Coca-Cola: Water and Sanitation projects in South Africa and Mozambique https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554676-71WJ2HUEIELHAONZ2T43/sustainlrg_112.jpg Sustainability Human Rights Watch: Turkana pastoralists displaced by fightings over grazing rights, Northern Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554583-IO7SN7V8OXFQH8UFNYON/sustainlrg_011.jpg Sustainability WWF/Greenpeace - PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Lake Murray - A pristine area where international loggers were chased off by locals. The area has been restored and all hunting and logging is only done sustainably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554532-H4ZACLKSIQTCKYWID7VD/sustainlrg_030.jpg Sustainability https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554443-URI3S5N4532E83AGVNBH/sustainlrg_092.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL - Surgery for the impoverished blind - India. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554502-3DGIGSCIMYJY1Y9JSGH3/sustainlrg_113.jpg Sustainability Human Rights Watch: Turkana pastoralists displaced by fightings over grazing rights, Northern Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554635-08RU4BYJ74MZDM38T44R/sustainlrg_012.jpg Sustainability WWF/Greenpeace - PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Lake Murray - A pristine area where international loggers were chased off by locals. The area has been restored and all hunting and logging is only done sustainably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554324-M4V796IK3WRPCT8X3LEB/sustainlrg_031.jpg Sustainability GONDOLA DISTRICT, MANICA PROVINCE, MOZAMBIQUE, 21 NOVEMBER 2013: An APOPO demining company de-miner works with his trained African Pouch rat to detect the scent of TNT present in Landmines, Gondola District, Manica Province, Mozambique, 21 November 2013. APOPO uses the rats in conjunction with mechanical diggers, flailers and human deminers. The rats use their acute sense of smell to accelerate the demining process, making it possible to clear fields faster, a key goal for Mozambique who are seeking to be landmine free by the end of 2014. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for ICRC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554045-S5GK06AM7MJ16K1EBP36/sustainlrg_093.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL - Surgery for the impoverished blind - India. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554730-S8244P9V46GYYRERBKQ0/sustainlrg_114.jpg Sustainability Human Rights Watch: Turkana pastoralists displaced by fightings over grazing rights, Northern Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554163-LF2BWC46G9MEULCFX2JN/sustainlrg_013.jpg Sustainability WWF/Greenpeace - PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Lake Murray - A pristine area where international loggers were chased off by locals. The area has been restored and all hunting and logging is only done sustainably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554213-EIU41YII1DGAIAN1JP03/sustainlrg_032.jpg Sustainability Halo Trust anti-landmine campaign - Mozambique https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554200-EQFTSHQ3AVPUO1NR79OZ/sustainlrg_094.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL - Surgery for the impoverished blind - India. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554596-NDWKH5PZYQBI7WUZIVHL/sustainlrg_115.jpg Sustainability Human Rights Watch: Turkana pastoralists displaced by fightings over grazing rights, Northern Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554350-7JAHRWBSPKPT5B5EG7O7/sustainlrg_014.jpg Sustainability WWF/Greenpeace - PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Lake Murray - A pristine area where international loggers were chased off by locals. The area has been restored and all hunting and logging is only done sustainably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554318-E7P8TAM92D8YMMC7H5P6/sustainlrg_033.jpg Sustainability Global Education Program - CSR for Discovery Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554794-UKEXFGTYCW6J46EHJE8A/sustainlrg_095.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL - Surgery for the impoverished blind - India. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554312-C302BIBS2SOWK1RDOA47/sustainlrg_116.jpg Sustainability Human Rights Watch: Turkana pastoralists displaced by fightings over grazing rights, Northern Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554398-GJEZ10QI8SO6H3O8UWW4/sustainlrg_015.jpg Sustainability WWF/Greenpeace - PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Lake Murray - A pristine area where international loggers were chased off by locals. The area has been restored and all hunting and logging is only done sustainably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554424-SHH9T2MV2WMOZN2FWYDJ/sustainlrg_034.jpg Sustainability Global Education Program - CSR for Discovery Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554373-C8D3TWKV67U2GV623YU4/sustainlrg_096.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL - Surgery for the impoverished blind - India. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554169-VLMMGAY3A0WG7C5A1DDP/sustainlrg_119.jpg Sustainability World Economic Forum: Innovative co-operative agriculture, Malawi and Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554749-KJMPJDT8OI8VVM0MGU4T/sustainlrg_016.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Blindness and the miracle of cataract surgery on children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554622-LY0O2RXXN91N68SS2IBJ/sustainlrg_035.jpg Sustainability Global Education Program - CSR for Discovery Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554609-37DQ8LOOLL13G01NX45F/sustainlrg_099.jpg Sustainability SEE INTERNATIONAL - Surgery for the impoverished blind - India. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554629-FVP52WRCOAII5LJZLJGT/sustainlrg_120.jpg Sustainability World Economic Forum: Innovative co-operative agriculture, Malawi and Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554337-2W2L3NLBAX05H645J7NA/sustainlrg_017.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Blindness and the miracle of cataract surgery on children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554540-XJSZ690BF327YLYLWYHJ/sustainlrg_036.jpg Sustainability Global Education Program - CSR for Discovery Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554249-BX15BUN6AQL79UQGPLJB/sustainlrg_100.jpg Sustainability Human Rights Watch Brazil: Amazon defenders from local indigenous populations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554546-40B6SS3ED9OB3YVSDI41/sustainlrg_121.jpg Sustainability World Economic Forum: Innovative co-operative agriculture, Malawi and Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554356-R9AE9DVXN8RATNTHGMQA/sustainlrg_018.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Blindness and the miracle of cataract surgery on children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554039-1LJQCKZJ058GFRVF6C24/sustainlrg_037.jpg Sustainability Global Education Program - CSR for Discovery Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554688-RSMPOBW40CW32NS8AGCY/sustainlrg_101.jpg Sustainability Human Rights Watch Brazil: Amazon defenders from local indigenous populations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554515-TMB0YFRKQJ77QLJ66Y8M/sustainlrg_122.jpg Sustainability World Economic Forum: Innovative co-operative agriculture, Malawi and Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554774-EBDVJXQ5NUNJ4PQ6ZB11/sustainlrg_019.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Blindness and the miracle of cataract surgery on children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554307-2M1HUNTOH9HF4QH7C9J3/sustainlrg_038.jpg Sustainability Global Education Program - CSR for Discovery Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554479-N9KGOV0QXRA8KBPGZXVI/sustainlrg_123.jpg Sustainability - Kenya Drought (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Kenya Drought World Economic Forum: Innovative co-operative agriculture, Malawi and Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554231-OOVSTRGVGMW50GRN2ZCO/sustainlrg_020.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Blindness and the miracle of cataract surgery on children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554344-3P21OJNZ0CA5YS87WF4M/sustainlrg_039.jpg Sustainability The International Trachoma Initiative - Ethiopia campaign https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554194-51BQ269VVA7MIAI647XD/VirungaJan24_070-Enhanced-NR.jpg Sustainability - VirungaJan24_070-Enhanced-NR.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) VirungaJan24_070-Enhanced-NR.jpg Illegal soil extraction for building sites on the outside of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. This activity has led to landslides in recent times of heavy rainfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554301-95VP93UVTA8FW6Z37BQE/sustainlrg_040.jpg Sustainability The International Trachoma Initiative - Ethiopia campaign https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554526-0XPELNSC2CPXNRAQE1JE/sustainlrg_127.jpg Sustainability Global Fund: HIV/ Aids South Africa and India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554136-2FEXC99DWZT8X3O8VI79/sustainlrg_041.jpg Sustainability The International Trachoma Initiative - Ethiopia campaign https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554559-KKOZKD2CIMUCDRVAP992/sustainlrg_128.jpg Sustainability Global Fund: HIV/ Aids South Africa and India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554736-W6ZICUFFZX9DJ143I40U/sustainlrg_042.jpg Sustainability African Parks Network: ZAKOUMA, CHAD: Two remaining black rhino females are what remain of six originally brought into Chad from South Africa for release into Zakouma National Park. The other four rhino died of complications. Zakouma's rhino expert Kenny Babilon is seen hugging one of the female black rhinos, one of the fiercest creatures on the planet. Kenny is a rhino expert who was looking after the black rhino re-introduction to Zakouma. Because four of the translocated rhino died, African Parks Network is being extraordinarily careful with the remaining two. This park used to have black rhino but they were wiped out in the nineteen seventies. After spending months with these rhinos, Kenny has developed an extraordinary relationship with them. On this day, this female was a little unsettled. Kenny spontaneously swung down into the boma and gave her a hug and she let him do that some time. After that she was calmer and much easier to deal with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554491-FKYP90ZW3OWFGX2N8G8C/sustainlrg_043.jpg Sustainability LWIRO PRIMATES CENTRE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A caregiver at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary is seen in her room with a recently rescued baby chimp who is recovering from trauma. These young rescue chimps live in the house and are raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. Many of the caregivers at this sanctuary are victims of conflict, a number have been raped, displaced or wounded. They see their relationship with these chimps as healing for themselves as much as they are healing the chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554807-W2BJEIG4WDXUWT3Y1FT1/sustainlrg_044.jpg Sustainability TIKKI HYWOOD TRUST - PANGOLIN RESCUE: HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554449-EVSK561PJE6ZFDLTIAOP/Embargo_030.jpg Sustainability - Embargo_030.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Embargo_030.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554067-2K5ZFZE613JVWN4E99K4/VirungaJan24_037-Enhanced-NR+copy.jpg Sustainability - VirungaJan24_037-Enhanced-NR copy.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) VirungaJan24_037-Enhanced-NR copy.jpg MUTSORA, SOUTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 19 JANUARY 2024: Images from the Sicovie Soap factory in Mutsora, one of many sustainable factories run by Virunga National Park as a means of income for the park as well as a hearts and minds campaign for the population that lives around the park. The park also runs coffee, chocolate and palm oil factories in Mutsora. All of these are run through sustainable hydroelectricity that the park produces themselves. All the cacao beans, coffee beans and palm nuts are locally sourced and there are farmers unions supported by the park and experts have been brought in to maximize production.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554056-4B7M5IAWCQN1WZQAHSC6/VirungaJan24_053-Enhanced-NR.jpg Sustainability - VirungaJan24_053-Enhanced-NR.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) VirungaJan24_053-Enhanced-NR.jpg MUTSORA, SOUTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 19 JANUARY 2024: Images from Virunga National Park's palm oil extraction factory in Mutsora, one of many sustainable factories run by Virunga National Park as a means of income for the park as well as a hearts and minds campaign for the population that lives around the park. The park also runs coffee, chocolate and palm oil factories in Mutsora. All of these are run through sustainable hydroelectricity that the park produces themselves. All the cacao beans, coffee beans and palm nuts are locally sourced and there are farmers unions supported by the park and experts have been brought in to maximize production.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554717-A9ZNE6QQR4AO8HNB2OLY/sustainlrg_046.jpg Sustainability Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 8 August 2016: Ana Dulnuan-Habbiling is an Ifugaon leader with extensive knowledge of the Rice world in the area where she lives in the highlands of the Philippines. There is a long-standing tradition of rice growing in this area, something Ana speaks of as a tribute to the memory of her ancestors. She is seen with her family rice stocks, cleaning and preparing rice, cooking it and serving it to her family. She is also seen as she begins to clear her ceremonial rice paddy, something that will be seen by the other villagers as a sign that they too must begin to ready their paddies for planting. The rice they plant is known as aromatic and glutenous rice, a small group of rice strains they try to preserve and protect. Ana visited the International Rice Research Institute in Manila a few years ago where she was able to find a strain of rice her ancestors grew and which had been lost to her community, she now grows that rice again and is grateful to IRRI for the chance, in her words, to honor her ancestors. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554156-JW7FIOXBXYUQ28T848N9/sustainlrg_047.jpg Sustainability IRRI, LOS BANOS, PHILIPPINES, 9 AUGUST 2016: Workers harvest experimental rice for testing at the International Rice Research Institute. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growingenvironment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit research andeducational institute founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations, withsupport from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in LosBaños,Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and About 1,000 staff members. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other destructive effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Crop Trust.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554437-BBXA7P16BSYCNVUARCSX/sustainlrg_050.jpg Sustainability HANOI, VIETNAM, 15 AUGUST 2016: The cold storage and lab facilities for plant multiplications purposes at the offices of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. CIAT’s mission is to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human nutrition in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. Backed by the Colombian government and Rockefeller, Ford, and Kellogg Foundations, CIAT was formally established in 1967 and began its research in 1969. CIAT’s staff includes about 200 scientists. Supported by a wide array of donors, the Center collaborates with hundreds of partners to conduct high-quality research and translate the results into development impact. A Board of Trustees provides oversight of CIAT’s research and financial management. CIAT develops technologies, methods, and knowledge that better enable farmers, mainly smallholders, to enhance eco-efficiency in agriculture. This makes production more competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient through economically and ecologically sound use of natural resources and purchased inputs. CIAT has global responsibility for the improvement of two staplefoods, cassava and common bean, together with tropical forages for livestock. In Latin America and the Caribbean, research is conducted on rice as well. Representing diverse food groups and a key component of the world’s agricultural biodiversity, those crops are vital for global food and nutrition security. In its work on agrobiodiversity, the Center employs advanced biotechnology to accelerate crop improvement. Progress in our crop research also depends on unique collections of genetic resources– 65,000 crop samples in all – which are held in trust for humanity. Alongside its research on agrobiodiversity, CIAT works in two other areas – soils and decision and policy analysis – which cut across all tropical crops and production environments. Center soil scientists conduct research across scales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554105-786AQJXNJKPPWI6HWH07/sustainlrg_051.jpg Sustainability AXUM, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 20 JULY 2017: Scenes from Dula tree nursery where the local farmers have grown over half a million seedlings so far and are still producing. These seedlings are part of afforestation projects in Ethiopia which have restored water tables and natural ecosystems to regions. This has brought back water tables in dry regions and brought about positive changes in farming and lifestyle for thousands of people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for LE Figaro) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554578-G89XXFODR5EFVJQDXMUY/sustainlrg_052.jpg Sustainability ROCHER FOUNDATION - TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN, ETHIOPIA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554261-FS86EE83CTR40FCQDSRJ/sustainlrg_053.jpg Sustainability ROCHER FOUNDATION - TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN, ETHIOPIA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554496-VH2L0AA5CH40ZSQ4PNBT/sustainlrg_054.jpg Sustainability ROCHER FOUNDATION - TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN, ETHIOPIA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554331-UZYMGGQG56H80OFWBL6Z/sustainlrg_055.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Campaign images for impoverished burn victims in India with Dr Subodh, a renowned plastic surgeon to the poor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554552-F39KXA3S03Z4G6MUZ102/sustainlrg_056.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Campaign images for impoverished burn victims in India with Dr Subodh, a renowned plastic surgeon to the poor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554098-2SJTUC81IHNWGJTXX9H1/sustainlrg_057.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Campaign images for impoverished burn victims in India with Dr Subodh, a renowned plastic surgeon to the poor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554417-YKHD85ZBJFHEYD69VRX0/sustainlrg_059.jpg Sustainability Senkwekwe Moutain Gorilla Orphanag, Democratic Republic of Congo: The only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554485-149JJ3UT8ABHPD1DSQMG/sustainlrg_060.jpg Sustainability Senkwekwe Moutain Gorilla Orphanag, Democratic Republic of Congo: The only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554616-AO6V08J8VJUZGFE8OQWA/sustainlrg_061.jpg Sustainability Senkwekwe Moutain Gorilla Orphanag, Democratic Republic of Congo: The only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554406-MVIL41WDM055M1ZSODMG/sustainlrg_062.jpg Sustainability Senkwekwe Moutain Gorilla Orphanag, Democratic Republic of Congo: The only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554455-3QSMDQRDFKAPXJ1BVF4K/sustainlrg_063.jpg Sustainability Novartis - John Hopkins initiative on Malaria - Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554755-M0PH9EVX46I592J6NJ3P/sustainlrg_064.jpg Sustainability KISUMU, KENYA, 18 JUNE 2015: A malaria surveilance team from the Walter Read Project on Malaria undertakes a case study on a young child in the Nyanza District of Kisumu, Kenya. They will weight the child, take down the family details and medical history, conduct a Rapid Test for malaria, draw a blood sample and continue to monitor that child for up to a 4 year period. Their work is invaluable in providing samples to monitor the path and progress and mutation of Malaria. Seven different teams work 5 days a week, visiting 5 households per day across the Nyanza district. Agnes Akoth Onyango, 57, is the Chief Nurse of the Walter Read Project, Kisumu, Kenya. Agnes is seen at the Kemri Insectology lab where mosquitos are specifically bred for Malaria research. Agnes has been a front line nurse in the fight against Malaria for over 31 years. She administers the staff at the Walter Read research facility and also has strong relations with the Kombewa District hospital. Agnes works with a number of field surveillance teams who monitor the population of the Nyanza province of Kenya, helping to maintain and update Walter Read’s case studies of over 40 years research into Malaria. Agnes supervises the teams, works with the laboratory staff and the local hospitals in keeping an up to date record on the progress of Malaria, staying one step ahead of the disease which kills over 5 million people annually. She also works with the Kemri group of disease research facilities in the Kisumu area. These provide a valuable database for the mutation of the Malaria parasite, helping to develop effective medication to combat the disease. Agnes has devoted her life to this theme, finding self-worth and tremendous satisfaction in her work. She is well know across her community and still finds time to go with surveillance teams to build case studies as well lecture on Malaria education when she can make the time. Agnes remains hopeful for the eradication of Malaria, believing a cure is withi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554092-1E14TC3KGEMOCALB148R/sustainlrg_065.jpg Sustainability Novartis - John Hopkins initiative on Malaria - Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554176-S4XYUXKE6YA9346RIUE3/sustainlrg_066.jpg Sustainability Novartis - John Hopkins initiative on Malaria - Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554391-MZ24SFAUK7Q1TUJXAMZA/sustainlrg_067.jpg Sustainability NDOLA, ZAMBIA, 16 JANUARY 2014: Dr Christine Manyando examines a young child who has severe Malaria at the Arthur Davidson Children's Hospital, Ndola, Zambia. This child's condition is so severe that she is undergoing a blood transfusion in an attempt to remove the Malaria parasite from her young body. (Photo by Brent Stirton for Novartis.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554723-ISZMO49C8QLZ6VM6TKI7/sustainlrg_068.jpg Sustainability WWF - Sustainable FSC timber industry - Cameroon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554182-CHLN23KBCCZYO1M4ARRF/sustainlrg_069.jpg Sustainability WWF - Sustainable FSC timber industry - Cameroon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554701-HDWGC1GFSAWB60QQPGQ0/sustainlrg_070.jpg Sustainability WWF - Sustainable FSC timber industry - Cameroon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554384-I9QI3JY5CLKZDOJJSWWP/sustainlrg_071.jpg Sustainability Cameroon: A Baka pygmy recruited by a local logging company to cut down trees in his traditional area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554278-9XIJR3GOTMSCTOUDY21F/sustainlrg_072.jpg Sustainability WWF - Sustainable FSC timber industry - Cameroon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554207-8ZP9HWPWSJWZ99B5AN72/VirungaJan24_071-Enhanced-NR.jpg Sustainability - VirungaJan24_071-Enhanced-NR.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) VirungaJan24_071-Enhanced-NR.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554237-ATYN4Q5MFU3JMW14YNF8/sustainlrg_073.jpg Sustainability YAROSLAVL, RUSSIA, 15 MAY 2014: Nikolay Ivanovich Platonova, 82, and his wife Galina Vasilevna, 78, are both in the Novartis sponsored hypertension program at Yaroslavl Veterans Hospital in Russia. They have tried to remain healthy their whole lives but education and effective medication for healthy living and hypertension has been scarce in the region. Nikolay spent many years in the Soviet military and he continues to do his daily excercises from that period every day. Galina tries to feed them both healthy foods on a daily basis, with fruit when they can get it. They like to walk outside as part of their routine. Both Nikolay and Galina began seeing Dr Evgeniy Bybihin at the Yaroslavl Veterans Hospital as part of their treatment for hypertension. He has been instrumental in running a Novartis sponsored hypertension program for the hospital, this has seen patients admitted for up to three weeks for monitoring, education on hypertension and the use of correct medication. This program has seen a dramatic improvement in all of these areas in the Yaroslavl region as awareness of hypertension has improved not only amongst patients but also across the medical profession. Nikolay and Galina say that they now monitor their blood pressure on a regular basis and take their medication exactly as instructed. They feel better much better as a result and try to persuade their friends as to the benefits of a good education on the issue of hypertension. Novartis is involved in a number of initiatives across Russia. These include large scale facility buidling as well as partnerships with healthcare organisations and government. As part of the Yaroslavl healthcare systems improvement partnership project, Novartis is collaborating with the regional government of Yaroslavl in Russia, key clinicians and institutions to improve the diagnosis, screening and treatment of hypertension and reduce preventable death and disability from cardiovascular events. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554124-TA0X384ND1ZAZ56DWTVF/sustainlrg_074.jpg Sustainability Novartis Annual report - work on Hypertension in Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554508-GM5W56BW127OWEAUNS8E/sustainlrg_075.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Free surgery for children with clubfoot - India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554669-PPLL07F3HQWJ7ITRI3JE/sustainlrg_076.jpg Sustainability Wonderwork: Free surgery for children with clubfoot - India https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554761-LG8R25AWWYVHRD3X67W0/sustainlrg_078.jpg Sustainability NOVARTIS: Accra, Ghana: Nurse Diane Amore speaks to a young mother about Sickle Cell disease and what to look for in her children, both of whom have Sickle Cell. Diane is considered an expert on the disease and one of the leading nurses in Ghana. She is seen at Korle Bu hospital in Accra at a clinic held for parents to help educate them on this disease. Sickle Cell disease is the leading cause of strokes in young children. Novartis is partnering with the government and the Sickle Cell Association of Ghana, which is headed by Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, a former Olympic athlete who earned a medical degree at Yale and led sickle cell clinics at Tulane University and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before returning to Ghana to fight the disease in his home country. Novartis aims to expand a newborn screening program, expand distribution of the drug hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell, and begin clinical trials in Ghana for a new, experimental sickle cell treatment. Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include a low number of red blood cells (anemia), repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalized for more serious complications. Sickle Cell is the leading cause of strokes in young children between the ages of 3 to 6 years of age. The signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease are caused by the sickling of red blood cells. When red blood cells sickle, they break down prematurely, which can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, an https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554225-HQZ9GDJAQP0WTZCVLGYN/sustainlrg_079.jpg Sustainability NOVARTIS: Accra, Ghana: John Dzido is seen with his son Caleb. Caleb is 11 and has suffered a series of strokes due to Sickle Cell disease. The first occured when he was 8 and he has suffered a succession since then. Caleb is largely paralysed as a result. John lost his job through trying to care for Caleb and he now survives with working on the street selling good informally. John’s wife left him due to the stress of the disease. She wanted normal children and as both she and John share the gene that brings about sickle cell disease, she left him for another man. John has a younger daughter Stephanie who is also a sickle cell patient. He is totally devoted to his son and because they cannot afford to go to the hospital for physical therapy he tries to do this for Caleb in their small two room shack. He also uses braces for Calebs legs and a chair to try to teach him to stand again. Calabe was removed from school as the teachers could not care for a boy in his condition so John attempts to educate as well as feed, clothe and bathe him at home. John remains resolute that Caleb will improve even though his last stroke was only a month ago. Novartis is partnering with the government and the Sickle Cell Association of Ghana, which is headed by Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, a former Olympic athlete who earned a medical degree at Yale and led sickle cell clinics at Tulane University and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before returning to Ghana to fight the disease in his home country. Novartis aims to expand a newborn screening program, expand distribution of the drug hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell, and begin clinical trials in Ghana for a new, experimental sickle cell treatment. Sickle Cell disease is the leading cause of strokes in young children. Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecul https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554050-FJZ7Y6X93XTLDSLS3MAD/sustainlrg_080.jpg Sustainability Accra, Ghana: John Dzido is seen with his son Caleb. Caleb is 11 and has suffered a series of strokes due to Sickle Cell disease. The first occured when he was 8 and he has suffered a succession since then. Caleb is largely paralysed as a result. John lost his job through trying to care for Caleb and he now survives with working on the street selling good informally. John’s wife left him due to the stress of the disease. She wanted normal children and as both she and John share the gene that brings about sickle cell disease, she left him for another man. John has a younger daughter Stephanie who is also a sickle cell patient. He is totally devoted to his son and because they cannot afford to go to the hospital for physical therapy he tries to do this for Caleb in their small two room shack. He also uses braces for Calebs legs and a chair to try to teach him to stand again. Calabe was removed from school as the teachers could not care for a boy in his condition so John attempts to educate as well as feed, clothe and bathe him at home. John remains resolute that Caleb will improve even though his last stroke was only a month ago. Novartis is partnering with the government and the Sickle Cell Association of Ghana, which is headed by Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, a former Olympic athlete who earned a medical degree at Yale and led sickle cell clinics at Tulane University and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before returning to Ghana to fight the disease in his home country. Novartis aims to expand a newborn screening program, expand distribution of the drug hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell, and begin clinical trials in Ghana for a new, experimental sickle cell treatment. Sickle Cell disease is the leading cause of strokes in young children. Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554589-LJPSP3SICPZ8TWKJKQJY/sustainlrg_087.jpg Sustainability MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: Nurses attend premature babies inside the new neo-natal unit at the Turkish built and run hospital in Mogadishu. The child in this image weighed only 600 grams at birth and would surely have died without this special unit. The hospital has 16 incubators for premature babies, the only facility of its kind in Somalia. There has been increasing relations between the Turks and the Somalis, with the Turks building not only this hospital but also the new airport and many other projects in Mogadishu. President Erdogan himself has visited and opened the new hospital. The Turkish embassy in Mogadishu is huge and reaffirms their long-term commitment to investing in Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554473-2VJO412RRXEO8746FMVQ/sustainlrg_082.jpg Sustainability University of the Witswatersrand, South Africa: Book project for Fourie Collection of San artifacts with San elders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158554080-OXFNRNG60CBPSCADRA0Y/sustainlrg_083.jpg Sustainability University of the Witswatersrand, South Africa: Book project for Fourie Collection of San artifacts with San elders https://www.brentstirton.com/postpandemic-mecfs daily 0.75 2025-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705324-Q99IGHURUNWKG0X5RJJE/BadenShow_001.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_001.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Mila's mother Sabine uses handsignals to communicate to her daughter so that she keeps the stimulus her daughter experieinces to a minimum. This is all that Mila can handle, no light, no sounds, nothing that could worsen her condition. Mila Hermisson is 21 years old and has been severely ill since 2018 due to an Influenza-Infection. She lives in a nightmare she can't wake up from. Mila is seriously ill with ME/CFS. She has been lying motionless in a dark room for almost four years - even light leads to sensory overload and overexertion. Her parents, Joachim and Sabine, have been caring for her for almost four years. They feed her liquid food in sippy cups. They wash her in bed. They lift her onto a night chair to relieve herself. For one minute. Because Mila can't sit upright for longer than that. A racing heart, dizziness, barely clear thoughts, pain and an unimaginable lack of strength accompany her every day. Mila can no longer speak . “But the worst thing is that she can no longer stand it when others speak,” says her mother Sabine Hermisson. With ME/CFS, every effort is dangerous, even cognitive ones. Every stimulus that has to be processed, every movement, can overload her and push her even further into the disease. On good days, Mila can cope with individual words. She communicates how many with her fingers. Sometimes one word, never more than three - usually not a single one. One word more than agreed - even that would be crossing the line with unclear consequences. Mila and her parents therefore usually use hand signals that they have worked out together. A tap on the mattress when it gets too much. Putting their fingertips together when Mila needs medication. “You can lose your life without dying,” Mila's doctor is quoted as saying in a Spiegel article. “That sums it up,” says Mila's father Joachim Hermisson. Mila has been living with ME/CFS since she was 15. Now 21, Mila used to play the cello in the living room while he https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705226-P8JGQEOQ2KVRH8OMTIEP/BadenShow_024.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_024.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Elisabeth Bacher, 55, cries quielty in her kitchen under a photograph of her 4 children. Elizabeth is severely ill with ME/CFS but she is also the only caregiver for her daughter Lisa, who is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. They receive no help from the state and Elisabeth put's her daughter's health ahead of her own at all times but is fearful of what the future may bring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705159-K7A9XQYPRRW3BD8MB5IJ/BadenShow_025.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_025.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Elizabeth Bacher,55, helps her daughter Lisa, 27, wake up after a troubled night. She brings cold face clothes to help Lisa cool down. Elizabeth is severely ill with ME/CFS after contracting Covid but she is also the only caregiver for her daughter Lisa, who is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. They receive no help from the state and Elisabeth put's her daughter's health ahead of her own at all times but is fearful of what the future may bring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705213-JJPDDQIR20O5ZWG8VS8L/BadenShow_002.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_002.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Mila's mother Sabine lifts her severely ill daughter off the bed to use a commode. Mila's parents keep the stimulus she experieinces to a minimum. Any stimulus affects Mila, so no light, no sounds, nothing that could worsen her condition. Mila Hermisson is 21 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2018.. She has been lying motionless in a dark room for almost four years. Her parents, Joachim and Sabine, have been caring for her for almost four years. They feed her liquid food in sippy cups. They wash her in bed. They lift her onto a night chair to relieve herself. For one minute. Because Mila can't sit upright for longer than that. A racing heart, dizziness, barely clear thoughts, pain and an unimaginable lack of strength accompany her every day. Mila can no longer speak . “But the worst thing is that she can no longer stand it when others speak,” says her mother Sabine Hermisson. On good days, Mila can cope with individual words. She communicates how many with her fingers. Sometimes one word, never more than three - usually not a single one. Mila and her parents therefore usually use hand signals that they have worked out together. A tap on the mattress when it gets too much. Putting their fingertips together when Mila needs medication. If Mila urgently needed a medical intervention such as an operation, there wouldn't be a hospital or outpatient clinic in the whole of Austria to help her. Not a single contact point specializes in ME/CFS and has created conditions in which severely affected patients can be treated. Neither nursing nor palliative care services have agreed to care for Mila - they are not geared towards cases like hers despite Austria being a first world wealthy country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705416-760VZ68P15P7CMHX3W9S/BadenShow_026.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_026.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher & Elisabeth Bacher spent most of their time in their living room, they are most often too weak to leave the house. Elizabeth is severely ill with ME/CFS after contracting Covid but she is also the only caregiver for her daughter Lisa, who is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. They receive no help from the state and Elisabeth put's her daughter's health ahead of her own at all times but is fearful of what the future may bring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705219-JFOOP6ZPC9BH8PDWO3DT/BadenShow_003.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_003.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Mila's father Joachim gives his severely ill daughter food and water in a dark room while using only a tiny green light. He puts moisturiiser on her lips to prevent them from cracking. Mila's parents keep the stimulus she experieinces to a minimum. Any stimulus affects Mila, so no light, no sounds, nothing that could worsen her condition. Mila Hermisson is 21 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2018 due to an Influenza-Infection. She has been lying motionless in a dark room for almost four years. Her parents, Joachim and Sabine, have been caring for her for almost four years. They feed her liquid food in sippy cups. They wash her in bed. They lift her onto a night chair to relieve herself. For one minute. Because Mila can't sit upright for longer than that. A racing heart, dizziness, barely clear thoughts, pain and an unimaginable lack of strength accompany her every day. Mila can no longer speak . “But the worst thing is that she can no longer stand it when others speak,” says her mother Sabine Hermisson. On good days, Mila can cope with individual words. She communicates how many with her fingers. Sometimes one word, never more than three - usually not a single one. Mila and her parents therefore usually use hand signals that they have worked out together. A tap on the mattress when it gets too much. Putting their fingertips together when Mila needs medication. If Mila urgently needed a medical intervention such as an operation, there wouldn't be a hospital or outpatient clinic in the whole of Austria to help her. Not a single contact point specializes in ME/CFS and has created conditions in which severely affected patients can be treated. Neither nursing nor palliative care services have agreed to care for Mila - they are not geared towards cases like hers despite Austria being a first world wealthy country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705355-9UC71WTRQLDE0V5ZS2CF/BadenShow_027.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_027.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher & Elisabeth Bacher spent most of their time in their living room, often too weak to leave the house. Lisa is 27 years old is has been ill since 2011 after a swine flu infection Elisabeth is 55 years old and she received a post-Covid diagnosis since 2023, first symptoms since 2011. Neither Lisa Bacher nor her mother Elisabeth Bacher could have imagined this before it happened. Even more unimaginable: that Elisabeth herself would become so ill that Lisa's support would be almost impossible to manage at times. How did this happen? In 2011, mother and daughter were infected with swine flu. Lisa still felt ill weeks later. She was 14 years old at the time. After the infection, Lisa tried to go for a run in the forest. “The next day, I suddenly couldn't walk anymore,” Lisa remembers. She lacked the strength. She had her first crash - a worsening of symptoms after overexertion. Doctors blame the symptoms on Lisa's psyche. A young girl at the beginning of puberty. You're often tired then, they say. It took years before Lisa was finally diagnosed with ME/CFS. A long time during which she got worse and worse. Elisabeth Bacher was also affected by the swine-flu infection. The single mother of four children who previously had two jobs and volunteered at school alongside childcare. After the infection, she feels as if she has aged 30 years. What's more, her eldest daughter suddenly needed a lot more support in her everyday life. At the time, Elisabeth lacked the energy for anything else in addition to her work and caring for Lisa and her siblings. Her doctor now says that it probably all started back then. Volunteering, social contacts and hobbies have to be put on hold. Despite this, Elisabeth was still in a bad way. She quit first one and then her second job. “At some point, it was just about keeping Lisa and me alive,” says Elisabeth. Nevertheless, she told herself at the time that she was just overworked. The years pass and Lisa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705459-OIN6RA5Q019WTZKEOU3Q/BadenShow_004.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_004.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Ella Hermisson holds a book from the last time she and her sister Mila were healthy and together on a trip to the US. That was in 2016. Both sisters became severely ill shortly after that and while Ella has recovered a good deal, Mila remains severely ill and completely dependent on her parents and Ella. Ella was recently studying Medicine but had to stop as she was just not strong enough. She has recently resumed her studies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705441-8E0T20P13U9EERHHSOJ7/BadenShow_028.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_028.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher & Elisabeth Bacher are seen with their rescue dog Lily. Lily is trained to bring Lisa's meds to her and also to alert Lisa if her heart rate drops. Lisa is 27 years old and has been ill since 2011 after a swine flu infection. Elisabeth is 55 years old and she received a post-Covid diagnosis since 2023, Among other things, she is trained to nudge Lisa when her heart rate is too high. Lisa then knows that she needs to sit or lie down. Lili is also a great emotional support. One of Elisabeth and Lisa's biggest worries is that they will no longer be able to look after Lili and that they will have to give up their beloved dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705342-T31X7FR06ZA9673HIN5D/BadenShow_005.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_005.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: A portrait of Joachim Hermisson, traumatized by his daughter Mila's illness. Mila Hermisson is 21 years old and has been severely ill since 2018 due to an Influenza-Infection. She lives in a nightmare she can't wake up from. Mila is seriously ill with ME/CFS. She has been lying motionless in a dark room for almost four years - even light leads to sensory overload and overexertion. Her parents, Joachim and Sabine, have been caring for her for almost four years. They feed her liquid food in sippy cups. They wash her in bed. They lift her onto a night chair to relieve herself. For one minute. Because Mila can't sit upright for longer than that. A racing heart, dizziness, barely clear thoughts, pain and an unimaginable lack of strength accompany her every day. Mila can no longer speak . “But the worst thing is that she can no longer stand it when others speak,” says her mother Sabine Hermisson. With ME/CFS, every effort is dangerous, even cognitive ones. Every stimulus that has to be processed, every movement, can overload her and push her even further into the disease. On good days, Mila can cope with individual words. She communicates how many with her fingers. Sometimes one word, never more than three - usually not a single one. One word more than agreed - even that would be crossing the line with unclear consequences. Mila and her parents therefore usually use hand signals that they have worked out together. A tap on the mattress when it gets too much. Putting their fingertips together when Mila needs medication. “You can lose your life without dying,” Mila's doctor is quoted as saying in a Spiegel article. “That sums it up,” says Mila's father Joachim Hermisson. Mila has been living with ME/CFS since she was 15. Now 21, Mila used to play the cello in the living room while her mother cooked. She was a diligent student. She was committed to climate protection. Today, all that feels like a different life. Today, Mila's life is a medic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705237-5T4EQ6I9VWYUQBDK99S5/BadenShow_029.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_029.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher & Elisabeth Bacher rest in their bed and review ME/CFS awareness campaigns that Lisa has created on her computer. . Lisa is 27 years old and has been ill since 2011 after a swine flu infection Elisabeth is 55 years old and she received a post-Covid diagnosis since 2023, first symptoms since 2011. Neither Lisa Bacher nor her mother Elisabeth Bacher could have imagined this before it happened. Even more unimaginable: that Elisabeth herself would become so ill that Lisa's support would be almost impossible to manage at times. How did this happen? In 2011, mother and daughter were infected with swine flu. Lisa still felt ill weeks later. She was 14 years old at the time. After the infection, Lisa tried to go for a run in the forest. “The next day, I suddenly couldn't walk anymore,” Lisa remembers. She lacked the strength. She had her first crash - a worsening of symptoms after overexertion. Doctors blame the symptoms on Lisa's psyche. A young girl at the beginning of puberty. You're often tired then, they say. It took years before Lisa was finally diagnosed with ME/CFS. A long time during which she got worse and worse. Elisabeth Bacher was also affected by the swine-flu infection. The single mother of four children who previously had two jobs and volunteered at school alongside childcare. After the infection, she feels as if she has aged 30 years. What's more, her eldest daughter suddenly needed a lot more support in her everyday life. At the time, Elisabeth lacked the energy for anything else in addition to her work and caring for Lisa and her siblings. Her doctor now says that it probably all started back then. Volunteering, social contacts and hobbies have to be put on hold. Despite this, Elisabeth was still in a bad way. She quit first one and then her second job. “At some point, it was just about keeping Lisa and me alive,” says Elisabeth. Nevertheless, she told herself at the time that she was just overworked. The year https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705422-07W6GGPQPAZ79VSR1TLU/BadenShow_006.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_006.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Sabine Hermisson weeps quietly after visitng her severely ill daughter Mila in her darkened bedroom. Mila can no longer tolerate voices so they maintain a silent years long vigil over their child. Mila Hermisson is 21 years old and has been severely ill since 2018 due to an Influenza-Infection. She lives in a nightmare she can't wake up from. Mila is seriously ill with ME/CFS. She has been lying motionless in a dark room for almost four years - even light leads to sensory overload and overexertion. Her parents, Joachim and Sabine, have been caring for her for almost four years. They feed her liquid food in sippy cups. They wash her in bed. They lift her onto a night chair to relieve herself. For one minute. Because Mila can't sit upright for longer than that. A racing heart, dizziness, barely clear thoughts, pain and an unimaginable lack of strength accompany her every day. Mila can no longer speak . “But the worst thing is that she can no longer stand it when others speak,” says her mother Sabine Hermisson. With ME/CFS, every effort is dangerous, even cognitive ones. Every stimulus that has to be processed, every movement, can overload her and push her even further into the disease. On good days, Mila can cope with individual words. She communicates how many with her fingers. Sometimes one word, never more than three - usually not a single one. One word more than agreed - even that would be crossing the line with unclear consequences. Mila and her parents therefore usually use hand signals that they have worked out together. A tap on the mattress when it gets too much. Putting their fingertips together when Mila needs medication. “You can lose your life without dying,” Mila's doctor is quoted as saying in a Spiegel article. “That sums it up,” says Mila's father Joachim Hermisson. Mila has been living with ME/CFS since she was 15. Now 21, Mila used to play the cello in the living room while her mother cooked. She was a diligent stud https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705164-CNZT0S9NHAL97XR8CTTH/BadenShow_030.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_030.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher, 27, and her mother Elisabeth Bacher, 55, are seen in their bedroom as Elisabeth dries Lisa's hair. Lisa must wear a blindfold and hearing suppression for this. Lisa has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. Elisabeth received a post-Covid diagnosis of ME/CFS in 2023, first symptoms since 2020. Elisabeth is Lisa’s only caregiver, despite being severely ill herself. She is the single mother of four children who previously had two jobs and volunteered at school. “At some point, it just became about keeping Lisa and me alive,” says Elisabeth. Lisa says a crash feels, “As if someone has sucked all the energy out of me or pulled the plug,” says Lisa. She wants to continue being active, but her body goes on strike. Sometimes she can't even move her arms. “You feel trapped in your own body. It's particularly bad when you can no longer speak or use your cell phone,” says Lisa. ‘If she had been treated properly earlier, she would be better today,’ says Elisabeth. Lisa can only leave the house if someone can be found to help with the wheelchair transport. Elisabeth was only able to finance Lisa’s wheelchair and the stair lift to the house with the help of neighbors and the local church. Lisa’s assistance dog Lili is trained to nudge Lisa when her heart rate is too high. Lisa then knows that she needs to sit or lie down. Lili is also a great emotional support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705391-FY9NYTSABFC0RACTSFL5/BadenShow_007.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_007.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos,35, has had ME/CFS since 2017, since 2018 she is housebound. Madeleine used to be a very active TV- and radio journalist but had to move to a small village because the city noise became too much. Madeleine’s husband Daniel, also a journalist, changed his career to psychotherapy to spend as much time as he can with her. Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning. She must stop often and sometimes even crawl to make it. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleine feels guilty about this. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts. Reading is too exhausting, she says, even short emails take up a lot of energy. An electric wheelchair would help Madeleine immensely, but her health insurance denied it, “They do not understand. They said I am not paralyzed so I don't need it” Every ten days Madeleine takes immunoglobulins and sets up the infusions herself as the doctor visits are too difficult. She says these infusions are what keep her going. Before going to sleep every night, the two ask each other where they will meet in their dreams, they always add in a place where Madeleine is healthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705270-9MHKKDO6WMM91T79R4J8/BadenShow_031.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_031.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. She was always a very slim girl but the medication she is now using has led to her gaining over 25 kilograms. She is still trying to get used to her new body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705171-ZQZJZM9FMJWH5GCH1BVD/BadenShow_008.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_008.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos,35, has had ME/CFS since 2017, since 2018 she is housebound. Madeleine used to be a very active TV- and radio journalist but had to move to a small village because the city noise became too much. Madeleine’s husband Daniel, also a journalist, changed his career to psychotherapy to spend as much time as he can with her. Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning. She must stop often and sometimes even crawl to make it. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleine feels guilty about this. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts. Reading is too exhausting, she says, even short emails take up a lot of energy. An electric wheelchair would help Madeleine immensely, but her health insurance denied it, “They do not understand. They said I am not paralyzed so I don't need it” Every ten days Madeleine takes immunoglobulins and sets up the infusions herself as the doctor visits are too difficult. She says these infusions are what keep her going. Before going to sleep every night, the two ask each other where they will meet in their dreams, they always add in a place where Madeleine is healthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705276-LKJURTOJNHQ822BZ9ZDY/BadenShow_032.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_032.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher & Elisabeth Bacher are seen with Lisa's rescue dog Lily using the wheel chair and chair lift donated to them by their church and neighbors. The Austrian medical authority decided that they did not need these things despite the fact the both Lisa and Elizabeth are severely ill. .Lisa is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. Elisabeth is 55 years old and she received a post-Covid diagnosis in 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705447-A4RTAA9POJW8T54BUZCY/BadenShow_009.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_009.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos,35, has had ME/CFS since 2017, since 2018 she is housebound. She is seen crying while resting while climbing the stairs in her home, she cannot usually climb them in one effort. Madeleine used to be a very active TV- and radio journalist but had to move to a small village because the city noise became too much. Madeleine’s husband Daniel, also a journalist, changed his career to psychotherapy to spend as much time as he can with her. Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning. She must stop often and sometimes even crawl to make it. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleine feels guilty about this. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts. Reading is too exhausting, she says, even short emails take up a lot of energy. An electric wheelchair would help Madeleine immensely, but her health insurance denied it, “They do not understand. They said I am not paralyzed so I don't need it” Every ten days Madeleine takes immunoglobulins and sets up the infusions herself as the doctor visits are too difficult. She says these infusions are what keep her going. Before going to sleep every night, the two ask each other where they will meet in their dreams, they always add in a place where Madeleine is healthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705178-36FFTSY6M7YNQPFAU87Z/BadenShow_033.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_033.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher & Elisabeth Bacher attend a dog training session with Lisa's rescue dog Lily. This is designed to teach Lily to be calm around other dogs and new people. This session is the first time Lisa and Elisabeth have been to this forest in over 2 years, despite the fact that it is only five minutes from their home. Lisa is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. Elisabeth is 55 years old and she received a post-Covid diagnosis of ME/CFS in 2023. They have to practise energy rationing for the most important things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705465-L2P45XU9PN13UE3BY7PD/BadenShow_010.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_010.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos lies on the floor in the excercise room while her husband Daniel works out. Maddy used to be very sporty but due to her severe illness she can only watch these days. Desptie that, Maddy and Daniel manage to laugh about it on her better days. Madeleine Martos is 35 years old, she has had ME/CFS since 2017, and since 2018 she is housebound. She is also living with a diagnosis of SFN, MCAS and POTS. Madeleine lived in Vienna but had to move to a small village with 300 people because the noise in the city became too much for her. Madeleine used to be a TV- and radio journalist, she now lives with her husband Daniel and their two dogs. He has changed his career to psychotherapy and tries to spend as much time as he can with Madeleine. Madeleine is living in a terraced house they rent. It is pastoral and quiet but it is a two story house and climbing the stairs can sometimes take Maddy twenty minutes and rob her of limited energy for the rest of the day.When she wakes up, she takes her pills, she then needs a few hours until she is able to start her day because the pain is too much to handle, before the pills kick in.Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning for half an hour, once she is ableto. Many times she has to stop and even crawl rather than walking. She does not go far, but the walk gives her day structure. That is important to her.Afterwards she has to sit or lay on the couch for at least one hour. On some days she staysthere the whole day and then even having a shower is a success. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleines feels guilty about this. He also works a lot as a psychotherapist in the clinic nearby where he tries to also support people with ME/CFS there. Madeleine tries to stay on the couch instead of the bed – she knows that sitting is better so her blood circulation does not go down too much. That makes getting up even harder. Man https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705198-K0QS4S6F8I629Z03DGUV/BadenShow_034.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_034.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Lisa Bacher & Elisabeth Bacher attend a dog training session with Lisa's rescue dog Lily. This is designed to teach Lily to be calm around other dogs and new people. This session is the first time Lisa and Elisabeth have been to this forest in over 2 years, despite the fact that it is only five minutes from their home. Lisa is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection. Elisabeth is 55 years old and she received a post-Covid diagnosis of ME/CFS in 2023. They have to practise energy rationing for the most important things. Elisabeth is Lisa's only caregiver, despite her own severe ME/CFS diagnosis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705453-H4J3YGULVN8AZ8LKGFWC/BadenShow_011.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_011.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos,35, has had ME/CFS since 2017, since 2018 she is housebound. Madeleine used to be a very active TV- and radio journalist but had to move to a small village because the city noise became too much. She nows spends most of her day resting, listening to podcasts. Madeleine’s husband Daniel, also a journalist, changed his career to psychotherapy to spend as much time as he can with her. Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning. She must stop often and sometimes even crawl to make it. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleine feels guilty about this. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts. Reading is too exhausting, she says, even short emails take up a lot of energy. An electric wheelchair would help Madeleine immensely, but her health insurance denied it, “They do not understand. They said I am not paralyzed so I don't need it” Every ten days Madeleine takes immunoglobulins and sets up the infusions herself as the doctor visits are too difficult. She says these infusions are what keep her going. Before going to sleep every night, the two ask each other where they will meet in their dreams, they always add in a place where Madeleine is healthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705386-2COB3G9MHA7X719PGP5U/BadenShow_035.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_035.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Elisabeth Bacher stand exhausted by a window, she is the sole caregiver for her daughter Lisa. Lisa is 27 years old and has been ill with ME/CFS since 2011 after a swine flu infection Elisabeth is 55 years old and she received a post-Covid diagnosis since 2023, first symptoms since 2011. Neither Lisa Bacher nor her mother Elisabeth Bacher could have imagined this before it happened. Even more unimaginable: that Elisabeth herself would become so ill that Lisa's support would be almost impossible to manage at times. How did this happen? In 2011, mother and daughter were infected with swine flu. Lisa still felt ill weeks later. She was 14 years old at the time. After the infection, Lisa tried to go for a run in the forest. “The next day, I suddenly couldn't walk anymore,” Lisa remembers. She lacked the strength. She had her first crash - a worsening of symptoms after overexertion. Doctors blame the symptoms on Lisa's psyche. A young girl at the beginning of puberty. You're often tired then, they say. It took years before Lisa was finally diagnosed with ME/CFS. A long time during which she got worse and worse. Elisabeth Bacher was also affected by the swine-flu infection. The single mother of four children who previously had two jobs and volunteered at school alongside childcare. After the infection, she feels as if she has aged 30 years. What's more, her eldest daughter suddenly needed a lot more support in her everyday life. At the time, Elisabeth lacked the energy for anything else in addition to her work and caring for Lisa and her siblings. Her doctor now says that it probably all started back then. Volunteering, social contacts and hobbies have to be put on hold. Despite this, Elisabeth was still in a bad way. She quit first one and then her second job. “At some point, it was just about keeping Lisa and me alive,” says Elisabeth. Nevertheless, she told herself at the time that she was just overworked. The years pass and Lisa and h https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705300-92MQP1QX4YSBOQ7K1IQD/BadenShow_012.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_012.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos,35, has had ME/CFS since 2017, since 2018 she is housebound. She has a great deal of pain and she says floating in the small inflatable pool in her backyard helps with that, releiving her body temporarily. Madeleine used to be a very active TV- and radio journalist but had to move to a small village because the city noise became too much. Madeleine’s husband Daniel, also a journalist, changed his career to psychotherapy to spend as much time as he can with her. Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning. She must stop often and sometimes even crawl to make it. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleine feels guilty about this. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts. Reading is too exhausting, she says, even short emails take up a lot of energy. An electric wheelchair would help Madeleine immensely, but her health insurance denied it, “They do not understand. They said I am not paralyzed so I don't need it” Every ten days Madeleine takes immunoglobulins and sets up the infusions herself as the doctor visits are too difficult. She says these infusions are what keep her going. Before going to sleep every night, the two ask each other where they will meet in their dreams, they always add in a place where Madeleine is healthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705410-P23AW1SGVRU4XOZOI15W/BadenShow_036.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_036.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, August 2024: Karin is the devoted wife of Hannes, who has severe ME/CFS since 2021. She is seen taking a little time for herself after she has helped Hannes back into bed. Her husband used to be a successful operations manager - until he contracted coronavirus. One week after the infection, he could only stand three-minute conversations until he collapsed. Four months later, ME/CFS was confirmed. He can only walk a few meters and can only stand for a minute at most. Karin helps him to spend time in the garden when he feels strong enough. “I love him, of course I do these things for him. It's hard, but it's even harder for him,” says Karin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705243-D4T6NMTC4Y12APGZBB9K/BadenShow_013.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_013.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos,35, has had ME/CFS since 2017, since 2018 she is housebound. Madeleine used to be a very active TV- and radio journalist but had to move to a small village because the city noise became too much. Madeleine’s husband Daniel, also a journalist, changed his career to psychotherapy to spend as much time as he can with her. Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning. She must stop often and sometimes even crawl to make it. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleine feels guilty about this. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts. Reading is too exhausting, she says, even short emails take up a lot of energy. An electric wheelchair would help Madeleine immensely, but her health insurance denied it, “They do not understand. They said I am not paralyzed so I don't need it” Every ten days Madeleine takes immunoglobulins and sets up the infusions herself as the doctor visits are too difficult. She says these infusions are what keep her going. Before going to sleep every night, the two ask each other where they will meet in their dreams, they always add in a place where Madeleine is healthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705249-5LF42TEMCGL9P0YB86C3/BadenShow_037.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_037.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUSUT 2024: Hannes is helped by his wife Karin into his wheelcharir along with his sunglasses and hearing protection. Karin is devoted to her husband and is always trying to help him as he struggles with ME/CFS. Hannes is 52 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2021 after a Covid infection. Hannes D. used to be a successful operations manager - until he contracted coronavirus at the end of 2021. One week after the infection, he could only stand three-minute conversations until he collapsed. After that, he needs a half-hour break. Four months later, ME/CFS is suspected for the first time, which is later confirmed. Hannes has had to learn to respect his limits. If he doesn't every overload leads to a crash, with him lying in a dark room for days on end with severe symptoms. “Every day that is better than 22 hours of lying down is a positive day,” says Hannes. He has not lost his positive attitude. Hannes' condition improved a little by the end of 2022. Then he is infected with coronavirus again. Since then, he has only been able to leave the house in a wheelchair for very short periods. Living with ME/CFS also means constant caution so that all his progress is not lost in one severe relapse. To this day, Hannes can only walk a few meters and can only stand for a minute at most. His wife Karin cares for him. “I love him, of course I do that. It's hard, but it's even harder for him,” she says with tears in her eyes. The tenderness in their relationship has remained. They still make short trips to the garden together - these are the shared experiences that are still possible. “I hope that in a few years there will be a better medication that helps,” says Hannes. At least his previous rehab stays have helped him. The local doctors understand that ME/CFS needs adapted therapies. They treat him properly and show him strategies on how to manage his limited energy. In view of the many cases in which people with ME/CFS are made even sic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705263-UN6SDYZ7E3V9XZ7E2CKD/BadenShow_014.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_014.jpg (Copy) BadenShow_014.jpg AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos,35, has had ME/CFS since 2017, since 2018 she is housebound. She is seen giving herself a self-administered infusion, she says these are vital to keep her going and she has given herself hundereds of these. Madeleine used to be a very active TV- and radio journalist but had to move to a small village because the city noise became too much. Madeleine’s husband Daniel, also a journalist, changed his career to psychotherapy to spend as much time as he can with her. Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning. She must stop often and sometimes even crawl to make it. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleine feels guilty about this. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts. Reading is too exhausting, she says, even short emails take up a lot of energy. An electric wheelchair would help Madeleine immensely, but her health insurance denied it, “They do not understand. They said I am not paralyzed so I don't need it” Every ten days Madeleine takes immunoglobulins and sets up the infusions herself as the doctor visits are too difficult. She says these infusions are what keep her going. Before going to sleep every night, the two ask each other where they will meet in their dreams, they always add in a place where Madeleine is healthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705362-IIKXSXGKCAQD2D8ZHXL3/BadenShow_038.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_038.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Hannes used to be a successful operations manager - until he contracted coronavirus at the end of 2021. One week after the infection, he could only stand three-minute conversations until he collapsed. Four months later, ME/CFS was confirmed. Hannes again contracted Covid in 2022 and since then he has only been able to leave the house in a wheelchair for very short periods. Living with ME/CFS means constant caution so that all his progress is not lost in one severe relapse. Hannes often spends 22 hours a day bedridden. He can only walk a few meters and can only stand for a minute at most. His devoted wife Karin helps him to spend time in the garden when he feels strong enough. “I love him, of course I do these things for him. It's hard, but it's even harder for him,” says Karin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705348-3N5HWMPKKX5372WB2MZ1/BadenShow_015.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_015.jpg (Copy) BadenShow_015.jpg AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Madeleine Martos is 35 years old, she has had ME/CFS since 2017, and since 2018 she is housebound. She is also living with a diagnosis of SFN, MCAS and POTS. Madeleine lived in Vienna but had to move to a small village with 300 people because the noise in the city became too much for her. Madeleine used to be a TV- and radio journalist, she now lives with her husband Daniel and their two dogs. He has changed his career to psychotherapy and tries to spend as much time as he can with Madeleine. Madeleine is living in a terraced house they rent. It is pastoral and quiet but it is a two story house and climbing the stairs can sometimes take Maddy twenty minutes and rob her of limited energy for the rest of the day.When she wakes up, she takes her pills, she then needs a few hours until she is able to start her day because the pain is too much to handle, before the pills kick in.Every day Madeleine tries to walk the dogs in the morning for half an hour, once she is ableto. Many times she has to stop and even crawl rather than walking. She does not go far, but the walk gives her day structure. That is important to her.Afterwards she has to sit or lay on the couch for at least one hour. On some days she staysthere the whole day and then even having a shower is a success. Her husband Daniel takes care of most of the household chores as well as the garden and Madeleines feels guilty about this. He also works a lot as a psychotherapist in the clinic nearby where he tries to also support people with ME/CFS there. Madeleine tries to stay on the couch instead of the bed – she knows that sitting is better so her blood circulation does not go down too much. That makes getting up even harder. Manytimes she still has to lay in bed, because even sitting is too much. Madeleine spends her days listening to podcasts (“They keep me sane, because I am aloneall of the time”). Sometimes she paints or knits. She can’t really read anymore. Even short email https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705318-KLOZBZJWFWLK6C0ICJL5/BadenShow_039.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_039.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUSUT 2024: Hannes is 52 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2021 after a Covid infection. He is seen with his devoted wife Karin as they go into the garden and spend time outdoors for a while. They have a very strong relationship and this helps them through the very tough reality of Hannes's illness. Hannes D. used to be a successful operations manager - until he contracted coronavirus at the end of 2021. One week after the infection, he could only stand three-minute conversations until he collapsed. After that, he needs a half-hour break. Four months later, ME/CFS is suspected for the first time, which is later confirmed. Hannes has had to learn to respect his limits. If he doesn't every overload leads to a crash, with him lying in a dark room for days on end with severe symptoms. “Every day that is better than 22 hours of lying down is a positive day,” says Hannes. He has not lost his positive attitude. Hannes' condition improved a little by the end of 2022. Then he is infected with coronavirus again. Since then, he has only been able to leave the house in a wheelchair for very short periods. Living with ME/CFS also means constant caution so that all his progress is not lost in one severe relapse. To this day, Hannes can only walk a few meters and can only stand for a minute at most. His wife Karin cares for him. “I love him, of course I do that. It's hard, but it's even harder for him,” she says with tears in her eyes. The tenderness in their relationship has remained. They still make short trips to the garden together - these are the shared experiences that are still possible. “I hope that in a few years there will be a better medication that helps,” says Hannes. At least his previous rehab stays have helped him. The local doctors understand that ME/CFS needs adapted therapies. They treat him properly and show him strategies on how to manage his limited energy. In view of the many cases in which people with ME/CFS are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705380-95R9QHO9NQPIIKH1FQVW/BadenShow_016.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_016.jpg (Copy) BadenShow_016.jpg AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Carmen Rinnhofer is 29 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2022 after a corona infection. CArmen has not left the house in over two years. She communicates with the outside world via her phone and she tries to be active on twitter X. Carmen is vocal online on how ME/CFS has a gender bias towards women and she feels the medical community has not responded appropriately. Carmen loved sport, traveling and learning. Carmen had just completed her master’s degree in transcultural communication when she fell ill. She speaks four languages. She lived in France twice and was a regular jogger. She had only just discovered road cycling when she contracted coronavirus., despite being vaccinated three times. Carmen usually lies in the dark alone. If she spends ten minutes daily with her mother, Erika Siebenbrunner, they consider that a success. On normal days, Erika has to leave the room after five minutes, even if they don't talk to each other. On good days, which are rare, Carmen can take a bath with the help of her mother. If possible, she writes to her friends or talks about her condition on social media. Both are very difficult. Carmen has a deep awareness that the majority of ME/CFS sufferers are young and female. “The decades of neglect and the persistent lack of care and recognition can be attributed to this fact, among other things,” Carmen once wrote on the X platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705397-7PR7RB0WRC2ESC4838XP/BadenShow_040.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_040.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Hannes used to be a successful operations manager - until he contracted coronavirus at the end of 2021. One week after the infection, he could only stand three-minute conversations until he collapsed. Four months later, ME/CFS was confirmed. Hannes again contracted Covid in 2022 and since then he has only been able to leave the house in a wheelchair for very short periods. Living with ME/CFS means constant caution so that all his progress is not lost in one severe relapse. Hannes often spends 22 hours a day bedridden. He can only walk a few meters and can only stand for a minute at most. His devoted wife Karin helps him to spend time in the garden when he feels strong enough. “I love him, of course I do these things for him. It's hard, but it's even harder for him,” says Karin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705287-Q5SK4D8RT17L18DQCJ63/BadenShow_017.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_017.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Carmen Rinnhofer is 29 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2022 after a corona infection. Sport, traveling, learning. That's what Carmen Rinnhofer loved. She has lost all three of these things - and much more besides. Carmen had just completed her master’s degree in transcultural communication when she fell ill. She speaks four languages. She lived in France twice and was a regular jogger. She had only just discovered road cycling when she contracted coronavirus. Carmen had already been vaccinated three times. Nevertheless, she is now seriously ill with ME/CFS. She hasn't left the house for almost two years. Carmen usually lies in the dark, all alone. If she spends ten minutes with her mother, Erika Siebenbrunner, that is already a success. On normal days, Erika has to leave the room after five minutes, even if they don't talk to each other.On good days, which are rare, Carmen can take a bath with the help of her mother. If possible, she writes to her friends or talks about her condition on social media. Both are very difficult. Carmen has a deep awareness that the majority of ME/CFS sufferers are young and female. “The decades of neglect and the persistent lack of care and recognition can be attributed to this fact, among other things,” Carmen once wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter). She is a political person - and a staunch feminist. The thesis from her X post, that supposed “women's diseases” are less well researched and treated, has long been proven. Carmen also receives no financial support from the state. She and her mother know how ruthless the application process often is - with almost no chance of home visits by doctors carrying out assessments. “I can't do that to her unless I really have to,” says Carmen's mother Erika. The daughter's isolation also leads to the mother's isolation. “My life is all about work, shopping and looking after Carmen,” says Erika. She has to be at home if her d https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705282-Y9WW8XL4AAKR7GB1WECR/BadenShow_041.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_041.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUSUT 2024: Hannes is 52 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2021 after a Covid infection. He is seen with his daughter Simone who is to be married in two weeks. Hannes is planning to atttend the ceremony using a wheelchair and a bed inside the church. This is likely to worsen his condition but he is determined to do it. Hannes D. used to be a successful operations manager - until he contracted coronavirus at the end of 2021. One week after the infection, he could only stand three-minute conversations until he collapsed. After that, he needs a half-hour break. Four months later, ME/CFS is suspected for the first time, which is later confirmed. Hannes has had to learn to respect his limits. If he doesn't every overload leads to a crash, with him lying in a dark room for days on end with severe symptoms. “Every day that is better than 22 hours of lying down is a positive day,” says Hannes. He has not lost his positive attitude. Hannes' condition improved a little by the end of 2022. Then he is infected with coronavirus again. Since then, he has only been able to leave the house in a wheelchair for very short periods. Living with ME/CFS also means constant caution so that all his progress is not lost in one severe relapse. To this day, Hannes can only walk a few meters and can only stand for a minute at most. His wife Karin cares for him. “I love him, of course I do that. It's hard, but it's even harder for him,” she says with tears in her eyes. The tenderness in their relationship has remained. They still make short trips to the garden together - these are the shared experiences that are still possible. “I hope that in a few years there will be a better medication that helps,” says Hannes. At least his previous rehab stays have helped him. The local doctors understand that ME/CFS needs adapted therapies. They treat him properly and show him strategies on how to manage his limited energy. In view of the many cases in which peop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705293-W5426JREKELFH6AB035U/BadenShow_018.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_018.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Carmen Rinnhofer is 29 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2022 after a Covid infection, she has not left her house in over two years. When she goes to the bathroom she has to save her strength for only one or two visits a day. Carmen communicates with the outside world via her phone and she tries to be active on twitter X. Carmen is vocal online on how ME/CFS has a gender bias towards women and she feels the medical community has not responded appropriately. Carmen loved sport, traveling and learning. Carmen had just completed her master’s degree in transcultural communication when she fell ill. She speaks four languages. She had only just discovered road cycling when she contracted coronavirus., despite being vaccinated three times. Carmen usually lies in the dark alone. If she spends ten minutes daily with her mother, Erika Siebenbrunner, they consider that a success. On normal days, Erika has to leave the room after five minutes, even if they don't talk to each other. On good days, which are rare, Carmen can take a bath with the help of her mother. If possible, she writes to her friends or talks about her condition on social media. Both are very difficult. Carmen has a deep awareness that the majority of ME/CFS sufferers are young and female. “The decades of neglect and the persistent lack of care and recognition can be attributed to this fact, among other things,” Carmen once wrote on the X platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705306-4DT5WGI36KSNYA8R4WPW/BadenShow_042.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_042.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, VIENNA, AUGUST 2024: Herbert Anreitter showers his wife Yvonne and gently washes her hair. He is her devoted caregiver. Yvonne Anreitter has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2020 after a Covid 19 infection. The medical authorities in Austria denied care to Yvonne when she sought help. Yvonne Arreitner has been battling with the Austrain pension insurance organization for over three years for rehabilitation and care benefits. ‘This process is so draining,’ says Yvonne. With her diagnosis, this has driven her further into the disease. When Yvonne tried to stand during the assessment of her care needs, her whole body began to tremble. And yet the assessor, who did not certify her as needing care, assumed that she was faking it - after all, her wheelchair looked unused. Yvonne says it looks unused because she can so rarely go outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705152-XKRO1XJH6GWFD7KU8XHH/BadenShow_019.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_019.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Carmen Rinnhofer is 29 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2022 after a corona infection. She struggles to go to the bathroom and has to sit on the floor while brushing her teeth. Carmen remains determined however and hopes for a medical breakthrough. Sport, traveling, learning. That's what Carmen Rinnhofer loved. She has lost all three of these things - and much more besides. Carmen had just completed her master’s degree in transcultural communication when she fell ill. She speaks four languages. She lived in France twice and was a regular jogger. She had only just discovered road cycling when she contracted coronavirus. Carmen had already been vaccinated three times. Nevertheless, she is now seriously ill with ME/CFS. She hasn't left the house for almost two years. Carmen usually lies in the dark, all alone. If she spends ten minutes with her mother, Erika Siebenbrunner, that is already a success. On normal days, Erika has to leave the room after five minutes, even if they don't talk to each other.On good days, which are rare, Carmen can take a bath with the help of her mother. If possible, she writes to her friends or talks about her condition on social media. Both are very difficult. Carmen has a deep awareness that the majority of ME/CFS sufferers are young and female. “The decades of neglect and the persistent lack of care and recognition can be attributed to this fact, among other things,” Carmen once wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter). She is a political person - and a staunch feminist. The thesis from her X post, that supposed “women's diseases” are less well researched and treated, has long been proven. Carmen also receives no financial support from the state. She and her mother know how ruthless the application process often is - with almost no chance of home visits by doctors carrying out assessments. “I can't do that to her unless I really have to,” says Carmen's mother Erika. The daught https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705312-4LNZMTQPSIK6PSAQXBUH/BadenShow_043.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_043.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Vienna, Austria, August 2024: Yvonne Anreitter contracted coronavirus at the end of 2020. After she recovered, severe headaches and muscle aches remained – she felt exhausted all the time. Her Long Covid diagnosis eventually became ME/CFS, POTS and MCAS. Yvonne, who worked in refugee aid before her illness, had to give up her job. Her world becomes smaller and smaller until she was confined to her bedroom. Yvonne needs the support of her husband, Herbert Anreitter, for all things. Herbert does the shopping, he cleans, he cooks, he drives her in her wheelchair to appointments to fight for disability aid that the government has continually denied her. Yvonne gets up with Herbert at five in the morning so that he can make breakfast for them before he leaves for work. Yvonne then goes back to sleep. When Herbert returns, he helps his wife get dressed. Somehow, the two still manage to maintain a loving and equal marriage. ‘We don't let anything get us down,’ says Herbert, “Yvonne is not ready to give up. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705404-V8U573XOFBBCE81NS72H/BadenShow_020.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_020.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Erika Siebenbrunner's daughter Carmen is severely ill with ME/CFS and since 2022, Erika has devoted her life to her daughters care. Carmen Rinnhofer is 29 years old and has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2022 after a corona infection. Carmen hasn't left the house for almost two years. Carmen usually lies in the dark, all alone. If she spends ten minutes with her mother, Erika Siebenbrunner, that is already a success. On normal days, Erika has to leave the room after five minutes, even if they don't talk to each other. On good days, which are rare, Carmen can take a bath with the help of her mother. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705434-HUQ2FPX2JL1GBM2805LS/BadenShow_044.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_044.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUSUT 2024: Herbert Anreitter places a morphine patch on his wife Yvonne's back to help her with pain management. Yvonne Anreitter is 50 years old and she has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2020 after a Covid infection. The medical authorities in Austria were brutal with Yvonne when she sought out help for her disability. “Zero hours. That's how much care Yvonne Anreitter needs,” according to a so-called medical expert responsible for setting out aid. “Shopping, cleaning, cooking, dressing - she can do all of this without help. The same applies to work.” These are ludicrous and cruel statements. Yvonne Arreitner has been battling with the relevant pension insurance organisation (PVA) for over three years for rehabilitation and care benefits. Three years in which she has been shunted back and forth between sick leave and the AMS. Sometimes she has to send new reports to the authorities every few weeks - and pay for them herself. ‘This process is so draining,’ says Yvonne. With her diagnosis, this alone can drive her further into the disease. When Yvonne tried to stand during the assessment of her care needs, her whole body began to tremble. And yet the assessor, who did not certify her as needing care, assumed that she was faking it - after all, her wheelchair looked unused. Perhaps because she can only rarely leave the house with it? Nevertheless, the PVA emphasises that all of its assessors are certified and receive regular further training.Yvonne contracted coronavirus at the end of 2020. Even after she officially recovered, headaches and muscle aches remained - and she felt like she was exhausted. As if her body was still fighting an active infection. ‘This is much more than exhaustion,’ says Yvonne. Her Long Covid diagnosis eventually became ME/CFS, POTS and MCAS. Yvonne, who worked in refugee aid before her illness, initially tried her hand at bookkeeping - but that was also too stressful. She feels worse and worse instead of b https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705367-ENWJ8QK9D8481CPC6X5O/BadenShow_021.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_021.jpg (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Kornelia Spahn is a former teacher, and painting is her true passion. She has been ill for over 5 years with ME/CFS but still tries to continue with her painting. On good days, she can sit and paint, on most days she must lie down on the canvas and work very slowly. Kornelia has a great deal of pain and often when she tries to paint, she cries as her body fails her. Her sister Sabine is a doctor, and has been a rock for Kornelia, visiting every day and making sure Kornelia has what she needs. Sabine also gives Kornelia regular infustions, which help and make life more bearable for Kornelia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705257-ANOURJ315QHHEJI78XO1/BadenShow_045.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_045.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) Vienna, Austria, August 2024: Yvonne Anreitter contracted coronavirus at the end of 2020. After she recovered, severe headaches and muscle aches remained – she felt exhausted all the time. Her Long Covid diagnosis eventually became ME/CFS, POTS and MCAS. Yvonne, who worked in refugee aid before her illness, had to give up her job. Her world becomes smaller and smaller until she was confined to her bedroom. Yvonne needs the support of her husband, Herbert Anreitter, for all things. Herbert does the shopping, he cleans, he cooks, he drives her in her wheelchair to appointments to fight for disability aid that the government has continually denied her. Yvonne gets up with Herbert at five in the morning so that he can make breakfast for them before he leaves for work. Yvonne then goes back to sleep. When Herbert returns, he helps his wife get dressed. Somehow, the two still manage to maintain a loving and equal marriage. ‘We don't let anything get us down,’ says Herbert, “Yvonne is not ready to give up. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705337-RK2TMTEZ59E9F2ZDP0QY/BadenShow_022.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_022.jpg (Copy) Austria, August 2024: Kornelia Spahn is a former teacher, and painting is her true passion. She has been ill for over 5 years with ME/CFS but still tries to continue with her painting. On good days, she can sit and paint, on most days she must lie down on the canvas and work very slowly. Kornelia has a great deal of pain and often when she tries to paint, she cries as her body fails her. Her sister Sabine is a doctor, and has been a rock for Kornelia, visiting every day and making sure Kornelia has what she needs. Sabine also gives Kornelia regular infustions, which help and make life more bearable for Kornelia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705185-SY3EBEF9CYSEEKA00FVT/BadenShow_046.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_046.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Jan Equiluz, 23, has been severely ill with ME/CFS since 2023 after contracting Covid. He planned to become a professional musician, but his diagnosis changed everything. Due to ME/CFS, Jan’s extreme sensitivity to light and sound has made even listening to music painful. Jan says the isolation is the worst thing. He is angry because he feels so few people take ME/CFS seriously, Jan blames the fact that there isn't more intensive research into it by medical authorities despite over 80,000 cases being diagnosed in Austria alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705191-FJD29WDLQYX8AL444AGH/BadenShow_023.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_023.jpg (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Gerhard Strock and his wife Gabrielle are seen at one of their bakeries. They are successful businesspeople who own many bakeries across Austria. They have three adult sons and two of them have been living with ME/CFS for some time. One of them is improving very slowly and takes prescribed meds and does whatever he can to get better. The other has not allowed his parents to see him for over 4 years, he does not take any of the prescribed medicine due to his fear of side effects and he has talked about whether he wants to live or not. He lives in seclusion in a dark room and is very weak. Gerhard and Gabrielle founded the WE/ME foundation in Austria to support people living with ME/CFS and seek to drive medical research and public awareness of this issue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705428-B23DMXN4DP58E5UPUFDJ/BadenShow_047.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_047.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Petra Schaschl-Petersmann is 55 years old and she has been ill with ME/CFS since the early 1990s, after an Epstein-Barr infection. Petra is seen at a physiotherapy, session close to her home, one of many things Petra does to try to improve her quality of life. Petra comes from a wealthy background and because of this she has more options. Many people living with ME/CFS do not have these options and that often leads to further decline and strain on the family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705330-6QMSZ964KTUYON3J1PWI/BadenShow_048.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_048.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Martin Privec is 30 years old and from Upper Austria. Martin has been ill since 2017 after an Epstein-Barr infection “Pfeiffer's glandular fever.” He is seen talking to a bedridden woman with ME/CFS in Berlin with whom he has an online relationship. Martin's story is a story of hope. He has been living with ME/CFS since 2017. After 10 months, at the age of 24, he became almost completely bedridden - more than one visit to the toilet a day in a wheelchair was not possible. Martin was in this condition for four years. “I became ill in my prime. But I take it as it comes,” he says. Today, after medical treatments that have worked miracles for him, Martin is playing basketball again, driving and taking care of a move himself as well as looking for a part-time job. Why is he doing so much better? At first, things didn't look good for Martin: He had to move in with his mother. But she urged him to pull himself together and finally be more active again. Even doctors don't believe Martin. He was told he is faking it, that he is just mentally distressed and needs to pull himself together. Martin decides to break off contact with his mother - and moves into an assisted living community. The majority of the people there are living with psychological issues but it is what the government health services are prepared to offer. There are no alternatives that specialized in ME/CFS. The staff there were there for him 24 hours a day. They accept his limitations, help him with his personal hygiene and bring him food to bed. Every day is hard. Every day, Martin decides to carry on regardless. “I always hoped that there was another medication that I hadn't tried yet,” he says. At some point, this hope became a reality. When Martin started taking low doses of aripiprazole (LDA) and naltrexone (LDN), things started to look up. Rebuilding a life that you have lost without dying is still not easy. For example, Martin had to have diagnoses of psychological https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705205-0XYI1D4514LLH2RC9BMK/BadenShow_049.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_049.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Martin Privec is 30 years old and from Upper Austria. Martin has been ill since 2017 after an Epstein-Barr infection “Pfeiffer's glandular fever. ”Martin's story is a story of hope and medicatiopn has helped him to recover a good deal of his health. He is seen playing basketball with a friend, although he can only play for 5 miinutes before he must rest, it is huge progress. He has been living with ME/CFS since 2017. After 10 months, at the age of 24, he became almost completely bedridden - more than one visit to the toilet a day in a wheelchair was not possible. Martin was in this condition for four years. “I became ill in my prime. But I take it as it comes,” he says. Today, after medical treatments that have worked miracles for him, Martin is playing basketball again, driving and taking care of a move himself as well as looking for a part-time job. Why is he doing so much better? At first, things didn't look good for Martin: He had to move in with his mother. But she urged him to pull himself together and finally be more active again. Even doctors don't believe Martin. He was told he is faking it, that he is just mentally distressed and needs to pull himself together. Martin decides to break off contact with his mother - and moves into an assisted living community. The majority of the people there are living with psychological issues but it is what the government health services are prepared to offer. There are no alternatives that specialized in ME/CFS. The staff there were there for him 24 hours a day. They accept his limitations, help him with his personal hygiene and bring him food to bed. Every day is hard. Every day, Martin decides to carry on regardless. “I always hoped that there was another medication that I hadn't tried yet,” he says. At some point, this hope became a reality. When Martin started taking low doses of aripiprazole (LDA) and naltrexone (LDN), things started to look up. Rebuilding a life that you have los https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705373-RBPMH9W5MQDTZXOWMDXI/BadenShow_050.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_050.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Martin Privec is 30 years old and is from Upper Austria. Martin has been ill since 2017 after an Epstein-Barr infection “Pfeiffer's glandular fever. ”Martin's story is a story of hope. He is seen moving into his new accommodations with the help of his father, something that would have been unimaginable a year ago before Martin was able to recover sufficiently with medication. He has been living with ME/CFS since 2017. After 10 months, at the age of 24, he became almost completely bedridden - more than one visit to the toilet a day in a wheelchair was not possible. Martin was in this condition for four years. “I became ill in my prime. But I take it as it comes,” he says. Today, after medical treatments that have worked miracles for him, Martin is playing basketball again, driving and taking care of a move himself as well as looking for a part-time job. Why is he doing so much better? At first, things didn't look good for Martin: He had to move in with his mother. But she urged him to pull himself together and finally be more active again. Even doctors don't believe Martin. He was told he is faking it, that he is just mentally distressed and needs to pull himself together. Martin decides to break off contact with his mother - and moves into an assisted living community. The majority of the people there are living with psychological issues but it is what the government health services are prepared to offer. There are no alternatives that specialized in ME/CFS. The staff there were there for him 24 hours a day. They accept his limitations, help him with his personal hygiene and bring him food to bed. Every day is hard. Every day, Martin decides to carry on regardless. “I always hoped that there was another medication that I hadn't tried yet,” he says. At some point, this hope became a reality. When Martin started taking low doses of aripiprazole (LDA) and naltrexone (LDN), things started to look up. Rebuilding a life that you have lo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158705146-H00561DUXD4GNMS0TJHV/BadenShow_052.jpg Post-Pandemic ME/CFS - BadenShow_052.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) AUSTRIA, AUGUST 2024: Martin Privec is 30 years old and from Upper Austria. Martin has been ill with ME/CFS since 2017 after an Epstein-Barr infection. Here he is seen looking at himself in the mirror of his new, more independent accommodation, a huge step forward from where he was. Martin's story is a story of hope. After 10 months, at the age of 24, he became almost completely bedridden - more than one visit to the toilet a day in a wheelchair was not possible. Martin was in this condition for four years. Today, after medical treatments that have worked miracles for him, Martin is playing basketball again, driving and taking care of a move to a more independent apartment himself as well as looking for a part-time job. Martin had a tough history with ME/CFS. He had to move in with his mother. But she urged him to pull himself together and be more active again. Neither his mother nor his doctors believed Martin. He was told he is faking it, that he wa just mentally distressed and needs to pull himself together. Martin decides to break off contact with his mother - and moves into an assisted living community. The majority of the people there are living with psychological issues but it is all the government health services were prepared to offer. There are no alternative assisted living accommodations that specialized in ME/CFS. “I always hoped that there was another medication that I hadn't tried yet,” he says. Martin started taking low doses of aripiprazole (LDA) and naltrexone (LDN), his health began to improve. In order to move on however, Martin had to have a diagnoses of psychological illness cancelled that he never had. The Pension Insurance Institution (PVA) had granted him an occupational disability pension on the basis of a supposed mental illness. But ME/CFS is a neuroimmunology multisystem disease - in other words, it is physical. Martin wants to be declared fit for work again by the PVA so that he can look for a job. . He would like to work in t https://www.brentstirton.com/orania-afrikaaner-dreaming daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158713971-1NJ9OP6R5LV8XTJASDZZ/Orania_001.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA: An archive photograph of Afrikaner schoolchildren from the conservative Afrikaner CVO School in traditional "Volkspeel" clothing at a cultural day, July 18, 2010. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714149-TOWLNQGX97NFYTZS6PPU/Orania_010.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Ronald Bain is a pastor at a conservative church within Orania. He has been there for 3 years and says taking the job was not an easy decision. He has black pastor friends and he discussed the move with them in an effort to foster mutual understanding. Ronald believes strongly in the Afrikaner nation and he sees himself as being of service to that nation. "I don't believe in race, it's against the bible." He is seen doing his morning bible study in his study at home. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner ident https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714170-ZN3G76UTLLATB6FKNO1E/Orania_012.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Pastor Andre Boshoff, the leader of the Afrikaaner Protestant Church, an ultra-conservative breakway of the Dutch Reformed Church, Orania, South Africa, 18 July 2010. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence of two schools in Orania, the Volkskool Orania and the CVO Skool Orania, both of which expouse a conservative Christian Afrikaner curriculum with special emphasis on Afrikaner history and religion. The Volkskool uses a self driven teaching system which relies on self-motivation by students and the CVO Skool runs along more conventional lines. Neither school receives any assistance by government but both have grown enormously over th https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714197-CU9INK31OGA2AW20ICNE/Orania_022.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: C.F du Plessis is an under 19 rugby player seen at trials for the Orania teams. Sport in Orania involves no affirmative actions policies and only white players are allowed. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714091-VJQ1E14G8V4EAYIRSG3U/Orania_028+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Young students learn the bible in a religious studies class. The old South African flag can be seen hanging in the classroom behind the students. Orania has 4 schools and has a boarding school for farmers children from outside. The schools are entirely subsized by the town and by a farmer community outside. Their sylabis emphasizes Afrikaner history and has a religous component. They have a 100% pass rate. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714116-KUZBVUAVS3I7JNWHDJDK/Orania_023.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Rugby trials for the Orania teams involve no affirmative actions policies and only white players are allowed. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158713992-CFUPK5K1MVJ5FPDER9IT/Orania_029.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Scenes of students at the conservative Afrikaner CVO school in Orania, July 18 2010. The CVO school has a strictly Afrikaans curriculum with a strong emphasis on Afrikaner history and religion. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence of two schools in Orania, the Volkskool Orania and the CVO Skool Orania, both of which expouse a conservative Christian Afrikaner curriculum with special emphasis on Afrikaner history and religion. The Volkskool uses a self driven teaching system which relies on self-motivation by students and the CVO Skool runs along more conventional lines. Neither school receives any assistance by government but both ha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714037-JSO5B9V7KM9GOJKMBHQ1/Orania_032.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Carel Boshoff is the son of the founder of Orania, Carel Boshoff snr, an important man in the conservative Afrikaner world. Carel is an academic, an author, philosopher and custodian of Afrikaner history in the town. He is also the Executive Officer of the Freedom Foundation, a body he sees as a modern incarnation of SABRA, the former South African Burea for Race Relations. "Orania is the answer to Afrikaner disempowerment under the new regime. South Africa is crumbling, you need a coherent ideaology as Rainbowism is failing." Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their succes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714057-VUT7BWTGU78F3FBKZ8HK/Orania_033+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Hannes Du Pree, a successful financial consultant and resident of Orania, teaches his son Erik Du Pree hunting techniques in the bushveldt outside Orania, South Africa, July 18, 2010. Hunting is very much a part of Afrikaner tradition and part of the rites of passage between a father and son. Du Pree moved his family to Orania four years previously and feels that the steady, ongoing decline of security and white opportunity in South Africa today has justified his decision. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence of two schools in Orania, the Volkskool Orania and the CVO Skool Orania, both of which expouse a conservative Christian Afri https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714224-QIN55BOPCSM8V5CNIB6S/Orania_001.5.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Farm labor workers from neighboring farms stop at Orania's supermarket to buy groceries on a regular basis. The mural behind them depicts the great trek of the 1800's, when most of the Afrikaner nation trekked north in Ox wagons to get away from the oppression of the British in the Cape. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714050-RWK08OBSKIDDHTQCLB7D/Orania_011+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Herman is a young deacon at the conservative Afrikaanse Protestente Kerk church, he is seen here in his church attire on a sunday morning. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714163-VQ1VLFDYDAZO8DP4MHYW/Orania_013+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Gabrielle Van Der Berg is a horse trainer and riding teacher in Orania. Gabrielle fell from a horse and sustained brain damage when he was a boy. He is one of a number of mentally handicapped people the town embraces and accommodates. The schools have a strategy for children with autism and other forms of neurodiversity. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714011-UB74SVZQCFZ5WV615PDR/Orania_024.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Netball trials for girls in Orania involve no affirmative actions policies and only white players are allowed. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714177-I8MFYUASDQVFP0ELGIGX/Orania_030+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Scenes of students at the conservative Afrikaner CVO school in Orania, July 18 2010. The CVO school has a strictly Afrikaans curriculum with a strong emphasis on Afrikaner history and religion. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence of two schools in Orania, the Volkskool Orania and the CVO Skool Orania, both of which expouse a conservative Christian Afrikaner curriculum with special emphasis on Afrikaner history and religion. The Volkskool uses a self driven teaching system which relies on self-motivation by students and the CVO Skool runs along more conventional lines. Neither school receives any assistance by government but both ha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714071-VWXDJF2UTWNKIMFRQNO1/Orania_034+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Children jump on a trampoline close to the Orange River in /Orania. Hailed as a safe place for whites in crime-ridden South Africa, Orania is one of the few places in SA where you can see children playing outside without supervision, walking on town streets and people tell you you don't have to lock your doors. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714204-5XYXR2NB52SYRYF1PR8M/Orania_002.5.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: A young woman who is visiting her parents in Orania is seen open carrying her gun at a campsite close to the Orange River in Orania. Hailed as a safe place for whites in crime-ridden South Africa, Orania is one of the few places in SA where you can see children playing outside without supervision, walking on town streets and people tell you you don't have to lock your doors. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714191-QOYU7QRNDLGOEG074B8V/Orania_014+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Doornbult is a former British concentration camp for Afrikaner women and children during the Boer war. The British burnt Boer farms and imprisoned their wives and children as part of a scorched earth policy. The Afrikaner nation lost 15% of its people to the war and it had a fundamental effect on the Afrikaner psyche. After the war the Afrikaner nation was devastated and without resources and identity. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Se https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714122-JCYUDPOE5ZSJGH8FHSYI/Orania_025.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Netball trials for girls in Orania involve no affirmative actions policies and only white players are allowed. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714097-PPBIL9JGVKDOFLPYH157/Orania_031.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Schoolchildren from the Afrikaner Orania CVO school enact a play from the Boer war which tells the story of the heroic actions of an Afrikaner boy in the face of British brutality during the time of the Boer War, Orania, South Africa, July 18, 2010. The scars of the Boer war and the million Afrikaner lives lost therein still run deep in the veins of traditional Afrikaner today. The Boer wars were very much a foundation for the thinking behind Apartheid and they continue to be an influence on conservative Afrikaner thinking on self determination today. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence of two schools in Orania, the Volkskool Orani https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714078-T02DYM3JHM1V45L0EI53/Orania_035+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: A teenager spend time by himself on a hill overlooking Orania with the town flag flying behind. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714044-53V6R96L7VNKEEMCW42J/Orania_002.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Doornbult is a former British concentration camp for Afrikaner women and children during the Boer war. The British burnt Boer farms and imprisoned their wives and children as part of a scorched earth policy. The Afrikaner nation lost 15% of its people to the war and it had a fundamental effect on the Afrikaner psyche. After the war the Afrikaner nation was devastated and without resources and identity. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Se https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714064-0XXPI5F4HUF1Z26LLN28/Orania_015.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: A painting of the Great Trek, the epic exodus of Afrikaners from the Cape into the interior as they moved away from British oppression. It is seen inside a museum dedicated to Carel Boshoff, the founder of Orania. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158713984-W45RUZ1WKKSB4PZ4I884/Orania_026+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Netball trials for girls in Orania involve no affirmative actions policies and only white players are allowed. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158713957-5WLIVIDA1YQVSBATRZP1/Orania_036+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: A photograph and bust of Hendrik Verwoed, the so-called architect of Apartheid and former Prime Minister of South Africa. This is one of many inside the Verwoerd museum in Orania. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714184-2NIPB8012RYANLM23139/Orania_003.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: BIanca Grobler, 16, answers her phone while standing amongst a monument to Afrikaner heros on the highest hill in Orania while on a run with her dog. Bianca was born in England to an Afrikaner father and a Polish mother. They moved back to SA and to Orania 5 years ago. Bianca's father Johann runs a construction business and he sites safety and busienss opportunity as his motivation for moving his family to the town, despite having a UK and Canadian option. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714083-FU061VQK4958PDHTWLCK/Orania_017+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: White men work on building a house at one of many construction sites within Orania. The consturction foreman said "Everytime we start a house and lay the concrete foundation, I get goose bumps knowing that we are buidling another safe place for a new family to come to Orania." All labor inside Orania is done by whites, a means of empowering and employing disadvantaged whites and also bringing solidarity to the community and security. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people wit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714143-0FW1HHHG1K7SQJKMTM31/Orania_027+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Netball trials for girls in Orania involve no affirmative actions policies and only white players are allowed. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158713965-7BU9TILQMQY8VDS5BL2K/Orania_037+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Sunday morning scenes from the Afrikaner Protestant Church, APK, in Orania, South Africa, July 19, 2010. The APK church is a more conservative offshoot of the tradtional Afrikaner Church, the Dutch Reformed Church. It was established as result of dis-satisfaction by the more conservative elements of the church with how the Dutch Reformed Church was seen to be changing core values in the new South Africa. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence of two schools in Orania, the Volkskool Orania and the CVO Skool Orania, both of which expouse a conservative Christian Afrikaner curriculum with special emphasis on Afrikaner history and relig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714025-6HUXK0E0T3EFEVW4JLX0/Orania_004.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA: Dr Carel Boshoff, the deceased 1990 founder of Orania, and the Pastor of the Orania Dutch Reformed Church. Dr Carel Boshoff was a direct descendant of Hendrick Verwoerd, the so-called Architect of Apartheid. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714135-40V35GMYJQF21PI3FBW3/Orania_018+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Four young men work on a car in the nearest town of Hopetown, three of them rent accommodation here and Francois, in the blue jacket, rents in Orania. They all came to Orania because access to work is good in the developing town and bad in most of the rest of South Africa. Orania has a dsocial demographic that includes very poor Afrikaners and it is these Afrikaners who do most of the manual labor in the town. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African contine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714217-YMTCY5VWARMO15LIS8G3/Orania_038+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Scenes at the conservative Afrikaanse Protestente Kerk church on a sunday morning. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714211-E1UKX6NNM94WY6GF7RAN/Orania_006.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Niklas Kirsten, a former South African Army Paratrooper, teaches Erik Du Pree hand-gun self-defence in the fields outside Orania, South Africa , July 18 2010. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence of two schools in Orania, the Volkskool Orania and the CVO Skool Orania, both of which expouse a conservative Christian Afrikaner curriculum with special emphasis on Afrikaner history and religion. The Volkskool uses a self driven teaching system which relies on self-motivation by students and the CVO Skool runs along more conventional lines. Neither school receives any assistance by government but both have grown enormously over the the la https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714110-DK34NGL71SQ0WINQ9X1L/Orania_019.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Riaan Jacobs is the energy manager of Orania, he is seen amongst the town's growing solar fields, their response to South Africa's electricity crisis. The town is currently 30% self-reliant and there is a big push towards complete energy independence. This is something the town views as crucial to business and to their self-determination policy. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714031-8EU914UPADVLA8HEBP90/Orania_039+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: A bible study group meets in the evening at the conservative Afrikaner Protestente Kerk church in Orania. They practise hymns they will sing to the community and study the bible. On this night they disected the 7th day Adventists in an attempt to understand other religions and confirm the validity of their own. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714104-PO92E6SJQDJK3J2SEXED/Orania_007+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Member of Orania's security service practise at a shooting range. The town is virtually crime free and is one of the safest places statisically in South Africa,. Town officials have conducted significant hearts and minds campaigns with surrounding towns and South African police and there are good relations. The Security service spend more time assisting on fires and car accidents than anything else. They have 4 full time employess and over 90 volunteers that ensure the town is surveiled and safe at all times. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orani https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714018-FYW960AV9NXHJVXKR9U7/Orania_020.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: White men work on building a large, luxurious house, all labor inside Orania is done by whites, a means of empowering and employing disadvantaged whites and also bringing solidarity to the community and security. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714156-R117EMDTQNY3RQB2SFIQ/Orania_040.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: Andre Coetzee and his family at daily prayer around the family table in Orania, South Africa, July 18, 2010. Coetzee is a member of the ultra conservative "Verbontenes Volk Church" and has strongly held beliefs on the place of the Afrikaner in South African society. He and his wife have built a successful hotel and spa business in Orania from the ground up and express a strong desire to be in charge of their own destiny. They claim they are not racists but simply wish to live in a community which expresses their own value systems of religious conservatism and Afrikaner tradition. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province, July 18, 2010. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been further impacted by the existence o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158713997-V2BPQIR8Z92VJ8N9L31I/Orania_008+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, JULY 2010: The traumatised Potgieter family who have just moved to Oraina stand with a portrait of Marius Potgieter, 32, who was shot dead in a burglary in Pretoria last year, Orania, South Africa, July 18 2010. In the picture Susan and Peet Potgieter stand with their grand-daughters Genevieve and Zelda who hold a picture of their slain father. Crime statistics in South Africa are the highest in the world, with murder statistics rivalled only by Columbia. The security and common value system of a place like Orania has seen a steady stream of families like the Potgieters who desire a more secure place to live and raise their children. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which would function as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. The community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. This has been furthe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714004-REH34QDB729ICI7IC00I/Orania_021+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Linus is a taxidermist based in Orania, he moved from Natal to the town because employment prospects were much higher in the region and because of the Afrikaner value systems. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158714129-XHE61E4P7PAS0BBIM9NI/Orania_041+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: Scenes at the conservative Afrikaanse Protestente Kerk church on a sunday morning. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158713978-JSA7D7H7246C8CRT0IEM/Orania_009+%281%29.jpg Orania - Afrikaaner Dreaming ORANIA, NORTHERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, 15th April 2023: A young couple relax while fishing at the Orange river on a Sunday, a religious day of rest in the town. Orania is a town in the Northern Cape of South Africa that was wholly purchased and formed into a company in 1991 with the idea of it becoming a sustainable Afrikaner homeland where fundamental Afrikaner culture and religious values are practiced by all who live there. As a result, there are no black inhabitants although there are good relations with the surrounding black-run towns, police and municipalities. Orania has understandably earned many detractors as a result but also some following both within SA and outside. As South Africa has declined in terms of crime and unemployment, currently at a national 37%, Orania has grown at an average of 10-15% for the last 7 years. All labor inside Orania is done entirely by whites, creating employment for Afrikaners all across the social spectrum. All businesses are run entirely by whites who do business all over the country and abroad. All those who buy homes in Orania are really shares in the The solidarity of the community is anchored by conservative religious values, and forms a powerful block in the area. The founders feared that for the Afrikaner to survive in post-Apartheid South Africa, it would be necessary to concentrate demographically. Their territory has consistenly expanded and although still small, they have become influential enough to even attract the attention of failing black municipalities who seek to understand their success. The idea of Orania is grounded in the unique Afrikaner identity that was born as a people within the African continent. Self-determination is a key driver in the idea of Orania to be responsible for their own destiny. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine) https://www.brentstirton.com/rhino-wars-mk-ii daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788126-GX15QAD65GU1AH4HMXYG/Rhino2_001.jpg Rhino Wars II Rhino Wars This photo essay attempts to look at the environmental crisis caused by Asia’s appetite for Rhino horn. The horn is part of an ancient Asian medical system and today is seen as a curative for everything from Cancer to Kidney stones. Essentially keratin, a mild alkaline substance identical to fingernails, the horn is ground down in grinding bowls and mixed with water. This is then ingested by the sick and the wealthy of Vietnam and China, the imbiber hoping for miracle cures, when in fact science shows us it has a placebo effect at best. The use of horn dates back over 2000 years but the recent economic rise of countries like China and Vietnam and the subsequent wealth of the new upper class has had disastrous effects on the world’s remaining rhino population. Rhino horn is now worth more than gold and the poaching crisis is a perfect storm of that value playing out in the most corrupt wildlife systems with some of the poorest poachers as well as rhino ranchers who see millions of dollars in pushing to legalize the trade. South Africa is the main repository of the world’s remaining rhino, figure less than 20,000 animals. South Africa is on track to lose over 1600 animals this year, a figure that has risen every year since 2006 when less than 20 animals were killed for their horns. This essay examines the crisis along the Mozambique/South African border where daily incursions by armed poachers has resulted in a war which plays out inside Kruger National Park, the largest reserve for rhino in the world. We see the poachers with silenced weapons, the middle men arrested in sting operations by Mozambican authorities and the few rhino who dare to venture into Mozambique, protected by a tiny NGO who is the only effective organization in country. The average life expectancy for a Kruger rhino in Mozambique is 24 hours, a country where they were recently declared extinct. The essay goes on to show widows who have lost husbands and sons in this fight, range https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787922-PFX2J1OJ01U3T80QSMMQ/Rhino2_013.jpg Rhino Wars II WASHINGTON DC, USA, 7 JUNE 2016: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent in Charge, International Operations Unit, David H. Hubbard. He is seen in the lobby of Fish and Wildlife Headquarters in Washington DC. Hubbard is a key agent in Operation Crash, a complex investigation into the illegal hunting of rhinos by U.S. clients of "Out of Africa," a South African hunting organization. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788064-MMCJ9CH0IK08RYF3F7Y1/Rhino2_065.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: An example of a Rhino Fetus taken from the womb of a dead Rhino. According to Dr Michelle Otto, Vet for the world largest rhino breeder, 80% of all poached rhino are female and pregnant. This doubles the number of rhino being lost in the current poaching crisis, a fact that often goes unmentioned when numbers are reported. It is also easier for poachers to track a group of White Rhino and those are usually females who are more social and gregarious than Bulls. Females also often have a calf with them and they will stay to defend the calf rather than run, that often makes them an easier target for poachers. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino on his property and they are constantly monitored by Dr Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. He is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788371-VZTEYYXCTPROSNOWOZU3/Rhino2_014.jpg Rhino Wars II BAPTINE, MOZAMBIQUE, 1 APRIL 2016: A member of Sabie Game Park's IAPF contingent works with Mozabican Fauna Bravia units searching new and suspicious looking cars for evidence of Rhino poaching. Fauna Bravia are wildlife police in Mozambique. This is a very economically poor area and new cars are often considered a sign of money gained from rhino poaching. The police are treated with contempt by many of the local population, with one young man being arrested for saying, "fuck the police." Poaching is considered an important part of the local economy, with money from poachers often trickling into the local economy in this depressed area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788070-M1VKA38VBDA1N41OWKGQ/Rhino2_057.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 20 MAY 2016: A white rhino Cow with a young calf seen at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788466-C10XVYC09BYIR7D9OYC3/Rhino2_086.jpg Rhino Wars II SAN DIEGO ZOO, CALIFORNIA, USA, 8 JUNE 2016: A tray of frozen Northen White Rhino sperm and other rare and extinct species seen in the frozen zoo lab at SAn Diego Zoo Institute. Dr Barbara Durrant, the Henshaw Chair and Director of Reproductive Physiology at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, . is involved in an ambitious and scientifically unprecedented effort to bring back the almost extinct Northern White Rhino through IVF/Stemcell treatment using the wombs of Southern White Rhino. Their goal is to create a viable herd of Northern White Rhinos through this treatment and bring them back from the absolute brink of extinction. There are currently only 3 Northern White Rhino in the world, all under 24 hour armed guard protection at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Dr Durrant and her team have viable Northern White Sperm in cold storage as well as ovarian tissue from which it is a relatively simple process to create stem cells to produce eggs. "There are many people looking after Rhinos in the field, good anti-poaching efforts exist. What we are trying to bring to the table is a new science that reinforces the effort to save these rhinos and perhaps also other species one day. We study the animal, looking at the reproductive system in new ways, all of this is part of a plan to bring them back. We have the DNA base of 12 individuals, we have sperm from 2 males as well as ovarian and testicular tissue. From these tissues we can create viable stemcells, natural as opposed to manufactured eggs are possible from this. We have 6 Southern White females that have been brought in from South Africa exclusively for this research. No-one has ever attempted embryo transfer before so we will be entering new ground here. We have multiple collaborators all over the world, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Kenya and more. We make all of our protocols available to all of our partners. This will be a minimum 20 years process, our goal remains a self-sustaining populatio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788049-1PSRVX1Q0IAV7X80GFA1/Rhino2_087.jpg Rhino Wars II SAIGON, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: A traditional medicine specialist pours the grindings of Rhino horn mixed with water into a cup for drinking, Saigon, Vietnam, October 4, 2011. He has a client with breast cancer and she has been told that drinking Rhino horn can cure her cancer. She is one of millions of Vietnamese who are prepared to try a cure which has been part of the culture for thousands of years. Rhino horn is illegal in Vietnam yet sells for around $2500 per 100 grams for locals and for as much as $8500 per 100 grams for foreigners. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788409-27AEQUET0ONI7PILMWLY/Rhino2_092.jpg Rhino Wars II SAIGON, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: A Vietnamese official grinds rhino horn in a backroom out of sight, Saigon, Vietnam, October 4, 2011. He had hoped to sell this horn which he says belongs to his family. Rhino horn is illegal in Vietnam yet sells for around $2500 per 100 grams for locals and for as much as $8500 per 100 grams for foreigners. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788433-52LAKLYJGEO2EO5G4OUX/horn001.jpg Rhino Wars II Chinese traditional medicine as well as Japanese traditional medicine involving the use of Rhino horn. Rhino horn is prescribed for multiple medical issues in Asian traditional medicine. None of these solutions have any basis in science and are most often simply placebo’s with strong marketing behind them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788253-4Z1JQGFZJRPYUJ1Y9BRA/horn002.jpg Rhino Wars II Chinese traditional medicine involving the use of Rhino horn. This particular version is prescribed for nervous strain but rhino horn is also prescribed for multiple other medical issues. None of these solutions have any basis in science. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787997-XXEQFA4TPDDP1HZUEY33/horn003.jpg Rhino Wars II Black Rhino horn utilized as a sword handle in a sword from Yemen. The use of rhino horn was common in Yemen, and highly desirable for Jembia’s, the traditional knives Yemeni men use and wear as part of their daily garb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788206-FBCKDX93SEBDU9PGCPZI/Rhino2_002.jpg Rhino Wars II MOAMBA, MOZAMBIQUE, 19 APRIL 2016: Two rhino poachers, one 19, the other 28 years old, apprehended by an anti-poaching team in Mozambique close to Kruger National Park border. They are seen waiting to be processed in the local jail. After a three day chase they were caught in a roadblock and the rifle seized shortly thereafter. This was due to a co-ordinated effort between Kruger National Park in South Africa where the poachers intended to shoot rhino for their horn; and Sabi Game Park, a conservancy on the Mozabique side. The poachers were tracked and identified by their unique shoe pattern. They tried to say they had been on their way to buy cattle but had no money on their persons and the alleged cattle owner said he did not know anything about selling his cattle. A Czech CZ .458 hunting rifle was seized, complete with a professionally built silencer. Both men admitted their guilt and will be charged under new Mozambican law which states that possesion on the weapon and bullets indicates intent to poach rhino, this carries a maximum sentence of 12 years and/or $80,000.00. Their Toyota Hilux vehicle was also confiscated. The younger of the two poachers, 19, later led police to the homes of suspected weapons and transport suppliers, higher ups in the rhino poaching syndicates known as level 2's and 3's. Those men had fled by the time the police arrived but significant information was discovered in the form of identity documents, both real and forged, as well as banking account information. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788318-PC9HK8UJKYUT9DSTCUTX/Rhino2_015.jpg Rhino Wars II BAPTINE, MOZAMBIQUE, 1 APRIL 2016: A member of Sabie Game Park's IAPF contingent works with Mozabican Fauna Bravia units searching new and suspicious looking cars for evidence of Rhino poaching. Fauna Bravia are wildlife police in Mozambique. This is a very economically poor area and new cars are often considered a sign of money gained from rhino poaching. The police are treated with contempt by many of the local population, with one young man being arrested for saying, "fuck the police." Poaching is considered an important part of the local economy, with money from poachers often trickling into the local economy in this depressed area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788219-X2OY40PNLSYDU5JDQE3K/Rhino2_058.jpg Rhino Wars II iMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, MAY 2011: Images of a White Rhino cow and calf in iMfolozi Game Reserve in Natal, South Africa, May 3, 2011. Hluwhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is the worlds largest repository of Rhino, with an estimated 2300 rhino in total, a majority of which are White and a large contingent of Black Rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787966-OR1PKAVTF0KG3U992EAB/Rhino2_088.jpg Rhino Wars II SAIGON, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: A traditional medicine specialist pours the grindings of Rhino horn mixed with water into a cup for drinking, Saigon, Vietnam, October 4, 2011. He has a client with breast cancer and she has been told that drinking Rhino horn can cure her cancer. She is one of millions of Vietnamese who are prepared to try a cure which has been part of the culture for thousands of years. Rhino horn is illegal in Vietnam yet sells for around $2500 per 100 grams for locals and for as much as $8500 per 100 grams for foreigners. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788029-0UXGFI5CG9XZA2X2QYJC/Rhino2_093.jpg Rhino Wars II SAIGON, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: A piece of Rhino horn sits on a table in a backroom out of sight of the public in a traditional medicine shop, Saigon, Vietnam, October 4, 2011. Rhino horn is illegal in Vietnam yet sells for around $2500 per 100 grams for locals and for as much as $8500 per 100 grams for foreigners. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788459-1MWV2XPZHKR4S0QEWOFQ/horn004.jpg Rhino Wars II A Rhino horn carving made in China and illegally exported to the US as a faux antique. It was intercepted and confiscated at JFK airport and handed to US Fish and Wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788010-LMU6RSM1NW4SOY8HFUWV/Rhino2_003.jpg Rhino Wars II LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA, 2 APRIL 2016: “Shoelaces on steroids.” That's how Saving the Survivors PR Spokesperson Suzanne Boswell Rudham described Tuesday's groundbreaking procedure using human abdominal surgery technology to stretch the wounded edges the gaping wound created by horn poachers who removed most of the face of the world's most famous rhino, “Hope.” The Saving the Survivors team member joined a team of top wildlife vets on a Limpopo plot of land, where they stitched the elastymers, imported from Canada, on to Hope's battered face. They are hoping that it will to pull the edges of the wound together and finally heal the massive wound, which happened when poachers hacked off almost all of her face last May. But the world-famous animal with the indomitable spirit has clung to life - and has become an ambassador for the conservation of her ever-threatened species, Johan Marais, a wildlife vet and founder of Saving the Survivors, told a small group of onlookers gathered around him and his team. In a procedure that lasted just over an hour, they inserted pulley systems in Hope’s skin to "crank the laces" to close the massive cavity on her face. In Hope's latest procedure - she has already had five major surgeries and other smaller ones - they used an abdominal re-approximation anchor system, imported from Canada by local distributors Surgitech. "Basically it's developed for people who've had stomach surgery where they can't close the wound," Rudham explained. "Whereas before they used it to stitch it and staple it, now this system... actually pulls in the tissue without destroying any cells." In the past year, 60% of Hope's face has healed, but she's not out of the woods yet, explains Marais. Hope’s gaping wound is constantly attacked by flies and maggots. "We're hoping to make that cavity a lot smaller and then we'll put a wound matrix over that with collagen for the cells to start growing together," adds Rudham. After the procedure, the bandaged rhi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788439-1LC9VQNOSAOG3WZ4B1RW/Rhino2_016.jpg Rhino Wars II BAPTINE, MOZAMBIQUE, 1 APRIL 2016: A member of Sabie Game Park's IAPF contingent works with Mozabican Fauna Bravia units searching new and suspicious looking cars for evidence of Rhino poaching. Fauna Bravia are wildlife police in Mozambique. This is a very economically poor area and new cars are often considered a sign of money gained from rhino poaching. The police are treated with contempt by many of the local population, with one young man being arrested for saying, "fuck the police." Poaching is considered an important part of the local economy, with money from poachers often trickling into the local economy in this depressed area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788265-BTENAC35X4ZOX6G3R3PE/Rhino2_066.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 MAY 2016: Images of the drone program run by Air Shepherd, a foundation that seeks to assist in anti-poaching through the use of drones. The aircraft can fly an average of an hour and 45 minutes in one flight and use a thermal imaging camera that is viewed via laptops inside the control vehicle. The drones typically flies in grid formations or along fences close to communities outside the park that might harbor poachers. The team liases with Rangers on the ground for a more complete picture of where poachers may be operating in the park. The use of telemetry makes this a useful tool for anti-poaching if backed by a quick reaction team on the ground. Rangers are sceptical about drone programs, saying that they can remove funding for boots on the ground, seeing that as a better solution in the rhino poaching crisis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788312-I4245WZWFQZXDSEGKSDU/Rhino2_089.jpg Rhino Wars II HANOI, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: A man weighs an illegal piece of African rhino horn in the back of a tailors shop, Hanoi, Vietnam, October 10, 2011. He attempted to sell the 135 grams of horn to the photographer for $8500. He says he sells to local Vietnamese for $2500 for the same weight. Rhino horn is a banned substance in Vietnam but this country is one of the illegal trade's biggest customers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788281-9788X2TT4K279DVW6KBU/Rhino2_004.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME PARK, MOZAMBIQUE, 9 APRIL 2016: A combined force of Sabie Game Park Rangers, Garda Frontier soldiers and Fauna Bravia soldiers arrest and detain Moses Chauque, a level 2 rhino poacher who arranges weapons and transport for rhino poachers. There are multiple arrest warrants for Chauque, both in Mozambique and South Africa. This arrest was put together with intelligence gathered by IAPF, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, the only effective Anti-poaching group on the ground in Mozambique. Moses Chauque was identified in statements from two seperate groups of poachers who were arrested in Mozambique with CZ hunting rifles and rhino horn. Both groups made sworn statements the Chauque contracted them for rhino poaching in nearby Kruger National Park. There are also further warrants in South Africa for his alleged involvement in two murder cases. When Chauque was delivered into Police custody in Mouamba, Mozambique, the police apparently cheered that he had finally been caught. The case against him in Mozambique will now revolve around weapons charges and the statements against him made by the two groups of arrested rhino poachers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787979-K2JMY0HCCY61O3F1L1VN/Rhino2_017.jpg Rhino Wars II BAPTINE, MOZAMBIQUE, 1 APRIL 2016: Head of village police at nearby Sabie Game reserve Mateus Matusse, 52. Matusse worked at Sabie since 2003 but in 2014 was dismissed for complicity in rhino poaching activity. Men who worked under him at the time as well as management confirmed this. Matusse denies this, saying he left of his own accord. He was later rehired to be in charge of a village police force but he is not longer allowed to work inside the park. He is an ex Frelimo Special forces soldier who received his training through Ghadaffis forces in Libya. He worked in the Mozambique Military for a long time before becoming a ranger at Sabi. The amount of money a poor man can make from the tremendous money Rhino commands is often hard to resist and it is not uncommon for Rangers to supply information to poachers or to poach themselves. Matusse is currently under probation while he works outside the park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788094-WGKD03U10TEP9MPJBVGN/Rhino2_067.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 MAY 2016: Images of the drone program run by Air Shepherd, a foundation that seeks to assist in anti-poaching through the use of drones. The aircraft can fly an average of an hour and 45 minutes in one flight and use a thermal imaging camera that is viewed via laptops inside the control vehicle. The drones typically flies in grid formations or along fences close to communities outside the park that might harbor poachers. The team liases with Rangers on the ground for a more complete picture of where poachers may be operating in the park. The use of telemetry makes this a useful tool for anti-poaching if backed by a quick reaction team on the ground. Rangers are sceptical about drone programs, saying that they can remove funding for boots on the ground, seeing that as a better solution in the rhino poaching crisis. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787954-00A1MG6C8ULFTSGZWHGL/Rhino2_090.jpg Rhino Wars II Baoloc, Vietnam, 6 October 2011: A wealthy Vietnamese woman sits and grinds Rhino horn for her personal consumption in a roadside café in Baoloc, Vietnam. The dealer who sold her the horn sits next to her. Rhino Horn is an illegal substance in Vietnam yet both the woman and her dealer have no fear of the police, grinding the horn in a café in full view of the street. The dealer states that he pays $1500 a month to the right people and they can carry on with impunity. The woman says that it has cured her Kidney Stones and now she takes it daily for her general health. Rhino horn is generally used as a fever reducing agent and for the removal of toxins across Vietnam, the biggest market for horn today. Rhino horn has even been held up as a cure for Cancer by a senior Minister in the Vietnamese government. Rhino horn is now worth more than gold on the international market. 100 grams of Rhino horn in Vietnam sells for $2500 to locals and over $8500 to foreign buyers, these were the prices consistently offered to our investigative team in meetings with 5 separate dealers across the country in October 2011. The demand for Rhino horn is now fueled by a newly wealthy Asian middle and upper class that can afford the substance which was previously only for the wealthy. The price is further affected by the controlling influence of organized crime. The horn is used overwhelmingly as an anti-fever, anti-toxins medication, with thousands of years of cultural belief behind the practice. This is despite the fact that Rhino horn is now an illegal substance around the world. South Africa alone has lost more than 400 Rhino to illegal poaching incidents in 2011, to say nothing of those lost to legal hunting. There are less than 16000 rhino left in the world and at this compounded rate of killing, the Rhino is racing to extinction. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788043-OWWAPV9EQRQOV2A58H4B/Rhino2_005.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788300-286YQGNICUTYIIEGF6T2/Rhino2_018.jpg Rhino Wars II BAPTINE, MOZAMBIQUE, 1 APRIL 2016: Regina Mbiza is a widow who lost her first husband to a landmine explosion, her second husband was killed while poaching rhino in Kruger National Park in South Africa just across the border 5 kilometers from her. One of Regina's son's was arrested inside Kruger National Park for poaching rhino and her daughter also lost her husband when he was fatally wounded while poaching for Rhino in Kruger. Regina has ten children and relies on help from another of her son's who ironically works for IAPF, an anti-poaching organization. Rhino poaching is hugely influential over the whole community in this poor region of Mozambique which borders Kruger National Park. Poachers rise quickly in this community and enforce a code of silence with intimidations, beatings and killings. People are reluctant to speak about what is happening but new houses and cars in this community most often point to successful poachers and middlemen. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788259-Q8LSANIYUZZVORF2EK9M/Rhino2_068.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 MAY 2016: John Hume is the world's largest breeder of Rhino, he has close to 1400 Rhino on his property and they are constantly monitored by his Vet, Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. He is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788088-8NAG2DSZMVXPPOUXCO7M/Rhino2_091.jpg Rhino Wars II HANOI, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: Two men grind Rhino horn in the open in a cafe at night in Hanoi, Vietnam, October 10, 2011. One of the men has a medical condition with his kidneys and he claims rhino horn is the only thing that helps. He bought the horn illegally from a dealer specialising in African Rhino horn. Rhino horn is a banned substance in Vietnam but this country is one of the illegal trade's biggest customers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788229-789CQDKXCEZECQUIA3PL/Rhino2_006.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: A two-man security team deploys by helicopter at sunset for anti-poaching duties on the worlds largest Rhino breeding ranch. The teams are at work 24 hours a day and conduct security operations from rotating positions, observation points and on mobile patrols on foot, in vehicles and by helicopter. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788140-0ZWUS27LDRCC13JL6GMR/Rhino2_019.jpg Rhino Wars II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788189-NZYDI3QORPF3KEY700M6/Rhino2_069.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: A group of Rhino at one of a number of supplementary feeding sites at the ranch of the worlds largest rhino breeder. According to resident Vet, Dr Michelle Otto, these feeding sites are meant to supplement the rhino diet in this time of drought, their main food source remains the grasslands on the farm. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino on his property and they are constantly monitored by Dr Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. He is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788036-W5TVQMQ48PQN4X1QQ7U2/Rhino2_007.jpg Rhino Wars II NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 MAY 2016: CARE FOR WILD AFRICA is a donor run NGO that specializes in caring for wounded animals. They have a special focus on rhino and have taken in many rhino orphans from the poaching wars across South Africa at this time. Petronel Niewoudt runs the facility with a small team of incredibly dedicated staff and groups of volunteers who come in from all over the world. Many of their rhino are small calves who have seen their mothers killed and often been attacked by the poachers themselves. Wounds from machetes across the spinal area are common as poachers try to break their spines so they cannot run away. Their latest orphan is Lulah, her mother was killed in Kruger National Park and when the rangers found Lulah she was estimated to be one month old. Hyenas had attacked the tiny calf and chewed off her ears, parts of her nose and inflicted a terrible bite on her rear right leg. Lulah has a strong will to live and despite fighting off infection in the wound she is looking like she will survive. Lulah has a full time caregiver Dorota Ladosz, 25, who are full time staff at C.W.A. Dorota has an honors degree in both Animal Science and Wildlife Management. She lives full time with Lulah at the time of this picture and sleeps with her in her enclosure. She maintains a constant watch on Lulah’s injuries and her temperature and feeds her at regular intervals. Lulah received surgery on this day and her wounds were cleaned out by Jan-Louis Ras, a surgeon who volunteers his services to Care for Wild Africa but actually usually works on humans. Vet Donnie Engelbrecht handled the anesthetic and the Care for Wild Africa staff assisted. Infections in Lulah’s leg were cleaned out and her ears and the top of her head were dressed and disinfected. Care for Wild Africa has taken care of multiple rhino calves like this and today they have 27 survivors living on the property. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Maga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787960-AAJARP7YX08NO3FI6791/Rhino2_020.jpg Rhino Wars II MACACASAR, MOZAMBIQUE, 5 APRIL 2016: Sabie Game park Village Police member Nomsa Nduvane, 38, seen in her modest home inside the community of Macacasar, Mozambique South Africa border. Her community is rife with rhino poachers with repeated cases coming from this poor rural community. The village has been know to shelter poachers running from the authorities. Nomsa walks more than 21 kilomteres of game fence ever few days as part of her role in the Village police, an initiative set up by the anti-poaching team at Sabie Game Park, the most active reserve on the Mozambiqe side of the border. They are the only really buffer between Kruger National Park and the many rhino poachers eager to cash in on the Rhino Horn price. Nomsa and the other village police are threatened by their community who say they are interfering in money coming into the village from poachers. Sabie Game Park borders Kruger National Park over the border in South Africa, epicenter of the poaching war for Rhino horn. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788414-TTJDWMPQSDJGE0VDCXLX/Rhino2_070.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: Dr Michelle Otto, resident Vet for John Hume, the world’s largest Rhino Breeder, prepares to dart and transport a malnourished, dehydrated rhino calf who has been rejected by the mother. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino on his property and they are constantly monitored by Dr Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. He is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788336-TGF14JYY0T02L8M88ER6/Rhino2_008.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA: A group of Rhino at a supplementary feeding site at the ranch of the worlds largest rhino breeder. According to the Ranche vet, Dr Michelle Otto, these feeding sites are meant to supplement the rhino diet in this time of drought, their main food source remains the grasslands on the farm. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino on his property and they are constantly monitored by Dr Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. He is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788076-QOVGKM4I51AJ3NZ274Y1/Rhino2_021.jpg Rhino Wars II MACACASAR, MOZAMBIQUE, 5 APRIL 2016: Aerial views of the border fence and poacher access points on the Mozambique/South Africa border into Kruger National Park, epicenter of the poaching war for Rhino horn. Kruger is so large and the manpower so limited it is impossible to patrol the border completely. Authorities tend to react to sightings of poachers or shots fired, making the rhino population that much more vulnerable. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788235-3C2KHJMUJ8QFC2LVHVKZ/Rhino2_071.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: Dr Michelle Otto, resident Vet for John Hume, the world’s largest Rhino Breeder, works to rehydrate a malnourished, dehydrated rhino calf who has been rejected by the mother. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino on his property and they are constantly monitored by Dr Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. He is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788120-AJQRQ5AYWBUMW5FX2A64/Rhino2_009.jpg Rhino Wars II OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA: A four man anti-poaching team permanently guards Northern White Rhino on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino, the worlds most endangered animal. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. The team have developed extraordinary relationships with these Rhino, leaning on them, scratching them and displaying tremendous affection towards these most endangered of animals. Each of the men in these teams feels a genuine vocation towards the protection of these animals, something the rhino seem to sense, and this emerges on a daily basis as the men walk with the rhino through their day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787984-1O5BZ1DQLLUYS3FP0Z3P/Rhino2_022.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME RESERVE, MOZAMBIQUE, 1 APRIL 2016: IAPF/Sabie Rangers patrol the fence with a Garda Frontier soldier looking for evidence of rhino poachers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787934-2LRBFUN1JHQXTSLLEZST/Rhino2_072.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: A two-man security team deploys by helicopter at sunset for anti-poaching duties on the worlds largest Rhino breeding ranch. The teams are at work 24 hours a day and conduct security operations from rotating positions, observation points and on mobile patrols on foot, in vehicles and by helicopter. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788134-ET34E9SWMXAACA0O78CL/Rhino2_010.jpg Rhino Wars II SAIGON, VIETNAM: A traditional medicine specialist pours the grindings of Rhino horn mixed with water into a cup for drinking, Saigon, Vietnam. He has a client with breast cancer and she has been told that drinking Rhino horn can cure her cancer. She is one of millions of Vietnamese who are prepared to try a cure which has been part of the culture for thousands of years. Rhino horn is illegal in Vietnam yet sells for around $2500 per 100 grams for locals and for as much as $8500 per 100 grams for foreigners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788365-BIUYF51K8QWR4MWQ6XTK/Rhino2_023.jpg Rhino Wars II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788359-0P4FB3Q77IGLRHD1FMQ1/Rhino2_073.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: A rhino dehorning team, led by Vet Dr Michelle Otto and her team, darts and dehorns a new Bull Rhino that has recently been brought to this ranch from another property. All the Rhinos on this property are routinely dehorned for anti-poaching purposes. A humane length of 110 milimeters is left to ensure no damage is done to the tissue at the base of the horn. Rhino horn typically grows back at a rate of a kilogram a year on an adult rhino. The horn that has been removed is microchipped, cataloged, registered with the Nature Conservation Authorities and held in a secure off-site facility. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788152-Y0DYWE1DK9AD3AO9JVAM/Rhino2_011.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: A rhino dehorning team, led by Vet Dr Michelle Otto and her team, discovers a horn abcess during a routine dehorning on a new Bull Rhino that has recently been brought to this ranch from another property. Dr Otto speculates that when this bull was previously dehorned, his previous owners cut too close to living tissue and that has resulted in the abcess inside this Bulls's horn. Dr Otto utilized an intra-mammary anti-biotic and treated the injury topically, she then applied Stockholm Tar to keep insects out of the infection. She will monitor the Rhino and continue to apply corrective treatment if necessary. All the Rhinos on this property are routinely dehorned for anti-poaching purposes. A humane minimum length of 110 millimeters is left to ensure no damage is done to the tissue at the base of the horn. Rhino horn typically grows back at a rate of a kilogram a year on an adult rhino. The horn that has been removed is microchipped, cataloged, registered with the Nature Conservation Authorities and held in a secure off-site facility. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Phot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788195-FLCVYQ8DLO8XVCSWCP0O/Rhino2_024.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME RESERVE, MOZAMBIQUE, 10 APRIL 2016: An early morning view over Sabie Game Park in Mozambique. Sightings of white rhino inside Sabie Game reserve in Mozambique have led to the need for serios anti-poaching work. Rhino have been declared officially extinct in Mozambique and these rhino are part of a select few that venture out of nearby Kruger National Park in South Africa and into Sabie Game Park on the Mozambique side. Rhino poaching is rampant on the Mozambique side of the border and Sabie Game Park is working with IAPF, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, an NGO dedicated to Rhino protection. Thanks to their efforts Rhino have begun to apprear safely again in the Sabie Game Park area of Mozambique. The general life expectancy of a rhino that ventures out of Kruger into Mozambique is 12 to 24 hours before it will be shot for its horn. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788288-32MZMZS0FJAT001ML31W/Rhino2_074.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: Rhino horn stumps from that morning's dehorning are weighed, measured, micro-chipped and cataloged onsite and then taken to a secure facility. All information is shared with the South African Nature Conservation Authority. All the Rhinos on this property are routinely dehorned for anti-poaching purposes. A humane length of 110 milimeters is left to ensure no damage is done to the tissue at the base of the horn. Rhino horn typically grows back at a rate of a kilogram a year on an adult rhino. The horn that has been removed is microchipped, cataloged, registered with the Nature Conservation Authorities and held in a secure off-site facility. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788651-BWDABN7EYYFSIXPPJC0M/Rhino2_012.jpg Rhino Wars II POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 APRIL 2016: Dawie Groenewalt, South Africa's alleged Rhino horn kingpin and the subject of a 6 year old court case involving multiple charges related to illegal Rhino handling, horn theft, money laundering amongst other charges. He is seen on his game farm in Polokwane where he breeds high-end game for sale and hunting purposes. Groenewalt has also been charged and arrested in the USA on animal trophy charges. Groenwalt denies any wrong doing. He is also one of the driving forces behind the court effort to legalize the rhino trade in South Africa. Interestingly, if horn was to be legalized, most of his charges would disapear and he would be in a prime position as a breeder to make significant money from rhino horn. He owns two large properties for breeding and hunting purposes and he hosts many international hunters on those properties. In a small circle of breeders, vets, lawyers and hunters, Dawie is connected to many people in this world. He states freely that South Africa's recent decent not to apply to CITES for the legalization of horn is a death knell for rhino in the wild in South Africa. He further alleges that Kruger National Park, the largest repository for Rhino in the world, vastly over-reports their rhino numbers. Interestingly again, Kruger is Groenwalt's largest source for Rhino, he has won repeated tenders for rhino from the park. He is also connected to John Hume, the worlds largest Rhino breeder and one of three partners in Groenwalt's legal efforts to legalize Rhino horn for export to Asia. He claims to receive multiple calls from both Chinese and Vietnamese buyers on a monthly basis, all asking for horn. He also tells of taking representatives from both nations to John Hume's place and to show them Hume's cache of horns from dehorning. This cache is allegedly worth in excess of 300 000 000 South African Rand, around 20 million dollars. He argues in favour of breeding and dehorning for export, stating that John Hume al https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788446-FGTTTH96BV996Z6YV2CC/Rhino2_025.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME RESERVE, MOZAMBIQUE, 10 APRIL 2016: An early morning view over Sabie Game Park in Mozambique. Sightings of white rhino inside Sabie Game reserve in Mozambique have led to the need for serios anti-poaching work. Rhino have been declared officially extinct in Mozambique and these rhino are part of a select few that venture out of nearby Kruger National Park in South Africa and into Sabie Game Park on the Mozambique side. Rhino poaching is rampant on the Mozambique side of the border and Sabie Game Park is working with IAPF, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, an NGO dedicated to Rhino protection. Thanks to their efforts Rhino have begun to apprear safely again in the Sabie Game Park area of Mozambique. The general life expectancy of a rhino that ventures out of Kruger into Mozambique is 12 to 24 hours before it will be shot for its horn. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788378-2VU5VU0JP93FHXPFZCJF/Rhino2_075.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 24 MAY 2016: An anti-poaching team member holds a recently removed rhino horn from an animal that was moved to this property for its own safety from a more vulnerable ranch in another part of South Africa. The tatoo on his arm stands for Anti-Poaching Unit and the horn in his hand is these days of an unusual length. All the Rhinos on this property are routinely dehorned for anti-poaching purposes. A humane length of 110 milimeters is left to ensure no damage is done to the tissue at the base of the horn. Rhino horn typically grows back at a rate of a kilogram a year on an adult rhino. The horn that has been removed is microchipped, cataloged, registered with the Nature Conservation Authorities and held in a secure off-site facility. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this current crisis. Critics of trade state that legalizing horn trade would create loopholes that would exacerbate the killing of rhino. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788177-VD6FWPHXNDDGI34XI2S7/Rhino2_026.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME RESERVE, MOZAMBIQUE, 5 APRIL 2016: A Sabie Game guard and a Garda Frontier soldier patrol a lakeshore Sabie Game reserve border looking for Rhino poacher tracks. Sabie Game Park borders Kruger National Park over the border in South Africa, epicenter of the poaching war for Rhino horn. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787991-D8UX9WUNDHMZM37R8OTW/Rhino2_076.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 MAY 2016: A rhino horn security team prepares new horns that have come from that days legal dehornings. This is done in a secure location that changes every time horn is prepared for the sake of security. Each horn is drilled and individual microchips are inserted and catalogued. Each horn is weighed and measured and then painted with wax to preserve it. All horn shavings are also kept and catalogued. Individual horns receives a specific number and then the horns are placed into secure metal containers which are tamper proof. An independent security company will then fetch the boxes at an undisclosed location which is varied for every pick-up. The horns are all insured and all information is made available to the South African Nature Conservation Autorities. All the Rhinos on this property are routinely dehorned for anti-poaching purposes. A humane length of 110 milimeters is left to ensure no damage is done to the tissue at the base of the horn. Rhino horn typically grows back at a rate of a kilogram a year on an adult rhino. The horn that has been removed is microchipped, cataloged, registered with the Nature Conservation Authorities and held in a secure off-site facility. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this cur https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788639-A16EL8C8M2KUDUBMEGIF/Rhino2_027.jpg Rhino Wars II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788384-HSNTQKU4JAL0CI6J1AFT/Rhino2_077.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 MAY 2016: A rhino horn security team prepares new horns that have come from that days legal dehornings. This is done in a secure location that changes every time horn is prepared for the sake of security. Each horn is drilled and individual microchips are inserted and catalogued. Each horn is weighed and measured and then painted with wax to preserve it. All horn shavings are also kept and catalogued. Individual horns receives a specific number and then the horns are placed into secure metal containers which are tamper proof. An independent security company will then fetch the boxes at an undisclosed location which is varied for every pick-up. The horns are all insured and all information is made available to the South African Nature Conservation Autorities. All the Rhinos on this property are routinely dehorned for anti-poaching purposes. A humane length of 110 milimeters is left to ensure no damage is done to the tissue at the base of the horn. Rhino horn typically grows back at a rate of a kilogram a year on an adult rhino. The horn that has been removed is microchipped, cataloged, registered with the Nature Conservation Authorities and held in a secure off-site facility. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this cur https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788452-UIPEH9JT7BA9XUMH9YYY/Rhino2_028.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME PARK, MOZAMBIQUE, 9 APRIL 2016: A combined force of Sabie Game Park Rangers, Garda Frontier soldiers and Fauna Bravia soldiers arrest and detain Moses Chauque, a level 2 rhino poacher who arranges weapons and transport for rhino poachers. There are multiple arrest warrants for Chauque, both in Mozambique and South Africa. This arrest was put together with intelligence gathered by IAPF, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, the only effective Anti-poaching group on the ground in Mozambique. Moses Chauque was identified in statements from two seperate groups of poachers who were arrested in Mozambique with CZ hunting rifles and rhino horn. Both groups made sworn statements the Chauque contracted them for rhino poaching in nearby Kruger National Park. There are also further warrants in South Africa for his alleged involvement in two murder cases. When Chauque was delivered into Police custody in Mouamba, Mozambique, the police apparently cheered that he had finally been caught. The case against him in Mozambique will now revolve around weapons charges and the statements against him made by the two groups of arrested rhino poachers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787947-SFOCD82SFNIL6D005B1M/Rhino2_078.jpg Rhino Wars II BUFFALO DREAM RANCH, KLERKSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 MAY 2016: A rhino horn security team prepares new horns that have come from that days legal dehornings. This is done in a secure location that changes every time horn is prepared for the sake of security. Each horn is drilled and individual microchips are inserted and catalogued. Each horn is weighed and measured and then painted with wax to preserve it. All horn shavings are also kept and catalogued. Individual horns receives a specific number and then the horns are placed into secure metal containers which are tamper proof. An independent security company will then fetch the boxes at an undisclosed location which is varied for every pick-up. The horns are all insured and all information is made available to the South African Nature Conservation Autorities. All the Rhinos on this property are routinely dehorned for anti-poaching purposes. A humane length of 110 milimeters is left to ensure no damage is done to the tissue at the base of the horn. Rhino horn typically grows back at a rate of a kilogram a year on an adult rhino. The horn that has been removed is microchipped, cataloged, registered with the Nature Conservation Authorities and held in a secure off-site facility. John Hume has close to 1400 Rhino to protect on his property and they are constantly monitored by his vet Dr Michelle Otto and by Hume’s Security teams. Hume’s running costs are close to 5 million Rand a month, around $330, 000.00 per month. $200,000.00 of that is spent on security. Hume is a long time proponent of legalizing the Rhino horn trade by using humane dehorning and is one of the biggest influences in trying to get CITES to change their anti-trade stance. Hume is reputed to have more than 5 tons of rhino horn in secure locations. This would be worth around $40, 000, 000.00 on the Asian market at current prices. There are many supporters of the pro-trade agreement, with more than 1300 rhino likely to be poached per annum in this cur https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788016-AR539GZS363LZD3XF45I/Rhino2_029.jpg Rhino Wars II MOAMBA, MOZAMBIQUE, 19 APRIL 2016: Mozambican PIC Police, Garda Frontier and FAuna Bravia search a new home of a suspected high level weapons provider for illegal Rhino poaching. They were led to this home by a rhino poacher who was arrested the day before with a silenced hunting rifle and bullets. This informant claims that the owner of this compound of houses is a significant weapons and transport co-ordinator for rhino poaching, the number one enrichment path in this impoverished area of Mozambique which border Kruger National Park. Two rhino poachers, one 19, the other 28 years old, apprehended by an anti-poaching team in Mozambique close to Kruger National Park border. After a three day chase they were caught in a roadblock and the rifle seized shortly thereafter. This was due to a co-ordinated effort between Kruger National Park in South Africa where the poachers intended to shoot rhino for their horn; and Sabi Game Park, a conservancy on the Mozabique side. The poachers were tracked and identified by their unique shoe pattern. They tried to say they had been on their way to buy cattle but had no money on their persons and the alleged cattle owner said he did not know anything about selling his cattle. A Czech CZ .458 hunting rifle was seized, complete with a professionally built silencer. Both men admitted their guilt and will be charged under new Mozambican law which states that possesion on the weapon and bullets indicates intent to poach rhino, this carries a maximum sentence of 12 years and/or $80,000.00. Their Toyota Hilux vehicle was also confiscated. The younger of the two poachers, 19, later led police to the homes of suspected weapons and transport suppliers, higher ups in the rhino poaching syndicates known as level 2's and 3's. Those men had fled by the time the police arrived but significant information was discovered in the form of identity documents, both real and forged, as well as banking account information. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National G https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788247-RDRCQGC6YPZAOUO207AO/Rhino2_079.jpg Rhino Wars II WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, 27 MAY 2016: Images from inside the legal Rhino Horn storage locker inside Namibia's Ministry of the Environment and Tourism. These horns have been collected from official de-horning programs as well as Rhinos that have died of natural, non-poaching causes. Namibia has expressed interest in placing a proposal to sell their horn on the table at a future CITES COP summit, repeatedly expressing that they would never destroy their stockpile of rhino horn. "We will never destroy our horn, it's a natural resource and to do so would be unconstitutional. Our constitution is clear, we must use our natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. In the future we will surely propose to CITES to sell our horn," says Elly Hamunyela, director of Scientific Service and one of the supervisors of the stockpile. Namibia has been relatively unscathed in the current rhino poaching crisis but recently high levels of poaching have become more common. "Now we are experiencing a surge in poaching, this is something new. Rhino are a very important species but we place equal value on our other animals too." "One thing is clear, we will never destroy our horn stockpile," adds Dr Malan Lindeque, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of the Environment and Tourism. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788159-DJOUZHZU6A249BJ37L18/Rhino2_030.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME PARK, MOZAMBIQUE, 9 APRIL 2016: A combined force of Sabie Game Park Rangers, Garda Frontier soldiers and Fauna Bravia soldiers arrest and detain Moses Chauque, a level 2 rhino poacher who arranges weapons and transport for rhino poachers. There are multiple arrest warrants for Chauque, both in Mozambique and South Africa. This arrest was put together with intelligence gathered by IAPF, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, the only effective Anti-poaching group on the ground in Mozambique. Moses Chauque was identified in statements from two seperate groups of poachers who were arrested in Mozambique with CZ hunting rifles and rhino horn. Both groups made sworn statements the Chauque contracted them for rhino poaching in nearby Kruger National Park. There are also further warrants in South Africa for his alleged involvement in two murder cases. When Chauque was delivered into Police custody in Mouamba, Mozambique, the police apparently cheered that he had finally been caught. The case against him in Mozambique will now revolve around weapons charges and the statements against him made by the two groups of arrested rhino poachers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788479-LG7L1GRD0WGCQ06JJR6M/Rhino2_080.jpg Rhino Wars II WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, 27 MAY 2016: Images from inside the illegal Rhino Horn storage locker inside Namibia's Ministry of the Environment and Tourism. These horns have been collected from poaching incidents and were recovered from arrests, confiscations and conservation ranger anti-poaching activity. Namibia has expressed interest in placing a proposal to sell their horn on the table at a future CITES COP summit, repeatedly expressing that they would never destroy their stockpile of rhino horn. "We will never destroy our horn, it's a natural resource and to do so would be unconstitutional. Our constitution is clear, we must use our natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. In the future we will surely propose to CITES to sell our horn," says Elly Hamunyela, director of Scientific Service and one of the supervisors of the stockpile. Namibia has been relatively unscathed in the current rhino poaching crisis but recently high levels of poaching have become more common. "Now we are experiencing a surge in poaching, this is something new. Rhino are a very important species but we place equal value on our other animals too." "One thing is clear, we will never destroy our horn stockpile," adds Dr Malan Lindeque, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of the Environment and Tourism. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788293-6JGSSW6UICA7ZOG47PJ9/Rhino2_031.jpg Rhino Wars II SABIE GAME RESERVE, MOZAMBIQUE, 10 APRIL 2016: Sighting of white rhinos inside Sabie Game reserve in Mozambique. Rhino have been declared officially extinct in Mozambique and these rhino are part of a brave few that venture out of nearby Kruger National Park in South Africa and into Sabie Game Park on the Mozambique side. Rhino poaching is rampant on the Mozambique side of the border and Sabie Game Park is working with IAPF, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, an NGO dedicated to Rhino protection. Thanks to their efforts Rhino have begun to apprear safely again in the Sabie Game Park area of Mozambique. The general life expectancy of a rhino that ventures out of Kruger into Mozambique is 12 to 24 hours before it will be shot for its horn. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788241-PV7QW8P9OO6Z66NBC1YF/Rhino2_081.jpg Rhino Wars II OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA, JULY 2011: A four man anti-poaching team permanently guards Northern White Rhino on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino, the worlds most endangered animal. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. The team have developed extraordinary relationships with these Rhino, leaning on them, scratching them and displaying tremendous affection towards these most endangered of animals. Each of the men in these teams feels a genuine vocation towards the protection of these animals, something the rhino seem to sense, and this emerges on a daily basis as the men walk with the rhino through their day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787941-CY2K9E2RPZDN7V28H2H5/Rhino2_032.jpg Rhino Wars II MOAMBA, MOZAMBIQUE, 19 APRIL 2016: Mozambican PIC Police, Garda Frontier and FAuna Bravia search a new home of a suspected high level weapons provider for illegal Rhino poaching. They were led to this home by a rhino poacher who was arrested the day before with a silenced hunting rifle and bullets. This informant claims that the owner of this compound of houses is a significant weapons and transport co-ordinator for rhino poaching, the number one enrichment path in this impoverished area of Mozambique which border Kruger National Park. Two rhino poachers, one 19, the other 28 years old, apprehended by an anti-poaching team in Mozambique close to Kruger National Park border. After a three day chase they were caught in a roadblock and the rifle seized shortly thereafter. This was due to a co-ordinated effort between Kruger National Park in South Africa where the poachers intended to shoot rhino for their horn; and Sabi Game Park, a conservancy on the Mozabique side. The poachers were tracked and identified by their unique shoe pattern. They tried to say they had been on their way to buy cattle but had no money on their persons and the alleged cattle owner said he did not know anything about selling his cattle. A Czech CZ .458 hunting rifle was seized, complete with a professionally built silencer. Both men admitted their guilt and will be charged under new Mozambican law which states that possesion on the weapon and bullets indicates intent to poach rhino, this carries a maximum sentence of 12 years and/or $80,000.00. Their Toyota Hilux vehicle was also confiscated. The younger of the two poachers, 19, later led police to the homes of suspected weapons and transport suppliers, higher ups in the rhino poaching syndicates known as level 2's and 3's. Those men had fled by the time the police arrived but significant information was discovered in the form of identity documents, both real and forged, as well as banking account information. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National G https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788472-5YMHYH9HEI6875PLFG6W/Rhino2_082.jpg Rhino Wars II OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA, JULY 2011: A four man anti-poaching team permanently guards Northern White Rhino on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino, the worlds most endangered animal. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. The team have developed extraordinary relationships with these Rhino, leaning on them, scratching them and displaying tremendous affection towards these most endangered of animals. Each of the men in these teams feels a genuine vocation towards the protection of these animals, something the rhino seem to sense, and this emerges on a daily basis as the men walk with the rhino through their day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788644-MC4TNUPZDO700OBCNZRU/Rhino2_033.jpg Rhino Wars II MOAMBA, MOZAMBIQUE, 19 APRIL 2016: An aerial view of the new home of a suspected high level weapons provider for illegal Rhino poaching in the Baptine area of Mozambique. Police were led to this home the night before by a rhino poacher who was arrested the day before with a silenced hunting rifle and bullets. This informant claims that the owner of this compound of houses is a significant weapons and transport co-ordinator for rhino poaching, the number one enrichment path in this impoverished area of Mozambique which border Kruger National Park. Two rhino poachers, one 19, the other 28 years old, apprehended by an anti-poaching team in Mozambique close to Kruger National Park border. After a three day chase they were caught in a roadblock and the rifle seized shortly thereafter. This was due to a co-ordinated effort between Kruger National Park in South Africa where the poachers intended to shoot rhino for their horn; and Sabi Game Park, a conservancy on the Mozabique side. The poachers were tracked and identified by their unique shoe pattern. They tried to say they had been on their way to buy cattle but had no money on their persons and the alleged cattle owner said he did not know anything about selling his cattle. A Czech CZ .458 hunting rifle was seized, complete with a professionally built silencer. Both men admitted their guilt and will be charged under new Mozambican law which states that possesion on the weapon and bullets indicates intent to poach rhino, this carries a maximum sentence of 12 years and/or $80,000.00. Their Toyota Hilux vehicle was also confiscated. The younger of the two poachers, 19, later led police to the homes of suspected weapons and transport suppliers, higher ups in the rhino poaching syndicates known as level 2's and 3's. Those men had fled by the time the police arrived but significant information was discovered in the form of identity documents, both real and forged, as well as banking account information. (Photo by Brent Stirton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788102-1Z2XSRYO8Z9P7WJ4G0U8/Rhino2_083.jpg Rhino Wars II OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA, JULY 2011: A four man anti-poaching team permanently guards Northern White Rhino on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, 13 July 2011. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an important “not-for-profit” wildlife conservancy in the Laikipia District of Kenya and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. It is also the home of 4 of the world's remaining 8 Northern White Rhino, the worlds most endangered animal. There has been an increase in poaching incidents on Ol Pejeta recently, in line with a massive worldwide increase in rhino poaching linked to the rise in the Asian middle class. Anti-poaching teams provide close protection to the rhino, with 24 hour observation over all rhino on Ol Pejeta and 24 hour armed guard protection over the 4 Northern White Rhino who are kept in their own Boma area. The team have developed extraordinary relationships with these Rhino, leaning on them, scratching them and displaying tremendous affection towards these most endangered of animals. Each of the men in these teams feels a genuine vocation towards the protection of these animals, something the rhino seem to sense, and this emerges on a daily basis as the men walk with the rhino through their day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787928-8LFTDXI4F71J11X4PEJM/Rhino2_034.jpg Rhino Wars II KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 APRIL 2016: Member of Kruger National Park's anti-poaching K9 unit enter a helicopter on their way to track 3 rhino poachers. The mission was successful and the suspects were apprehended before they could shoot a rhino. The dogs have come to form an important part of the chase element for anti-poaching in Kruger. Bruce McDonald leads this unit and co-ordinates with the Kruger Operations room and the chopper pilots for maximum efficiency. On this day no less than 5 chases occurred with multiple arrests. Kruger currently faces an armed insurgency of rhino poachers with no less than 18 people entering the park every day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788632-I96DCPYCYEZ36FPYCPUE/Rhino2_084.jpg Rhino Wars II SAN DIEGO ZOO, CALIFORNIA, USA, 8 JUNE 2016: Dr Barbara Durrant, the Henshaw Chair and Director of Reproductive Physiology at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, performs an ultrasound on a Southern White Rhino Cow. Dr Durrant and the Institute are involved in an ambitious and scientifically unprecedented effort to bring back the almost extinct Northern White Rhino through IVF/Stemcell treatment using the wombs of Southern White Rhino. Their goal is to create a viable herd of Northern White Rhinos through this treatment and bring them back from the absolute brink of extinction. There are currently only 3 Northern White Rhino in the world, all under 24 hour armed guard protection at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Dr Durrant and her team have viable Northern White Sperm in cold storage as well as ovarian tissue from which it is a relatively simple process to create stem cells to produce eggs. "There are many people looking after Rhinos in the field, good anti-poaching efforts exist. What we are trying to bring to the table is a new science that reinforces the effort to save these rhinos and perhaps also other species one day. We study the animal, looking at the reproductive system in new ways, all of this is part of a plan to bring them back. We have the DNA base of 12 individuals, we have sperm from 2 males as well as ovarian and testicular tissue. From these tissues we can create viable stemcells, natural as opposed to manufactured eggs are possible from this. We have 6 Southern White females that have been brought in from South Africa exclusively for this research. No-one has ever attempted embryo transfer before so we will be entering new ground here. We have multiple collaborators all over the world, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Kenya and more. We make all of our protocols available to all of our partners. This will be a minimum 20 years process, our goal remains a self-sustaining population of Northern White rhino." Photo by Brent Stirton/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788182-7VE4EEP1MTBK3083KKV8/Rhino2_035.jpg Rhino Wars II KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 APRIL 2016: Member of Kruger National Park's anti-poaching K9 unit enter a helicopter on their way to track 3 rhino poachers. The mission was successful and the suspects were apprehended before they could shoot a rhino. The dogs have come to form an important part of the chase element for anti-poaching in Kruger. Bruce McDonald leads this unit and co-ordinates with the Kruger Operations room and the chopper pilots for maximum efficiency. On this day no less than 5 chases occurred with multiple arrests. Kruger currently faces an armed insurgency of rhino poachers with no less than 18 people entering the park every day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788341-9QDP6082J33DERK4YPPT/Rhino2_085.jpg Rhino Wars II SAN DIEGO ZOO, CALIFORNIA, USA, 8 JUNE 2016: Dr Barbara Durrant, the Henshaw Chair and Director of Reproductive Physiology at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, extracts a sample of Northern Rhino sperm from cold storage. Dr Durrant and the Institute are involved in an ambitious and scientifically unprecedented effort to bring back the almost extinct Northern White Rhino through IVF/Stemcell treatment using the wombs of Southern White Rhino. Their goal is to create a viable herd of Northern White Rhinos through this treatment and bring them back from the absolute brink of extinction. There are currently only 3 Northern White Rhino in the world, all under 24 hour armed guard protection at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Dr Durrant and her team have viable Northern White Sperm in cold storage as well as ovarian tissue from which it is a relatively simple process to create stem cells to produce eggs. "There are many people looking after Rhinos in the field, good anti-poaching efforts exist. What we are trying to bring to the table is a new science that reinforces the effort to save these rhinos and perhaps also other species one day. We study the animal, looking at the reproductive system in new ways, all of this is part of a plan to bring them back. We have the DNA base of 12 individuals, we have sperm from 2 males as well as ovarian and testicular tissue. From these tissues we can create viable stemcells, natural as opposed to manufactured eggs are possible from this. We have 6 Southern White females that have been brought in from South Africa exclusively for this research. No-one has ever attempted embryo transfer before so we will be entering new ground here. We have multiple collaborators all over the world, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Kenya and more. We make all of our protocols available to all of our partners. This will be a minimum 20 years process, our goal remains a self-sustaining population of Northern White rhino." Photo by Brent S https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788055-LSYG3Q1GG4KVEAE539OS/Rhino2_036.jpg Rhino Wars II KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 APRIL 2016: A Crime Scene Forensic unit made up of SANPARKS and SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE forensics experts process a rhino carcass that was shot by poachers over three weeks ago. The carcass was only recently found and Kruger try to process all rhino poaching to add to the DNA database and cataloging of the weapons used. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788171-W39OEAIXA2E4JPAFS1ZR/Rhino2_037.jpg Rhino Wars II KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 MAY 2016: Frik Rossouw, Senior Investigator in KNP's Environmental Management Inspection unit, examines a fallen white rhino recently dead inside Kruger National Park, the epicenter of the current Rhino poaching crisis. He is assisted by Corporal Russell Mkansi as they search for an entry wound or some identifying characteristic which will tell them how this animal died. In many cases, explains Frik, the animal will fall on their weaker side, neccesitating either turning the animal over or cutting the carcass open in order to find the bullet or another wound which might explain the death. Kruger National Park is the second largest Game reserve in Africa, with over 2 million hectares of ground. It is exceptionally difficult to police this area and Kruger is doing a good job with too few resources on the ground. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788114-XPSWNYEVK9NS9EPMTKY2/Rhino2_038.jpg Rhino Wars II NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 MAY 2016: CARE FOR WILD AFRICA is a donor run NGO that specializes in caring for wounded animals. They have a special focus on rhino and have taken in many rhino orphans from the poaching wars across South Africa at this time. Petronel Niewoudt runs the facility with a small team of incredibly dedicated staff and groups of volunteers who come in from all over the world. Many of their rhino are small calves who have seen their mothers killed and often been attacked by the poachers themselves. Wounds from machetes across the spinal area are common as poachers try to break their spines so they cannot run away. Their latest orphan is Lulah, her mother was killed in Kruger National Park and when the rangers found Lulah she was estimated to be one month old. Hyenas had attacked the tiny calf and chewed off her ears, parts of her nose and inflicted a terrible bite on her rear right leg. Lulah has a strong will to live and despite fighting off infection in the wound she is looking like she will survive. Lulah has a full time caregiver Dorota Ladosz, 25, who are full time staff at C.W.A. Dorota has an honors degree in both Animal Science and Wildlife Management. She lives full time with Lulah at the time of this picture and sleeps with her in her enclosure. She maintains a constant watch on Lulah’s injuries and her temperature and feeds her at regular intervals. Lulah received surgery on this day and her wounds were cleaned out by Jan-Louis Ras, a surgeon who volunteers his services to Care for Wild Africa but actually usually works on humans. Vet Donnie Engelbrecht handled the anesthetic and the Care for Wild Africa staff assisted. Infections in Lulah’s leg were cleaned out and her ears and the top of her head were dressed and disinfected. Care for Wild Africa has taken care of multiple rhino calves like this and today they have 27 survivors living on the property. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Maga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788347-QH5NBXAMG689QURAO8O8/Rhino2_039.jpg Rhino Wars II NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 MAY 2016: CARE FOR WILD AFRICA is a donor run NGO that specializes in caring for wounded animals. They have a special focus on rhino and have taken in many rhino orphans from the poaching wars across South Africa at this time. Petronel Niewoudt runs the facility with a small team of incredibly dedicated staff and groups of volunteers who come in from all over the world. Many of their rhino are small calves who have seen their mothers killed and often been attacked by the poachers themselves. Wounds from machetes across the spinal area are common as poachers try to break their spines so they cannot run away. Their latest orphan is Lulah, her mother was killed in Kruger National Park and when the rangers found Lulah she was estimated to be one month old. Hyenas had attacked the tiny calf and chewed off her ears, parts of her nose and inflicted a terrible bite on her rear right leg. Lulah has a strong will to live and despite fighting off infection in the wound she is looking like she will survive. Lulah has a full time caregiver Dorota Ladosz, 25, who are full time staff at C.W.A. Dorota has an honors degree in both Animal Science and Wildlife Management. She lives full time with Lulah at the time of this picture and sleeps with her in her enclosure. She maintains a constant watch on Lulah’s injuries and her temperature and feeds her at regular intervals. Lulah received surgery on this day and her wounds were cleaned out by Jan-Louis Ras, a surgeon who volunteers his services to Care for Wild Africa but actually usually works on humans. Vet Donnie Engelbrecht handled the anesthetic and the Care for Wild Africa staff assisted. Infections in Lulah’s leg were cleaned out and her ears and the top of her head were dressed and disinfected. Care for Wild Africa has taken care of multiple rhino calves like this and today they have 27 survivors living on the property. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Maga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788391-XDJSY3PXR7Q4MUNS7DBT/Rhino2_040.jpg Rhino Wars II NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 MAY 2016: CARE FOR WILD AFRICA is a donor run NGO that specializes in caring for wounded animals. They have a special focus on rhino and have taken in many rhino orphans from the poaching wars across South Africa at this time. Petronel Niewoudt runs the facility with a small team of incredibly dedicated staff and groups of volunteers who come in from all over the world. Many of their rhino are small calves who have seen their mothers killed and often been attacked by the poachers themselves. Wounds from machetes across the spinal area are common as poachers try to break their spines so they cannot run away. Their latest orphan is Lulah, her mother was killed in Kruger National Park and when the rangers found Lulah she was estimated to be one month old. Hyenas had attacked the tiny calf and chewed off her ears, parts of her nose and inflicted a terrible bite on her rear right leg. Lulah has a strong will to live and despite fighting off infection in the wound she is looking like she will survive. Lulah has a full time caregiver Dorota Ladosz, 25, who are full time staff at C.W.A. Dorota has an honors degree in both Animal Science and Wildlife Management. She lives full time with Lulah at the time of this picture and sleeps with her in her enclosure. She maintains a constant watch on Lulah’s injuries and her temperature and feeds her at regular intervals. Lulah received surgery on this day and her wounds were cleaned out by Jan-Louis Ras, a surgeon who volunteers his services to Care for Wild Africa but actually usually works on humans. Vet Donnie Engelbrecht handled the anesthetic and the Care for Wild Africa staff assisted. Infections in Lulah’s leg were cleaned out and her ears and the top of her head were dressed and disinfected. Care for Wild Africa has taken care of multiple rhino calves like this and today they have 27 survivors living on the property. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Maga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788146-X2DUV7MAGINT1N3XN8ML/Rhino2_041.jpg Rhino Wars II NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 MAY 2016: CARE FOR WILD AFRICA is a donor run NGO that specializes in caring for wounded animals. They have a special focus on rhino and have taken in many rhino orphans from the poaching wars across South Africa at this time. Petronel Niewoudt runs the facility with a small team of incredibly dedicated staff and groups of volunteers who come in from all over the world. Many of their rhino are small calves who have seen their mothers killed and often been attacked by the poachers themselves. Wounds from machetes across the spinal area are common as poachers try to break their spines so they cannot run away. Their latest orphan is Lulah, her mother was killed in Kruger National Park and when the rangers found Lulah she was estimated to be one month old. Hyenas had attacked the tiny calf and chewed off her ears, parts of her nose and inflicted a terrible bite on her rear right leg. Lulah has a strong will to live and despite fighting off infection in the wound she is looking like she will survive. Lulah has a full time caregiver Dorota Ladosz, 25, who are full time staff at C.W.A. Dorota has an honors degree in both Animal Science and Wildlife Management. She lives full time with Lulah at the time of this picture and sleeps with her in her enclosure. She maintains a constant watch on Lulah’s injuries and her temperature and feeds her at regular intervals. Lulah received surgery on this day and her wounds were cleaned out by Jan-Louis Ras, a surgeon who volunteers his services to Care for Wild Africa but actually usually works on humans. Vet Donnie Engelbrecht handled the anesthetic and the Care for Wild Africa staff assisted. Infections in Lulah’s leg were cleaned out and her ears and the top of her head were dressed and disinfected. Care for Wild Africa has taken care of multiple rhino calves like this and today they have 27 survivors living on the property. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Maga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788224-049Y5LKYDDLETWI972KO/Rhino2_042.jpg Rhino Wars II NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 MAY 2016: CARE FOR WILD AFRICA is a donor run NGO that specializes in caring for wounded animals. They have a special focus on rhino and have taken in many rhino orphans from the poaching wars across South Africa at this time. Petronel Niewoudt runs the facility with a small team of incredibly dedicated staff and groups of volunteers who come in from all over the world. Many of their rhino are small calves who have seen their mothers killed and often been attacked by the poachers themselves. Wounds from machetes across the spinal area are common as poachers try to break their spines so they cannot run away. Their latest orphan is Lulah, her mother was killed in Kruger National Park and when the rangers found Lulah she was estimated to be one month old. Hyenas had attacked the tiny calf and chewed off her ears, parts of her nose and inflicted a terrible bite on her rear right leg. Lulah has a strong will to live and despite fighting off infection in the wound she is looking like she will survive. Lulah has a full time caregiver Dorota Ladosz, 25, who are full time staff at C.W.A. Dorota has an honors degree in both Animal Science and Wildlife Management. She lives full time with Lulah at the time of this picture and sleeps with her in her enclosure. She maintains a constant watch on Lulah’s injuries and her temperature and feeds her at regular intervals. Lulah received surgery on this day and her wounds were cleaned out by Jan-Louis Ras, a surgeon who volunteers his services to Care for Wild Africa but actually usually works on humans. Vet Donnie Engelbrecht handled the anesthetic and the Care for Wild Africa staff assisted. Infections in Lulah’s leg were cleaned out and her ears and the top of her head were dressed and disinfected. Care for Wild Africa has taken care of multiple rhino calves like this and today they have 27 survivors living on the property. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Maga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788276-AM6CVPJD6NPR9VZ630YK/Rhino2_043.jpg Rhino Wars II NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 MAY 2016: CARE FOR WILD AFRICA is a donor run NGO that specializes in caring for wounded animals. They have a special focus on rhino and have taken in many rhino orphans from the poaching wars across South Africa at this time. Petronel Niewoudt runs the facility with a small team of incredibly dedicated staff and groups of volunteers who come in from all over the world. Many of their rhino are small calves who have seen their mothers killed and often been attacked by the poachers themselves. Wounds from machetes across the spinal area are common as poachers try to break their spines so they cannot run away. Their latest orphan is Lulah, her mother was killed in Kruger National Park and when the rangers found Lulah she was estimated to be one month old. Hyenas had attacked the tiny calf and chewed off her ears, parts of her nose and inflicted a terrible bite on her rear right leg. Lulah has a strong will to live and despite fighting off infection in the wound she is looking like she will survive. Lulah has a full time caregiver Dorota Ladosz, 25, who are full time staff at C.W.A. Dorota has an honors degree in both Animal Science and Wildlife Management. She lives full time with Lulah at the time of this picture and sleeps with her in her enclosure. She maintains a constant watch on Lulah’s injuries and her temperature and feeds her at regular intervals. Lulah received surgery on this day and her wounds were cleaned out by Jan-Louis Ras, a surgeon who volunteers his services to Care for Wild Africa but actually usually works on humans. Vet Donnie Engelbrecht handled the anesthetic and the Care for Wild Africa staff assisted. Infections in Lulah’s leg were cleaned out and her ears and the top of her head were dressed and disinfected. Care for Wild Africa has taken care of multiple rhino calves like this and today they have 27 survivors living on the property. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Maga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788426-AAF6KGHIHY3JOLZVFH9S/Rhino2_044.jpg Rhino Wars II LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA, 2 APRIL 2016: “Shoelaces on steroids.” That's how Saving the Survivors PR Spokesperson Suzanne Boswell Rudham described Tuesday's groundbreaking procedure using human abdominal surgery technology to stretch the wounded edges the gaping wound created by horn poachers who removed most of the face of the world's most famous rhino, “Hope.” The Saving the Survivors team member joined a team of top wildlife vets on a Limpopo plot of land, where they stitched the elastymers, imported from Canada, on to Hope's battered face. They are hoping that it will to pull the edges of the wound together and finally heal the massive wound, which happened when poachers hacked off almost all of her face last May. But the world-famous animal with the indomitable spirit has clung to life - and has become an ambassador for the conservation of her ever-threatened species, Johan Marais, a wildlife vet and founder of Saving the Survivors, told a small group of onlookers gathered around him and his team. In a procedure that lasted just over an hour, they inserted pulley systems in Hope’s skin to "crank the laces" to close the massive cavity on her face. In Hope's latest procedure - she has already had five major surgeries and other smaller ones - they used an abdominal re-approximation anchor system, imported from Canada by local distributors Surgitech. "Basically it's developed for people who've had stomach surgery where they can't close the wound," Rudham explained. "Whereas before they used it to stitch it and staple it, now this system... actually pulls in the tissue without destroying any cells." In the past year, 60% of Hope's face has healed, but she's not out of the woods yet, explains Marais. Hope’s gaping wound is constantly attacked by flies and maggots. "We're hoping to make that cavity a lot smaller and then we'll put a wound matrix over that with collagen for the cells to start growing together," adds Rudham. After the procedure, the bandaged rhi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788212-TTZ50DOQP37ERNPMAK15/Rhino2_045.jpg Rhino Wars II LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA, 2 APRIL 2016: “Shoelaces on steroids.” That's how Saving the Survivors PR Spokesperson Suzanne Boswell Rudham described Tuesday's groundbreaking procedure using human abdominal surgery technology to stretch the wounded edges the gaping wound created by horn poachers who removed most of the face of the world's most famous rhino, “Hope.” The Saving the Survivors team member joined a team of top wildlife vets on a Limpopo plot of land, where they stitched the elastymers, imported from Canada, on to Hope's battered face. They are hoping that it will to pull the edges of the wound together and finally heal the massive wound, which happened when poachers hacked off almost all of her face last May. But the world-famous animal with the indomitable spirit has clung to life - and has become an ambassador for the conservation of her ever-threatened species, Johan Marais, a wildlife vet and founder of Saving the Survivors, told a small group of onlookers gathered around him and his team. In a procedure that lasted just over an hour, they inserted pulley systems in Hope’s skin to "crank the laces" to close the massive cavity on her face. In Hope's latest procedure - she has already had five major surgeries and other smaller ones - they used an abdominal re-approximation anchor system, imported from Canada by local distributors Surgitech. "Basically it's developed for people who've had stomach surgery where they can't close the wound," Rudham explained. "Whereas before they used it to stitch it and staple it, now this system... actually pulls in the tissue without destroying any cells." In the past year, 60% of Hope's face has healed, but she's not out of the woods yet, explains Marais. Hope’s gaping wound is constantly attacked by flies and maggots. "We're hoping to make that cavity a lot smaller and then we'll put a wound matrix over that with collagen for the cells to start growing together," adds Rudham. After the procedure, the bandaged rhi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788353-NUNUZBQMVX3A75668OUL/Rhino2_046.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788324-XARLGH17CHJ9GVYHAGC0/Rhino2_047.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787973-DY3FCT3JG866NVEU9QAW/Rhino2_048.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788270-MQXK9M0KB4S5Q0V7L534/Rhino2_049.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788402-5HDHDY1U0S4O1O4HP5IY/Rhino2_050.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: A horn is removed for safety in transport as four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788003-S7UBVIAYJ6Z90VKW0U4A/Rhino2_051.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788201-KERMDDCC9YG33HDI0ATG/Rhino2_052.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788165-M6Y64IHBB47TJ4PBS49W/Rhino2_053.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788082-YBVPZ62IZ6S8LZ3SD181/Rhino2_054.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788023-I5M99SB75IOP59Z80UYC/Rhino2_055.jpg Rhino Wars II EZULU GAME FARM, GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 MAY 2016: Four pairs of Cow and calf rhinos are captured and moved into transport for relocation to a more secure facility. This is the last of 27 Rhino that are being moved away from game farms in the Port Elizabeth/Grahamstown region where it is feared that security is inadequate to protect these rhino from poachers. 6 rhino have already been killed in the last 3 months and the professional manner in which they were poached has prompted owners to say that it is better for these rhino to leave their farms and go to a more secure facility. The rhinos will travel for 20 hours to their new location and will be sedated every three hours by a vet who will accompany them at all times. They will also be guarded by full time security for their journey and full time at their final location. It is a truism of rhino ownership these days that owners can often not afford the expense of full time security for these animals, such is the pressure from poachers and the value of their horn in Asia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788625-T3HCCG6U1TNWNU2TCKO9/Rhino2_056.jpg Rhino Wars II SIBAYA CASINO AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 18 MAY 2016: Scenes from the annual Ezemvelo wildlife auction, Kwazulu Natal. The annual wildlife auction is an import fundraiser for the Reserves but the money raised goes straight back into reserve maintenance. The Rhino raises by far the most money and is indicative of its economic importance overall to these reserves. The highest price raised for rhino for this years auction is R800,000.00, the equivalent of $51, 000.00 USD. Dumisani Zwane, head of Game Capture at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Reserve, states that Rhino are the key species in the reserve economy and in all the towns that ring the three main reserves. They are what people come to see and what buyers will pay the most money for. Their role in keeping conservation alive cannot be underestimated. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788108-YG8T3V3VTLX405QAERVM/Rhino2_059.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 17 MAY 2016: A Black Rhino Bull is seen dead, poached for its horns less than 24 hours earlier at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa. It is suspected that the killers came from a local community approximately 5 kilometers away, entering the park illegally, shooting the rhino at a water hole with a high-powered, silenced hunting rifle. An autopsy and postmortem carried out by members of the KZN Ezemvelo later revealed that the large calibre bullet went straight through this rhino, causing massive tissue damage. It was noted that he did not die immediately but ran a short distance, fell to his knees and a coup de grace shot was administered to the head from close range. Black Rhino are the most endangered rhino, HluHluwe Umfolozi is one of the last repositories for these animals, with less than 3000 left in the wild today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788396-H11JKO9YC6KT4GK9VMQL/Rhino2_060.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 17 MAY 2016: A Black Rhino Bull is seen dead, poached for its horns less than 24 hours earlier at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa. It is suspected that the killers came from a local community approximately 5 kilometers away, entering the park illegally, shooting the rhino at a water hole with a high-powered, silenced hunting rifle. An autopsy and postmortem carried out by members of the KZN Ezemvelo later revealed that the large calibre bullet went straight through this rhino, causing massive tissue damage. It was noted that he did not die immediately but ran a short distance, fell to his knees and a coup de grace shot was administered to the head from close range. Black Rhino are the most endangered rhino, HluHluwe Umfolozi is one of the last repositories for these animals, with less than 3000 left in the wild today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788330-FCJUJ02V94HH99E1QBM0/Rhino2_061.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 17 MAY 2016: A Black Rhino Bull is seen dead, poached for its horns less than 24 hours earlier at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa. It is suspected that the killers came from a local community approximately 5 kilometers away, entering the park illegally, shooting the rhino at a water hole with a high-powered, silenced hunting rifle. An autopsy and postmortem carried out by members of the KZN Ezemvelo later revealed that the large calibre bullet went straight through this rhino, causing massive tissue damage. It was noted that he did not die immediately but ran a short distance, fell to his knees and a coup de grace shot was administered to the head from close range. Black Rhino are the most endangered rhino, HluHluwe Umfolozi is one of the last repositories for these animals, with less than 3000 left in the wild today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158787916-NO34DZ1Z39JLJVC4BQKQ/Rhino2_062.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 17 MAY 2016: A Black Rhino Bull is seen dead, poached for its horns less than 24 hours earlier at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa. It is suspected that the killers came from a local community approximately 5 kilometers away, entering the park illegally, shooting the rhino at a water hole with a high-powered, silenced hunting rifle. An autopsy and postmortem carried out by members of the KZN Ezemvelo later revealed that the large calibre bullet went straight through this rhino, causing massive tissue damage. It was noted that he did not die immediately but ran a short distance, fell to his knees and a coup de grace shot was administered to the head from close range. Black Rhino are the most endangered rhino, HluHluwe Umfolozi is one of the last repositories for these animals, with less than 3000 left in the wild today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788420-XIK0WIOH5509RMAKCJJB/Rhino2_063.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 17 MAY 2016: A Black Rhino Bull is seen dead, poached for its horns less than 24 hours earlier at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa. It is suspected that the killers came from a local community approximately 5 kilometers away, entering the park illegally, shooting the rhino at a water hole with a high-powered, silenced hunting rifle. An autopsy and postmortem carried out by members of the KZN Ezemvelo later revealed that the large calibre bullet went straight through this rhino, causing massive tissue damage. It was noted that he did not die immediately but ran a short distance, fell to his knees and a coup de grace shot was administered to the head from close range. Black Rhino are the most endangered rhino, HluHluwe Umfolozi is one of the last repositories for these animals, with less than 3000 left in the wild today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158788306-QBX5E1E7TQA0G3XCVYK2/Rhino2_064.jpg Rhino Wars II HLUHLUWE UMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 17 MAY 2016: A Black Rhino Bull is seen dead, poached for its horns less than 24 hours earlier at Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa. It is suspected that the killers came from a local community approximately 5 kilometers away, entering the park illegally, shooting the rhino at a water hole with a high-powered, silenced hunting rifle. An autopsy and postmortem carried out by members of the KZN Ezemvelo later revealed that the large calibre bullet went straight through this rhino, causing massive tissue damage. It was noted that he did not die immediately but ran a short distance, fell to his knees and a coup de grace shot was administered to the head from close range. Black Rhino are the most endangered rhino, HluHluwe Umfolozi is one of the last repositories for these animals, with less than 3000 left in the wild today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/state-of-blindness daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627881-I36D4VPMS6QP866X8ZVT/Blind_001.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARABANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 8 JANUARY 2016: Mahammad Ali Molla, 60, has been blind for the last 14 years. He goes for tea every day and his grandson accompanies him on the 2 kilometer walk to the local market. He also assists him as he drinks and eats when he is not at school. Mahammad developed a problem with his eyes when tree sap entered in them while working as an agricultural labourer. He could not access eye treatment and as his eyes were neglected he developed corneal ulcers. He sought medical help from local quacks who took his money but destroyed his one eye and damaged the other with their ill-advised treatment techniques. He received further surgery from Kolkata Medical college but they could not save his remaining vision. He spent 30 000 rupees on that trip to Kolkata and it is likely most of that money went to living away from his home while undergoing treatment as well as paying unscrupulous middle men. Mahammad is supported by his wife Samiran Molla, 55, who has had to shoulder the financial burden of raising their 5 children. They survive today with meagre fishing income and by her eating with one son and Mahammad eating with the other. It is likely Mahammad's blindness could have been prevented by access to qualified eye care but his remote location and lack of local facilities as well as his state of poverty prevented access to correct treatment. This story is not uncommon in the more remote parts of India where remote communities are encumbered by a lack of quality eye care at hand and poverty makes travel and care inaccesable. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628200-ZXF195QDKFNJ3NP80L8T/Blind_016.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 5 November 2015: Gerd Gamanab, 67, is a completely sightless man hoping for a miracle at a blindness camp in Omaruru District hospital in Namibia. He lost his sight to 50 years of farm labour in the Namibian sun and dust, which destroyed both of his corneas. This kind of blindness is the result of living in remote locations with prolonged exposure to fierce elements and no eye care anywhere nearby. A lack of education as to what was happening to his eyes also allowed this to occur. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627622-NFJM2YD1X3WJACBGRFYQ/Blind_003.jpg State of Blindness WEST BENGAL, INDIA 21 OCTOBER 2013: Blind girls Sonia, 12, and Anita Singh, 5, accompany their parents during a rainstorm while they work in the fields of their rural Indian village. Both sisters are born into poverty with congenital cataract blindness. They must accompany their parents everywhere as they cannot be left alone without risk. The surgery to cure this is simple and takes 15 minutes but because of the level of poverty in this family they have been unable to pursue the necessary operation. India has more than 12 million blind, the majority of which suffer from cataract blindness. Poverty is the main reason these millions of people are trapped in this condition. Donor funding has recently enabled both sisters to finally go for this operation. This essay is an attempt to tell the story of their lives before surgery, during the operation to regain their sight and after as they begin to discover light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627874-VBHF5HHUQOBUYMLGQL06/Blind_026.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: A young boy with severely impaired vision seen in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627670-DA07FJAGOBNOYYT2NKZ7/Blind_027.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627515-HB9ESLUZMO3JQHMASAGA/Blind_041.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 14 JANUARY 2016: Annya Polley, 15, has been a pupil at the Vivekananda Mission Asram School for the blind for two year. She lives at the school residence and says that she attends Vivekananda because her previous school could not cater for her blindness and she was neglected. This is often the case for children around the world who live with severely impaired vision. Vivekananda is regarded as one the best schools of its kind in India but there is shortage of these facilities in a country with the largest numbers of blind people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627709-RUXJXKY89EJOM8CC1Z62/Blind_042.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 16, 2016: Blind male students of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind are seen at their calisthenics and yoga class in the main assembly hall. Vivekananda has had a number of paraolympic athletes. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627761-XDM8EW1HCO4E0FL3GS8D/Blind_046.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627938-GNLZ7PU2WMRL3YDSY6F5/Blind_048.jpg State of Blindness Exercise class for the blind, Ireland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628188-4Q95ZA6YGTCOHQYQJ9FQ/Blind_062.jpg State of Blindness KOLKATA, INDIA, 13 JANUARY 2016: A Corneal graft is performed at the Vivekananda Mission Asram hospital on the outskirts of Kolkata. A cornea from a deceased donor is cut to precise measurements, the patients internal cataract is removed, a lens inserted and then the new Cornea sewn on to the eye. The entire procedure takes just over one hour to perform and in this case was performed free for a man who could not afford this treatment, a case representing most of the people in India in need of this kind of surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627696-RUGEJQU90IZ2ZN2R17OV/Blind_064.jpg State of Blindness PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind Indian patients make their way to and from a blindess camp on a remote river island where they will be diagnosed with Cataracts, Glaucoma and other eye issues and sent to hospital for surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628008-CY03DB8C21DT47QAMMWD/Blind_075.jpg State of Blindness SILIGURI, DARJEELING DISTRICT, INDIA, JULY 22 2015: Dr Janak Shah is an accomplished and prolific eye surgeon who volunteers his services to the global poor via SEE International, an NGO with a focus on curing blindness. He is seen examining and performing eye surgery at the Baba Loknath Eye Mission hospital. This is a long established religious mission that offers facilities to SEE where Janak can run a blindness camp as well as perform the surgeries required. Janak graduated from the University of Bombay in 1991, and completed his residency in ophthalmology in 1996. He’s been volunteering with SEE International as an eye surgeon since 1996, and in 2013, passed the milestone of 100 SEE expeditions. He is SEE’s most prolific doctor and has worked in places like the Peruvian Jungle, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Mongolia, China, Brazil and many other remote locations. He has worked all over India and has performed thousands of eye surgeries, addressing every kind of illness. Janak is a proud adherent of the Jainism religion; he is a strong believer in their religious tenants of mankind being one. Janak often works with his wife Preeti, herself a talented eye surgeon. Together they are a formidable force and can work quickly on a multitude of surgeries in a single day. They have two daughters, one of 11 and the other 15. Both girls often travel with their parents on their volunteer trips for SEE and actively assistant in patient diagnosis as well as assisting their parents in surgery. Janak and Preeti both believe this gives the girls a real perspective on their place in the world and helps to bind them as a family unit. The Shahs live in Mumbai, India and run a successful eye surgery practice when they are not volunteering for SEE International. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627658-6DXTGBXZUJBAIFRBV1U3/Blind_076.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627683-B40OQYMUMS2C0BGNK7P6/BlindOmo2.jpg State of Blindness LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628038-PHE1RB2Y2YFKLQG9BTQZ/Blind_084.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 2 November 2015: Dr Helena Ndume, winner of the Mandela prize and Namibia's most celebrated opthmalogist, performs cataract surgery on patients attending a blindness clinic in Omaruru, Namibia. Most of these people will recover a degree of sight that has been lost to them for a few years and they are grateful for the opportunity to see again. These camps are held all over Namibia and subsidized by a mix of government funding and donor equipment. They tend to cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicants are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627841-P1O3MUO48KGJQXFF1ZJ5/Blind_103.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 1 NOVEMBER 2015: A blind Damara Nama woman, Theresa Tsamasas, 85, is seen waiting to be screened after arriving from Okombei, a location over 100 kilometers away, at Omaruru District Hospital, Namibia. Theresa lost one eye to a stick when she was a child and now fears for her future as she has lost her only sighted eye to a mature cataract. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. They are often the result of donor efforts to make the surgery and lenses possible for impoverished communities. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627497-T7HZ3OXIVR9L1FTWMGJ0/Blind_105.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 4 November 2015: Herero women waits for their bandages to be removed after undergoing cataract surgery the previous day at Omaruru District Hospital. Most of the people who undergo this kind of eye surgery will recover a degree of sight that has been lost to them for a few years, they are grateful for the opportunity to see again. These camps are held all over Namibia and subsidized by a mix of government funding and donor equipment. They tend to cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicants are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627912-4UEYU1XUS7EDS4RON7EX/Blind_106.jpg State of Blindness An elderly woman after eye surgery on the Angolan/Namibia border. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627756-R843F5AOF98CVVZ0GWJF/Blind_108.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 4 November 2015: Dr Helena Ndume, winner of the Mandela prize and Namibia's most celebrated opthmalogist, removes bandages from her cataract patients attending a blindness clinic in Omaruru, Namibia. Most of these people will recover a degree of sight that has been lost to them for a few years and they are grateful for the opportunity to see again. These camps are held all over Namibia and subsidized by a mix of government funding and donor equipment. They tend to cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicants are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627664-09R8XUZBSHCBUK3J7YSB/Blind_112.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 1 NOVEMBER 2015: The various stages of cataract surgery conducted at a blindness clinic being held at Omaruru District hospital. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. They are often the result of donor efforts to make the surgery and lenses possible for impoverished communities. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628154-VYIRTX6DNNHY3L2HT1XT/Blind_114.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627773-P49WCEVPWFA2I77QSXKC/Blind_118.jpg State of Blindness DUKE EYE CENTER, RALEIGH-DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, 9TH FEBRUARY 2016: Karen Brown, 59, was born with Retinitas Pigmentosa. As a result she experienced very limited sight as a child and then went blind. She is seen at Duke Eye center as eye surgeons implant an Argus 2 retinal implant which will lay an array of 60 electrodes across one of her eyes. This implant will connect to an external device which will bring Karen a version of the world around her translated into what will look light shapes and flashing lights. Second sight provides the following definition of the technology online: "The Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System ("Argus II") is also known as the bionic eye or the retinal implant. It is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals. It is indicated for use in patients with severe to profound retinitis pigmentosa. A miniature video camera housed in the patient's glasses captures a scene. The video is sent to a small patient-worn computer (i.e., the video processing unit – VPU) where it is processed and transformed into instructions that are sent back to the glasses via a cable. These instructions are transmitted wirelessly to an antenna in the retinal implant. The signals are then sent to the electrode array, which emits small pulses of electricity. These pulses bypass the damaged photoreceptors and stimulate the retina's remaining cells, which transmit the visual information along the optic nerve to the brain, creating the perception of patterns of light. Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns with their retinal implant." Karen is operated on by Dr Lejla M Vajzovic and assisted by Dr Paul Hahn at Duke Eye center. Around 150 patients have had the Argus 2 implant so far. It is described as similar to learning another visual language, once patients have learnt this language the world becomes visible to them in a way that could be desbribed as akin to a hazy black and white photograph. ( https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627894-3Y3VLWW9HNCTJ9O41M2I/Blind_120.jpg State of Blindness DUKE EYE CENTER, RALEIGH-DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, 9TH FEBRUARY 2016: Karen Brown, 59, was born with Retinitas Pigmentosa. As a result she experienced very limited sight as a child and then went blind. She is seen at Duke Eye center as eye surgeons implant an Argus 2 retinal implant which will lay an array of 60 electrodes across one of her eyes. This implant will connect to an external device which will bring Karen a version of the world around her translated into what will look light shapes and flashing lights. Second sight provides the following definition of the technology online: "The Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System ("Argus II") is also known as the bionic eye or the retinal implant. It is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals. It is indicated for use in patients with severe to profound retinitis pigmentosa. A miniature video camera housed in the patient's glasses captures a scene. The video is sent to a small patient-worn computer (i.e., the video processing unit – VPU) where it is processed and transformed into instructions that are sent back to the glasses via a cable. These instructions are transmitted wirelessly to an antenna in the retinal implant. The signals are then sent to the electrode array, which emits small pulses of electricity. These pulses bypass the damaged photoreceptors and stimulate the retina's remaining cells, which transmit the visual information along the optic nerve to the brain, creating the perception of patterns of light. Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns with their retinal implant." Karen is operated on by Dr Lejla M Vajzovic and assisted by Dr Paul Hahn at Duke Eye center. Around 150 patients have had the Argus 2 implant so far. It is described as similar to learning another visual language, once patients have learnt this language the world becomes visible to them in a way that could be desbribed as akin to a hazy black and white photograph. ( https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627944-V0LZGK23LD43H346HESM/Blind_134.jpg State of Blindness ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, 1 March 2016: When Dan Bigley was 25 he lost life as he knew when a bear mauled him, leaving his face ruined and his eyes blind after the incident. After relearning everything from how to match his socks to how to make a living, Dan earned a masters degree in social work, got married and became a father to two children. He currently works with youth in need in Anchorage, Alaska. Medical science is moving forward at a rapid pace when it comes to rebuilding aspects of the cell building blocks that make up our organs. There is speculation within the industry that one day whole eye replacement may become a possibility. Dan would be the perfect candidate for that, as would children and veterans who lose their sight in combat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628087-5GHFNB9DDZUN17ONAGSD/Blind_136.jpg State of Blindness HANOI, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: Pham, 32, a man born without eyes due to Agent Orange contamination which affected his father while he fought as a soldier in the Vietnam war, Hanoi, Vietnam, October 10, 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627715-W69S19QGTNW5K88PILBV/Blind_002.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARABANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 8 JANUARY 2016: Mahammad Ali Molla, 60, has been blind for the last 14 years. He developed a problem with his eyes when tree sap entered in them while working as an agricultural labourer. He could not access eye treatment and as his eyes were neglected he developed corneal ulcers. He sought medical help from local quacks who took his money but destroyed his one eye and damaged the other with their ill-advised treatment techniques. He received further surgery from Kolkata Medical college but they could not save his remaining vision. He spent 30 000 rupees on that trip to Kolkata and it is likely most of that money went to living away from his home while undergoing treatment as well as paying unscrupulous middle men. Mahammad is supported by his wife Samiran Molla, 55, who has had to shoulder the financial burden of raising their 5 children. They survive today with meagre fishing income and by her eating with one son and Mahammad eating with the other. It is likely Mahammad's blindness could have been prevented by access to qualified eye care but his remote location and lack of local facilities as well as his state of poverty prevented access to correct treatment. This story is not uncommon in the more remote parts of India where remote communities are encumbered by a lack of quality eye care at hand and poverty makes travel and care inaccesable. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628261-F6NW76DELDBSGQWT5CHS/blindness3.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627744-04X04R02IF3BGHEG4Z9H/Blind_028.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627737-83ZSR17Y89XUUDSXY40D/Blind_043.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Scenes with blind boys in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628118-Q4S0JXY958PRYZEYEDNE/Blind_047.jpg State of Blindness A schoolgirl with Ocular Albinism. Ireland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627454-8YRZABZDSYQD4SGX5SZ7/Blind_049.jpg State of Blindness Animal therapy for the blind, Ireland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627835-ZENP77TNJROO8GZQHKND/Blind_063.jpg State of Blindness KOLKATA, INDIA, 13 JANUARY 2016: A Corneal graft is performed at the Vivekananda Mission Asram hospital on the outskirts of Kolkata. A cornea from a deceased donor is cut to precise measurements, the patients internal cataract is removed, a lens inserted and then the new Cornea sewn on to the eye. The entire procedure takes just over one hour to perform and in this case was performed free for a man who could not afford this treatment, a case representing most of the people in India in need of this kind of surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627553-SVZZICPGEH3VJ0EKN60B/Blind_065.jpg State of Blindness PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind Indian boy Dablu Kuma, 8, and his mother make their way to and from a blindess camp on a remote river island where he is diagnosed with Cataracts and sent to hospital for surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627956-IWKB20U5PSQ2W2LU8IO0/Blind_077.jpg State of Blindness AKHAND JYOTI EYE HOSPITAL, PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind boy Dablu Kuma, 8, after Cataract surgery at Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, the third largest eye hospital in India. This hospital performs over 65000 last year. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627900-5BQ2IK5TSQ6GDKK35H2U/BlindOMo.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627795-KVLMMNAEMBOLDZJOENKI/Blind_085.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 2 November 2015: Dr Helena Ndume, winner of the Mandela prize and Namibia's most celebrated opthmalogist, performs cataract surgery on patients attending a blindness clinic in Omaruru, Namibia. Most of these people will recover a degree of sight that has been lost to them for a few years and they are grateful for the opportunity to see again. These camps are held all over Namibia and subsidized by a mix of government funding and donor equipment. They tend to cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicants are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627429-3LJND568MQRMDUCY3Y7M/Blind_104.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 4 November 2015: An Herero woman waits for her bandages to be removed after undergoing cataract surgery the previous day at Omaruru District Hospital. Most of the people who undergo this kind of eye surgery will recover a degree of sight that has been lost to them for a few years, they are grateful for the opportunity to see again. These camps are held all over Namibia and subsidized by a mix of government funding and donor equipment. They tend to cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicants are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628236-J21JI4MGN82O7669KV9N/Blind_107.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 1 November 2015: Antonia Nuses, 85, greets her grandson Brendon, in yellow hat, with joy after her bandages are removed after cataract surgery. Both of her eyes have now been operated on and she says her sight is greatly improved. She is thrilled to be able to see her grandchildren again and to be able to move around the house and her neighbourhood by herself once more. She says this gives her back a measure of independence, from boiling a cup of tea to cooking and feeling more like herself again. Antonia and her grandson came all the way from Windhoek for this surgery, it is subsidized and they would not have been able to afford the $60,000 Namibian dollars it would cost to have done privately. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627985-NKRTHM1KHUAZQB28H8DX/Blind_109.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume. Patients are seen praising Dr Ndume for her service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627932-9RVFF7WR1YMK1RMHAFJQ/Blind_113.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 1 NOVEMBER 2015: The various stages of cataract surgery conducted at a blindness clinic being held at Omaruru District hospital. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. They are often the result of donor efforts to make the surgery and lenses possible for impoverished communities. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628248-754Y9AXF1KB2UYGFUWOR/Blind_115.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627410-W0ZTF5EKNRSHR5DLONIG/Blind_119.jpg State of Blindness DUKE EYE CENTER, RALEIGH-DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, 9TH FEBRUARY 2016: Surgeons install the Argus 2 retinal implant into the eye of Karen Brown, 59. Karen was born with Retinitas Pigmentosa. As a result she experienced very limited sight as a child and then went blind. She is seen at Duke Eye center as eye surgeons implant an Argus 2 retinal implant which will lay an array of 60 electrodes across one of her eyes. This implant will connect to an external device which will bring Karen a version of the world around her translated into what will look light shapes and flashing lights. Second sight provides the following definition of the technology online: "The Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System ("Argus II") is also known as the bionic eye or the retinal implant. It is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals. It is indicated for use in patients with severe to profound retinitis pigmentosa. A miniature video camera housed in the patient's glasses captures a scene. The video is sent to a small patient-worn computer (i.e., the video processing unit – VPU) where it is processed and transformed into instructions that are sent back to the glasses via a cable. These instructions are transmitted wirelessly to an antenna in the retinal implant. The signals are then sent to the electrode array, which emits small pulses of electricity. These pulses bypass the damaged photoreceptors and stimulate the retina's remaining cells, which transmit the visual information along the optic nerve to the brain, creating the perception of patterns of light. Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns with their retinal implant." Around 150 patients have had the Argus 2 implant so far. It is described as similar to learning another visual language, once patients have learnt this language the world becomes visible to them in a way that could be desbribed as akin to a hazy black and white photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627731-EVYLPFPYPVK0JQPAMUD1/Blind_121.jpg State of Blindness RIVERSIDE, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA, 16 FEBRUARY 2016: Terry Byland, 67, is the only person in the world who has had both the Argus Retinal Prosthesis systems installed in both of his eyes. Terry lost his sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa, a disease that attacks the photoreceptor cells in the retina. This left Terry blind by age 45. 11 years later he underwent the first operation, implanting the first version of the Argus device inside his eye. From 2004 to 2010 Terry was part of the study for the development of that device. He says that he was interested in being a pioneer for a study that could one-day benefit thousands of the blind. In June 2015 Terry received the second generation Argus 2 prosthetic in his left eye. Since then he has not activated the first generation device. He continues to work with Second Sight, the developers of the device, to bring this technology forward. Terry credits the Argus technology with giving him a greater sense of independence and thus a greater sense of self-worth. He is seen visiting with the Braile Club, a support group for blind people he has attended for over 10 years in his home town of Riverside, LA. He is seen making announcements, singing in the choir, playing Bingo and generally interacting with volunteers and other blind people. Terry is able to make out shapes and forms that appear to him in a form of lights and darks, this is a new visual language that he and other Argus users develop. Terry ends his day with his son Daniel as they go for fast food close to his home. “The Argus II helps patients recognize large letters, locate the position of objects and more. It restores some visual capabilities for patients whose blindness is caused by Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited retinal degenerative disease that affects about 100,000 people nationwide. The system includes a small video camera mounted on a pair of eyeglasses, a video processing unit that transforms images from the camera into wirelessly-transmitt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628056-GOXRPHSVDZAX3MY0A9Y7/Blind_135.jpg State of Blindness HANOI, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: Pham, 32, a man born without eyes due to Agent Orange contamination which affected his father while he fought as a soldier in the Vietnam war, Hanoi, Vietnam, October 10, 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627608-O6RD3L8A2ODTJJ3E9SL9/Blind_137.jpg State of Blindness ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDIA, USA, 21 MARCH 2016: Marine Cpl. Michael Jernigan was five weeks from leaving Iraq when an improvised explosive device mangled his right hand and left knee, shattered his entire forehead, destroyed both eyes and left him with a traumatic brain injury. The shrapnel from two rigged 105 shells blew him twenty meters out of the gun turret of the Humvee he was in, passing straight through his right eye and out of his left. This was on August 22, 2004. He became the first US serviceman to lose both eyes in combat in Iraq. Michael underwent 30 surgeries over 12 months enduring tremendous pain and trauma. He eventually had a Bilateral Anucleation where the remains of both eyes were removed and spacers were implanted. One of his optical nerves is badly damaged, the other remains intact. He has no sight whatsoever. Michael is seen in his hometown of St Petersburg, Florida with his new Guide dog “Treasure.” Mike was initially paired up with a guide dog from Southeastern Guide dogs in Florida and became involved with that organization. He helped start the Paws for Patriots non-profit program through the Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto as well as the Paws for Independence. Today he is the associate director of philanthropy for Southeastern Guide dogs and lives in St Petersburg, Florida, where he grew up. His mission is to provide guide dogs to veterans who have lost their sight in the course of their duties. Michael has also completed a college degree and is a regular speaker on behalf of US veterans. The currents state of research in Blindness is moving forward at a rapid pace. Retinal implants combined with Stem Cell technology and Gene Therapy, the future may well offer whole eye replacement, a dream for many in the world of blindness. Michael remains philosophical about this. “I have been blind for 11 and a half years now. I’m okay with being blind, Organ regeneration was once Star-Trek stuff but I know that these days they are moving ahea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627473-VHPC0MZ37LWY4NTF620Y/Blind_004.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628194-9GF8UU6HW2BY37O0I08H/Blind_029.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627906-95I50SXCTNQ0NJG80GVW/Blind_044.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Scenes with blind boys in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627416-7ZMOBG2YYD504P7BDMNI/Blind_050.jpg State of Blindness Animal therapy for the blind, Ireland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628165-MW0J85JEZMDY3MIVHVMF/Blind_066.jpg State of Blindness PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind Indian boy Dablu Kuma, 8, and his mother make their way to and from a blindess camp on a remote river island where he is diagnosed with Cataracts and sent to hospital for surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627816-WZBN9YMB5UEFD0FAGWBC/Blind_078.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627578-0Y6Z8QLV8GBYQ1QPCURQ/Blind_086.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 31 OCTOBER 2015: Elderly patients, all with mature cataract blindness, await and undergo surgery at a clinic for the blind held at Omaruru District Hospital, Namibia. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicants are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628142-DFGB218NQ14DDX5O4PLZ/Blind_110.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume. Patients are seen praising Dr Ndume for her service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627979-4YQSXU5RW9CL01PGYZVT/Blind_117.jpg State of Blindness DUKE EYE CENTER, RALEIGH-DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, 9TH FEBRUARY 2016: Karen Brown, 59, was born with Retinitas Pigmentosa. As a result she experienced very limited sight as a child and then went blind. She is seen at Duke Eye center about to receive an Argus 2 retinal implant which will lay an array of 60 electrodes across one of her eyes. This implant will connect to an external device which will bring Karen a version of the world around her translated into what will look light shapes and flashing lights. Second sight provides the following definition of the technology online: "The Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System ("Argus II") is also known as the bionic eye or the retinal implant. It is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals. It is indicated for use in patients with severe to profound retinitis pigmentosa. A miniature video camera housed in the patient's glasses captures a scene. The video is sent to a small patient-worn computer (i.e., the video processing unit – VPU) where it is processed and transformed into instructions that are sent back to the glasses via a cable. These instructions are transmitted wirelessly to an antenna in the retinal implant. The signals are then sent to the electrode array, which emits small pulses of electricity. These pulses bypass the damaged photoreceptors and stimulate the retina's remaining cells, which transmit the visual information along the optic nerve to the brain, creating the perception of patterns of light. Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns with their retinal implant." Karen is to be operated on by Dr Lejla M Vajzovic and assisted by Dr Paul Hahn. Duke Eye center. Around 150 patients have had the Argus 2 implant so far. It is described as similar to learning another visual language, once patients have learnt this language the world becomes visible to them in a way that could be desbribed as akin to a hazy black and white photograph. (Pho https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627768-BMR60SI44HL8EI2PEDYQ/Blind_123.jpg State of Blindness OXFORD EYE HOSPITAL, OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, 23 FEBRUARY 2016: Rhian Lewis, 50, is the first patient in the UK to receive the world’s most advanced “bionic eye.” Surgeons at the Oxford Eye Hospital at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital implanted a tiny electronic chip at the back of Rhian’s retina in her right eye as part of ongoing research of the technology. Mother-of-two Rhian, of Cardiff, Wales, was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa – a disorder that destroys the light sensitive cells called photoreceptors in the retina – when she was five. She is completely blind in her right eye and has virtually no vision in her left eye as a result of the condition, for which there is no cure.But behind the destroyed photoreceptors she still had an intact optic nerve and all the brain wiring needed for vision, making it possible to restore vision if only a way could be found to substitute the function of the photoreceptors.The wafer-thin retinal implant chip – which measures 3x3mm² - is inserted into the back of the eye to replace damaged photoreceptors in a delicate six to eight hour operation. The chip has been developed by German engineering firm Retina Implant AG and captures the light entering the eye to stimulate the nerve cells of the inner retina to deliver signals to the brain through the optic nerve.The device is connected to a tiny computer that sits underneath the skin behind the ear. A magnetic coil that is applied to the skin powers this – from the outside this looks similar to a hearing aid. The device is switched on once everything has healed after surgery. It takes time for users to learn to interpret the sight the implant provides, as, for most of the trial patients, the parts of the brain responsible for interpreting vision have been dormant for a long time. When the device is first switched on they will often see flashes of light, but over a few weeks the brain converts those flashes into meaningful shapes and objects to build up an imag https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628002-VF8MZZ26UONNM2N0VHGX/Blind_005.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628105-IGIKLGSR7F2Z8EW2A53V/Blind_030.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628182-W722PHQ101HZ2BZZ6LGA/Blind_045.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 14 JANUARY 2016: Jhulan Mukherjee, 39, is a former pupil from the Vivekananda Mission Asram School for the blind, she is a successful teacher at a school for sighted pupils today. Jhulan learnt braille at home from a young age but says she would not have had any success without her time at Vivekananda. Jhulan had a very difficult time with prejudice against the blind, despite being a very talented student. After school she studied English Literature for 3 years attaining her Bachelors degree, she then did a masters in English as well as another BA in education. She decided to become a teacher but was refused access to the entrance examinations. She became part of a movement for the rights of the Blind in India and took her case to court. The court ruled that she had the right to become a teacher and Jhulan passed her examinations on her first try. The first school she was assigned to was prejudiced against her and refused to let her teach. Another legal fight ensued and the District Inspector of Schools intervened on Jhulan's behalf and actually declassified the school for their prejudicial audacity. Jhulan then had to deal with the School Service Commision regarding her blindness but passed her exam and was finally allowed to teach at her second school posting. Jhulan has taught successfully as a blind person at Talbagicha High School in Kharagpur, West Bengal for more than ten years now. She is seen with her son who has the same hereditary issues as herself. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628212-E73JUY77L8CPEIZW52EH/Blind_051.jpg State of Blindness Blind boxer prepares for a fight, Dublin, Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628273-OJ2NJTE2SMCFZP1JC3W4/Blind_067.jpg State of Blindness PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind Indian boy Dablu Kuma, 8, and his mother make their way to and from a blindess camp on a remote river island where he is diagnosed with Cataracts and sent to hospital for surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628130-DHKQWWM2M8QUG5VTP6G6/Blind_079.jpg State of Blindness SHRI BHOJAY SARVODAYA EYE HOSPITAL, BHUJ, KUTCH, INDIA, JULY 22 2015: Dr Janak Shah examines patients after a series of successful eye surgreries. He is an accomplished and prolific eye surgeon who volunteers his services to the global poor via SEE International, an NGO with a focus on curing blindness. He is seen examining patients after he haHe and his wife Preeti are seen examining and performing eye surgery at the Shri Bhojay Sarvodaya Eye hospital close to the India Pakistan border. This is a new hospital that offers modern facilities to SEE where Janak can run a blindness camp as well as perform the surgeries required. Janak graduated from the University of Bombay in 1991, and completed his residency in ophthalmology in 1996. He’s been volunteering with SEE International as an eye surgeon since 1996, and in 2013, passed the milestone of 100 SEE expeditions. He is SEE’s most prolific doctor and has worked in places like the Peruvian Jungle, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Mongolia, China, Brazil and many other remote locations. He has worked all over India and has performed thousands of eye surgeries, addressing every kind of illness. Janak is a proud adherent of the Jainism religion; he is a strong believer in their religious tenants of mankind being one. Janak often works with his wife Preeti, herself a talented eye surgeon. Together they are a formidable force and can work quickly on a multitude of surgeries in a single day. They have two daughters, one of 11 and the other 15. Both girls often travel with their parents on their volunteer trips for SEE and actively assistant in patient diagnosis as well as assisting their parents in surgery. Janak and Preeti both believe this gives the girls a real perspective on their place in the world and helps to bind them as a family unit. The Shahs live in Mumbai, India and run a successful eye surgery practice when they are not volunteering for SEE International. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628062-76P0T1D6NQ31VOJJS1NQ/Blind_087.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627521-1CQSCXDY43DAAPKULOFK/Blind_111.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 1 NOVEMBER 2015: The various stages of cataract surgery conducted at a blindness clinic being held at Omaruru District hospital. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. They are often the result of donor efforts to make the surgery and lenses possible for impoverished communities. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627790-5C5S38YTTYEGYFZOTSSI/Blind_124.jpg State of Blindness ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, 29 FEBRUARY 2016: Anastasia Anisimova, 15, is a diabetic with type 2 diabetes; she uses an automatic Insulin pump to regulate her blood sugar. She is seen checking her pump, which she wears on her hip on a belt or inside a pocket in her jeans. This allows her to live a normal and active lifestyle. She has had the pump since she was 9 years old and says that it has made a tremendous difference in her life. Anastasia is a ballroom dancer in St Petersburg, Russia and she is a black belt in Tae Kwan Do. Before the pump Anastasia’s grandmother often had to wake her in the middle of the night to give her insulin shots. She is seen in Alaska where she is part of a cultural exchange program for Russian students visiting with Chugiak High School. Anastasia is seen in traditional Russian dress preparing and dancing during a cultural show at the high school and in jeans and t-shirt during a modern dance number. Diabetes if left unchecked, can lead to Diabetic Retinopathy. This is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. A pump that delivers a regulated insulin dose helps to hold back the development of this eye disease in diabetics. Testing is currently underway with a new pump that will resemble a bionic pancreas. This pump will simultaneously measure blood sugar levels as well as pump the necessary insulin into the patient. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627547-6TUX84B1YUZR9FN08WF1/Blind_006.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 8 JANUARY 2016: Nasma Molla, 14 is currently blind with cataracts that can be cured in a fiften minute operation. Both Nasma and her brother Amyr come from a family where 4 of five people are blind. Three have been operated on so far and all recovered sight in at least one eye. Amyr is becoming progressively worse and Nasma, who is completely blind. Nasma fears being assaulted and not being able to identify her assailaint. She has taught herself to cook, despite the dangers of the fire and her meals feed her family. Nasma's mother is blind too and fears for her daughters future, stating that marrying her off is going to be very difficult if she is blind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627823-H10RAFW3MDTPWM9NX2QD/Blind_031.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Scenes with blind boys in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627634-FD83236O7YQ8TQETNXXR/Blind_052.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARBANS, INDIA: A blind woman with a child feels her way on to a boat that is a mobile camp for eye care in a remote part of the Sundarban islands in India. These boats offer general eye health diagnosis to extremely impoverished villages deep within the Sundarbans. Dr Asim Sil’s extremely dedicated team uses these boats to get around the Sundarbans and often works from early morning to late at night on patients who would otherwise have no access to good eye care. The goal of the team is to educate and offer refractive services, ie glasses; to diagnose eye health problems and to offer surgical solutions to patients who need them, including transport to the hospitals. These services are provided free of charge. Dr Sil has worked on eye care in the Sundarbans since 1989, and along with his team has been of service to thousands of patients in this remote region of India. A high povery index and remoteness of location coupled with a lack of access to quality eye care has seen India become the country with the highest number of blind people. Most of these cases began as problems that if diagnosed earlier, could have been prevented. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627991-BSXUR2BMS5ZMV1OBWYGJ/Blind_068.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627997-07DY6RQ8V4IPUWWDKBE1/Blind_080.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628093-5MG8F2S2KWYXT0PD5DM7/Blind_088.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628014-XW6YPZ4LAMSZQFDQ1MOE/Blind_125.jpg State of Blindness ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, 29 FEBRUARY 2016: Anastasia Anisimova, 15, is a diabetic with type 2 diabetes; she uses an automatic Insulin pump to regulate her blood sugar. She is seen checking her pump, which she wears on her hip on a belt or inside a pocket in her jeans. This allows her to live a normal and active lifestyle. She has had the pump since she was 9 years old and says that it has made a tremendous difference in her life. Anastasia is a ballroom dancer in St Petersburg, Russia and she is a black belt in Tae Kwan Do. Before the pump Anastasia’s grandmother often had to wake her in the middle of the night to give her insulin shots. She is seen in Alaska where she is part of a cultural exchange program for Russian students visiting with Chugiak High School. Anastasia is seen in traditional Russian dress preparing and dancing during a cultural show at the high school and in jeans and t-shirt during a modern dance number. Diabetes if left unchecked, can lead to Diabetic Retinopathy. This is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. A pump that delivers a regulated insulin dose helps to hold back the development of this eye disease in diabetics. Testing is currently underway with a new pump that will resemble a bionic pancreas. This pump will simultaneously measure blood sugar levels as well as pump the necessary insulin into the patient. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627442-D4RRNEZPJCGV9O8C23LE/_H0A1452.jpg State of Blindness A boat of blind men are rowed to a clinic for blindness in the Sundarban islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627436-H6NQHSQSN74LMNGKCAZZ/Blind_032.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Scenes with blind boys in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628136-S15W8MW32Y76OZ47F8BF/Blind_053.jpg State of Blindness Sundarbans, India, 11 January 2016: Dr Asim Sil leads a team of eye care specialists on a boat-camp for eye care in a remote part of the Sundarbans, India. These boats are often used in partnership with other NGO’s, offering general healthcare facilities as well as eye health diagnosis to extremely impoverished villages deep within the Sundarbans. Dr Sil’s team uses boats to get around the Sundarbans and often works from early morning to late at night on patients who would otherwise not have access to good eye care. The goal of the team is to educate and offer refractive services, ie glasses; to diagnose eye health problems and to offer surgical solutions to patients who need them, including transport to the hospitals. These services are provided free of charge by Vivekananda Mission Asram hospital. Dr Sil has worked on eye care in the Sundarbans since 1989, and along with his team has been of service to thousands of patients in this remote region of India. A high povery index and remoteness of location coupled with a lack of access to quality eye care has seen India become the country with the highest number of blind people. Most of these cases began as problems that if diagnosed earlier, could have been prevented. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627461-KALWWDR8P3T45NSGAHU8/Blind_069.jpg State of Blindness PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind Indian boy Dablu Kuma, 8, and his mother make their way to and from a blindess camp on a remote river island where he is diagnosed with Cataracts and sent to hospital for surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627926-NAVW4DY8VFPXRVEOZ1VV/Blind_081.jpg State of Blindness WEST BENGAL, INDIA 28 OCTOBER 2013: Anita and Sonia Singh explore the beginning of sight as they walk through bullrushes close to their village after undergoing eye surgery. Both Anita, 5, and her older sister Sonia, 12, are born into poverty with congenital cataract blindness and they will need to excercise their new eyes for at least six months before their sight approximates normal. The surgery to cure cataract blindness is simple and takes 15 minutes but because of the level of poverty in this family they have been unable to pursue the necessary operation. India has more than 12 million blind, the majority of which suffer from cataract blindness. Poverty is the main reason these millions of people are trapped in this condition. Donor funding has recently enabled both sisters to finally go for this operation. This essay is an attempt to tell the story of their lives before surgery, during the operation to regain their sight and after as they begin to discover light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627867-8KVNU6HNQ0719YYCN45S/Blind_090.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627703-77RIUB0AXQ3G0XET7AWJ/Blind_126.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 2 November 2015:This man suffers from severe diabetes and has lost one eye and his legs to the disease. Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in the developed world and the damage it inflicts on sight is often not detected until too late. Regualar visits to a qualified professional are required. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628148-PVGW6PQ3QVHKFKGXG0PY/Blind_007.jpg State of Blindness WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2014: Bharat Mallik, 7, is a boy who suffers from Cataract blindness and comes from a severely impoverished Bengali family in India. Bharat’s father is a drunk and his labourer mother struggles to make ends meet. As a result he has not been treated for his cataracts. A teacher network at school notified a local social worker and as a result of his efforts Bharat is scheduled for surgery as an Ashram hospital a few hours away. Most of these villagers are so poor that transport to a hospital is not possible. As a result many children go permanently blind when like Bharat, a simple operation can restore their sight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627528-6FPHIDIROJY3C004I743/Blind_033.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Raghunandan Maity, 19, studies braille at the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. He has been at the school since he was 4 years old and credits his future to the school and the skills he has learnt there. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628026-N8Y4R2OLZLOD247YTCVX/Blind_054.jpg State of Blindness Sundarbans, India, 11 January 2016: Dr Asim Sil leads a team of eye care specialists on a boat-camp for eye care in a remote part of the Sundarbans, India. These boats are often used in partnership with other NGO’s, offering general healthcare facilities as well as eye health diagnosis to extremely impoverished villages deep within the Sundarbans. Dr Sil’s team uses boats to get around the Sundarbans and often works from early morning to late at night on patients who would otherwise not have access to good eye care. The goal of the team is to educate and offer refractive services, ie glasses; to diagnose eye health problems and to offer surgical solutions to patients who need them, including transport to the hospitals. These services are provided free of charge by Vivekananda Mission Asram hospital. Dr Sil has worked on eye care in the Sundarbans since 1989, and along with his team has been of service to thousands of patients in this remote region of India. A high povery index and remoteness of location coupled with a lack of access to quality eye care has seen India become the country with the highest number of blind people. Most of these cases began as problems that if diagnosed earlier, could have been prevented. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627467-642GMV46AHXV7TECLKAG/Blind_070.jpg State of Blindness WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2014: Bharat Mallik, 7, is a boy who suffers from Cataract blindness and comes from a severely impoverished Bengali family in India. He is seen at Vivekananda Mission Hospital, an eye hospital which specializes in treating the poor for little or no money. Bharat’s father is a drunk and his labourer mother struggles to make ends meet. As a result he has not been treated for his cataracts. A teacher network at school notified a local social worker and as a result of his efforts Bharat is scheduled for surgery at Vivekananda Ashram hospital a few hours away. Most of these villagers are so poor that transport to a hospital is not possible. As a result many children go permanently blind when like Bharat, a simple operation can restore their sight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628099-5DQJEK9DVF6D9RIP4D97/Blind_082.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627628-7BVCFDGIIZBU2J92AQZ9/Blind_091.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628075-M2OCYMUU6H1Y8JVO7ILJ/Blind_127.jpg State of Blindness PHILADELPHIA, USA, 13TH MARCH 2016: Christian Guardino, 16, was legally blind and now sees well enough to read thanks to Gene therapy treatment that corrected his Laber’s Congenital Amaurosis syndrome. Christian began Gene Therapy at the age of 12 under Dr Jean Bennet at Children’s hospital of Philadelphia. Shortly after the therapy began he was able to identify patterns of carpets he never saw before and his night sight improved dramatically. His mother Elizabeth Guardino says that he always needed help to move around before and the use of a cane. This is no longer necessary. Christian is a singer and won the Amateur night at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. He is able to read his lyrics nowadays rather than relying entirely on memory. Christian remembers seeing the moon for the first time, a moment he calls pivotal. He is seen with his friends, learning lyrics in his bedroom and kitchen and at the Apollo theatre. Christian sings all the time and says that the best thing about his new sight is being able to spend time with his friends without restriction. His next wish is to be able to drive, his sight is currently around 20/50 and that may not be an impossible goal if his sight continues to improve. The Gene therapy targets a missing RP65 Gene, which was first identified in 1997. People with this issue cannot see because they lack an enzyme that breaks down Vitamin A and without that their nerve cells cannot capture light. The missing gene is delivered to the eye cells in people with inherited genetic disease and the chemical pathway is then corrected. Surgery uses a gene therapy vector virus to deliver the treatment. The surgeon places this in contact with the affected cells and injects under the retina. The cells first absorb the virus, and then the missing gene then starts to be produced by the body. Patients who have experienced this therapy say they have gone from dependence to independence; most can read and go about daily lives with ease af https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628069-7T9EZYAAOVZYU6FFLFVS/Blind_008.jpg State of Blindness WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2014: Bharat Mallik, 7, is a boy who suffers from Cataract blindness and comes from a severely impoverished Bengali family in India. Bharat’s father is a drunk and his labourer mother struggles to make ends meet. As a result he has not been treated for his cataracts. A teacher network at school notified a local social worker and as a result of his efforts Bharat is scheduled for surgery as an Ashram hospital a few hours away. Most of these villagers are so poor that transport to a hospital is not possible. As a result many children go permanently blind when like Bharat, a simple operation can restore their sight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627485-R9EPG92FREYUFM5L1FDK/Blind_034.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 17, 2016: Blind school kids from the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind learn the solar system from a model in a classroom with the headmaster Mr Panda. Models are invaluable in educating the blind, enabling them to have a three dimensional sense of what the world around them looks like. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628020-OQKH91HXVP7V38C9T7YQ/Blind_055.jpg State of Blindness Sundarbans, India, 11 January 2016: Dr Asim Sil leads a team of eye care specialists on a boat-camp for eye care in a remote part of the Sundarbans, India. These boats are often used in partnership with other NGO’s, offering general healthcare facilities as well as eye health diagnosis to extremely impoverished villages deep within the Sundarbans. Dr Sil’s team uses boats to get around the Sundarbans and often works from early morning to late at night on patients who would otherwise not have access to good eye care. The goal of the team is to educate and offer refractive services, ie glasses; to diagnose eye health problems and to offer surgical solutions to patients who need them, including transport to the hospitals. These services are provided free of charge by Vivekananda Mission Asram hospital. Dr Sil has worked on eye care in the Sundarbans since 1989, and along with his team has been of service to thousands of patients in this remote region of India. A high povery index and remoteness of location coupled with a lack of access to quality eye care has seen India become the country with the highest number of blind people. Most of these cases began as problems that if diagnosed earlier, could have been prevented. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627491-WYKQWQHPWIEBJZLGNOV0/Blind_071.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627888-58DGFOHVDY1WMWA7Z2F7/Blind_083.jpg State of Blindness OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 4 November 2015: Dr Helena Ndume, 54, winner of the Mandela prize and Namibia's most celebrated opthmalogist and a genuine surgeon to the people. Ndume grew up in political exile and studied in East Germany and after the wall came down did her specialisation in West Germany. She has spend many years in government hospitals and performed thousands of eye surgeries, the vast majority of which were for the poorest demographic in Namibia. She is seen outside the remains of the first hospital in Omaruru, where she is currently holding a blindness clinic for people from all over Western Namibia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628268-8IQQ2GFOKUOVKPXHNEUF/Blind_092.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627750-APD4S2BILYC6Y4IBWIU1/Blind_128.jpg State of Blindness PHILADELPHIA, USA, 13TH MARCH 2016: Christian Guardino, 16, was legally blind and now sees well enough to read thanks to Gene therapy treatment that corrected his Laber’s Congenital Amaurosis syndrome. Christian began Gene Therapy at the age of 12 under Dr Jean Bennet at Children’s hospital of Philadelphia. Shortly after the therapy began he was able to identify patterns of carpets he never saw before and his night sight improved dramatically. His mother Elizabeth Guardino says that he always needed help to move around before and the use of a cane. This is no longer necessary. Christian is a singer and won the Amateur night at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. He is able to read his lyrics nowadays rather than relying entirely on memory. Christian remembers seeing the moon for the first time, a moment he calls pivotal. He is seen with his friends, learning lyrics in his bedroom and kitchen and at the Apollo theatre. Christian sings all the time and says that the best thing about his new sight is being able to spend time with his friends without restriction. His next wish is to be able to drive, his sight is currently around 20/50 and that may not be an impossible goal if his sight continues to improve. The Gene therapy targets a missing RP65 Gene, which was first identified in 1997. People with this issue cannot see because they lack an enzyme that breaks down Vitamin A and without that their nerve cells cannot capture light. The missing gene is delivered to the eye cells in people with inherited genetic disease and the chemical pathway is then corrected. Surgery uses a gene therapy vector virus to deliver the treatment. The surgeon places this in contact with the affected cells and injects under the retina. The cells first absorb the virus, and then the missing gene then starts to be produced by the body. Patients who have experienced this therapy say they have gone from dependence to independence; most can read and go about daily lives with ease af https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627403-N4DGQY9JPVZ1EIUJYAMK/Blind_009.jpg State of Blindness WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2014: Bharat Mallik, 7, is a boy who suffers from Cataract blindness and comes from a severely impoverished Bengali family in India. He is seen at Vivekananda Mission Hospital, an eye hospital which specializes in treating the poor for little or no money. Bharat’s father is a drunk and his labourer mother struggles to make ends meet. As a result he has not been treated for his cataracts. A teacher network at school notified a local social worker and as a result of his efforts Bharat is scheduled for surgery at Vivekananda Ashram hospital a few hours away. Most of these villagers are so poor that transport to a hospital is not possible. As a result many children go permanently blind when like Bharat, a simple operation can restore their sight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627597-W0CML9OD5ZYJ98BATDMR/Blind_035.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627725-TTKKJMCE6NPCOIU1P81S/Blind_056.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARABANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 8 JANUARY 2016: Images from Goshaba Vision Center, a center where optical care is provided to remote Indian communities. These centres are now found across the more remote areas and are primarly used to cater for refractions needs, ie glasses and also to identify more serious issues which can then be referred to clinics and hospital and transport can be co-ordinated for these patients. Most of the demographic who utilizes these facilities are economically challenged and these centers fill a vital gap for those who otherwise would not be able to access eye care. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628171-9R1LGVB8RSA1GB7SQKZJ/Blind_072.jpg State of Blindness AKHAND JYOTI EYE HOSPITAL, PATNA, BIHAR, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Eye surgery patients recover in a mass ward at Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, the third largest eye hospital in India. This hospital performed over 65 000 eye surgeries last year, often averaging over 400 surgeries a day. They cater to the poorest of the poor in the poorest state in India. Over 2 thirds of their surgeries are free for the poor. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628032-VXPUGAD29WDFLOE50GTQ/Blind_093.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627560-OFS6ZA3YG8HW0QBHE4ED/Blind_129.jpg State of Blindness PHILADELPHIA, USA, 13TH MARCH 2016: Christian Guardino, 16, was legally blind and now sees well enough to read thanks to Gene therapy treatment that corrected his Laber’s Congenital Amaurosis syndrome. Christian began Gene Therapy at the age of 12 under Dr Jean Bennet at Children’s hospital of Philadelphia. Shortly after the therapy began he was able to identify patterns of carpets he never saw before and his night sight improved dramatically. His mother Elizabeth Guardino says that he always needed help to move around before and the use of a cane. This is no longer necessary. Christian is a singer and won the Amateur night at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. He is able to read his lyrics nowadays rather than relying entirely on memory. Christian remembers seeing the moon for the first time, a moment he calls pivotal. He is seen with his friends, learning lyrics in his bedroom and kitchen and at the Apollo theatre. Christian sings all the time and says that the best thing about his new sight is being able to spend time with his friends without restriction. His next wish is to be able to drive, his sight is currently around 20/50 and that may not be an impossible goal if his sight continues to improve. The Gene therapy targets a missing RP65 Gene, which was first identified in 1997. People with this issue cannot see because they lack an enzyme that breaks down Vitamin A and without that their nerve cells cannot capture light. The missing gene is delivered to the eye cells in people with inherited genetic disease and the chemical pathway is then corrected. Surgery uses a gene therapy vector virus to deliver the treatment. The surgeon places this in contact with the affected cells and injects under the retina. The cells first absorb the virus, and then the missing gene then starts to be produced by the body. Patients who have experienced this therapy say they have gone from dependence to independence; most can read and go about daily lives with ease af https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627919-HX5NUAC87KPW2YGZLKP7/Blind_010.jpg State of Blindness WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 17 SEPTEMBER 2014: Bharat Mallik, 7, is a boy who suffers from Cataract blindness and comes from a severely impoverished Bengali family in India. He is seen at Vivekananda Mission Hospital, an eye hospital which specializes in treating the poor for little or no money. Bharat’s father is a drunk and his labourer mother struggles to make ends meet. As a result he has not been treated for his cataracts. A teacher network at school notified a local social worker and as a result of his efforts Bharat is scheduled for surgery at Vivekananda Ashram hospital a few hours away. Most of these villagers are so poor that transport to a hospital is not possible. As a result many children go permanently blind when like Bharat, a simple operation can restore their sight. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627961-89X9KDL37UTZ3Z2O0AD1/Blind_036.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: A blind student shaves in dappled light in the bathroom in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627503-VMAFMS5E7OROJZS58U75/Blind_057.jpg State of Blindness Sundarbans, India: Two Indian gentlemen receive an eye test in a remote part of the Sundarban islands, India. These remote mobile camps offer eye health diagnosis for the first time to extremely impoverished villages deep within the Sundarban islands. Dr Asim Sil’s team uses boats to get around the Sundarbans and often works from early morning to late at night on patients who would otherwise not have access to good eye care. The goal of the team is to educate and offer refractive services, ie glasses; to diagnose eye health problems and to offer surgical solutions to patients who need them, including transport to the hospitals. These services are provided free of charge. Dr Sil has worked on eye care in the Sundarbans since 1989, and along with his team has been of service to thousands of patients in this remote region of India. A high povery index and remoteness of location coupled with a lack of access to quality eye care has seen India become the country with the highest number of blind people. Most of these cases began as problems that if diagnosed earlier, could have been prevented. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627448-SY0AKQ8P2HQHSD6SPCKW/Blind_073.jpg State of Blindness AKHAND JYOTI EYE HOSPITAL, PATNA, BIHAR, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Eye surgery patients recover in a mass ward at Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, the third largest eye hospital in India. This hospital performed over 65 000 eye surgeries last year, often averaging over 400 surgeries a day. They cater to the poorest of the poor in the poorest state in India. Over 2 thirds of their surgeries are free for the poor. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628110-L7YTIG4IRNP7IX8BN2TB/Blind_096.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627968-8UUCRP2JD149VL405H68/Blind_130.jpg State of Blindness PHILADELPHIA, USA, 13TH MARCH 2016: Christian Guardino, 16, was legally blind and now sees well enough to read thanks to Gene therapy treatment that corrected his Laber’s Congenital Amaurosis syndrome. Christian began Gene Therapy at the age of 12 under Dr Jean Bennet at Children’s hospital of Philadelphia. Shortly after the therapy began he was able to identify patterns of carpets he never saw before and his night sight improved dramatically. His mother Elizabeth Guardino says that he always needed help to move around before and the use of a cane. This is no longer necessary. Christian is a singer and won the Amateur night at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. He is able to read his lyrics nowadays rather than relying entirely on memory. Christian remembers seeing the moon for the first time, a moment he calls pivotal. He is seen with his friends, learning lyrics in his bedroom and kitchen and at the Apollo theatre. Christian sings all the time and says that the best thing about his new sight is being able to spend time with his friends without restriction. His next wish is to be able to drive, his sight is currently around 20/50 and that may not be an impossible goal if his sight continues to improve. The Gene therapy targets a missing RP65 Gene, which was first identified in 1997. People with this issue cannot see because they lack an enzyme that breaks down Vitamin A and without that their nerve cells cannot capture light. The missing gene is delivered to the eye cells in people with inherited genetic disease and the chemical pathway is then corrected. Surgery uses a gene therapy vector virus to deliver the treatment. The surgeon places this in contact with the affected cells and injects under the retina. The cells first absorb the virus, and then the missing gene then starts to be produced by the body. Patients who have experienced this therapy say they have gone from dependence to independence; most can read and go about daily lives with ease af https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627423-6LNEKIJKNXNEJTG73NH0/Blind_011.jpg State of Blindness PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind Indian boy Dablu Kuma, 8, and his mother, sister and grandmother at home in a remote village in Bihar, India. Dablu has been diagnosed with Cataracts and is being sent to hospital for surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628044-AUMBIH5Q044RK0AXF1V8/Blind_037.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Blind boys talk amongst themselves inside their dorm room in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628230-EHBJVM9YZT7TC3KWU2Q0/Blind_058.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 10 JANUARY 2016: Satish Goswani, a Hindu priests poses for a portrait on his way home after temple. He is wearing proctive glasses he received after recent eye surgery made possible by a local NGO working in the remote Sundarban region. Remoteness and a high poverty demographic have meant that many people in the more remote regions of the world were consigned to blindness. Access to quality eye care was just not possible but this is changing as logisitics and motivated and educated eye care NGO's have changed the face of places like the Sundarbans. Eye camps are held regularly by sattelite workers who identify issues and attempt to facilitate surgery for those in need. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628049-DATM1ND4SPZ5C6HZIME3/Blind_074.jpg State of Blindness AKHAND JYOTI EYE HOSPITAL, PATNA, BIHAR, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Eye surgery patients recover in a mass ward at Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital, the third largest eye hospital in India. This hospital performed over 65 000 eye surgeries last year, often averaging over 400 surgeries a day. They cater to the poorest of the poor in the poorest state in India. Over 2 thirds of their surgeries are free for the poor. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627974-DHRGO78BCKP21DH4CTE9/Blind_097.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628255-O9VWNJKYBPFQB13HJUW6/Blind_131.jpg State of Blindness PHILADELPHIA, USA, 13TH MARCH 2016: Dr Jean Bennet, Molecular Geneticist, and her husband, Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr Albert Maguire, are seen with their dogs Mercury and Venus in the woods close to their Philadelphia home. Both dogs were previously blind but were used in a successful case study by the two doctors with a gene therapy they developed together. The dogs see today and this breakthrough technology has been used on 43 people so far with all but two recovering their sight to a level where close to normal sight has been achieved. The Gene therapy targets a missing RP65 Gene, which was first identified in 1997. These people cannot see because they lack an enzyme that breaks down Vitamin A and without that their nerve cells cannot capture light. The missing gene is delivered to the eye cells in people with inherited genetic disease and the chemical pathway is then corrected. Dr Maguire performs surgery that uses a gene therapy vector. He places this in contact with the affected cells and injects under the retina. The cells first absorb the virus, and then the missing gene then starts to be produced by the body. Patients who have experienced this therapy say they have gone from dependence to independence; most can read and go about daily lives with ease after this therapy has concluded. The disease in question is known as Retinal Dystrophy, most commonly manifesting as Laber’s Congenital Amaurosis; there are also aspects of Retinal Pigmentosa that are positively affected by this treatment. Spark Therapeutics is the company formed to finance research on this project and they will now work on bringing this treatment to market. This is expected to be FDA approved within the next year. It will be the first treatment for inherited retinal degeneration in the world. RP65 is a relatively rare disease but this treatment is a great stepping-stone to other more common diseases. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627397-05DGB6FN9K7MPJNGPCIE/Blind_012.jpg State of Blindness PATNA, INDIA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2014: Blind Indian boy Dablu Kuma, 8, and his mother, sister and grandmother at home in a remote village in Bihar, India. Dablu has been diagnosed with Cataracts and is being sent to hospital for surgery. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627808-37FT8QL6GV5LY1SE86SO/Blind_038.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: Blind boys play chess in their dorm room in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. The game requires extraordinary memory skills for a blind person and the spectators are also likely to feel the pieces to know how the game is progressing. It is a good example of how certain skill sets are highly developed in a blind person in the absence of sight. Vivekananda is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627802-VWRZH2C1ICJC3254NFJV/Blind_059.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627534-6ECO71SBP7T3GZBS5GM0/Blind_098.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627653-ZOTVI6LSGU9A7DAVRK54/Blind_132.jpg State of Blindness NEW YORK CITY, USA, 18 MARCH 2016: Sandford Greenberg and Art Garfunkel seen riding the New York Subway and also at their Alma Mater Columbia University. Greenberg lost his sight in his first few months at Columbia as a young man. Garfunkel was his room-mate at the time and went to help Greenberg climb out of his desperation at finding himself blind. They made a significant train journey back to NY city and once they reached Grand Central became separated and then Greenberg was forced to make his way to Columbia University alone as a blind man for the first time. When Greenberg finally reached Columbia he felt a touch on his arm and it turned out that Garfunkel had been alongside him the entire time. Greenberg sites this moment as when it first occurred to him that he was going to be fine despite his blindness. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628218-A3Y02JCYHBAEVORBAQXE/Blind_013.jpg State of Blindness KOLKATA, INDIA, 14 JANUARY 2016: A blind man begs on board a river ferry, he says this is the only kind of job he can get. India has the highest percentage of blind people in the world, about one percent of their population. Most of global blindness can be prevented or cured. It simply requires access to eye care and early prevention. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627854-8LSL128M0JIWWTKRV5HL/Blind_039.jpg State of Blindness VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 17, 2016: Blind children make their way from the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind across a busy street on their way to school. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628177-OF14YGYYC702GX8YUOVZ/Blind_060.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628081-19Q9WONWV99JN7N99Z6V/Blind_099.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume. Surgeons are seen showing a 103 year old man back to his ward after successful eye surgery for cataracts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627584-1K03XPIYENIZTHC0E6N8/Blind_014.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 8 JANUARY 2016: Nasma Molla, 14 is currently blind with cataracts that can be cured in a fiften minute operation. Both Nasma and her brother Amyr come from a family where 4 of five people are blind. Three have been operated on so far and all recovered sight in at least one eye. Amyr is becoming progressively worse and Nasma, who is completely blind. Nasma fears being assaulted and not being able to identify her assailaint. She has taught herself to cook, despite the dangers of the fire and her meals feed her family. Nasma's mother is blind too and fears for her daughters future, stating that marrying her off is going to be very difficult if she is blind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628159-DY8SDW233ZREG7MB0C4L/Blind_061.jpg State of Blindness SHRI BHOJAY SARVODAYA EYE HOSPITAL, BHUJ, KUTCH, INDIA, JULY 22 2015: Eye surgeons Janak and Preeti Shah working via headlamp on a surgical operation during a powercut in this remote region of India. Dr Janak Shah is an accomplished and prolific eye surgeon who volunteers his services to the global poor via SEE International, an NGO with a focus on curing blindness. He and his wife Preeti are seen examining and performing eye surgery at the Shri Bhojay Sarvodaya Eye hospital close to the India Pakistan border. This is a new hospital that offers modern facilities to SEE where Janak can run a blindness camp as well as perform the surgeries required. Janak graduated from the University of Bombay in 1991, and completed his residency in ophthalmology in 1996. He’s been volunteering with SEE International as an eye surgeon since 1996, and in 2013, passed the milestone of 100 SEE expeditions. He is SEE’s most prolific doctor and has worked in places like the Peruvian Jungle, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Mongolia, China, Brazil and many other remote locations. He has worked all over India and has performed thousands of eye surgeries, addressing every kind of illness. Janak is a proud adherent of the Jainism religion; he is a strong believer in their religious tenants of mankind being one. Janak often works with his wife Preeti, herself a talented eye surgeon. Together they are a formidable force and can work quickly on a multitude of surgeries in a single day. They have two daughters, one of 11 and the other 15. Both girls often travel with their parents on their volunteer trips for SEE and actively assistant in patient diagnosis as well as assisting their parents in surgery. Janak and Preeti both believe this gives the girls a real perspective on their place in the world and helps to bind them as a family unit. The Shahs live in Mumbai, India and run a successful eye surgery practice when they are not volunteering for SEE International. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Novartis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627690-UIDKOVQK0NCZ6T34YT2S/Blind_100.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628124-364QFSZRQD9EQPRXEJEK/Blind_015.jpg State of Blindness SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 8 JANUARY 2016: Nasma Molla, 14 is currently blind with cataracts that can be cured in a fiften minute operation. Both Nasma and her brother Amyr come from a family where 4 of five people are blind. Three have been operated on so far and all recovered sight in at least one eye. Amyr is becoming progressively worse and Nasma, who is completely blind. Nasma fears being assaulted and not being able to identify her assailaint. She has taught herself to cook, despite the dangers of the fire and her meals feed her family. Nasma's mother is blind too and fears for her daughters future, stating that marrying her off is going to be very difficult if she is blind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627676-H406KXKNQ8IGMVAW6ABD/Blind_101.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627509-A7MT0ZACI0NEFCS5BFB8/_B7A1074.jpg State of Blindness YURIMAGUAS, PERU: Nacor, 5, and his brother Cadiel, 11, both suffer from generic cataracts. They live in a small rural town where their father drives a motorbike taxi and there is little money for eye surgery. Cadiel has already had some surgery at a free eye camp for the poor. Unfortunately, his one eye had to be removed and doctors have told his mother that his other eye is threatened by a complex cataract which is still too immature to operate on. Their mother Carmen also has two cataracts but has made her children her priority. She also has another older son with cataracts. Recently a local Peruvian eye doctor identified Nacor as a good candidate for cataract surgery at a free eye camp being held by SEE International. Carmen brought both her boys with her to the camp in the regional capital Tarapoto. Unfortunately Cadiel was told he still needs to wait for surgery on his remaining eye. Nacor was accepted for surgery and despite complications during the actual surgery, it seems he will make a good recovery and should see well. It is fortunate that he was identified at a young age when it is much more likely that his eyes and brain can still form a good connection. If left too long, only limited sight recovery is possible. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim Agency.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627784-U3P8Q5GLAM8SKBZ0030D/Blind_102.jpg State of Blindness An eye camp for impoverished rural people on the Angolan/Namibian border run by SEE International and Mandela Award winner, Dr Helena Ndume https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628206-GNWT66CSVH5C2ARZG54U/_B7A2208.jpg State of Blindness Jose Rosas Vallalobos, 56, started losing his sight after a car accident, a trauma for which he was never treated. He also developed cataracts in both eyes that have caused him to lose further vision until he was completely blind. Jose has a large family that depend on him for their survival. He bought a home for which he paid off half and then intended to work off the other half in his small coffee plantation. His complete blindness has prevented him from doing so and his children and his wife now work the plantation in an effort to stave off their creditors. Jose feels a deep shame about this, he regrets he is not able to contribute to his family and feels he is a burden. His wife also has to guide him everywhere and in all things, he feels terrible about this. Two of Jose’s children, Wilder, 19, and Maria, 21, are also legally blind. Both have detached retinas and cataracts. A Peruvian doctor visited this family in their home town while canvassing for a blindness camp, she told the family that they should come to Tarapoto, a town three hours away for a SEE International eye camp where they can receive free surgery for their cataracts. Jose and his family came to the camp. Unfortunately, both the children were not eligible for surgery as their eyes were diagnosed as beyond help. If they had come to surgery sooner, it is possible they could have been helped. This is typical of people in rural areas with no access to eye care and illustrates to importance of immediate action if at all possible. Jose was diagnosed as having a very slim chance for any sight recovery after surgery, due to the advanced age of his cataracts and subsequent potential nerve damage. His sister was told that she had the best chance but that it would not be more than ten percent of sight, enough to be independent at least. After a difficult surgery on Jose, Dr Preeti Shah, a SEE doctor from India, was able to install a new lens in one eye and Jose’s recovery has been far better than expect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627479-YA9V8EJN2RNFNKLRWIKM/_B7A2282.jpg State of Blindness Jose Rosas Vallalobos, 56, started losing his sight after a car accident, a trauma for which he was never treated. He also developed cataracts in both eyes that have caused him to lose further vision until he was completely blind. Jose has a large family that depend on him for their survival. He bought a home for which he paid off half and then intended to work off the other half in his small coffee plantation. His complete blindness has prevented him from doing so and his children and his wife now work the plantation in an effort to stave off their creditors. Jose feels a deep shame about this, he regrets he is not able to contribute to his family and feels he is a burden. His wife also has to guide him everywhere and in all things, he feels terrible about this. Two of Jose’s children, Wilder, 19, and Maria, 21, are also legally blind. Both have detached retinas and cataracts. A Peruvian doctor visited this family in their home town while canvassing for a blindness camp, she told the family that they should come to Tarapoto, a town three hours away for a SEE International eye camp where they can receive free surgery for their cataracts. Jose and his family came to the camp. Unfortunately, both the children were not eligible for surgery as their eyes were diagnosed as beyond help. If they had come to surgery sooner, it is possible they could have been helped. This is typical of people in rural areas with no access to eye care and illustrates to importance of immediate action if at all possible. Jose was diagnosed as having a very slim chance for any sight recovery after surgery, due to the advanced age of his cataracts and subsequent potential nerve damage. His sister was told that she had the best chance but that it would not be more than ten percent of sight, enough to be independent at least. After a difficult surgery on Jose, Dr Preeti Shah, a SEE doctor from India, was able to install a new lens in one eye and Jose’s recovery has been far better than expect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627572-KS23RODNH07LUR3A5396/_B7A4362.jpg State of Blindness Jose Rosas Vallalobos, 56, started losing his sight after a car accident, a trauma for which he was never treated. He also developed cataracts in both eyes that have caused him to lose further vision until he was completely blind. Jose has a large family that depend on him for their survival. He bought a home for which he paid off half and then intended to work off the other half in his small coffee plantation. His complete blindness has prevented him from doing so and his children and his wife now work the plantation in an effort to stave off their creditors. Jose feels a deep shame about this, he regrets he is not able to contribute to his family and feels he is a burden. His wife also has to guide him everywhere and in all things, he feels terrible about this. Two of Jose’s children, Wilder, 19, and Maria, 21, are also legally blind. Both have detached retinas and cataracts. A Peruvian doctor visited this family in their home town while canvassing for a blindness camp, she told the family that they should come to Tarapoto, a town three hours away for a SEE International eye camp where they can receive free surgery for their cataracts. Jose and his family came to the camp. Unfortunately, both the children were not eligible for surgery as their eyes were diagnosed as beyond help. If they had come to surgery sooner, it is possible they could have been helped. This is typical of people in rural areas with no access to eye care and illustrates to importance of immediate action if at all possible. Jose was diagnosed as having a very slim chance for any sight recovery after surgery, due to the advanced age of his cataracts and subsequent potential nerve damage. His sister was told that she had the best chance but that it would not be more than ten percent of sight, enough to be independent at least. After a difficult surgery on Jose, Dr Preeti Shah, a SEE doctor from India, was able to install a new lens in one eye and Jose’s recovery has been far better than expect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628224-4SKBRPP3OVSGBH5NJECT/_C3A9570.jpg State of Blindness Jose Rosas Vallalobos, 56, started losing his sight after a car accident, a trauma for which he was never treated. He also developed cataracts in both eyes that have caused him to lose further vision until he was completely blind. Jose has a large family that depend on him for their survival. He bought a home for which he paid off half and then intended to work off the other half in his small coffee plantation. His complete blindness has prevented him from doing so and his children and his wife now work the plantation in an effort to stave off their creditors. Jose feels a deep shame about this, he regrets he is not able to contribute to his family and feels he is a burden. His wife also has to guide him everywhere and in all things, he feels terrible about this. Two of Jose’s children, Wilder, 19, and Maria, 21, are also legally blind. Both have detached retinas and cataracts. A Peruvian doctor visited this family in their home town while canvassing for a blindness camp, she told the family that they should come to Tarapoto, a town three hours away for a SEE International eye camp where they can receive free surgery for their cataracts. Jose and his family came to the camp. Unfortunately, both the children were not eligible for surgery as their eyes were diagnosed as beyond help. If they had come to surgery sooner, it is possible they could have been helped. This is typical of people in rural areas with no access to eye care and illustrates to importance of immediate action if at all possible. Jose was diagnosed as having a very slim chance for any sight recovery after surgery, due to the advanced age of his cataracts and subsequent potential nerve damage. His sister was told that she had the best chance but that it would not be more than ten percent of sight, enough to be independent at least. After a difficult surgery on Jose, Dr Preeti Shah, a SEE doctor from India, was able to install a new lens in one eye and Jose’s recovery has been far better than expect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627602-J8EZVU9NQ9S936YRFR6N/chadBlind.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158628242-DHINHFJP3FCSXNE1GADE/Blind_017.jpg State of Blindness LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: A mentally handicapped and blind Dasenetch man, Michael, 20, in Lake Turkana North Kenya, 20 May 2010. A lack of access to proper medical care resulted in brain damage when Michael was born. His mother says he was sighted until he was 12 but lost the ability to see. This has made him a burden in his community and totally reliant on others. It remains an important priority for pastoralist tribes all over Kenya to have access to medical care in their communities in order to secure the well being of their people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627779-06JS6Q1SSY3C54DVV70O/Blind_018.jpg State of Blindness JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: A blind Zimbabwean refugee photographed in slum dwellings in inner city Johannesburg, South Africa. Most of the blind are in South Africa illegally and lack official papers and ID documents which might help them to apply for limited charity. This man was part of a group of over 20 blind people who made the journey with the help of two sighted people. They say they fled a complete lack of economic opportunity in Zimbabwe's failed state and had no choice but to come to South Africa to survive. They could no longer beg for their survival in Zimbabwe as people simply no longer have anything to give. As a result many of these blind people have made long journeys with their guides, families or by relying on the kindness of strangers. They crossed the Limpopo River to avoid the border authorities and lived in the bush for many weeks before being able to organise a ride by train or bus down to Johannesburg. All of this they did for the opportunity to beg in a more affluent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627829-C2YMWFRTFDH7JBYSFF69/BlindZim2.jpg State of Blindness JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Blind Zimbabwean refugees photographed in slum dwellings in inner city Johannesburg, South Africa, 17 June 2009. Most of the blind are in South Africa illegally and lack official papers and ID documents which might help them to apply for limited charity. They say they fled a complete lack of economic opportunity in Zimbabwe's failed state and had no choice but to come to South Africa to survive. They could no longer beg for their survival in Zimbabwe as people simply no longer have anything to give. As a result many of these blind people have made long journeys with their guides, families or by relying on the kindness of strangers. They crossed the Limpopo River to avoid the border authorities and lived in the bush for many weeks before being able to organise a ride by train or bus down to Johannesburg. All of this they did for the opportunity to beg in a more affluent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627646-4EFJ997YA32PP3H7VUY9/BlindZim1.jpg State of Blindness JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: Blind Zimbabwean refugees photographed in slum dwellings in inner city Johannesburg, South Africa, 17 June 2009. Most of the blind are in South Africa illegally and lack official papers and ID documents which might help them to apply for limited charity. They say they fled a complete lack of economic opportunity in Zimbabwe's failed state and had no choice but to come to South Africa to survive. They could no longer beg for their survival in Zimbabwe as people simply no longer have anything to give. As a result many of these blind people have made long journeys with their guides, families or by relying on the kindness of strangers. They crossed the Limpopo River to avoid the border authorities and lived in the bush for many weeks before being able to organise a ride by train or bus down to Johannesburg. All of this they did for the opportunity to beg in a more affluent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627591-961KBIH4KAMLELHKX7AG/Blind_019.jpg State of Blindness OHANGWENA DISTRICT, NORTHERN NAMIBIA, 8TH NOVEMBER 2015: Frans Shilongo, 77, waits at the gate to his family compound for his nephew to come home. Frans is blind and entirely dependent on his family for his daily needs. For millions of people around the world blindness is something that affects entire families and communities. In the majority world children are often the caregivers of the blind. This can inhibit their education, their movement, their social circle and more. The majority of this is caused by blindness affecting the elderly; Glaucoma is common in many cases as is Corneal scarring and other issues affecting sight. Children most often function as a walking guide for these blinded people, helping them to get water, to bathe, to walk around and to fetch what is needed. Blindness in most instances is treatable if the issue is caught early enough. Access to quality eye care and education on the dangers are often lacking, hence the large incidence of blindness in the more remote regions of the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627540-VONACI2QDF4SCU734KOZ/Blind_020.jpg State of Blindness OHANGWENA DISTRICT, NORTHERN NAMIBIA, 8TH NOVEMBER 2015: Jason Hangula, 45, lost his sight in 2007 to a glucoma condition which was left untreated for too long. Damage to the optic nerve means that he is dependent on the children in his family compound for daily guidance to get around. He is seen with his niece Claudia Haindongo, 11, who has been assisting him ever since he lost his sight. For millions of people around the world blindness is something that affects entire families and communities. In the majority world children are often the caregivers of the blind. This can inhibit their education, their movement, their social circle and more. The majority of this is caused by blindness affecting the elderly; Glaucoma is common in many cases as is Corneal scarring and other issues affecting sight. Children most often function as a walking guide for these blinded people, helping them to get water, to bathe, to walk around and to fetch what is needed. Blindness in most instances is treatable if the issue is caught early enough. Access to quality eye care and education on the dangers are often lacking, hence the large incidence of blindness in the more remote regions of the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627640-XG1YKVUV3C6TJBSIB9RT/Blind_021.jpg State of Blindness OHANGWENA DISTRICT, NORTHERN NAMIBIA, 8TH NOVEMBER 2015: Lusina Nghitotelwa helps to guide her blind grandmother Lucia on her way to the bathroom close to the family compound in Ohangwena, Namiba. For millions of people around the world blindness is something that affects entire families and communities. In the majority world children are often the caregivers of the blind. This can inhibit their education, their movement, their social circle and more. The majority of this is caused by blindness affecting the elderly; Glaucoma is common in many cases as is Corneal scarring and other issues affecting sight. Children most often function as a walking guide for these blinded people, helping them to get water, to bathe, to walk around and to fetch what is needed. Blindness in most instances is treatable if the issue is caught early enough. Access to quality eye care and education on the dangers are often lacking, hence the large incidence of blindness in the more remote regions of the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627861-FYQMRAQXK0G4EOB3GTNZ/Blind_022.jpg State of Blindness OHANGWENA DISTRICT, NORTHERN NAMIBIA, 8TH NOVEMBER 2015: Lovisa Shangadi, 72, is guided by her grandchild Lavina Shangadi, 7, on her way to the bathroom. For millions of people around the world blindness is something that affects entire families and communities. In the majority world children are often the caregivers of the blind. This can inhibit their education, their movement, their social circle and more. The majority of this is caused by blindness affecting the elderly; Glaucoma is common in many cases as is Corneal scarring and other issues affecting sight. Children most often function as a walking guide for these blinded people, helping them to get water, to bathe, to walk around and to fetch what is needed. Blindness in most instances is treatable if the issue is caught early enough. Access to quality eye care and education on the dangers are often lacking, hence the large incidence of blindness in the more remote regions of the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627614-QRA860LDJYGE7N3QZ8UB/Blind_023.jpg State of Blindness OHANGWENA DISTRICT, NORTHERN NAMIBIA, 8TH NOVEMBER 2015: Esther Shangadi, 79, suffers from end stage Glaucoma, ensuring her blindness. She is guided around her compound by five year old Gabriel Paulus, her constant companion and everyday sight guide. For millions of people around the world blindness is something that affects entire families and communities. In the majority world children are often the caregivers of the blind. This can inhibit their education, their movement, their social circle and more. The majority of this is caused by blindness affecting the elderly; Glaucoma is common in many cases as is Corneal scarring and other issues affecting sight. Children most often function as a walking guide for these blinded people, helping them to get water, to bathe, to walk around and to fetch what is needed. Blindness in most instances is treatable if the issue is caught early enough. Access to quality eye care and education on the dangers are often lacking, hence the large incidence of blindness in the more remote regions of the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627848-DGX76KXCUX4D8VEAUDQB/Blind_024.jpg State of Blindness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158627950-BAN7RC9SAAQ8G1U4RVJ0/blindnessboys.jpg State of Blindness https://www.brentstirton.com/lgbtqia-refugees-kenya daily 0.75 2025-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524643-J39VWBCM8VR9P06YLSFN/LGBT_001.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_001.jpg (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30 SEPTEMBER 2023: Trans women Olivia and Pretty are seen on the weekend in a local hotel swimming pool close to their safe house, this is one of the very few places where they can risk being themselves when no-one is watching. Olivia is sick and living in a refugee camp and Pretty plays an almost maternal role in their relationship. They are seen comforting each other in a rare moment of public spontaneity. This kind of display of affection would draw negative attention in almost all of Kenya and the police would likely be called. Both of these trans women have refugee status but the perception of homosexuality would almost certainly lead to arrest and extortion. Olivia is a trans woman who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and has lived for the last three years in vulnerable conditions in Kakouma refugee camp in the north of Kenya. She is photographed in a safe house for trans women in Nairobi, where she is visiting Pretty. Olivia is in Nairobi because she is sick and cannot be treated for her condition in Kakouma. Pretty is a make-up artist and fellow refugee. Pretty has been waiting five years for her resettlement status from the UN agencies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524701-FUN96NYO207HSV74GKF9/LGBT_002.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_002.jpg (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2023: 18 year old Ayan Farah Dahr was born as a girl but identifies as a trans man. When he was 15, he left his home in Mogadishu, Somalia; found his way onto a bus that took him to the Kenyan border and, under cover of darkness, he walked over the Kenyan border and made his way to Nairobi. He did this to escape persecution in Somalia for being who he felt he really was, a boy trapped in a female body that felt male to him. When he finally got to Nairobi, he slept rough outside the headquarters of UNHCR because he had heard that the UN offered resettlement programs for persecuted LBGTQIA people. In Somalia, his family had him arrested for dressing like a boy, they said he was a bad influence on girls. When he got to Nairobi, he tried to get a job in the Somali district of Eastley, there shopkeepers grabbed him and stripped him to find out what he was. Ayan was deeply traumatized by that and he finds it difficult to leave the safe house he's finally in, provided by the Refugee Coalition of East Africa, who try to care for LGBTQIA youth who had to flee their homes for their own protection. Ayan waits now to hear if he will be resettled, he hopes in America, a process that could take many years. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524657-U3IBJF1KUPFLT9AO4AR3/LGBT_003.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_003.jpg (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2023: Lady Tina, in the wig, and Pretty Peter are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and now live in a safe house in Nairobi, Kenya. They live with other trans woman and keeps a low profile, only dressing as women within the privacy of the house and only very occasionally going out like that to a sympathetic bar. Both Pretty and Tina were jailed for their trans lifestyle and experienced sexual assault in prison, Lady Tina is waiting to be resettled in Toronto, Canada and Pretty is still waiting for a decision. Both were betrayed by a fellow trans woman who informed on them to the Ugandan authorities, they were arrested and imprisoned but later released. Ironically, the person who betrayed them was the first gay person to be arrested under Uganda's draconian new anti LGBT laws and is now in prison serving a very long term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524618-M9VVOGQX2V2XW6S4MJWY/LGBT_004.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_004.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2023: Lady Tina, in the wig, and Pretty Peter are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and now live in a safe house in Nairobi, Kenya. They live with other trans woman and keeps a low profile, only dressing as women within the privacy of the house and only very occasionally going out like that to a sympathetic bar. Both Pretty and Tina were jailed for their trans lifestyle and experienced sexual assault in prison, Lady Tina is waiting to be resettled in Toronto, Canada and Pretty is still waiting for a decision. Both were betrayed by a fellow trans woman who informed on them to the Ugandan authorities, they were arrested and imprisoned but later released. Ironically, the person who betrayed them was the first gay person to be arrested under Uganda's draconian new anti LGBT laws and is now in prison serving a very long term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524591-8T7T70RN7W5W1IN0E91N/LGBT_005.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_005.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Olivia and Pretty are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. They are photographed dressing up in a safe house in Nairobi where Pretty lives and Olivia is visting from Kakuma refugee camp. Today they will go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi and they always prepare extensively for these outings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524553-VCP1CLRNYAY8TIYK6LBQ/LGBT_006.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_006.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2023: Pretty Peter is a trans woman who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and now lives in a safe house in Nairobi, Kenya. She is seen in her bedroom talking to a friend. She lives with other trans woman and keeps a low profile, only dressing as a woman within the privacy of the house and only very occasionally going out like that to a sympathetic bar. Pretty and her friend Lady Tina were jailed for their trans lifestyle and experienced sexual assault in prison, Lady Tina is waiting to be resettled in Toronto, Canada and Pretty is still waiting for a decision. Both were betrayed by a fellow trans woman who informed on them to the Ugandan authorities, they were arrested and imprisoned but later released. Ironically, the person who betrayed them was the first gay person to be arrested under Uganda's draconian new anti LGBT laws and is now in prison serving a very long term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524519-NSJJ2WB9KZMCP6FP7KS4/LGBT_007.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_007.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Olivia, Pretty and Cyara are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. They are photographed doing their make-up in a safe house in Nairobi where Pretty lives and Olivia is visting from Kakuma refugee camp. Today they will go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi and they always prepare extensively for these outings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524547-EB3UUAM8F1RQ9DW6K06M/LGBT_008.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_008.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2023: Lady Tina, in the wig, SServaadda Wahabu in the stripes, and Pretty Peter are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and now live in a safe house in Nairobi, Kenya. They live with other trans woman and keeps a low profile, only dressing as women within the privacy of the house and only very occasionally going out like that to a sympathetic bar. Both Pretty and Tina were jailed for their trans lifestyle and experienced sexual assault in prison, Lady Tina is waiting to be resettled in Toronto, Canada and Pretty is still waiting for a decision. Both were betrayed by a fellow trans woman who informed on them to the Ugandan authorities, they were arrested and imprisoned but later released. Ironically, the person who betrayed them was the first gay person to be arrested under Uganda's draconian new anti LGBT laws and is now in prison serving a very long term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524578-CL43HEETFT4S62D47FCM/LGBT_009.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_009.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Cyara ,20, is a trans woman who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and has lived for the last three years in vulnerable conditions in Kakouma refugee camp in the north of Kenya. She is photographed in a safe house for trans women in Nairobi, where she is visiting Pretty and Olivia and Sseradda. Today Cyara and her friends will go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi and they always prepare extensively for these outings. Olivia is in Nairobi because she need treatment and cannot be treated for her condition in Kakouma. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524637-HZMY98RA6U1NNKIYPHOC/LGBT_010.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_010.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2023: Lady Tina, in the wig, and Pretty Peter are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and now live in a safe house in Nairobi, Kenya. They live with other trans woman and keeps a low profile, only dressing as women within the privacy of the house and only very occasionally going out like that to a sympathetic bar. Both Pretty and Tina were jailed for their trans lifestyle and experienced sexual assault in prison, Lady Tina is waiting to be resettled in Toronto, Canada and Pretty is still waiting for a decision. Both were betrayed by a fellow trans woman who informed on them to the Ugandan authorities, they were arrested and imprisoned but later released. Ironically, the person who betrayed them was the first gay person to be arrested under Uganda's draconian new anti LGBT laws and is now in prison serving a very long term. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524714-X2FD81HNDHU77W8SSLY1/LGBT_011.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_011.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Olivia,25, is a trans woman who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and has lived for the last three years in vulnerable conditions in Kakouma refugee camp in the north of Kenya. She is photographed in a safe house for trans women in Nairobi, where she is visiting Pretty. Olivia is seen using a hair remover so that she can apply her make-up. Today Olivia and her friends will go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi and they always prepare extensively for these outings. Olivia is in Nairobi because she need treatment and cannot be treated for her condition in Kakouma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524625-A1SITOXF9UD107SE8DKX/LGBT_012.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_012.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Olivia and Pretty are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. They are photographed in Pretty's bedroom in a safe house for trans women in Nairobi. Olivia and Pretty are seen using a hair remover so that she can apply her make-up. Today they will go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi and they always prepare extensively for these outings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524572-H01H48RQWFE57LUT1AUV/LGBT_013.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_013.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Olivia,25, is a trans woman who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and has lived for the last three years in vulnerable conditions in Kakouma refugee camp in the north of Kenya. She is photographed getting ready in a safe house for trans women in Nairobi, where she is visiting Pretty. Today Olivia and her friends will go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi and they always prepare extensively for these outings. Olivia is in Nairobi because she need treatment and cannot be treated for her condition in Kakouma. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524526-5A6GXXI315F69KSJ4D32/LGBT_014.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_014.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) JOHANNESSBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, DeLovie Kwagala (papa De,) self described as the first 1st openly non-binary Queer photographer from Uganda, human rights activist and Photojournalist. DeLovie is a staunch advocate for queer people and is in exile from Uganda for safety reasons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524541-C48QN62HY0JDQOUZXFT9/LGBT_015.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_015.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) JOHANNESSBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, August 17th, 2023: DeLovie Kwagala (papa De,) self described as the first 1st openly non-binary Queer photographer from Uganda, human rights activist and Photojournalist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524670-939IWAA9SXBOU2MCET3Y/LGBT_016.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_016.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) JOHANNESSBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, August 17th, 2023: DeLovie Kwagala (papa De,) self described as the first 1st openly non-binary Queer photographer from Uganda, human rights activist and Photojournalist. DeLovie is in exile from Uganda for safety reasons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524695-568VAM7J2ZTRMHI93NNH/LGBT_017.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_017.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2023: Craig Paris is the director for the Nairobi division of the Refugee Coalition of East Africa which provides safe houses and counselling and skills services to LGBTQIA people who have fled persecution in their home countries for their choice of lifestyle. Craig is from Uganda, which has severe laws criminalizing homosexuality. He fled Uganda in 2015 and came to Kenya as a refugee seeking resettlement via the UN to a more gay friendly country. “I’m a gay man, for a long time I thought I was the only gay man in Uganda, but university was a revelation, there are many other people like me. I come from a Muslim family and my brother actually outed me to my parents. My father kicked me out of the house.” Craig is hoping to be resettled in NY, with the help of an American organization. He says that all gay Ugandans leave Uganda hoping to be resettled but most gay people come from impoverished and uneducated circumstances and that makes it very difficult, so they are often stuck in limbo in Kenya. There are organization that help in Kenya but overall, it is not that friendly to the LGGTQIA community and there is increasing hostility. “Being gay can often disenfranchise you from opportunity, you can’t legally work and so you have to learn skills to get by. Even if you get the right to work, there is a lot of prejudice and that is why sex work is sometimes the only thing open to you. Even then, it’s all about your looks. “Craig lost touch with his family but would like to speak to his mom. “I lost my family, but I have found another one within my community in Kenya and around the world.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524721-WST1MS5WA99ZMLQF8UVK/LGBT_018.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_018.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, OCTOBER 2023: "MARY," is a queer parent of three children who is a refugee from Uganda fleeing persection under harsh anti LGBT laws. Mary fled her own husband after he caught her with a girlfriend. He tied them both up and beat them severely. He then left the house with Mary's girlfriend and she has not been seen or heard from again. While they were gone Mary managed to free herself and flee. After a number of of months of planning, she was able to fetch her children and flee Uganda and her vengeful husband. She now lives in a safe house in Kenya. Queer parents seeking resettlement often experieince greater scrutiny from UNHCR and their own queer community, with suspicions cast on their "gayness." (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524565-CNCXNWJY7LEQA36V1OOJ/LGBT_019.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_019.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2023: O.R.A.M counsellor Barbara Ngianah, 28, listens to Alex Nsamba as he relates his experiences as a gay man who had to flee Uganda to avoid persecution. Alex has been in Kenya since Uganda launched hostile new laws against gay people in 2015 which led to large scale violence and some killings. Alex has been repeatedly targeted by the Kenyan police and recently spent 8 months in prison on illegal migrant charges. Through ORAM he has developed barbering skills, massage and nail care skills and would very much like to open a small salon. This is part of the skills training program run by O.R.A.M, an organization that provides skills training, small business skills and seed funding for vulnerable LBGT people. Most of the people in the image fled Uganda's hostile anti-gay laws and have sought a fragile refuge in Nairobi, Kenya. The Refugee Coalition of East Africa tries to help LBGT people who have had to flee their countries due to persecution and tries to get them into resettlement prgorams via the UN. This is a process that takes years and LGBT people are particularly vulnerable as they cannot work and are viewed with predjudice by most Kenyans. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524631-N01U4T8VN4RS7RYFHHWM/LGBT_020.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_020.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2023: LBGT youth dig a "kitchen garden" at a safe house in Nairobi. This is a skills training program run by O.R.A.M, an organization that provides skills training, small business skills and seed funding for vulnerable LBGT people. Most of the people in the image fled Uganda's hostile anti-gay laws and have sought a fragile refuge in Nairobi, Kenya. The Refugee Coalition of East Africa tries to help LBGT people who have had to flee their countries due to persecution and tries to get them into resettlement prgorams via the UN. This is a process that takes years and LGBT people are particularly vulnerable as they cannot work and are viewed with predjudice by most Kenyans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524585-D1Y73BKYGC0M38RI8VTZ/LGBT_021.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_021.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, OCTOBER 2023: "Jerome," not his real name, is a queer parent who is a refugee from Uganda fleeing persection under harsh anti LGBT laws. He has found a way to support himself and his child by selling grilled chicken on the street in Nairobi. This is not that safe though, with Kenyan vendors resenting his success. Queer parents seeking resettlement often experieince greater scrutiny from UNHCR and their own queer community, with suspicions cast on their "gayness." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524650-CRY94SENJBD7ZXE3OYFI/LGBT_022.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_022.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30 SEPTEMBER 2023: Trans women Olivia and Pretty are seen on the weekend in a local hotel swimming pool close to their safe house, this is one of the very few places where they can risk being themselves when no-one is watching. Olivia is sick and living in a refugee camp and Pretty plays an almost maternal role in their relationship. They are seen comforting each other in a rare moment of public spontaneity. This kind of display of affection would draw negative attention in almost all of Kenya and the police would likely be called. Both of these trans women have refugee status but the perception of homosexuality would almost certainly lead to arrest and extortion. Olivia is a trans woman who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda and has lived for the last three years in vulnerable conditions in Kakouma refugee camp in the north of Kenya. She is photographed in a safe house for trans women in Nairobi, where she is visiting Pretty. Olivia is in Nairobi because she is sick and cannot be treated for her condition in Kakouma. Pretty is a make-up artist and fellow refugee. Pretty has been waiting five years for her resettlement status from the UN agencies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524708-54OM3VBQV2W7RFLSK552/LGBT_023.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_023.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 1 October 2023: Scenes of fellowship at the Cosmopolitan Affirming Church at an undisclosed location in Nairobi. The identities of the church-goers are protected in this frame to protect the members from violent prejudice and discrimination. Kenya has become a hub for LGBT members who are fleeing violence in Uganda and other African nations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524676-7EMZ30EOLLWSXD8YY1MU/LGBT_024.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_024.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 2 OCTOBER 2023: Cyara and Olivia, not their real names, are trans women who have fled harsh LGBT laws in Uganda and are now refugees awaiting asylum status in Kenya. They are seen at St Mary’s hospital in Nairobi donating blood for a sick friend in the hospital in need of a transfusion. Both Olivia and Cyara have experienced life-threatening prejudice and violence and would like to be resettled overseas in a more LGBT friendly country. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524611-K65R3C1USTBXCNW4VDNG/LGBT_025.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_025.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 2 OCTOBER 2023: SSeradda, Cyara and Olivia, not their real names, are trans women who have fled harsh LGBT laws in Uganda and are now refugees awaiting asylum status in Kenya. They are seen at St Mary’s hospital in Nairobi visiting Mama Makeba, another trans woman who became severely ill and had to be hospitalized. Mama Makeba was in two previous hospitals where she received inadequate care resulting in her being move to St Mary’s where she received treatment. Mama Makeba this delay in treatment in the other hospitals was due to both her refugee status and her LGBT status. All of the trans women in this image have experienced life-threatening prejudice and violence and would like to be resettled overseas in a more LGBT friendly country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524605-AQK85J290BLBLWWA5ZOA/LGBT_026.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_026.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, OCTOBER 2023: "Dewey" and "Maggie" are Ugandan refugees who fled Uganda because Dewey is bisexual. Uganda has some of the harshest anti LGBT laws in the world and this has prompted an exodus of that community into Kenya. Maggie came from a stricter Muslim family but she chose to flee with Dewey and their kids because she loves him. They are hoping to be resettled in Canada. Queer parents seeking resettlement often experieince greater scrutiny from UNHCR and their own queer community, with suspicions cast on their "gayness." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524664-B2MKDC3U9UU44B0NW7DE/LGBT_027.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_027.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, OCTOBER 2023: Queer mom "Allen" is seen with her son in the courtyard of a safe house in Nairobi. They have just arrived in Kenya after fleeing persecution under harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. Queer parents seeking resettlement often experience greater scrutiny from UNHCR and their own queer community, with suspicions cast on their "gayness." (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524682-0U2K2HIG7KAADNQ5J5EN/LGBT_028.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_028.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Olivia and Pretty are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. They are photographed dressing up in a safe house in Nairobi where Pretty lives and Olivia is visting from Kakuma refugee camp. Today they will go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi and they always prepare extensively for these outings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524534-MFSF3FBEXOKK8EM25K7J/LGBT_029.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_029.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 30SEPTEMBER 2023: Cyara, Pretty and Olivia are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. They are photographed leaving a safe house for trans women in Nairobi to go to Church and then to a nightclub in Nairobi. They always prepare extensively for these outings but take care not to be seen publically until they are in a safe place. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524689-O46JWK3GV5J40L4DST21/LGBT_030.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_030.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 1 October 2023: Sseraadda, Cyara, Pretty and Olivia are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. They are photographed arriving at the K1 Club in Nairobi where their presence is controversial but relatively safe. They prefer to use the back entrance to the club to attract less negative attention at the main gate. They always prepare extensively for these outings but take care not to be seen publically until they are in a safe place. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158524598-JFICVU2ODXJJ5NZXQPG0/LGBT_031.jpg LGBTQIA Refugees Kenya - LGBT_031.jpg (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) NAIROBI, KENYA, 1 October 2023: Cyara, Pretty and Olivia are trans women who fled harsh anti LGBT laws in Uganda. They are photographed arriving at the back entrance for the K1 Club in Nairobi. They prefer to use the back entrance to attract less negative attention at the main gate. They always prepare extensively for these outings but take care not to be seen publically until they are in a safe place. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/pangolins-in-crisis daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833119-N0UC1CP6QJE70N851OYJ/Pangolins_001.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833137-IXN50T6JQ7H17ZDD1NPO/Pangolins_040.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 9 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife welcomes a 2 day old pangolin baby in SVW’s rehabilitation center. Blood was seen in the enclosure so the baby was quickly inspected and placed back with the mother. This is a trafficked pangolin female and sometimes the stress causes premature birth or misscarriage. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833068-K5U0NG55XJY3LN1D2F4K/Pangolins_044.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife founder Thai Van Nguyen readies rescued pangolins for transport in SVW’s rehabilitation center. On this occasion 25 trafficked pangolins were rescued and rehabilitated by SVW and will be releases in remote Pu Mat National Park. SVW released over 420 rescued pangolins in 2017 and will likely release more than that in 2018. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833278-R5I36UPKG4AHSY2IMSRU/Pangolins_055.jpg Pangolins in Crisis GUANGZHOU, CHINA: A Pangolin is slaughtered and prepared for a meal in a restaurant on the outskirts of Guangzhou. The price for the meal was 1200 RMB per pound of the animals weight. This pangolin was 6 pounds and was forcefed liquids before being weighed to drive the price higher. The price of the meal was 8000 RMB in total, around $1142. We were led to this restaurant by the second taxi driver we asked, the first one also said it was no problem but the owner was not able to provide a private room. It appears that it is not difficult to access these animals in this part of china. The taxi driver who broght the photographer to this restaurant says he used to be a truck driver and has brought these animals into Guangzhou from the Vietnam/China border area before. Law enforcement is apparently more lax in border regions. He said he used to buy them for around 1800 RMB and sell them for 2800 to restaurants. The restaurant owner said she only sells them live, people don’t want to buy them frozen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833180-WPQLL9F3TD8QY9A9N85X/Pangolins_055.1.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Lisa Hywood of the Tiki Hywood trust receives a confiscated pangolin from police officers from the Minerals and Border Control division. A Mozambican man was seen sneaking over the border by a Zimbabwean soldier. The man dropped his bag and ran, inside the bag was this juvenile pangolin. These police officers drove 4 hours into Harare from the border in their own vehicle to give the pangolin to Lisa who they know as the resident Pangolin expert. The Trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front c https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833253-XLAA8KUIYKHXVJU3YHG9/Pangolins_051.jpg Pangolins in Crisis SURABAYA, BORNEO, 15 NOVEMBER 2018: A wildlife trader pangolin scales to the photographer at a bird market in Surabaya. He said he could get live pangolin for around $60 and usually had 2 or three every week. Borneo is a source country for Pangolins which are then trafficked to Vietnam, Laos and China. This trader said he did not have pangolin or pangolin scales at this time but it was not hard to get them. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833329-KE0XA0TM8OR13CY06W2C/Pangolins_052.jpg Pangolins in Crisis LUMAJAN, BORNEO, 31 DECEMBER 2018: Bawr, a hunter from the Sentul Village region, approximately 3 hours east of the city of Surabaya, holds a pangolin he has brought to the city to sell to a middleman. The pangolin will either be cosumed in Surabaya and its scales used for traditional medicine or it will be trafficked into Vietnam, Laos or China where it will be worth far more. Bawr says he will bring in pangolin at least twice a week. This is illegal and pangolins are listed as Appendix 1 endangered by CITES. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832971-RT5YTVXWPQVYQ9ANU74V/Pangolins_002.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833312-ZVSDRE66XWQ21R7PVZ29/Pangolins_045.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife personel ready rescued pangolins for transport in SVW’s rehabilitation center. On this occasion 25 trafficked pangolins rescued and rehabilitated by SVW will be released in remote Pu Mat National Park. SVW released over 420 rescued pangolins in 2017 and will likely release more than that in 2018. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833093-IEOBUX8AWPENS8Z2B4NG/Pangolins_058.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Lisa Hywood and her Zoologist partner Ellen Connelly, care for a confiscated juvenile pangolin border police just handed over to their care.The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, namely the Black-bellied pan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832952-K4P875D64W0NNZMKVBB8/Pangolins_053.jpg Pangolins in Crisis GUANGZHOU, CHINA: A Pangolin is slaughtered and prepared for a meal in a restaurant on the outskirts of Guangzhou. The price for the meal was 1200 RMB per pound of the animals weight. This pangolin was 6 pounds and was forcefed liquids before being weighed to drive the price higher. The price of the meal was 8000 RMB in total, around $1142. We were led to this restaurant by the second taxi driver we asked, the first one also said it was no problem but the owner was not able to provide a private room. It appears that it is not difficult to access these animals in this part of china. The taxi driver who broght the photographer to this restaurant says he used to be a truck driver and has brought these animals into Guangzhou from the Vietnam/China border area before. Law enforcement is apparently more lax in border regions. He said he used to buy them for around 1800 RMB and sell them for 2800 to restaurants. The restaurant owner said she only sells them live, people don’t want to buy them frozen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832940-8HU26PMRU5ADAP0633W3/Pangolins_003.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832984-OMFJOD2W1Q2Q9IZU4YJ6/Pangolins_048.jpg Pangolins in Crisis PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife prepare for an evening release of 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolin in boxes far upriver away from the road and release them into the bush. Save Vietnam’s Wildlife says the following about the new unit. “In 2018, we set up an Anti-Poaching Unit in Pu Mat National Park. This is being co-managed by the government and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. This is the first ever example of a co-managed ranger unit in the country. We are now busy training this unit and making sure they have the skills needed to patrol Pu Mat National Park. This unit will also work with our community outreach team, to ensure that our awareness and education activities on illegal hunting are targeted at the right groups of people. “ The 25 trafficked pangolins were rescued and rehabilitated by n.g.o Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. SVW released over 420 rescued pangolins in 2017 and will likely release more than that in 2018. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833143-UDXG8GG3W4G2XYC3WOX0/Pangolins_057.jpg Pangolins in Crisis UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, CAMEROON, 14 AUGUST 2018: Angelia of the Tikki Hywood Trust releases one of three pangolins into a wild area on a farm in Cameroon. Each of these Pangolins was destined for the bushmeat market until Angelia rescued them with the help of the Cameroonian Depart of Forests. She has rescued over 60 pangolins so far and is looking to partner with Mefou, the Great Apes sanctuary in Cameroon to expand the Tikki Hywood operation. Pangolins have long been on the bushmeat menu in Cameroon and have only recently been banned by Presidential edict and recognized as CITES appendix one animals. Enforcement is lacking and scales are collected for Chinese buyers, it will not be an easy road to secure Pangolins for the future in Cameroon, one of the greatest repositories for this rare creature in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833162-W07J3HQ7MF6O8WWSGNZH/Pangolins_054.jpg Pangolins in Crisis GUANGZHOU, CHINA: A Pangolin is slaughtered and prepared for a meal in a restaurant on the outskirts of Guangzhou. The price for the meal was 1200 RMB per pound of the animals weight. This pangolin was 6 pounds and was forcefed liquids before being weighed to drive the price higher. The price of the meal was 8000 RMB in total, around $1142. We were led to this restaurant by the second taxi driver we asked, the first one also said it was no problem but the owner was not able to provide a private room. It appears that it is not difficult to access these animals in this part of china. The taxi driver who broght the photographer to this restaurant says he used to be a truck driver and has brought these animals into Guangzhou from the Vietnam/China border area before. Law enforcement is apparently more lax in border regions. He said he used to buy them for around 1800 RMB and sell them for 2800 to restaurants. The restaurant owner said she only sells them live, people don’t want to buy them frozen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833045-Z8OJURCEG0J8L4PVVT69/Pangolins_004.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833033-QWM44THQ8NIQHCZNDWX7/Pangolins_046.jpg Pangolins in Crisis PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife prepare for an evening release of 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolin in boxes far upriver away from the road and release them into the bush. Save Vietnam’s Wildlife says the following about the new unit. “In 2018, we set up an Anti-Poaching Unit in Pu Mat National Park. This is being co-managed by the government and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. This is the first ever example of a co-managed ranger unit in the country. We are now busy training this unit and making sure they have the skills needed to patrol Pu Mat National Park. This unit will also work with our community outreach team, to ensure that our awareness and education activities on illegal hunting are targeted at the right groups of people. “ The 25 trafficked pangolins were rescued and rehabilitated by n.g.o Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. SVW released over 420 rescued pangolins in 2017 and will likely release more than that in 2018. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833131-5ES8RX4T84DXC42L9FQL/Pangolins_056.jpg Pangolins in Crisis UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, CAMEROON, 14 AUGUST 2018: Angelia of the Tikki Hywood Trust releases one of three pangolins into a wild area on a farm in Cameroon. Each of these Pangolins was destined for the bushmeat market until Angelia rescued them with the help of the Cameroonian Depart of Forests. She has rescued over 60 pangolins so far and is looking to partner with Mefou, the Great Apes sanctuary in Cameroon to expand the Tikki Hywood operation. Pangolins have long been on the bushmeat menu in Cameroon and have only recently been banned by Presidential edict and recognized as CITES appendix one animals. Enforcement is lacking and scales are collected for Chinese buyers, it will not be an easy road to secure Pangolins for the future in Cameroon, one of the greatest repositories for this rare creature in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833174-ADK2Y60P40QUUU0DDA92/Pangolins_005.jpg Pangolins in Crisis Cameroon, June 4 2010: A young Baka pygmy boy and a women stand by the roadside selling a pangolin and duiker antelope for bushmeat. Pangolin is a common bushmeat species in Cameroon and is the most traded animal in the illegal wildlife trade space. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833223-TNTPP6KDOMJNZYYEY21X/Pangolins_047.jpg Pangolins in Crisis PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife prepare for an evening release of 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolin in boxes far upriver away from the road and release them into the bush. Save Vietnam’s Wildlife says the following about the new unit. “In 2018, we set up an Anti-Poaching Unit in Pu Mat National Park. This is being co-managed by the government and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. This is the first ever example of a co-managed ranger unit in the country. We are now busy training this unit and making sure they have the skills needed to patrol Pu Mat National Park. This unit will also work with our community outreach team, to ensure that our awareness and education activities on illegal hunting are targeted at the right groups of people. “ The 25 trafficked pangolins were rescued and rehabilitated by n.g.o Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. SVW released over 420 rescued pangolins in 2017 and will likely release more than that in 2018. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833217-LDBHV6HSEFJRGV480XN9/Pangolins_061.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833087-SM04MPRSKN3YUCAWTY6R/Pangolins_006.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DJA NATIONAL PARK, SALOMA, CAMEROON, 11 AUGUST 2018: A Baka pygmy woman shows pangolin scales she has collected to sell to a Bantu middleman who comes regularly to her village to purchase the scales. She received a sum of $10 for 1kg of scales but has not idea what they are used for. The Baka living inside National Parks in Cameroon have a sustainability allowance which lets them hunt within the park boundaries. They are allowed to hunt Pangolin even thought CITES has listed them as appendix one endangered. The Cameroon government has pending legislation to ban all pangolin hunting but this has not yet passed the house. Bantu middlemen are taking advantage of this loophole for Baka pangolin hunting to buy scales cheaply for Chinese partners in Cameroon, an illegal practise. They will attempt to fly the scales out of Cameroon for traditional Asian medicine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833074-B1O2JRMYEQSYYOGDNCV2/Pangolins_049.jpg Pangolins in Crisis PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife walk upriver and release 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolins into a secure zone and release them back into the wild. In 2018 SVW released 417 Pangolins and in 2018 it will be more. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833080-DL47S8UCBZWXJE0GYBLO/Pangolins_059.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833259-JITYEN3S7GR7DKCOJBG1/Pangolins_007.jpg Pangolins in Crisis YAONDE, CAMEROON, 8 AUGUST 2018: Four juvenile pangolins for sale in a bushmeat market in Yaonde, Cameroon. Although officially listed as endangered, pangolins are still heavily traded on the bushmeat market in Cameroon, one of the very few countries in the world where they are still relatively easy to find. The scales, highly prized in Asia for traditional medicine, are often kept after consumption and Cameroonian middlemen purchase those for Chinese clients who most often fly them out of the country via corrupt officials and eco guards. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833155-CGFHKHS2IZK8B8XDA69J/Pangolins_050.jpg Pangolins in Crisis PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife walk upriver and release 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolins into a secure zone and release them back into the wild. In 2018 SVW released 417 Pangolins and in 2018 it will be more. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833026-H4K10FOQYM6ZY2L0J3OF/Pangolins_060.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833324-75S8KO3YV2JNCDOQEOXP/Pangolins_008.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CAMEROON, 12 AUGUST 2018: A young woman who works as a street food trader in a small town 60 miles from Yaonde is seen with a juvenile pangolin which she has purchased from a middleman for $14 who got the pangolin from bushmeat hunters. She is seen with the pangolin at her stall shortly after acquiring the live animal. She then took the animal home and slaughtered it, removing the scales and disecting the body. She says she has been selling scaels for about a year but has been selling pangolin meat for at least 10 years. She adds that it is becoming rarer to find and more expensive. At this time, this is still a legal practise in Cameroon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833056-BHIKK8QJU5IJSZ2WFULR/Pangolins_50.1.jpg Pangolins in Crisis PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife walk upriver and release 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolins into a secure zone and release them back into the wild. In 2018 SVW released 417 Pangolins and in 2018 it will be more. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833113-192AV1S1BFR62GGKS06I/Pangolins_062.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HARARE, ZIMBABWE, 24 JUNE 2018: Pangolin caregivers at an anonymous farm care for rescued pangolins, helping them to find ants and termites to eat and keeping them safe from predators and poachers. The Tiki Hywood trust undertakes public awareness campaigns on Pangolins, trains law enforcement and judiciary personnel, conducts research, and rehabilitates pangolins that have been confiscated from the illegal trade. They are based in Zimbabwe but operate with partners across Africa and advise in Asia. Founder Lisa Hywood is seen as a global expert on how to care for Pangolins in captivity. The trust also engages with other organisations and governments throughout Africa to highlight the plight of pangolins, raising awareness of their conservation status and educating them as to the need for conserving pangolins, as well as implementing conservation actions. Many of their activities are not covered by research grants and they rely on sponsors and donations to continue their work. Donations are used to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel, rehabilitate confiscated pangolins, raise public awareness and further engage with African role-players to increase the conservation status of pangolins across Africa.The Pangolin is a solitary, primarily nocturnal animal, they are easily recognized by their full armour of large, plate-like scales. A startled pangolin will cover its head with its front legs, exposing its scales to any potential predator. If touched or grabbed it will roll up completely into a ball, while the sharp scales on the tail can be used to lash out.Pangolins are also mammals just like humans, giving birth to live offspring and feeding them milk. The Pangolin uses its powerful front claws to dig open termite mounds and uses its long sticky tong to catch ants and termites which it feeds on, although they supplement this diet with other invertebrates. There are eight species of pangolins in the world, four of these are found on the African continent, na https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832978-9NVILBYVWNUOUWZ6Y74M/Pangolins_009.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CAMEROON, 12 AUGUST 2018: A young woman who works as a street food trader in a small town 60 miles from Yaonde is seen with a juvenile pangolin which she has purchased from a middleman for $14 who got the pangolin from bushmeat hunters. She is seen with the pangolin at her stall shortly after acquiring the live animal. She then took the animal home and slaughtered it, removing the scales and disecting the body. She says she has been selling scaels for about a year but has been selling pangolin meat for at least 10 years. She adds that it is becoming rarer to find and more expensive. At this time, this is still a legal practise in Cameroon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833295-4W759C9SD4JQAENBLWVX/Pangolins_50.2.jpg Pangolins in Crisis PU MAT NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM, 11 NOVEMBER 2018: Members of Vietnam’s first Anti-poaching team and NGO Saving Vietnam’s Wildlife walk upriver and release 25 rescued pangolins into this remote National Park. They first feed the pangolin with ant eggs and make sure they are hydrated. They then gently carry the pangolins into a secure zone and release them back into the wild. In 2018 SVW released 417 Pangolins and in 2018 it will be more. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833051-S4STKOSUKS95NNRJ150H/Pangolins_010.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CAMEROON, 12 AUGUST 2018: A young woman who works as a street food trader in a small town 60 miles from Yaonde is seen with a juvenile pangolin which she has purchased from a middleman for $14 who got the pangolin from bushmeat hunters. She is seen with the pangolin at her stall shortly after acquiring the live animal. She then took the animal home and slaughtered it, removing the scales and disecting the body. She says she has been selling scaels for about a year but has been selling pangolin meat for at least 10 years. She adds that it is becoming rarer to find and more expensive. At this time, this is still a legal practise in Cameroon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833318-K0BA67WBXAJ8GE3RT90U/Pangolins_011.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CAMEROON, 12 AUGUST 2018: A young woman who works as a street food trader in a small town 60 miles from Yaonde is seen with a juvenile pangolin which she has purchased from a middleman for $14 who got the pangolin from bushmeat hunters. She is seen with the pangolin at her stall shortly after acquiring the live animal. She then took the animal home and slaughtered it, removing the scales and disecting the body. She says she has been selling scaels for about a year but has been selling pangolin meat for at least 10 years. She adds that it is becoming rarer to find and more expensive. At this time, this is still a legal practise in Cameroon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833100-JL5LV5GQ60OMY9MT48VV/Pangolins_012.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CAMEROON, 12 AUGUST 2018: A young woman who works as a street food trader in a small town 60 miles from Yaonde is seen with a juvenile pangolin which she has purchased from a middleman for $14 who got the pangolin from bushmeat hunters. She is seen with the pangolin at her stall shortly after acquiring the live animal. She then took the animal home and slaughtered it, removing the scales and disecting the body. She says she has been selling scaels for about a year but has been selling pangolin meat for at least 10 years. She adds that it is becoming rarer to find and more expensive. At this time, this is still a legal practise in Cameroon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833168-VJTK8WU96MFUBNE3PR2C/Pangolins_013.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CAMEROON, 12 AUGUST 2018: A young woman who works as a street food trader in a small town 60 miles from Yaonde is seen with a juvenile pangolin which she has purchased from a middleman for $14 who got the pangolin from bushmeat hunters. She is seen with the pangolin at her stall shortly after acquiring the live animal. She then took the animal home and slaughtered it, removing the scales and disecting the body. She says she has been selling scaels for about a year but has been selling pangolin meat for at least 10 years. She adds that it is becoming rarer to find and more expensive. At this time, this is still a legal practise in Cameroon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833247-4IO361RH8RHQM87KIDS2/Pangolins_014.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833229-A9Z0X11DZC0SNFEFPBXJ/Pangolins_016.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833039-52LLR7I207JI6HLLS682/Pangolins_015.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833107-HGQR06VHRHHU17UBXS9Y/Pangolins_017.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833265-2CQDLHW777IJSIWTOKPI/Pangolins_018.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832996-8XLRM4O81MZXMPX1D6HW/Pangolins_019.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833211-NEDZ89B9LBSXLC6AL4SH/Pangolins_020.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DOUALA, CAMEROON, 18 AUGUST 2018: Members of the Ministry of Wildlife, undercover Police and undercover members of LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement agency capture a group of 5 men who tried to sell one thousand kilograms of giant pangolin scales to an undercover agent of LAGA. These are some of the most endangered Pangolins in the world. A price of $100,000.00 was negotiated for the scales before the bust. The traffickers include men from both Cameroon and Central African Republic and another Nigerian remains at large. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832958-1VH1W0O6UCBMVQ84Y61N/Pangolins_021.jpg Pangolins in Crisis COTE D’IVOIRE, 28 AUGUST 2018: 3,600kgs of Pangolin scales in the car park of the offices of the Ivorian Unit for Trans National crime. The wildlife NGO Eagle worked in co-operation with this new unit to capture an Ivorian Trafficker and his 3 accomplices in a 3 ton sale of pangolin scales. They recently also arrested a Vietnamese trafficker who was caught with 23 ivory tusks from rare Forest Elephant as well as 600 kgs of Pangolin scales. Together this seizure represents a conservative estimate of over 11,000 pangolins. The Ivorian trafficker received one year of jail time and is out again as of the 1st of August, the Vietnamese man is still inside. He speaks very little French and his phone was full of illegal wildlife trade items. He says he is only in Ivory coast for this trade. Abidjan has a substantial Vietnamese population. The house where he was arrested also contained weapons and drugs belonging to a Chinese man, he was also implicated in human trafficking of Ivorian women to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833187-BAD8CV6D1T6SUBKDF8WO/Pangolins_022.jpg Pangolins in Crisis COTE D’IVOIRE, 28 AUGUST 2018: 3,600kgs of Pangolin scales in the car park of the offices of the Ivorian Unit for Trans National crime. The wildlife NGO Eagle worked in co-operation with this new unit to capture an Ivorian Trafficker and his 3 accomplices in a 3 ton sale of pangolin scales. They recently also arrested a Vietnamese trafficker who was caught with 23 ivory tusks from rare Forest Elephant as well as 600 kgs of Pangolin scales. Together this seizure represents a conservative estimate of over 11,000 pangolins. The Ivorian trafficker received one year of jail time and is out again as of the 1st of August, the Vietnamese man is still inside. He speaks very little French and his phone was full of illegal wildlife trade items. He says he is only in Ivory coast for this trade. Abidjan has a substantial Vietnamese population. The house where he was arrested also contained weapons and drugs belonging to a Chinese man, he was also implicated in human trafficking of Ivorian women to China. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833062-2BXWP20FNBDFVIY2CAID/Pangolins_023.jpg Pangolins in Crisis ABIDJAN, COTE D’IVOIRE, 28 AUGUST 2018: An undercover officer from a unit dedicated to Trans-national crime holds a giant pangolin exoskeleton discovered in a raid on a house in Abidjan. The raid netted two Vietnamese traffickers with 600 kgs of Pangolin scales as well as 23 ivory tusks from Forest Elephant. A Chinese man in the house was arrested for guns, drugs and is suspected of human trafficking based on document and photographs of 14 Ivorian women. The giant pangolin is a very highly endangered animal, on the red list for CITES appendix one. This exoskeleton and the tail of another larger giant pangolin were discovered in the locked room of the Chinese owner of the house, a traditonal Chinese doctor. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833271-YBHS3USYRZKWI0KWW6W6/Pangolins_024.jpg Pangolins in Crisis GARAMBA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, APRIL 18TH 2019: ICCN conservation ranger Dog handlers receiving training on tracking and detection for ivory and pangolin scales. This pointer has just located a single pangolin scale hidden in the wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833001-9JY9IOKY6XMJMWP76T7S/Pangolins_030.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HANOI, VIETNAM, 3 NOVEMBER 2018: A public awareness campaign against the illegal consumption of Pangolins with Chinese star Jackie Chang is seen at Hanoi airport. There are two schools of thought with regards to these campaigns. Some Asian animal rights groups believe they can have the opposite effect and stimulate intersest in the endangered animal. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833283-PN8V6CV68CIDUKENUTMX/Pangolins_025.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 4, 2011: A white bellied pangolin is seen amongst other wildlife in “wine” form in a Vietnamese Traditional Medicine shop. Vietnamese and Chinese traditional medicine has long believed that this “tonic” will be good for the person who drinks it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833020-W63PUNK290U7LPI3BO4G/Pangolins_026.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HANOI, VIETNAM, 5 NOVEMBER 2018: A Vietnamese woman consults with a traditional medicine specialist over pangolin scales. The highest percentage use for the scales in TM is for help for lactating women. Pangolins are now listed as Appendix one critically endangered by CITES since the beginning of 2018 but scales are still available all over Vietnam. It is known that they are an illegal commodity but law enforcement is lax. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833193-LHQ79030AS6HMLRQWIZ4/Pangolins_028.jpg Pangolins in Crisis DUONGLAM, VIETNAM, 6 NOVEMBER 2018: Do Doan Quat, 71, a 6th generation traditional medicine doctor, is seen with his wife Tran Thi Thanh in their home. They grind pangolin scales and mix them with other herbs to create a medicine he believes is good for tumors. He says that he has never really been sure about the efficacy of the use of Pangolin scales but that people believe in them so he uses them. He states that a lot of this kind of medicine is a testament to the power of belief. He states that the use of pangolin parts in Vietnam was so common in the past that it was like using chickens. He say the use has declined and is not so common anymore, the recent ban has moved the trade more underground. He thinks this is due to the fact that there are far less pangolin these days. He states that much of Vietnam’s traditional medicine is imported from China. The Vietnamese tend to prioritize traditional medicine but in an emergency will go for Western Medicine first. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833205-7HXYHMLK17X6N82X88TY/Pangolins_027.jpg Pangolins in Crisis GUANGZHOU, CHINA, DECEMBER 2018: Pangolin scales purchased legally from Chinese traditional medicine outlets. These scales come in whole and crushed form. The crushed version is sold in packages that look like sugar sachets. Two of the outlets that sold these scales speculated that these scales nowadays come from confiscations, they have noticed that there are fewer and fewer pangolins and that is has become harder to get the scales. These scales are used for various treatments but the biggest use remains for women who are having problems with lactation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833236-3JQCDHK0HHJSJ3A6NNNP/Pangolins_029.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HIGHLANDS, LAOS, FEB 9TH, 2014: An Akha tribal woman breastfeeds her baby son. The highest percentage use of pangolin scales in traditional medicine is to aid in lactation for breastfeeding women. There is no scientific basis to this but statisically this is the most popular use of the the keratin based scales. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833198-HKIQDAQFPN4H4TQHFP4L/Pangolins_041.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM, 4 NOVEMBER 2018: A National Parks Veterinarian and a Veternarian from Save Vietnam’s Wildlife rescue three juvenile pangolins that were left in a box in a wasteland area in Ho Chi Minh city. SVW received an anonymous phone call saying that a man had rescued the pangolins from a trader but did not want to reveal himself. It is believed the pangolins were abandoned because they are juveniles and too small to sell to the lucrative restaurant trade and too difficult to raise to maturity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832945-1W92VHLTY5AIESTZE2ST/Pangolins_042.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM, 4 NOVEMBER 2018: A National Parks Veterinarian Nguyen Van Cuong and a Veternarian from Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, Ngoc Duyen Huong, rescue three juvenile pangolins that were left in a box in a wasteland area in Ho Chi Minh city. SVW received an anonymous phone call saying that a man had rescued the pangolins from a trader but did not want to reveal himself. It is believed the pangolins were abandoned because they are juveniles and too small to sell to the lucrative restaurant trade and too difficult to raise to maturity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833241-AG95L439SV6T1TPOQ7BP/Pangolins_043.jpg Pangolins in Crisis HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM, 4 NOVEMBER 2018: A National Parks Veterinarian Nguyen Van Cuong and a Veternarian from Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, Ngoc Duyen Huong, rescue three juvenile pangolins that were left in a box in a wasteland area in Ho Chi Minh city. SVW received an anonymous phone call saying that a man had rescued the pangolins from a trader but did not want to reveal himself. It is believed the pangolins were abandoned because they are juveniles and too small to sell to the lucrative restaurant trade and too difficult to raise to maturity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833149-9GUMEMC6KRZBSLK7HQ6Z/Pangolins_031.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, November 2, 2018: A nervous recently rescued Pangolin that has been rescued from the illegal trade awaits release after rehab at Save Vietnam’s Wildlife headquarters in Cuc Phuong, Vietnam. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832965-6TO0QFLZ7UPNVOTYV1CS/Pangolins_033.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 8 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinary manager Jessica Jimerson bathes a recently arrived pangolin that has been rescued from the trafficking industry.. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833125-9UW22T6VYAV2DQNF451O/Pangolins_032.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 2 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinarian Lam Kim Hai rehydrates rescued, traumatized pangolins in SVW’s rehabilitation center. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833008-GNMWWSCXD9JH6FQYFB3J/Pangolins_037.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 9 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinary manager Jessica Jimerson works on rehydrating a trafficked pangolin in SVW’s rehabilitation center. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833289-3VBA0TC3TIOLNM7RVZ14/Pangolins_034.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 2 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinarian Lam Kim Hai works on a rescued trafficked pangolin that had it’s hind leg severely damaged in a poachers snare. He had to amputate the leg as a result. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833306-KHMTR0GTWI95IWTDDUX9/Pangolins_035.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 2 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinarian Lam Kim Hai works on a rescued trafficked pangolin that had it’s hind leg severely damaged in a poachers snare. He had to amputate the leg as a result. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833301-MWVA6KE823R04VHH0XP6/Pangolins_036.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 2 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinarian Lam Kim Hai works on a rescued trafficked pangolin that had it’s hind leg severely damaged in a poachers snare. He had to amputate the leg as a result. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158833014-247KUACR0OEZB1ALOCVP/Pangolins_038.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 8 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinary manager Jessica Jimerson works on a badly injured snared pangolin in SVW’s rehabilitation center. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158832989-1G13I7X5S2NJOJ8P7TB3/Pangolins_039.jpg Pangolins in Crisis CUC PHUONG, VIETNAM, 8 NOVEMBER 2018: Save Vietnam’s Wildlife veterinary manager Jessica Jimerson works on a badly injured snared pangolin in SVW’s rehabilitation center. Most of the Pangolins that are rescued by SVW come from Indonesia and Borneo. They are often caught in snares and badly injured, then they are subjected to weeks of trafficking to Vietnam where they are highly desireably in high end restaurants or go on to the northern border with China where they are more lucrative. SVW was founded in 2014 by Thai Van Nguyen to expand the conservation activities of the CPCP. Since then it was evolved into a organization that advocates globally and nationally for pangolins, small carnivore and all threatened species in Vietnam. It has opened Vietnam’s first pangolin and small carnivore education center and has successfully lobbied to have pangolins scales removed from the National health schemes and works with other rescues centers to raise staff capacity and animal welfare standards across Vietnam. Today SVW focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of carnivores and pangolins confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade; and the development of global conservation breeding program for threatened carnivores and pangolins. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/timbuktu daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755484-2IZAAY1IZOMD2QSUDVTO/Timbuktu23_001.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: The Imam of the Djingareiber Mosque, Timbuktu's oldest and most important Islamic place of worship, seen during Ramadan, September 6, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755729-XDPJX2OBLIQYHMZ0PFFT/Timbuktu23_006.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: , September 7, 2009. Darhamane Moulaye Haidara, the director general of the Bibliotheque Sidi Zeiyane Haidara, a private library of ancient manuscripts in Timbuktu, September 7, 2009. He is aided by SAMAVA, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of these documents of Africa's written history. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755557-TUFIWQ9TJAX5A3E0D835/Timbuktu23_003.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Images of temporary camps and houses on the outskirts of Timbuktu in the middle of a sandstorm, Mali, September 15, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. It has traditionally consisted of a mix of Tuareg and Songhay people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755587-7EUWEZGXY61VZ9S2NNA6/Timbuktu23_002.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Late Afternoon scenes at a funeral in the streets of Timbuktu, MALI, 5 JANUARY 2010. Funerals in Timbuktu are conducted separately, with the woman mourning inside the house of the deceased and the men outside on the street involved in prayers and remembrance in the Islamic tradition. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755636-7V8MHSD0ZCJADOBDNASK/Timbuktu23_004.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755599-YKCGTDCKFH3YYI0RJPGN/Timbuktu23_005.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A Mosque and two muslims on the outskirts of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, 23 January 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755760-FGYBOJDPW27EWQK0Z5GQ/Timbuktu23_007.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: , September 8, 2009. A view of manuscripts in a scholar's home in Timbuktu, September 8, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. All of that knowledge has been retained in manuscripts dating back to the 11th century. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755612-573TXG05M7G4WHGQIB1G/Timbuktu23_008.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Images of temporary camps and houses on the outskirts of Timbuktu in the middle of a sandstorm, Mali, September 15, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. It has traditionally consisted of a mix of Tuareg and Songhay people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755491-5O7EG5U4QPA3TYMT0V3Z/Timbuktu23_009.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Children play in the rain in a welcome respite from the desert heat in a street scene in Timbuktu, a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, , September 11, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755660-VF1MU3FF01KP6XCT4LZH/Timbuktu23_010.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Scenes from the port of Timbuktu at the apex of the Niger River, Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa on 12 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755516-HDETCDHS68E8JDG89995/Timbuktu23_011.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A truck delivers salt tablets from Taodenni, a salt mine in the north of Mali, to the home of an Arab businessman in Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. The salt industry is in transition, long the province of the Tuareg and their camel caravanss, modernization has seen the Arabs come to dominate this trade, using powerful trucks to transport the salt over the desert in a tenth of the traditional time with far more salt possible onboard. As a result the camel caravans are now seen as the poor man's alternative and trucks are more and more the route of the future. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755722-YP98VWXYWISGM48YF4B5/Timbuktu23_012.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Images of temporary camps and houses on the outskirts of Timbuktu in the middle of a sandstorm, Mali, September 15, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. It has traditionally consisted of a mix of Tuareg and Songhay people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755478-MQWKQN06SLX6HF7O69DL/Timbuktu23_013.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Ancient Manuscripts from Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan and Nigeria line storage cases at Abdel Kader HAIDARA's home, the director of Bibliotheque Mama Haidara De Manuscrits, Timbuktu, 16 September 2009. These manuscripts are waiting their turn to be cataloged and added to the library collection. Inside them is a history of Africa from the 11th century onwards, with dialoge on Islam, trade, history, the law and so on. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755754-7PWYR1GTUOS86ZMD9W8T/Timbuktu23_014.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Imam Chafi, custodian of the Biblioteche Cheik Na Boulher, sits in the rain damaged library trying to sort out salvagable manuscripts dating back to the 18th century, Timbuktu, September 7, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. Cheik Na Boulhar was a judge who moved from the desert town of Arouanne at the turn of the century, he gathered legal manuscripts his whole life and when he moved to Timbuktu, he was given a house which served as a school and a library. It could never be sold and when he died all his children left and the house was abandoned with the manuscripts inside. His youngest son, Imam Chafi, returned from Mauritania to Timbuktu to try and restore the library and house. He was awarded a grant from SAMAVA, a local organisation interested in the preservation of Timbuktu's unique and precious manuscripts. Imam Chafi is seen distraught in the house, holding in his hands the manuscripts damaged by the recent heavy rains. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755624-0GTTTII56TUQ78PRZ1KC/Timbuktu23_015.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Scenes from the port of Timbuktu at the apex of the Niger River, Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa on 12 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755618-N9XMGZNMV9GK653GWIAR/Timbuktu23_016.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755715-R0JN2MORXREYPQNOJMIT/Timbuktu23_017.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Images of camps and houses on the outskirts of Timbuktu just before a fast approaching rainstorm, Mali, September 11, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. It has traditionally consisted of a mix of Tuareg and Songhay people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755575-I3SIOYO9RORE1JTRLEPE/Timbuktu23_018.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Caligrapher and Copyist Buboubacar Sadeck teaches students the art of ancient caligraphy on a Timbuktu rooftop, September 8, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. All of that knowledge has been preserved in manuscripts written out by men like Buboubacar since the 11th century. Since the resurgence of interest in the manuscripts of Timbuktu, students are learning the art of caligraphy as both an artistic and economic excercise. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755785-SDFFT18X0D27NP3N37CE/Timbuktu23_019.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Caligrapher and Copyist Buboubacar Sadeck teaches students the art of ancient caligraphy on a Timbuktu rooftop, September 8, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. All of that knowledge has been preserved in manuscripts written out by men like Buboubacar since the 11th century. Since the resurgence of interest in the manuscripts of Timbuktu, students are learning the art of caligraphy as both an artistic and economic excercise. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755691-1MH1XY10K8I24W39V0KE/Timbuktu23_020.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Early morning scene of children attending a Koranic school at a home in Timbuktu, September 12, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755546-AMQKIY4V8OJ0KD9NRQPO/Timbuktu23_021.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755773-MUZ0WAJS9JDL16Y4YL9I/Timbuktu23_022.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Morning Prayer sessions in the streets of Timbuktu on the the day signifying the end of Ramadan, the devout comes out of their homes into their street and the local Imam conducts the prayer to end Ramadan in Timbuktu, 19 September 2009. The rest of the day is spent visiting family and eating in celebration. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755510-J4V826CRO7A6ZFUZ9LCR/Timbuktu23_023.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: The Djingareiber Mosque, Timbuktu's oldest and most important Islamic place of worship, seen during Ramadan and with the desert sands clouding the air behind it, September 6, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755522-OO27D45K1V84BMI7WNWH/Timbuktu23_024.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Young boys with begging tins in a coal yard in Timbuktu, January 19, 2010. These young boys are sent by their parents from poor communities to the local Marabou who functions as a surrogate parent while ensuring some kind of education for these kids through a basic Koranic school. The Marabou does not however provide food, money or clothes so the children are seen on the streets begging for their survival. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755472-V93DE0PK4GRXSXG6Y9CJ/Timbuktu23_025+copy.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755461-LD9CDZY49SEC4DLHZFRK/Timbuktu23_026.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755680-J111WWRM2BDUUVHD6JLM/Timbuktu23_027.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010:Young boys hired as drummers and dancers perform in the street outside a Songhay wedding taking place in a house nearby, Timbuktu, Mali, 10 January 2010. Dancing, music and celebration is unrestrained in Timbuktu, with loud revelry accompanying many social occasions. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755703-9WWAV0G39FHJUU6FT1HR/Timbuktu23_029.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: The Imam of the Djingareiber Mosque, Timbuktu's oldest and most important Islamic place of worship, seen during Ramadan, September 6, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755667-JFIG7AFIXVT4AHFYAIDN/Timbuktu23_030.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Late afternoon street scenes around the Sankore Mosque as seen from a local residence with the famous Timbuktu door in evidence, Sankore is one of 3 mosques declared UNESCO sites in Timbuktu, a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology, September 9, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755748-FOQEHGFNUCWH3BLE0BNB/Timbuktu23_031.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755741-NK7KY8D5OYAQN1MC5XUU/Timbuktu23_032.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755503-U7QYDKZDE1A6CF6DLHND/Timbuktu23_033.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Images of temporary camps and houses on the outskirts of Timbuktu in the middle of a sandstorm, Mali, September 15, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. It has traditionally consisted of a mix of Tuareg and Songhay people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755735-26XQ0YM5T3FKT8TK9AOQ/Timbuktu23_034.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Herdsman bring in their flocks from outlying grazing areas back into Timbuktu on 18 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755697-A0XPNOX16YYQF7JF0XLA/Timbuktu23_035.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: A Timbuktu Taxi does double duty as a butchery delivery vehicle, 18 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755540-5NTGMOXYQNWLU05GC89B/Timbuktu23_036.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Tuareg men from an outlyingTuareg community arrive in town and walk their camels through the streets of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, on their way to visit with relatives in the city. January 23, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755593-JA2D0ET8LA63UR9WT4YE/Timbuktu23_037.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Tuareg and Songhay nomad families camped on the outskirts of Timbuktu during the rainy season, September 6, 2009. The nomads have used this route for centuries, using the same campsites as their forefathers for centuries. They remain in place to fatten up the animals on grasses produced during the rainy season and then head out back into the desert on their nomadic routes. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755709-C8TI7U5BPJU353MEAYSA/Timbuktu23_039.jpg Timbuktu : TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010:Young boys lounge in the desert sand on the banks of the Libyan built Canal which brings river water to the heart of Timbuktu, Mali, 9 January 2010. In the background two young men clean their household carpet. The Canal was restored by the Libyans, who exert a strong financial influence over the whole region. There is a new hotel nearby, which overlooks the canal. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755581-3YM9KFQ488NGFAQAUIFT/Timbuktu23_040.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Boys play soccer near a Tuareg desert mural in the center of Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, 22 January 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755528-RRARGI6VWMDZJ2HRO9DW/Timbuktu23_041.jpg Timbuktu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755533-4EHWOTD05ZBQ5HETIL7U/Timbuktu23_042.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: The end of the day as seen from a high point overlooking children at play in the streets of Timbuktu, Mali, 19 January 2010. The heat of the day normally sees most activity in the streets occurring late in the day, when the city becomes alive with pedestrians on their way to market or to the mosque or just socializing in the streets of this mythical city. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755497-NL024HMTOLM7HHZY4PYP/Timbuktu23_043.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Mali Army soldiers celebrate Mali Independence day with both formal and informal marches in the streets of Timbuktu. Fundamentalist Islamic fighters operating in the North of Mali have become an increasing security problem for the Mali government, one which they are trying to keep a lid on. Co-operation with the neighbouring countries and also the USA is ongoing with this issue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755551-X8UBVKV1TZVSL8K95CJ1/Timbuktu23_044.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Mali Army soldiers celebrate Mali Independence day with both formal and informal marches in the streets of Timbuktu. Fundamentalist Islamic fighters operating in the North of Mali have become an increasing security problem for the Mali government, one which they are trying to keep a lid on. Co-operation with the neighbouring countries and also the USA is ongoing with this issue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755779-9YO78B5T1P5GM6XAHL71/Timbuktu23_045.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Late afternoon street scenes around the Sankore Mosque as seen from a local residence with the famous Timbuktu door in evidence, Sankore is one of 3 mosques declared UNESCO sites in Timbuktu, a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology, September 9, 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755686-G23XM2LMBS41B82OYY3R/Timbuktu23_046.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Ismael Diadie Haidara, a scholar, philosopher and custodian of the Fondo Ka Ti manuscript library, Timbuktu, 12 September 2009. Ismael can trace his family back to Andalucia in Spain which they were forced to flee from Muslim Persecution in the days of the Catholic church's purges of Islam. Ismael's ancestor wrote a famous manuscript called the Tarik Al Fatah, a history of the Timbuktu region in the 15th and 16th century. This is regarded as one of the most important manuscripts to emerge in the recent interest in the written history of Africa centred in Timbuktu. Ismael spends his time on the library, studying philosophy and also in his village on the Niger River close to Timbuktu. He is unusual amongst Timbuktu intellectuals as he is also an environmentalist and has planted over 1000 trees in his village and plans to plant 9000 more. He petioned the President of MAli to allow him to pay his taxes in trees planted, but has had no reply to this request. He reads Walden and Thoureax and is a pacifist with no desire for an involvement in politics. His trips on the Niger river are symbolic of the thousands of scholars, philosophers and intellectuals who have made their way to Timbuktu via the river to attend this African centre for learning over the centuries. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755767-3N0HW8B8F57HDPR9UW3M/Timbuktu23_047.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: , September 7, 2009. Darhamane Moulaye Haidara, the director general of the Bibliotheque Sidi Zeiyane Haidara, a private library of ancient manuscripts in Timbuktu, September 7, 2009. He is aided by SAMAVA, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of these documents of Africa's written history. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755466-76VFJTSVJ46GXZ251ZOT/Timbuktu23_048.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Local women restore ancient manuscripts at the Mama Haidara Centre Juma Almajid Pour La Conservation et la Restauration des Manuscripts A Tombouctou, September 7, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. The Mama Haidara centre is a place where the manuscripts which for so long have stored this knowledge are rescued and restored, cataloged and repaired, digitised and placed in order so that the most complete history that they represent can be assembled and studied and better understood. The manuscripts have the dust removed, are placed in order and cleaned, they are then taken to a room where women carefully repair damage using paper created in the same way as the original, down to color matching the manuscript tones. They are then photographed and then stored in specially manufactured acid free boxes made on site. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755648-BYVOLHRLJ7B9WKTKSF7R/Timbuktu23_050.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Late afternoon street-scenes on a busy street in Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, January 20 2010 (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755569-5D25BVZWNZWPLOI3862U/Timbuktu23_051.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Timbuktu Marabout Mohamed Lamine ould Seing Almoustapha counsels a psychologically disturbed man who is chained to a post in the Marabout's home, 19 September 2009. Marabout's are the Timbuktu equivalent of a therapist but with more than a little of the supernatural thrown in. The Marabout here is tending a man who has been voluntarily turned over to him by the man's family and chained up for the 40 day period of the therapy. Almoustapha caters mostly to the mentally disturbed and also to infertile women but he also manufactures "Gris-Gris," talisman pieces which he prepares to protect against harm and other evils. He recently was held to task when a Mali army colonel was executed in his own home in Timbuktu by members of Al Quaeda despite wearing a Gris-Gris prepared by this Marabout. Anther Mali Army colonel also died pursuing the Al Quaeda attackers, he too was wearing Gris-Gris prepared by Almoustapha. The Marabout defends himself by saying that insufficent animal sacrifices were made by these two colonels to strengthen the Gris-Gris powers and that is why they died. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755605-5EUOIM4Q3SB4XSMX3UD1/Timbuktu23_052.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Young boys with begging tins in a coal yard in Timbuktu, January 19, 2010. These young boys are sent by their parents from poor communities to the local Marabou who functions as a surrogate parent while ensuring some kind of education for these kids through a basic Koranic school. The Marabou does not however provide food, money or clothes so the children are seen on the streets begging for their survival. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755642-ZUFH9O8FFPUOJIAXTULV/Timbuktu23_053.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Street scenes in Timbuktu, a man works on a long distance truck while in the background a Songhay woman bakes traditional bread in an earthen oven, Timbuktu, September 8, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755454-IE3I3GEIK2WWNPL3M3VE/Timbuktu23_054.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: Armed Forces Day in Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, with martial arts displays and an appearance for a march past from different groups of the Mali Defence force and its veterans as well as an address by the Governor of Timbuktu, January 20, 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755630-I7WF8W9Y2RJWZ615HQEE/Timbuktu23_055.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: The desert is ever-encroaching on the roads of Timbuktu, some days the white lines are there, other days they're not, Timbuktu, 18 September 2009. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755654-EI62CO3IZAVLB3C8I6FG/Timbuktu23_056.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A women and child walk past the camera in a back alley street scene in Timbuktu, the mythical Northern Mali city, January 20, 2010 (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755673-CDXSAFRGEHRV4SLO2K13/Timbuktu23_057.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, MALI, JANUARY 2010: A group of old men who have known each other since childhood meet in the afternoon to sit and talk about life, Timbuktu, Mali, 22 January 2010. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158755564-ARY2M1BOAT78PWVDAO8H/Timbuktu23_058.jpg Timbuktu TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Scenes of the oldest cemetry in Timbuktu, home to explorers of old, military men, scholars, teachers, judges and travellers of all kinds drawn over the centuries to the legendary Timbuktu, September 10, 2009. Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa, Islam is at the heart of that learning as is medicine, science, law and technology. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://www.brentstirton.com/water-issues-work-in-progress daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769117-6AZ55S25FPN2KMENFAJN/Water_001.jpg Water Issues - work in progress DAG ALLAL, TIMBUKTU, MALI: Tuareg men plant grass in the banks of the Niger River to grow a forage crop for their animals and for sale in the markets in the sedentary Tuareg village of Dag Allal in Mali. Unusual amongst Tuareg for their sedentary, non-nomadic existence, these Tuaregs remain in place all year and care for their animals by utilising agricultural techniques. They have received help from the Millenium Village Project which aims to empower local communities through education. They grow rice and forage grass in the nearby Niger river, using a canal and small pump to divert water into ricepaddies. Their leader, El Hadg Agali Ag Mohammoud, 70, explains that reasons of drought, rebellion and a lack of union amongst the Tuareg caused this group to choose to remain in one place, "We live here all year, we take care of our animals by growing the grass that they wouldn't normally have in the hot summer months, other Tuareg don't always understand this, they think that this grass grows naturally. We sometimes have to prevent them taking it, we have to explain that we grow it for our animals and it is not free. Sometimes there is a confrontation as a result, this is not the traditional Tuareg way so we have to explain it to them. I think in the future there will be more Tuareg living this way."(Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768953-CN8O8IM8SQZ2CR28666E/Water_013.jpg Water Issues - work in progress BOLGATANGA, GHANA: A young woman fetches water from a swamp area 4 miles from her village, she makes this trip at least once a day seven days a week. It takes a large part of her day and prevents her from other forms of employment, ongoing education and real participation in village life. Water is a gender issue, with women at the forefront across the majority world. As long as women have to deal with this burden they can never reach their full potential. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769182-C7ZN0P4M457819FTGPAA/Water_014.jpg Water Issues - work in progress BOLGATANGA, GHANA: A man wearing glasses deeply scrateched over time has in fact been blinded by Trachoma, a preventable disease of the eyes conected to poor hygiene and lack of access to clean water. This is an extremely painful disease in which the eyelashes invert and constantly scratch the eyeball. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/REPORTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769048-Y1EFNRZDE83C1RLKVDII/Water_053.jpg Water Issues - work in progress Tanzania: An 18 year old women in the final stages of pregnancy fights off a bout of Malaria at a rural clinic. Pregnant women who contract the disease pass it onto the child, significantly reducing the child's chances for survival. Malaria remains one of the world biggest killers, with a direct link to mosquito habitats in areas of stagnant water, often the only water source available to people in rural Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769316-9X4RR04J3VIUVX6FBCBJ/Water_055.jpg Water Issues - work in progress SOUTHERN SRI LANKA-NOVEMBER: A Tsunami survivor cries in the ruins of the house she used to share with her husband and two children. They were lost in the wave and she now lives in the ruins of the house trying to work out how to reclaim some part of her life. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769247-DSFZPC07RHYLP3FELXH6/Water_002.jpg Water Issues - work in progress LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been forced off their land by Dassanech tribesman in a conflict over water and grazing rights, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Kenya's Turkana. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is increasing as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam is in full swing. This has reduced the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size, decimating the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo now fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict continues in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, is having a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769005-M4DVSR2RII55FY5UHCYQ/Water_015.jpg Water Issues - work in progress BALEKE VILLAGE, BENGAMISA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Pastor Jerome Gendose Kayana, 57, lost his sight to river blindness in 2000. He saw numerous local traditional doctors but ultimately went blind because of a lack of access to western medicine. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. Jerome says he initially felt suicidal, but his faith helped him to see that this was, “God’s plan for him.” This was a very difficult period, as he had been an avid reader and had only qualified as a priest two months before he lost his sight. Nowadays he actively encourages his congregation to go to Ivermectin distributions, using himself as an example of why this is important. Pastor Jerome condemns other churches who say that this is a western practice and people should only use African medicine. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769011-C84A674JL3W8CXSW93CZ/Water_054.jpg Water Issues - work in progress Buchanan, Liberia: A young refugee child suffering from Cholera is examined at a make-shift rural clinic. At this time around 20 people a day were dieing from this infectious disease in the refugee camps. Cholera is common to refugee camps as overcrowding leads to pollution of the water source by human waste and no facilities exist for alternative water sources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769150-O1TYR7DLG3OYEBFILW1E/Water_056.jpg Water Issues - work in progress MAZUCO, PERU-JUNE: Images of the ongoing construction of the Inter-Oceanica highway, Mazuco, Peru. The building of the Inter-Oceanica Highway road has had many effects on Peru. One of the major effects is the diverting of water sources, rivers and dams. One of the longest, most ambitious road projects in the world, it crosses Peru through the Amazon rain forest regions and continues through the Andes into Brazil. It provides the potential for great economic growth for Peru through improved transportation routes which ease the need for imports in Peru. The road however threatens the fragile eco-systems through which it passes, and that threatens much of the sustainable, subsistence existence of many Peruvians. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769255-KO58TUQZ3LAS0EBUAEHZ/Water_003.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KISANGANI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A portrait of a fisherman stretching before he lowers a large wicker fishing net into the rapids outside the city of Kisangani on the Congo River. Fisherman in this region are commonly affected by Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769124-0JR2BECKC6UEUTFCXPYO/Water_016.jpg Water Issues - work in progress Kenya: A Masaai elder sits in the remains of his burned out shamba, he has just burned the place down before he moves on. A terrible five year drought has killed most of his cattle and it is traditional to burn down their living area before moving on. This image was taken at the time of the worst drought in the region for the last 100 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769059-RQLD4RPQQBBDRCZLW1CP/Water_057.jpg Water Issues - work in progress MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: A worker sweeps out the final stage of the 3rd water tunnel for New York City. The Tunnel has been built to allow for maintenance of the 2 existing but aging tunnels. The third tunnel is also far more secure and is a response to the possibility of a terror threat to the water system of the city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769175-3HHF8JX8AOHR2VMD8SDE/Water_004.jpg Water Issues - work in progress INGAL, NIGER: Tuareg Nomads on the move to a place of better grazing and water supply. This group has been in this region for the rainy season, taking advantage of easier water access and good grasses for the animals. The moving is done in stages, usually the Camel herd goes first with a few men, then come the goats and then the rest of the Nomads follow with all their possessions mounted onto donkeys. Tuareg nomad tents are lightweight using wood from the south of Niger, the matting and material which cover them fold down easily. Tuareg Nomads have two traditional priorities, their animals and access to water. This group has moved to this region at this time to enjoy the remaining good grassland of the rainy season and now have to move again to be close to a good water source. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769097-Y0Z9FZAU125L58Z88S3L/Water_017.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KOYA, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: Rendille Morans dig water for goats and camels in a dry river bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769214-3U9P4XMQL43EBMZB7UT2/Water_058.jpg Water Issues - work in progress BOLGATANGA, GHANA: A man tunnels for water in a rural village where the locals have to dig further and further into the ground to access the retreating aquifer. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768979-OQ3TU5YYU3R38UD4MBW4/Water_005.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KAHAWA, SRI LANKA : The Venerable Dr. Talawe Sangharatana Thero stands in contemplation outside a train wrecked in the Asian Tsunami disaster, Kahawa, Sri Lanka. Over 800 people died in the wreck, many of whom were children. Dr Thero is one of the senior monks for the Southern district of Sri Lanka. Over 70% of Sri Lankans are active practioners of Buddhism and monks have been active in the devastated communites after the impact of the Tsunami. Many have sought shelter in their faith and the monks have offered whatever comfort and shelter they can. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769169-TA0A4T6PCEF25COV2O1D/Water_018.jpg Water Issues - work in progress RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA: Images of a massacre site where drought drove Pokot tribesman out of the Rift Valley, their traditional area, they attacked a Samburu village over cattle grazing rights in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in the region for the last 100 years. 25 Samburu men, women and children were killed in the attack, over 50 cattle were shot and over 300 cattle died later in the week from not being able to access grazing land because of the threat of the Pokot. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768998-LDZTYYFVJZO3KL5VND6X/Water_059.jpg Water Issues - work in progress CAMERON, ARIZONA: A dead wild horse lies mysteriously at the end of a small canyon in the badlands of Cameron, Arizona. This is an area of extensive uranium mining, these mines have poisoned water sources in many parts of the reservation and the Navajo Nation has never been fully compensated for the damage to their way of life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769144-NPS20SUBCP3Z9S021BN6/Water_006.jpg Water Issues - work in progress DJANET, ALGERIA, 3 MAY: Images of a Southern Algerian family picnicking in the desert outside of the town of Djanet on a Friday, the Muslim holy day, on April 3 2009. Djanet is increasingly under threat from the relentless spread of the desert. Climate change has accelerated this phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769111-T43FMQ3VZEPEDRKDF8OZ/Water_019.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TIMBUKTU, SEPTEMBER 2009: Men bathe in the Niger river after unloading goods from a boat in the port of Timbuktu at the apex of the Niger River, Timbuktu is a historical Malian city, a long established centre of learning for Africa. The Niger river is the main river for West Africa and is a vital artery for trade and services. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768934-EXNZZKJVYBQNU1NPM8OH/Water_060.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KALAHARI DESERT, SOUTH AFRICA: A San Bushman elder rests on a fence in the Kalahari desert that divides what used to be traditional bushmen land and is now mining territory. The San community says that access to water holes and traditional hunting are no longer possible for the bushmen who now lives lives on societies margins. (Photograph by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769084-5NKHIRZBJPD7IB2A0GQE/Water_007.jpg Water Issues - work in progress LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: A elderly Dassanech women sits on the banks of the Omo river in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia. Ethiopia has created three large dams and as a result has shrunk the Omo river to one fifth of its size. This has removed the fertile flood plain and greatly reduced grazing for these pastoralists. The Omo is the main tributary for Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya. Overall, over a million tribal people are affected and there are now increasing water and grazing conflicts amongst them. No EIA study was ever done by the Ethiopian government on the effects of their dams on the millions of people downstream. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769017-LYEL3SN9GHVXXRNHFSKG/Water_020.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TIMBUKTU, MALI: A Songhai woman walks between temporary settlements on the outskirts of Timbuktu. Traders come from all over this region of Africa to do business in the legendary city. They come during the rainy season so as to have grazing for their animals and leave again when the season is over, heading back to Niger, Mauritania and other regions of the Sahara. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769072-OJ5KZ6KXHVFLMA3LKXKX/Water_061.jpg Water Issues - work in progress BUNGOMA, KENYA : Images of a laborer in the rice-fields of Dominion Farm, the largest private American investment in in Kenya. The farm specialises in fish breeding and massive rice production and as a result has disrupted water availability for the local population. Large scale farming in Africa frequently does not consider local water usage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769041-Y9VTKG774COX921ZT3NT/Water_008.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TURKANA, KENYA: Scenes from Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana people. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. These Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia has lowered the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, this is Lake Turkana's largest tributary. Saudi owned sugar cane farms along the banks of the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms severely impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769240-IKN5Y9KFI5ZG67L4N635/Water_021.jpg Water Issues - work in progress MARARABA, NIGER: A young boy gets water from a goat-skin in a scene of Berber semi-nomadic life from the small transit town of Mararaba, Niger, September 27 2009. This small town is an intersection point for Agadez and Niamey. The lack of water in the region and the growing desertification sees more and more of the desert nomad groups moving into already crowded cities in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769163-H0Y67GA9UCWJA13FKS6Q/Water_062.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KIBERA SLUM, NAIROBI, KENYA: Men pour raw sewerage into a polluted stream in Kibera slum, Nairobi. Urban drift now means that in the last 5 years more people live in cities than in rural areas worldwide. Many of these people are unskilled and crowded into slums without adequate clean water access. There is little viable sewerage disposal or adequate hygience facility. As a result the outbreak of disease is common and traditional water supply for cities is increasingly under threat from these slum communities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768973-I1LDA9296AE07YOOV4EE/Water_009.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KURIGRAM, BANGLADESH: Flood-affected village men hack away the embankment left by the most recent flooding in the area where their village used to be. They are doing this on the orders of the local landowner who is using this earth for contruction in another area. These men are effectively further removing the only barrier between them and further flooding but desperately need the small amount they are paid so do the work anyway. The lack of a serious engineering works aimed at flood prevention in Bangladesh is behind the suffering of millions of impoverished rural people. Annual predicable floods bring misery to millions without any effective counter plan. A fatalistic national leadership chooses the displacement of millions rather than try to combat the flooding through engineering ingenuity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769322-8AKNQ36WJREW5NKGSAB3/Water_022.jpg Water Issues - work in progress : TIMBUKTU, MALI: Young boys lounge in the desert sand on the banks of the Libyan-built canal which brings river water to the heart of Timbuktu, Mali. The Canal was restored by the Libyans, who exerted a strong financial influence over the whole region at the time. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768966-DJCCWF6EFZO1170NITPR/Water_063.jpg Water Issues - work in progress MUTWANGA, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Kaseraka, 28, a polio victim, sweeps stones away from the main water flow area on a Congolese Conservation authority Virunga Hydro-electric project in Mutwanga, DRC. Kaseraka is in charge of maintenance for the project and is typical of the disadvantaged community this scheme will benefit. This hydro-electric scheme is the Park's largest community project and will provide electricity to an empoverished community of 25 000 people as well as to schools, a general hospital and an orphanage. The pay off for the park is that the community comes to understand the relationship between healthy forests and healthy water supply as well as vastly improved community relations. Electricity will also be available for industry and that could revolutionise the community, allowing for the retention of the value of Congolese products internally as opposed to constant and expensive imports. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768940-6TFFONN0PV2Q2K2E4U25/Water_010.jpg Water Issues - work in progress ZAMBIA: A malnourished farmer rests in his fields after harvesting what he could from his failed crop. The worst regional drought in one hundred years has crippled many farmers and starvation is a reality for these rural people. Climate change has brought about unpredicatable rainfall patterns and these impoverished rural farmers bear the brunt of that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769328-52SGG5SJ4SU9QG8CCPRO/Water_023.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TASSILI 'N AJJER, SOUTHERN ALGERIA: The increasing desertification of the Sahara has driven most nomadic tribes out of the desert and into ever more crowded cities where employment is scarce for unskilled labor, Tassili 'n Ajjer, in the south of Algeria. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769347-5E930Y18EJ0A7VDHN75K/Water_064.jpg Water Issues - work in progress IMPERIAL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA: The All American Canal, the main water conduit from the Colorado River into the Imperial Dam, Imperial Valley. The Imperial Valley is a desert area which controversially uses three quarters of Californias allocated river water for agricultural purposes. The agricultural techniques have traditionally been flood and furrow which experts claim waste vast quanties of precious water. Imperial Valley farmers are looking at alternative techniques through which to conserve water supply. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769156-PV98Z98QELS8PJ0U4S40/Water_011.jpg Water Issues - work in progress GAIBANDAH, BANGLADESH: Vulnerable farmers on flood damaged islands work to clear rice fields damaged by annual floods which destroy crops and homes amongst the poor on a yearly basis. Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries in terms of food security. The price of food staples have doubled in the last 5 months and civil unrest is a possibility in the near future. Rising world energy prices, one of the world's poorest populations, and a loss of government subsidies for food staples combined with the world's highest flood plain has meant that many people are down to one meal a day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769354-6DZ1HHJ9TYYZ32K8AQ53/Water_024.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TURKANA, KENYA: A Turkana man bathes at the end of the day in Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana people. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. These Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia has lowered the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, this is Lake Turkana's largest tributary. Saudi owned sugar cane farms along the banks of the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms severely impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769261-DGP4WKPDN0EF1WVVMIPG/Water_065.jpg Water Issues - work in progress IMPERIAL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, AUGUST 2009: Mexican workers in the Imperial Valley, an agricultural area which traditionally uses water from the Colorado river distributed through a series of canals and irrigation channels, Imperial Valley. The Imperial Valley is a desert area which controversially uses three quarters of Californias allocated river water for agricultural purposes. The agricultural techniques have traditionally been flood and furrow which experts claim waste vast quanties of precious water. Imperial Valley farmers are looking at alternative techniques through which to conserve water supply. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769131-J3MC4742SGBDYLLGVDL4/Water_012.jpg Water Issues - work in progress PUKAPUKI, PAPUA NEW GUINEA: A local man showers underneath a waterfall in the rainforest close to his village in the mountains of Papua New Guinea. Traditional ways of life are under threat in Papua as villages have very little means of raising money through which to educate their children and pay medical bills. As a result, villages are selling the timber of the rainforest. This is a non-sustainable practise and is having a devastating effect on water supply, traditional river routes and erosion patterns. Education as to these factors is a vital but lacking components in this transition period for Papua New Guinea. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769035-TO58VZZZH8Z37R6I07VJ/Water_025.jpg Water Issues - work in progress LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA: A Dasenetch pastoralist father and son use netting to catch Tilapia fish in Lake Turkana in North Kenya. Fishing is a relatively new phenomenon for the Dasenetch, drought and climate change have forced them to look further than cattle for alternative sources of sustenance and economy. Fishing has become the primary means in the Lake Turkana region. The lake is the largest desert lake in the world and sustains both Turkana and Dasenetch people as well as Gabra and other tribes in the region. Lake Turkana faces an uncertain future however as the Gibe 3 dam project in Ethiopia, a massive hydro-electric scheme and Ethiopia's biggest single investment, is now online. The dam project, designed to create electricity for sale to surrounding countries including Kenya, reduced the flow of the Omo river dramatically and this river is the main tributary for Lake Turkana. Significant changes in lake levels and in ecology are the result. Fertile flood plain invaluable for agriculture have been lost. All of this bodes badly for the pastoralists of the Lake Turkana and Omo river region, these groups are already under severe subsistence pressure and there is a long history of armed conflict in the region. Weapons flow in to this region through Sudan and Somalia and there is little control over this trade which looks likely to accelerate as pressures increase in this region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769283-7M61C7O45FB9LXIQ7N0G/Water_066.jpg Water Issues - work in progress THE SALTON SEA, CALIFORNIA: A tranquill scene from the Salton Sea, a dying inland lake which currently exists as a result of run off agricultural waste water from the fields of Imperial Valley and the Coachella Valley. The Salton Sea is 25% more saline than the Pacific but remains an important wetland for migrating birds and agriculture in the region. A former resort area, its is economically depressed nowadays and all reports seem to indicate a drying out of the sea as greater efforts move into place to conserve water on the surrounding farmlands. There are genuine concerns that the drying out of the Salton sea could lead to a dustbowl situation in which years of accumulated fertlizers, salts and pesticides which are in the Salton sea could be released into the air. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769077-3HFZDHWK6QI64WTKU1PC/Water_026.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TURKANA, KENYA: Boys collect water from a dry river bed to sell it in the nearby town of Karokol, Lake Turkana, Kenya. The water is sold for around 20 Kenyan Shillings for 20 Gallons. The town does not have running water and most water is sourced this way. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769226-GIN5IGJGQR6TQQLTTJC4/Water_067.jpg Water Issues - work in progress NAVAJO NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA: Wayne Wilson and his son Shelvin bring water and food to very vulnerable people without transport all over the Navajo reservation. Many parts of the reservation don’t have access to water where they live so Wayne tries to service the most vulnerable families in those areas. He created a small Gofundme page and secured the service of a donor vehicle and water tank. He also donates water barrels and food if needed. So far he has helped over 100 families and drives an average of 400 miles every time he does a delivery. Several million people across the USA do not have access to running water, the Navajo Nation is just one place where this occurs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768985-NQHV188SDWT8YLSNVK8U/Water_027.jpg Water Issues - work in progress LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been forced off their land by Dassanech tribesman in a conflict over water and grazing rights, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Kenya's Turkana. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is increasing as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam is in full swing. This has reduced the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size, decimating the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo now fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict continues in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, is having a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769335-GN2TAPOUHQDFLPEEN4JW/Water_068.jpg Water Issues - work in progress GRAY MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA: Gray Mountain Horse Rescue is a Navajo organization that attempts to safeguard wild horses and provide them with adequate drinking water which they truck out to areas where there is little water access. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769303-BH63X66QN46H3PQBV6OL/Water_028.jpg Water Issues - work in progress LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been forced off their land by Dassanech tribesman in a conflict over water and grazing rights, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Kenya's Turkana. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is increasing as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam is in full swing. This has reduced the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size, decimating the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo now fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict continues in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, is having a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769310-VCEDXNJZY2HOCZRBNE7V/Water_069.jpg Water Issues - work in progress GRAY MOUNTAIN, ARIZONA: Gray Mountain Horse Rescue is an organization that attempts to safeguard wild horses across the Navajo Nation. Part of their mission is to provide these wild horses with adequate drinking water which they truck out to areas where there is little water access. They are seen moving a young foal to an area where there will be better water access and grazing. It would be likely to die otherwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768992-4C0P3WALX0ZAN7VGTDKZ/Water_029.jpg Water Issues - work in progress ENNEDI, CHAD: Nomadic farmers use traditonal wells that have been renovated and deepened by the African Parks organization, a conservation group that want to restore Ennedi to a National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769371-V7WYNHHVTHYXFP2XVWTV/Water_070.jpg Water Issues - work in progress VARANASSI, INDIA: A feral dog consumes a body buried in the Ganges in the holy city of Varanassi, India. The Ganges River in India is considered a holy river for many devotees, bathing in it on a regular basis is regarded as a form of cleansing for the spirit and the body. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768960-LB3KYWABAXA4DTQEP5XV/Water_030.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER: M.N.J rebel soldiers bathe at a remote water hole in the Tazerzeit mountains while keeping an eye out for the Niger army forces. M.N.J are a Tuareg-led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination and resource ownership by Niger's growing Uranium and Natural Resources industry. The rebellion centers around the loss of traditional water and grazing rights to the extractive industries and the lack of compensation offered. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769341-CH2YNPAK3SRWYYWXEVDB/Water_031.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TAZERZEIT, AIR MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN NIGER: Images of M.N.J rebel soldiers at a remote water hole, a Tuareg-led rebellion against the Niger government for reasons of perceived discrimination and resource ownership by Niger's growing Uranium and Natural Resources industry. The rebellion centers around the loss of traditional water and grazing rights to the extractive industries and the lack of compensation offered. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769104-THU4HWO7FT4QGVGMEBT3/Water_032.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KURIGRAM, BANGLADESH: Village men clear debris from a flooded area so they can use their boats in the area where their village used to be, Kurigram, Northern Bangladesh, 2 August 2008. Flooding, Poverty and lack of protected land ownership amongst the poor is driving a serious food crisis in Bangladesh. A male labourers makes around 90 US cents a day while a women makes around 50 US cents a day working in the fields. Extreme poverty and rising food prices couple with an oversupply of cheap labour has meant that many people can only afford to eat once a day. Many labourers sell their services up to a year ahead and have been caught out by rampant food prices which are beyond the reach of their wages. Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries in terms of food security. The price of food staples have doubled in the last 5 months and civil unrest is a possibility in the near future. Rising world energy prices, one of the world's poorest populations, and a loss of government subsidies for food staples combined with the world's highest flood plain has meant that many people are down to one meal a day. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769383-6U73NIL1LASF4GXWH0Y7/Water_033.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KURIGRAM, BANGLADESH: Evacuating villagers from a flooded area where their homes have been destroyed. Annual flooding and a lack of logistical planning around it present a crisis in Bangladesh affecting millions of the poor. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769378-QQ36BVE37MUQJO3KJMAY/Water_034.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KURIGRAM, BANGLADESH: Flood displaced women seen in a temporary refugee camp. Annual flooding and a lack of logistical planning around it present a crisis in Bangladesh affecting millions of the poor. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769275-FBNLL1UDDXQZDP6Y0P5O/Water_035.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TIMBUKTU, MALI: Children play in the rain after flash floods in a respite from the desert heat in a street scene in Timbuktu, a historical Malian city. These floods are a recent development in this desert town and are thought to be as a result of climate change. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769188-4FNW6ER2X9F90QSD5VWF/Water_036.jpg Water Issues - work in progress OK TEDI, NORTHERN PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Village children swim in a tailings dam close to the failed Ok Tedi mine in Papau New Guinea. This mine's huge tailings dam failed and flooded into the Ok Tedi river, contaminating the water source for hundreds of miles and destroying traditional hunting areas as animals moved out of the area. Local people continue to live in the area but disease related to the contaminated river is common. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769138-17MSI81P6V6QYURWFIFX/Water_037.jpg Water Issues - work in progress PORGERA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA HIGHLANDS: An impoverished Papuan family illegally prospects in a mine tailings river with heavy metal laden waters on the outskirts of the Porgera Joint Venture Mine, Papua New Guinea. These empoverished people engage in illegal mining on the dumps and tailings outflow areas of the mine in order to survive. They take their five year old daughter and their 7 year old son with them on their daily mining excercises, child workers are a common site on these dumps which are both toxic and a highly dangerous illegal environment. Many of these local people sold their land to the mine for a period of the operational life of the mine. They underestimated how long the mine would keep going and the expansion thereof. The Mine dumps now flow onto the last viable land of these local people and they illegally mine those dumps to eke out a living. The ability to grow vegetable gardens is very limited and there is no hunting anymore. There are regular clashes between these illegal miners and the Porgera Joint Venture mine security force. Close to the mine the waters are red from these tailings and it is feared that long term damage of the river system is inevitable. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769194-Z6FQNMFWSF2DHOXOYBTP/Water_038.jpg Water Issues - work in progress RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Women and children fetch water from a newly contructed tap system built by the ICCN Congolese Conservation authority on the outskirts of Virunga National Park, DRC. This facility means the women and children no longer have to walk 6 kilometers to springs higher on the mountain. This has improved productivity, water quality and safety for the women. In addition to this project ICCN has constructed more than 30 schools, water points and hydro-elecric schemes, all part of a concerted effort to building understanding and appreciation for the park in the minds of local communities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769201-YPRVUAHQN54PGP4L2MM8/Water_039.jpg Water Issues - work in progress LAISAMIS, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: Rendille women collect water from a well at the new Manyata Koya, a relocated village which moved 42 kilometers from the original Koya in 1992 due to heavy cattle raiding and fighting with the Borana tribe, North of Kenya, 27 February 2010. The collection of water remains the responsibility of women in most rural communities. The time this takes on a daily basis prevents them from ever fullfilling their potential. A great deal of the fighting for cattle and grazing rights in the region can be linked to the droughts in the region and the pressure that has placed on pastoralists. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769296-6HGLE8ZVBPXRABQTBAJD/Water_040.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KALOKOL, TURKANA, KENYA: Girls from Kalokol Girls Primary school collect water from a dry river bed as their school does do not have access to running water. The girls take it in turns to fetch water daily from a dry river source which sees them exposed to potential danger and taking time off from their studies to walk the two hour round trip it takes them to fetch water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769090-XTTCVNALQEYD97YEA1J2/Water_041.jpg Water Issues - work in progress TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Women from Longetch fishing village fetch water on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. The Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia is likely to bring the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, sugar cane farms along the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms look likely to severly impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769290-UGWWT3KVJLMRJ9JCVEM3/Water_042.jpg Water Issues - work in progress Rural Kenya: Two woman fetch water using donkeys miles from their village, they make this trip at least once a day seven days a week. It takes a large part of the day and prevents women from other forms of employment, ongoing education and real participation in village life. Water is a gender issue, with women at the forefront across the majority world. As long as women have to deal with this burden they can never reach their full potential. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769065-FBFBJ2U9BQMIUMWZQWBV/Water_043.jpg Water Issues - work in progress Rural Kenya: Schoolgirls fetch water to take to school, their school has no running water facility. Water collection takes a large part of the day and often prevents women from other forms of employment, ongoing education and real participation in village life. Water is a gender issue, with women at the forefront across the majority world. As long as women have to deal with this burden they can never reach their full potential. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158768947-6LD7S807780ZRTZI7PKL/Water_044.jpg Water Issues - work in progress MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA: Students queue up for water at their new taps at a Midrand school in South Africa. These taps have been made possible by corporate sponsorship of local NGO's. Access to clean water for drinking purposes and for toilets increases school attendence worldwide and improves the health of students. It also dramatically increases the attendence of girls who are experiencing their period once a month to have a proper toilet facility at school. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769023-DF87JNVMQLF8YET9A8VC/Water_045.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KISUMU, KENYA: Boys at a high school in rural Kenya queue up with water containers to receive water from their schools new water tank, Kisumu, Kenya. Access to a regular and clean water source makes for a far less disruptive school experience for students, grades improve and there is far less sickness to disrupt their studies. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769029-UZKI99WR5Q3EYXTK90OC/Water_046.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KWAZULU, NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA: A young boy in a rural area bathes in the evening. Millions of people around the world use rivers and water holes for their daily hygeine and water needs. Protection of these sources is vital for the people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769268-1DQ7YC52T43LZRMP6D1N/Water_047.jpg Water Issues - work in progress KASUNGO, MALAWI: A rural village has taken its water and food security a step further by building a dam for rainwater and then using footpumps and watering cans to get the water to fields to grow maize, Kasungo, Malawi. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769360-3GK6SEF95KJTA2SWVJLZ/Water_048.jpg Water Issues - work in progress MEGMA, NEPAL: An old Nepali women fetches water from a reservoir created by harvesting the water vapour contained in fog high in the mountains of Nepal near the Indian border, Megma, Nepal. The fog passes through a netting system on the mountain top. Upon contact it condenses into water vapour droplets. Gravity leads it down the net and into pipes which channel it to the village water tank. As a result of the system there is now sufficent water for a school in the village and the local children no longer have to leave for their education. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769390-2KSQNZDXUKSST3NIZPKX/Water_049.jpg Water Issues - work in progress FIJI: An 83 year old man stands in the waters off his traditional village inamongst the gravestones of his ancestors. When he was a boy the gravestones stood on dry ground. It is believed that global warming is responsible for the rise in water levels in this region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769220-E9XBOK8T6ND8J663OI6Y/Water_050.jpg Water Issues - work in progress Maldives: Fishermen in the Maldives raises an empty net, they say that this used to be an abundant fishing area but global warming has killed many reefs in the Maldives and the waters now yield very little fish. This forces fisherman to travel much further to fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769233-M8BKBYRG5FQWU69DF762/Water_051.jpg Water Issues - work in progress Zambia: A mother bathes her daughter who is dying from full-blown AIDS. Access to clean water is often difficult in remote parts of rural Africa and people living with HIV and other immuno-suppresant disease die more quickly as a result. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158769207-ZLCXRR2RJQMSVQNPE8VO/Water_052.jpg Water Issues - work in progress NORTH GHANA: A worried father watches over his son as a guinea worm is removed in stages from the boys testicles. Guinea worm is a parasite which lives in water holes in certain African countries. There is no other water source for these people and when they drink the infected water they ingest the parasite. After an 18 month gestation period the worm emerges as an infected cyst, cripplingly painful and can incapacitate its victim for months. The worm is removed slowly, often over a period of days. The body of the worm is wrapped around a stick and drawn slowly out so as not to snap the creature in half leaving the dying parasite inside the person. The people in these regions have no other water source and so are forced to go through this process many times. (PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/REPORTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES.) https://www.brentstirton.com/bushmeat-hunters-portraits daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158660022-S0DUCLV79MK60HQYMOSX/Hunters_001.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: An image of Baka pygmy expert bushmeat hunter walking with an antelope he has shot down a logging road in a timber concession bordering a national park in the Repulic of Congo. As part of a conservation project WCS and SWM work with a logging concession on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration with the logging concessions involves weighing and counting the animals too. It was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158659987-881EUPN25TDHFSI3ZVEO/Hunters_002.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits DOUME VILLAGE, CLOSE TO LASTOURSVILLE, GABON, 29 JUNE 2021: Expert bushmeat hunter Nkani Mbou Mboudin is seen with an antelope he just shot hunting in the forest around his village. This village survives on fishing and bushmeat. Gabon has a sustainable bushmeat culture, largely because of its small population and large protected habitats. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIFOR, CIRAD, WCS) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158659980-P6N3HVSM6TYEYEU4QEFW/Hunters_003.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: Jonas Manguba is seen with two of three monkeys he shot today. Jonas has hunted since he was a child with his father, today he shoot five monkeys on most of his hunts. Apart from the controlled hunt he was on today, he also hunts independently as a chief source of income. Jonas is a Baka pygmy bushmeat hunter. As part of a conservation project WCS and SWM work with a logging concession on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration with the logging concessions involves weighing and counting the animals too. It was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158659993-SATI6MGGXY2DFP4ZSPGK/Hunters_004.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits LEFONDO VILLAGE, BOENDE DISTRICT, TSHUPA PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 APRIL, 2021: Bushmeat hunter Arthur Bengo, 28, sits for a portrait in the early morning outside his village of Lefondo, about 30kms outside of Boende town. The scars on Arthurs face are what remains from an attack of monkeypox, a virulent zoonotic disease carried in certain monkeys and rodents that can be devastating when passed to humans. Arthur says he shot a monkey and noticed that it did not seem to be doing well. He ate a third of the primate and took the other two thirds back to his family. By the time he arrived he was not feeling well and advised his family to throw away the remains of the monkey. The next day Arthur started to see the tell-tale lessions that accompany Monkeypox appear on his body. He developed a high temperature, became very sensitive to noise and could not sleep for more than two months. The only relief he could get from the lessions was cool water and that was always very temporary. Arthur was fortunate that he recognized the signs of monkeypox and went to the nearest health center where he was immediately given penicillin. It took Arthur three months to recover but his scars are still evident. A number of people in his village die of monkeypox every year, it is particularly dangerous to young children who often do not survive. The more remote the village, the less the chances for people who contract Monkeypox. This can be very challenging in areas where food is scarce and eduction low. (Photo by Brent Stirton/National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158660011-3QHN3SPHOLRAHQWYL19L/Hunters_005.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: An image of Henry, a Baka pygmy bushmeat hunter seen after a successful hunt. As part of a conservation project ngo's WCS and SWM work with a logging company on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration with the logging concessions involves weighing and counting the animals too. It was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158659998-3AP1SQURWVQN7MAGVERI/Hunters_006.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits VILLAGE NDAMBI, AREA OF LASTOURSVILLE, GABON, 30 JUNE 2021: Brenteh Ngogne and Davy Lindzondzo are bushmeat hunters , they are seen with the Duiker and Antelope they killed the previous night in the forest around the village of Ndambi, one of a number of villages in the area where SWM has relations and regular monitoring for bushmeat consumption. Rick is seen preparing to enter the forest for a night hunting expedition. Night hunting is controversial and there is talk of banning it in Gabon. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIFOR, CIRAD, WCS) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158660017-O8AXULY2SM8BVY4XN7PK/Hunters_007.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits KABO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 MAY 2021: Images of Baka pygmy bushmeat hunters. As part of a conservation project WCS and SWM work with a logging concession on three separate concessions. They allow their workers to hire these pygmies, who are excellent hunters, to hunt for them in controlled circumstances twice a month in a legal hunting area on the periphery of Nouama Ndoki National Park. Each hunter gets a rifle from the employee and 4 shotgun cartridges. They are only allowed to shoot that much, no more. They usually get to keep the entrails and a small payment. Many of these pygmies do also hunt independently but this collaboration with the logging concessions involves weighing and counting the animals too. It was conceived to prevent the workers from hunting on company time in company vehicles. The hunts are twice a month for the 6 month hunting season. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158660005-WI1L2A5F3F8YBUEFCUA8/Hunters_008.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits RUPUNUNI RIVER, GUYANA: Herman Phillips, 63, has lived his whole life in the Rupununi region bases on a subsistence existence. He believes that is his natural right as an indigenous person in the Rupununi. He fishes using nets and lines and he hunts in the forest. This is how he has fed and clothed his 8 children and he would like to see that be an option for them too. Members of the Sustainable Wildlife Management Program, SWM, on a Rupununi River expedition with partners, the South Rupununi Conservation Society. This trip focused on fishing, bow-fishing and local hunting and lifestyles. It also took in the condition of the river and the sidecreeks employed by locals for food and shelter and occasional gold mining prospecting. In the Rupununi region, on Amerindian land, everything is ruled by the village and they control hunting and fishing. In the protected areas, the villages and government partner on these things. The Rupununi Region is located in the southwest of Guyana. It consists mostly of large tracts of primary forest, with about 20% of its land area covered by natural Neotropical savanna and seasonally flooded wetlands. The region has approximately 24,000 inhabitants, including indigenous groups that rely on subsistence hunting, fishing and farming. During recent years, fish populations have declined, and similar trends are being observed for terrestrial wildlife. Studies indicate that hunting-dependent livelihoods are sustainable within indigenous lands. Scenarios highlight the probability of future disruption due to infrastructure development, competition with other more lucrative land uses, climate change, and cultural transformation. While conservation efforts are evolving in the Rupununi, there is a need to foster long-term sustainable management practices. In addition, there is a need to share lessons learnt that may be valuable in other Caribbean and Amazonian countries. The SWM Guyana project is building upon existing strategies, visions and dev https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158660028-97UGSPMF45S2M1PASQIY/Hunters_009.jpg Bushmeat Hunters- Portraits VILLAGE NDAMBI, AREA OF LASTOURSVILLE, GABON, 30 JUNE 2021: Rick Lindzondzo is a talented bushmeat hunter , he is seen with the Duiker and Antelope he killed the previous night in the forest around the village of Ndambi, one of a number of villages in the area where SWM has relations and regular monitoring for bushmeat consumption. Night hunting is controversial and there is talk of banning it in Gabon. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for FAO, CIFOR, CIRAD, WCS) https://www.brentstirton.com/virunga-drc-conservation-under-fire daily 0.75 2025-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688984-L1S6HNCOVEJOG8T9C7P5/Virungaweb_001.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire ISHANGO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO,: An elite unit of rangers come out of the bush after rehersing an ambush. This quick reaction force takes on groups like the Hutu led FDLR and Ugandan Isis affiliate the A.D.F. The groups and many other mai mail militias continue to make conservation problematic and dangerous inside Virunga, well known as one of the worlds most dangerous places to practice conservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689560-ZVRFEX2R41BNOGA3DZL5/Virungaweb_056.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689380-18HR7SED2PSZAP3JTKUG/Virungaweb_057.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI REGION, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 17 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation rangers and FARDC Congolese Army soldiers on long range patrol to locate and destroy FDLR, a Hutu led militia movement who fled into the park after the Rwandan genocide in 1994. FDLR have plagued Virunga ever since with their relentless exploitation of the park's resources. They are also responsible for the deaths of a number of Rangers trying to preserve the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688909-PMTKOKYUXVYGF1W1HECP/Virungaweb_074.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689449-TOLAQW8E4CWGE8RLQLJ7/Virungaweb_076.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, MARCH 2012: The destroyed remains of the Rwindi hotel, once a popular resort in this part of Virunga National Park, now a shell tacked on the ICCN conservation Ranger camp at Rwindi, Virunga National Park, DRC, March 8 2012. The hotel was last open in 1992 and ICCN officials hope to one day see it restored to its former glory days. This camp has been attacked by both FDLR, the Rwandan Hutu Genocidaires living illegally in Virunga as well as CNDP, a rebel break away faction of the Congolese army. Rwindi remains a harcore flashpoint for contacts between FDLR and Rangers on patrol in the Park. 9 Rangers were killed in Rwindi in 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportge for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689281-0MHH287XVOZMETA0Z41G/Virungaweb_002.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: A combined team of ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army patrol an area known to have a FDLR rebel presence, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. Since they fled into the DRC and the park after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689548-NP5ALLBIP3Q9OVDPZYMK/Virungaweb_058.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI REGION, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 17 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation rangers and FARDC Congolese Army soldiers on long range patrol to locate and destroy FDLR, a Hutu led militia movement who fled into the park after the Rwandan genocide in 1994. FDLR have plagued Virunga ever since with their relentless exploitation of the park's resources. They are also responsible for the deaths of a number of Rangers trying to preserve the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689579-O6XYLPEPQC634AVX08XT/Virungaweb_075.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-NOVEMBER 2008: ICCN Ranger Theodor Nereye, 45, washes at the end of the day back in the Gorilla sector at Bukima for the first time in 15 months of fighting and uncertainty, 25 November 2008. The Gorilla Sector of the Park has been occupied by the rebel movement CNDP under rebel Congolese Tutsi General Laurent Nkunda. Since September 2007 no ICCN Ranger has set foot in this sector, almost all had to flee the fighting and it has not been safe to return. Recent violence in the region has seen CNDP extend its power in the region and it now controls over 50% of the park and all of the Southern section. Emmanuel De Merode, the Director of Virunga National Park, has performed some remarkable diplomacy since the recent fighting and has succesfully negotiated with CNDP and General Nkunda to return the ICCN Rangers to the Park. This is a fragile process but so far 120 courageous Rangers are back at the Southern Headquarters at Rumangabo and there is a camp in the Gorilla Sector at Bukima which has begun a Gorilla census to determine the effects of the war on the mountain Gorilla population. It is a remarkable case of conservation winning out over politics. The DRC had just over 200 of the extremely rare mountain Gorillas, of which there are only 680 in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689092-G9DWBRTU3UJVTSWL5DZU/Virungaweb_077.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH KIVU, DR CONGO, 2 DECEMBER 2015: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers are seen outside their primitive living quarters at their Rwindi basecamp. Rwindi is a hardship posting for the Rangers, with very primitive facilities and regular fighting between Rangers and rebel groups in the area. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689176-Z9F4Y3M2WTOBRTPWRZEB/Virungaweb_003.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689354-XESD2FAZPAIU06ZU4PFC/Virungaweb_059.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688969-3ES4SFRLLCZP7V695W64/Virungaweb_078.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688962-4JVIKS2UUHESMP3Y3YO3/Virungaweb_004.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit work with locals to evacuate the bodies of nine severely endangered Mountain Gorrillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park. Senkwekwe, a silver-back alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, seven females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and one was pregnant. One baby was found and taken into care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689373-OKEO5H9SMGFHP9MWCHIS/Virungaweb_060.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689467-WE20XNDS847DPQT4HIXZ/Virungaweb_079.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689127-1UBQSGSTRJDVA79G10Y3/Virungaweb_005.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, JANUARY 25 2015: Emmanuel De Merode, head warden of Virunga National Park seen in the Southern sector headquarters of Rumangabo. (De Merode has worked inside Virunga since 1992 and has been present for all hte trials and tribulations of Virunga. He has been head warden since 2008. He has negotiated with 2 major Rebel groups to keep access to the mountain gorillas of the region, he has dealt with the deaths of more than 150 of his Rangers. He has been a a conservation visionary in securing funding to continue the running of Virunga. De Merode was shot 4 times last year by 3 unknown men who are either linked to the FDLR rebel group or to Soco oil, a British oil compnay De Merode has been campaigning against. He was back in the park a month after he was shot. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689367-651WYUFG5HDAEHFU1QZ7/Virungaweb_061.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire LAKE EDWARD, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 11 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation Rangers move across the Lake at the beginning of a night exercise against the FDLR militia group. They are being trained by an EU appointed instructor in anti-poaching and counter-insurgency tactics. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689031-6I3QX8MPMU6V9XQPJR7K/Virungaweb_080.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689261-GD2BU5797L6AVXFKERCU/Virungaweb_006.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire KIBATI, CLOSE TO GOMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK,NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-23 FEBRUARY 2008: ICCN Rangers conduct a raiding patrol into an area of illegal Charcoal production. They arrested a number of mules, poor people from displaced communities who are being used by the real powers behind Charcoal production in the area. These players include members of the Congolese military, the FDLR Interhamwe rebels and big businessmen in Goma. The ICCN Rangers were shot at by FDLR as they were completing their mission. This is an area known to be under their influence. ICCN Advance Force rangers at the Kibati Station are conducting roadblocks and vehicle searches for illegal charcoal in Virunga National Park. They are being assisted by members of the Congolese military police who are looking to stamp out their own military's involment in the illegal charcoal industry. The ICCN Ranger's job is complicated by the large number of Congolese military travelling on many of the vehicles and also by the fact that the Charcoal producers are increasingly turning to military vehicles as their means of transport as the Rangers until today had no rights to search vehicles of the Congolese Army. There is complicity between bad elements of the Congolese military, the rebel FDLR Interhamwe militias in the Charcoal industry, rumoured to be worth around 30 million dollars a year in the Goma region of DRC. Rwanda recently banned the production of charcoal which has led to increased prices and demand. The ranger's job is further complicated by the fact that the area is desperately poor and people have a hard time accepting this ban on one of the very few opportunities they feel they have to actually make some money. (Photo by Brent Stirton. ) For verification phone Rob Muir +243 997251960 in Goma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689228-38TIQP0NN1WGDRZ5BYVT/Virungaweb_062.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire LAKE EDWARD, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 11 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation Rangers move out from the Lake shore at the beginning of a night exercise against the FDLR militia group. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689530-YRHR9MC16L9P9UHU32BQ/Virungaweb_081.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689114-711OVGTO8NVKBLVU8RME/Virungaweb_007.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689099-KKDXSHZE2NGHTJUEIPBX/Virungaweb_063.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire Huge illegal agriculture production in the central section of Virunga. This sector is in the hands of different Mai Mai and rebel groups who make their money explotiing the park. The park is too large for the manpower of the rangers so its a constant battle for control https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689393-H33BAGFKBREHLNABJPWO/Virungaweb_082.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire KAVANYONGI, LAKE EDWARD, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 AUGUST 2013: Scenes from the fishing village of Kavanyongi on the Northern shores of Lake Edward inside Virunga National Park, DRC, 9 August 2013. This lake shore village relies on fishing for its livelihood and for all its water needs. It is the biggest village on the lake shores on the Congolese side, with a population of 30 000. SOCO, a British oil company, has acquired the rights to prospect for oil on the shores of of Lake Edward under dubious circumstances, changing Congolese law from a no prospecting in Virunga rule to allowing prospecting within one year. This prospecting block places them inside the Park, a world heritage site and Africa's first ever National Park. Drilling for oil could prove disastorous for the fishing villages all around the lake shores as well as for all tributaries carrying water for Lake Edward, the source of the nile. If the lake is poisoned, it will affect fresh water supply, fish, hippo, multiple other species as well as migrating and local bird populations and the livelihood of more than 30 000 fisherman on the Congolese side of the lake. There is also danger to the Ugandan side and to other countries who benefit from Lake Edward as a water source. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689004-G1ABB9GIR3FQOXJ82XS1/Virungaweb_008.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689514-DAR9CYNSLPE01JBWUPZ0/Virungaweb_064.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VITSHUMBI REGION, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 17 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation rangers on long range patrol locate and destroy an illegal farm inside the boundaries of Virunga National Park. The farm belongs to FDLR, a Hutu led militia movement who fled into the park after the Rwandan genocide in 1994. FDLR have plagued Virunga ever since with their relentless exploitation of the park's resources. They are also responsible for the deaths of a number of Rangers trying to preserve the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689196-UAJJTFP5M8TOVMGUEAM4/Virungaweb_083.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VITSHUMBI, LAKE EDWARD, DR CONGO, 28 JULY 2013: Images of fisherman at work on the Southern shores of Lake Edward, 29 July 2013. These men are amongst 30 000 other Lake Edward fisherman who utilize the lake for the livelihood of their families. The fish is eaten locally and also smoked and sent to Goma. The villagers depend on the lake for water, washing, the staple food of fishing, the transport of people and goods. Plans by Socco oil company to drill for oil in Lake Edward currently imperil all of those things. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689120-S7NZRMPYZA8V1YVKMOME/Virungaweb_009.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689502-J8YHXSWXUN7JGVYIK4AS/Virungaweb_065.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VITSHUMBI REGION, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 17 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation rangers on long range patrol locate and destroy an illegal farm inside the boundaries of Virunga National Park. The farm belongs to FDLR, a Hutu led militia movement who fled into the park after the Rwandan genocide in 1994. FDLR have plagued Virunga ever since with their relentless exploitation of the park's resources. They are also responsible for the deaths of a number of Rangers trying to preserve the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688947-Y43ZISKXJ8KV4Y19T9FQ/Virungaweb_084.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire ISHANGO, LAKE EDWARD, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. 11 AUGUST 2013: Local men bathe in the Semliki River as it flows into Lake Edward, Ishango, DRC, 11 August 2013. This river and the Lake itself are inside Virunga National Park, a World Heritage site, they are currently in danger of oil exploration by British oil company SOCO, who have acquired rights to prospect for oil through dubious means. Thousands of Lakeside inhabitants find their while way of life threatened by this exploration. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689317-F6OFZQ0AXAPQQUA4Y2P6/Virungaweb_010.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688887-5XICLSILDBD7XWDUN2TI/Virungaweb_066.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 23 July 2014: ICCN conservation Rangers capture illegal farmers and destroy illegal agriculture inside Virunga National Park in the Rwindi sector, Democratic Republic of Congo. It is believed that these illegal farms are being used to feed FDLR, the Hutu Militia group made up of the genocidaires from the Rwandan genocide. Rwindi remains a harcore flashpoint for contacts between FDLR and Rangers on patrol in the Park. OVer 190 Rangers have died over the last 15 years as a result of these and other encounters with armed groups within the park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689567-GQJM2LS1XW06UI4EUU3T/Virungaweb_085.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire ISHANGO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 6 MAY 2015: European Union commissioned instructors pick up a patrol of Virunga National Park rangers in the Ishango region of the park for transport back to base. The instructors are there to teach skills for VIP close protection, concealment, bush craft, weapons and survival in their fight against paramilitary groups and poachers in the Park. Groups like the Hutu led FDLR and Ugandan ADF continue to make conservation problematic and dangerous inside Virunga, well known as one of the worlds most dangerous places to practice conservation. This group is a smaller subset of Rangers who will receive specialized training for a quick reaction force. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689542-MFJD1PY1LY32O4WEKNBA/Virungaweb_011.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire LULIMBI, EASTERN DRC, FEBRUARY 2012: ICCN Conservation Rangers deploy young bloodhounds for the first time in Virunga to investigate the corpse of a recently killed sub-adult male elephant in Lulimbi, Eastern DRC, February 29, 2012. The elephant had obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. The young dogs reacted with horror at the elephant corpse, their noses are estimated to be 3 million times more sensitive than a humans. After initially recoiling, the lead dog Lily, just over a year old, took the scent and followed it for several kilometers in the exact direction of a fishing village on Lake Edward long suspected in poaching cases in Virunga. She was pulled off the trail once Rangers knew where the suspects came from. Undercover intelligence will now be used in the village to seek out the sellers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Geo magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689593-4D1IXII4ZMIVE8Z0XKUB/Virungaweb_067.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 23 July 2014: ICCN conservation Rangers capture illegal farmers and destroy illegal agriculture inside Virunga National Park in the Rwindi sector, Democratic Republic of Congo. It is believed that these illegal farms are being used to feed FDLR, the Hutu Militia group made up of the genocidaires from the Rwandan genocide. Rwindi remains a harcore flashpoint for contacts between FDLR and Rangers on patrol in the Park. OVer 190 Rangers have died over the last 15 years as a result of these and other encounters with armed groups within the park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689418-2Q0JBK2B8CO3QZ1VK9C1/Virungaweb_086.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689343-9SRELXJ8ZM3IB355ZQ5A/Virungaweb_012.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire ISHANGO RANGER STATION, NORTHERN SECTOR, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH KIVU, RUWENZORI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-27 FEBRUARY 2008: ICCN Ranger Kambale Kalibumba was killed today by a rogue rebel soldier who shot the Ranger 5 times at close range. At the time the Ranger was in the park on the way to the Ishango post with rations for the patrol. More than 140 rangers have died in the last ten years as a result of their work in Virunga National Park. These pictures depict the dead ranger at the local Red Cross clinic in the village and the body being delivered to the Ishango Ranger Station to be driven to Mutsora Ranger station, the headquarters for the Northern Sector region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689189-L6BW4FDKQWF1CKG8GDTM/Virungaweb_068.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI REGION, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 7 December 2015: The contents of FDLR rebel poachers bags, seized by ICCN Rangers in a firefight with 5 rebels moving through the Rwindi section of the park. FDLR is a rebel group formed in 1995 when Hutu genocidaires fled into then Zaire after perpetrating the Rwandan genocide. Paul Kagame's Tutsi troops pursued them and FDLR have lived inside the forests of Virunga National Park ever since. They exploit the park for any resources they can and have been the cause of a a number of ICCN ranger deaths. The contents of these bags is typical of FDLR poaching expeditions within the park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689387-GHXAYM2JN8RGWSL0X4AP/Virungaweb_087.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2015: A view of the volcanoes Nyiragongo and Namalagira inside Virunga National Park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689254-VLCXZH8Y2UJ47BDVM54B/Virungaweb_013.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 JANUARY 2015: Benadete Kahindo, 32, seen with her eldest daughter Gift and 3 of her seven children. Benadete's husband was ICCN ranger Hassan Sebuyori, 34. In 2012 Hassan was targeted, killed and beheaded by FDLR, a notorious Hutu led rebel group operating inside Virunga National Park since the time of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Benadete was forced to flee from her home after continued FDLR threats and a year later her eldest daughter Gift was raped at age 14 by the M23 rebels, a group who claimed to be opposed to FDLR. Gift gave birth to a child after the rape. Benadete's husband Hassan had been effective in stopping FDLR's bushmeat trade inside Virunga. They were angry with him for this and ambushed the ICCN vehicle in which he was travelling. FDLR dragged a wounded Hassan away with them and his headless body was discovered not far from the ambush location. His head was not recovered and his body was left as a warning to the other rangers. Benadete and her children survive on funds from the Virunga Widows fund, something dependant on donations and not guaranteed for the future. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689135-KH9F2ZOZBFMDI0UCLBXK/Virungaweb_069.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VITSHUMBI REGION, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 17 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation rangers on long range patrol capture a poacher with a large steel trap who has been using this place to poach animal illegally inside Virunga. It is thought that this man is a Mai Mai militia member out to trap Hippo or Buffalo for meat to sell at market. He will be tried and sentenced to jail time in Goma, the nearest large city in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689294-UBN5ZCRMJAU8JQLQCVGF/Virungaweb_088.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2015: A view of the volcanoes Nyiragongo and Namalagira inside Virunga National Park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689150-KWPOS8SVEY0A23TOR43N/Virungaweb_014.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689424-HGCZOZ5H4ZASUS7U15ME/Virungaweb_070.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VITSHUMBI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 17 MAY 2015: ICCN conservation rangers discover a poaching camp inside Virunga NP and then capture one of three poachers who have been using this place to poach animal illegally inside Virunga. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689274-ZPUBYHSOW7F19QTZ14U0/Virungaweb_089.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire Mutsora Chocolate and widows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689011-BA5Y1RTZ305X2F717HQD/Virungaweb_015.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689209-9DS9FF3VUTU0K6SEF6LS/Virungaweb_071.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012:ICCN Congolese Conservation Ranger and a few FARDC Congolese Army soldiers prepare for a patrol in the rain in Virunga National Park, DRC, 25 July 2014. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689202-R7ZRUSMJ399DQRPAKH37/Virungaweb_090.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire Mutsora Coffee and employment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689485-XH9HYWMF09379ELRAWHR/Virungaweb_016.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe is seen before evacutation. He is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689044-2Q34D75SS7AC0NHOHAZY/Virungaweb_072.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688939-KSTOT7WKIED91KXOH9N6/Virungaweb_091.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Women and children fetch water from a newly contructed tap system built by the ICCN Congolese Conservation authority on the outskirts of Virunga National Park, DRC, 13 March 2012. This facility means the women and children no longer have to walk 6 kilometers to springs higher on the mountain. This has improved productivity, water quality and safety for the women. In addition to this project ICCN has constructed more than 30 schools, water points and hydro-elecric schemes, all part of a concerted effort to building understanding and appreciation for the park in the minds of local communities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689170-OEEBY8TWGMC8OZGC0VMA/Virungaweb_017.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689399-3C5ZNS4OWYMHWFDCX6SO/Virungaweb_073.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689573-4ECYVTNAJ57SS0FPNPQV/Virungaweb_092.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire Kitali flight school 6 rangers 3 FARDC bathawk trainees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689524-HQY4XO20JKA01D8VAC5Z/Virungaweb_018.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe and three female mountain gorillas are seen before being taken away for autopsy. Senkwekwe is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi, her mother is one of these dead females. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689436-SYB9I3T9YF52Z0QYTXJU/Virungaweb_093.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689050-3MP4TAZWKOO354M352H0/Virungaweb_019.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689300-SWXA1EWMK0II26RPTAYR/Virungaweb_094.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688976-TW7QEWIPQPEWIBM2SY98/Virungaweb_020.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689063-SPU0XYW6DD0MKU420K7H/Virungaweb_095.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689070-UHKP5BEX0D7WEGW5RJ0E/Virungaweb_021.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-NOVEMBER 2008: CNDP rebels, North Kivu, D.R.C, 23 November 2008. The Gorilla Sector of the Park has been occupied by the rebel movement CNDP under rebel Congolese Tutsi General Laurent Nkunda. Since September 2007 no ICCN Ranger has set foot in this sector, almost all had to flee the fighting and it has not been safe to return. Recent violence in the region has seen CNDP extend its power in the region and it now controls over 50% of the park and all of the Southern section. Emmanuel De Merode, the Director of Virunga National Park, has performed some remarkable diplomacy since the recent fighting and has succesfully negotiated with CNDP and General Nkunda to return the ICCN Rangers to the Park. This is a fragile process but so far 120 courageous Rangers are back at the Southern Headquarters at Rumangabo and there is a camp in the Gorilla Sector at Bukima which has begun a Gorilla census to determine the effects of the war on the mountain Gorilla population. It is a remarkable case of conservation winning out over politics. The DRC had just over 200 of the extremely rare mountain Gorillas, of which there are only 680 in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689248-N476GHM98JIHZR6PXBZI/Virungaweb_096.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689084-HDG0CI8D3S1I4WQD0QMZ/Virungaweb_022.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, MARCH 2012: A combined ICCN conservation Ranger force and FARDC Congolese Army soldiers patrol both the road and inland in the Virunga National Park at Rwindi, DRC, March 8 2012. This reconnaisance patrol was conducted because of an FDLR rebel hijacking which occured on the road 2 days earlier but protecting the civilians who travel on the road through the park is now the mandate of the Rangers, a job which saw 9 Rangers killed last year. The Ranger camp has been attacked by in recent times by both FDLR, the Rwandan Hutu Genocidaires living illegally in Virunga as well as CNDP, a rebel break away faction of the Congolese army. Rwindi remains a harcore flashpoint for contacts between FDLR and Rangers on patrol in the Park. 9 Rangers were killed in Rwindi in 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportge for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689077-JRUSOY7WC5RSFUQFF82N/Virungaweb_097.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688916-699XL6TMJZ9XW9IVIVFH/Virungaweb_023.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire A rebel milita soldier stands guard with the extinct Mikeno Volcano behind him. This is the Mountain Gorilla sector of Virunga National Park, inside the ring of three other active volcanoes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688901-HGU6EA1WLTLWWCS7352C/Virungaweb_098.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 7 AUGUST 20013: The beginning of the day at Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage as caretakers interact with a new orphan mountain gorilla at ICCN headquarters, Rumangabo, DRC, 7 August 2013. It is suspected that this orphan was taken by soldiers who probably killed the mother to get the baby. When they were unable to sell it, the orphan was abandoned and the conservation rangers heard and rescued it. Wounds from a rope were evident on its chest and back, it is slowly recovering now as it lives full time with caretakers who also sleep in the enclosure with the orphan. There are a number of other orphans at the center who will be introduced to the new baby once it has been through quarantine and is accustomed to its new surroundings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689287-5PRG8ORHUREAX3DISSVF/Virungaweb_024.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689037-V28W5T1NOW9TSYTBKN0C/Virungaweb_099.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Park, DRC, 2 March 2012. Andre thinks of these gorillas as his own children and even describes bringing his children to see them as showing them their brothers and sisters. Andre lives with the Gorillas 24/7 with the exception of a few days off to visit his own family. Andre is an ICCN Congolese Conservation ranger and has cared for orphaned and rescued gorillas since 2003. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689268-S0TXVIN0JN0ZJRHMYJTU/Virungaweb_025.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689461-S6GV1HEBC302L32LYLUP/Virungaweb_100.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689234-FEEP03ZD2LIC12LXDE48/Virungaweb_026.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire NYIRAGONGO VOLCANOE, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 25 APRIL 2015: Porters wait out a rainstorm while carrying bags for tourists who will overnight at the top. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689141-CL0IPQXAAZTTPGC3AAD8/Virungaweb_101.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire Virunga's mountains and rainfall provide the fuel for sustainable, environmentally safe hydroelectirc schemes. The park produces enough energy to power much of Eastern Congo, a democratic effort to provide opportunity for all rather than just those who control the charcoal industry and the environmentally devastating extraction industries controlled by generals and rebels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689442-HEUG0ILYCEWFRTL61AKS/Virungaweb_027.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 2 MAY 2015: Moonlit images of active volcanoes within Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. Virunga has some of the most active volcanoes on the continent and offers tourism trips to Nyiragongo. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689496-YAWB1WZCCY2LFUXBQZUV/Virungaweb_102.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire MUTSORA, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO,: Images of the newly installed Congolese Conservation authority Hydro-electric plant in its finishing stages at Mutsora, DRC, 8 August 2013. This plant employs water drawn from natural flow in Virunga National Park, it will provide much needed electricity for industry in Mutsora, a town of over 30 000 people. There are a number of businesses desperate for the power this scheme provides, this region has a large amount of unemployment and this new electricity source is a boon for the whole region for development. One of the factories to come online as a result will be the largest soap factory in the entire Eastern Congo. There are other hydro-electric schemes underway in Virunga National Park, all of which are contributing to sustainable development in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689106-QWVJF1SOS9IINKNWDR1Y/Virungaweb_028.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire Conservation rangers walk carefully through the ashfield of a newly formed volcano inside Virunga National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688924-GE0JLLEQUFQNFJOQLNA5/Virungaweb_103.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire MATEBI, EASTERN DR CONGO, 18 NOVEMBER 2015: Congolese men and a Belgian engineer lay electricity pylons for the power that will be supplied by Matebi Hydro-electric station. The powerstation is an initiative of Virunga National Park and when it comes online in early 2016, it will supply over 13 Kilowatts of power to the region. The nearest city is Goma, which uses a quarter of the power that will be created by Matebi. The electricity generated will be used to change the face on industry in the region as well as the daily lives of the population. The new opportunities this will provide for employment is also expected to be a game-changer for peace in this extremely impoverished region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688998-2WU2GZHTMSM0S60URGE4/Virungaweb_029.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2015: ICCN conservation rangers working as a bodyguard unit wait for a visit from the Minister of the Environment at Rumangabo Ranger Headquarters. Fighting in the region between FDLR rebels and Virunga's rangers continues to be a problem and bodyguard units are assigned to key wardens in the park. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689479-Q8PCTU39LLPVY2GOXVQ4/Virungaweb_104.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire MATEBI, EASTERN DR CONGO, 18 NOVEMBER 2015: Congolese workers at work inside the turbine hall at Matebi Hydro-electric station. The powerstation is an initiative of Virunga National Park and when it comes online in early 2016, it will supply over 13 Kilowatts of power to the region. The nearest city is Goma, which uses a quarter of the power that will be created by Matebi. The electricity generated will be used to change the face on industry in the region as well as the daily lives of the population. The new opportunities this will provide for employment is also expected to be a game-changer for peace in this extremely impoverished region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689183-HYSE4Y1M29P68IDPGZYZ/Virungaweb_030.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire KILYA, RWENZORI SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9 APRIL 2021: Congolese Army soldiers and UN forces inspect an ambush site where an hour previously A.D.F fundamentalist rebels attacked two vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border town of Kasindi. A.D.F killed three civilians in the vehicles, assassinating them with shots to the head outside of their vehicles, there was also evidence of cuts from machetes. The Malawian contingent of the UN’s MONUSCO force arrived on scene as the ambush was ending and the vehicles were being set on fire. They engaged a large force of A.D.F fighters, killing one of them. That fighter was stripped of his uniform by other ADF fighters during the firefight, they then fled into the jungle. The purpose of the A.D.F’s attacks is to spread terror amongst the civilian population. There have been multiple attacks across the province by A.D.F, all characterized by brutality and on occasion, beheadings. The A.D.F is an Islamic terror group based out of Eastern DR Congo that, in recent years, has developed a relationship with the Islamic State after pledging allegiance to ISIS leadership. They are known locally as ISIS in Congo. The A.D.F are one part of ISCAP, the ISIS province for Central Africa, Mozambique is the other part. A.D.F have killed over 5000 Congolese civilians in recent years, abducted and displaced thousands and killed over 2500 Congolese army soldiers. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688894-BVGJX2NC6HJ94EKOFNRA/Virungaweb_105.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire MUTWANGA, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 24 NOVEMBER 2015: A recently delivered baby via emergency caesarian is seen in the arms of a Congolese nurse while doctors sew up the mother in the background. Mutwanga hospital is a recent benificiary of electricity via a Virunga National Park hydro-electric scheme. The Park has a number of hydro-electric projects in the works, Mutwanga is the first of these to come online and other larger projects are about to. The availability of electricity could change the face of the region, making industry and employment possible as well as emergency services available 24 hours a day in places like Mutwanga General hospital. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688931-FK9RGWX8L7QWHZT5WB1J/Virungaweb_031.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 28 NOVEMBER 2015: The funeral of ICCN Ranger Theodore Mbusa Matofali, 27, after a tragic car accident which left him dead from head injuries. Over 150 ICCN rangers have died in the course of their duties in Virunga National Park, most of those deaths have resulted from conflict. The Rangers have a dangerous job, often dealing with rebel movements, paramilitary Mai-Mai groups as well as the Congolese army all in the name of conservation in this contentious region of the DRC. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689430-CSV3Z1D389Y0DD6QSPNE/Virungaweb_106.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, SEPTEMBER 2021: Technican's recruited from local areas run and maintain the Ivindo Hydroelectric project data mining operation. The electricity that is generated is used to bring power to local villages and small cities as well as to sustainably power a data mining operation close to the powerstation at Ivindo. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689508-FMFNCA1WL7XICEDE5G33/Virungaweb_032.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 28 NOVEMBER 2015: The funeral of ICCN Ranger Theodore Mbusa Matofali, 27, after a tragic car accident which left him dead from head injuries. Over 150 ICCN rangers have died in the course of their duties in Virunga National Park, most of those deaths have resulted from conflict. The Rangers have a dangerous job, often dealing with rebel movements, paramilitary Mai-Mai groups as well as the Congolese army all in the name of conservation in this contentious region of the DRC. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689163-RKIDUZ52XG1X8OJWQBLE/Virungaweb_033.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 28 NOVEMBER 2015: The funeral of ICCN Ranger Theodore Mbusa Matofali, 27, after a tragic car accident which left him dead from head injuries. Over 150 ICCN rangers have died in the course of their duties in Virunga National Park, most of those deaths have resulted from conflict. The Rangers have a dangerous job, often dealing with rebel movements, paramilitary Mai-Mai groups as well as the Congolese army all in the name of conservation in this contentious region of the DRC. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689156-4FHNFBJ3ZG5RXC0H201B/Virungaweb_034.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RUMANGABO, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 28 NOVEMBER 2015: The funeral of ICCN Ranger Theodore Mbusa Matofali, 27, after a tragic car accident which left him dead from head injuries. Over 150 ICCN rangers have died in the course of their duties in Virunga National Park, most of those deaths have resulted from conflict. The Rangers have a dangerous job, often dealing with rebel movements, paramilitary Mai-Mai groups as well as the Congolese army all in the name of conservation in this contentious region of the DRC. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688954-DIE6HZPHKQ72BHA24CEU/Virungaweb_035.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689412-C57HZTCQ80744POJRM4O/Virungaweb_036.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire KIBATI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK,NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, April 5: ICCN Rangers conduct an anti-charcoal patrol in the Kibati region of Virunga National Park, 5 April 2008, Democratic Republic of Congo. They are exploring an area which has been closed to them for the last year as a result of conflict in the area. The area of Virunga National Park that they are patrolling has been devastated by subsequent illegal charcoal producation and this day they saw the largest production area they have encountered thus far. There were 8 active charcoal kilns and a huge area of at least a kilometer square where the forest has been cut to the ground and trees burnt for Charcoal. This area is a former Chimpanzee habitat and can never be restored from this level of devastation. ICCN rangers at the Kibati Station are conducting roadblocks and vehicle searches for illegal charcoal in Virunga National Park. Their job is complicated by the large number of Congolese military travelling on many of the vehicles and also by the fact that the Charcoal producers are increasingly turning to military vehicles as their means of transport as the Rangers have no rights to search vehicles of the Congolese Army. There is complicity between the military and the manufacturers in the Charcoal industry, rumoured to be worth around 30 million dollars a year in the Goma region of DRC. Rwanda recently banned the production of charcoal which has led to increased prices and demand. (Photo by Brent Stirton.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689587-TE5MEJ75YE1YICZYLCGL/Virungaweb_037.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689018-MXISZ2AL04ST7A8AFIHS/Virungaweb_038.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689056-9KGYACPBVFW1AEYOZVT0/Virungaweb_039.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire KIBATI, CLOSE TO GOMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK,NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-23 FEBRUARY 2008: Daily scenes at Kibati ICCN Rangers station. ICCN Advance Force rangers at the Kibati Station are conducting roadblocks and vehicle searches for illegal charcoal in Virunga National Park. They are being assisted by members of the Congolese military police who are looking to stamp out their own military's involment in the illegal charcoal industry. The ICCN Ranger's job is complicated by the large number of Congolese military travelling on many of the vehicles and also by the fact that the Charcoal producers are increasingly turning to military vehicles as their means of transport as the Rangers until today had no rights to search vehicles of the Congolese Army. There is complicity between bad elements of the Congolese military, the rebel FDLR Interhamwe militias in the Charcoal industry, rumoured to be worth around 30 million dollars a year in the Goma region of DRC. Rwanda recently banned the production of charcoal which has led to increased prices and demand. The ranger's job is further complicated by the fact that the area is desperately poor and people have a hard time accepting this ban on one of the very few opportunities they feel they have to actually make some money. (Photo by Brent Stirton. ) For verification phone Rob Muir +243 997251960 in Goma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689222-JU7Q344BPDZDSEVP95HB/Virungaweb_040.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158688991-QQJDD4ZHGUZSDSGDN0JW/Virungaweb_041.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689324-FWQ4TELB194TN03N5KPH/Virungaweb_042.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire ISHANGO RANGER STATION, NORTHERN SECTOR, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK,DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-7 MAY 2015: Images of elephants bathing inside Lake Edward close to the IShango Ranger station in Virunga National Park, DRC. There are only around 200 Savanah elephants left in Virunga, victims of extensive poaching campaigns since 1995. There is an effort underway by the Rangers to protect these remaining elephants and reopen the corridor to Queen Elizabeth Park in nearby Uganda to see Virunga's elephants return. Potential oil exploration in the area further threatens Virunga's elephants, with the potential oil area falling inside their corridor and habitat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689025-3S2R46SGZXNXHMZT79X6/Virungaweb_043.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire LULIMBI, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 23 JULY 2014: ICCN Conservation Rangers investigate and then deploy bloodhounds in Virunga National Park to investigate the corpse of a elephant killed in the night, Eastern DRC. The elephant had obviously been killed for its ivory, a trend on the rise across the DRC and one which makes the Rangers job very difficult. It is believed that this elephant was killed by FDLR, the Hutu genocidaires who fled into Virunga after the Rwandan genocide. They have been exploiting the park ever since, often in co-operation with the Congolese Army. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689472-OY27C3OVHKKV10L2XGFK/Virungaweb_044.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire RWINDI, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 24 JULY 2014: ICCN conservation Rangers prepare their weapons for a patrol against illegal Virunga inhabitants the Hutu militia group FDLR at the the Rwindi Ranger post inside Virunga. The previous night two elephants were killed. One tusk was recoved by Rangers after an intense firefight. It is thought that either FDLR, the Hutu militi group living illegally inside the park or the FARDC, the Congolese army, are responsible. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689337-DK6RTN6VENZNKLIEW9PH/Virungaweb_045.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: A combined team of ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army patrol an area known to have a FDLR rebel presence, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. Since they fled into the DRC and the park after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689490-1976QIBILL5MOJ45AYT3/Virungaweb_046.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: A combined team of ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army patrol an area known to have a FDLR rebel presence, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. Since they fled into the DRC and the park after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689216-79H94DV25RUEYQJBHBNF/Virungaweb_047.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army capture illegal fisherman, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. Many of these fisherman are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. The fish stocks in the lake are just beginning to recover from the war, thousands of hippos were slaughtered to feed militia groups and this devastated fish stocks. This delicate recovery is what the ICCN rangers are trying to protect. This will allow a viable and sustainable fishing industry to be generated at Lake Edward, for the benefit of all.Since the FDLR fled into Virunga after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689405-P35FSZ4S6PX9QNOKPRIE/Virungaweb_048.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers and members of the Congolese army capture illegal fisherman, Chondo, Virunga, 12 March 2012. Many of these fisherman are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. The fish stocks in the lake are just beginning to recover from the war, thousands of hippos were slaughtered to feed militia groups and this devastated fish stocks. This delicate recovery is what the ICCN rangers are trying to protect. This will allow a viable and sustainable fishing industry to be generated at Lake Edward, for the benefit of all.Since the FDLR fled into Virunga after the Genocide, they have sown mayhem and destruction in Virunga. 140 Rangers have died defending Virunga since 1994, many at the hands of the FDLR rebels. There are regular contacts between the Rangers and FDLR, usually resulting in injuries and deaths on either side. The Rangers, with the help of the FARDC, are winning this battle but at a heavy price. In 2011 eleven Rangers died fighting the FDLR. Virunga remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to practise conservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689307-LL34H6S5841VM6U3U7OA/Virungaweb_049.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire CHONDO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: ICCN Congolese conservation rangers capture poachers suspected of killing an elephant. Many of these poachers are involved in this activity due to poverty, others are there to supply the rebel FDLR group with food and ivory. The FDLR are the hardcore Hutu's who were behind the Rwandan massacre of 1994. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Gettyimages.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689242-SA6OXEYMGUZJ3DF0GX65/Virungaweb_050.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire JOMBA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, 30 APRIL 2015: Innocent Mburanumwe, head warden of the Mountain Gorilla sector of Virunga National Park. Innocent is seen interacting inside the gorilla sector at Jomba, an often difficult sector to monitor. Innocent has been interacting with the Gorilla families of Virunga for over 15 years, risking his life on many occasions to ensure their well-being against poachers and rebel groups alike. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689330-8P9MCJ0S3DG50YI89Q9L/Virungaweb_051.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire TSHIABIRIMU, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN SECTOR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - 4 MARCH 2008: Scenes from a patrol at the Tshabarimu ICCN post. The men are seen making their way up the mountain towards the gorilla sector. This outpost has seen a lot of fighting between different militia groups over the years and only last year 3 people were shot in an unexplained attack on the lower post. A member of WWF was killed and an employee of "The Gorillas Organisation" was shot in the leg and a student was wounded. Local politicans have used the park, promising land there to local populations if elected. This has caused tension between rangers and the local population. It is the only place other than the southern Mikeno sector, currently under rebel CNDP occupation, where it is possible to see gorillas in the DRC. These are currently classified as Eastern Lowland Gorillas. That said, there is some dispute as to the genetic profile of these gorillas, they resemble mountain gorillas in every way except size, being smaller than the traditional mountain gorilla. Genetic studies thus far point out that these gorillas are closest to Lowland gorillas but studies are ongoing. There are only 20 in total, isolated on the top of Mount Tshiarimu, cut off by human population groups from any other gorilla contact. They are the most northerly occuring of the Lowland gorillas and this may help to explain their similarity to mountain gorillas. This may in fact be the rarest of all gorillas groups if it is determined they are their own sub-species. I was able to briefly shoot a silverback from the Kipura family, a family of six, before the rain completely closed in. The name of the silverback is Tsongo, which means 2nd boy of the family in the local language. The gorillas are located 3 and a half hours from the camp, over a series of mountain tops and in a valley at the time of shooting. The largest family is the Kipura family of which there are 6 members. The mountain area where they ar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689349-RQZA76ZIKVLOYRJD2YQF/Virungaweb_052.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, NORTH KIVU, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO-NOVEMBER 2008: The first sighting of Mountain Gorilla by Congolese Conservation Authorities in over 15 months, North Kivu, DRC, 25 November 2008. There appear to be at least 5 new births in the Kabirizi family. The Gorilla Sector of the Park has been occupied by the rebel movement CNDP under rebel Congolese Tutsi General Laurent Nkunda. Since September 2007 no ICCN Ranger has set foot in this sector, almost all had to flee the fighting and it has not been safe to return. Recent violence in the region has seen CNDP extend its power in the region and it now controls over 50% of the park and all of the Southern section. Emmanuel De Merode, the Director of Virunga National Park, has performed some remarkable diplomacy since the recent fighting and has succesfully negotiated with CNDP and General Nkunda to return the ICCN Rangers to the Park. This is a fragile process but so far 120 courageous Rangers are back at the Southern Headquarters at Rumangabo and there is a camp in the Gorilla Sector at Bukima which has begun a Gorilla census to determine the effects of the war on the mountain Gorilla population. It is a remarkable case of conservation winning out over politics. The DRC had just over 200 of the extremely rare mountain Gorillas, of which there are only 680 in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689554-WD3ZTI7BBZGNEQSD4OZ9/Virungaweb_053.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire JOMBA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 1 MAY 2015: The alpha male silverback mountain gorilla from the Mpua family intimidates his father and claims his females, Virunga National Park, DRC. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689360-R0M1EPV7VAIGPS4IK6QT/Virungaweb_054.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire JOMBA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 1 MAY 2015: The alpha male silverback mountain gorilla from the Mpua family intimidates his father and claims his females, Virunga National Park, DRC. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158689455-NS3O38PBB59PFQWXS56S/Virungaweb_055.jpg Virunga, DRC - Conservation under fire BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DRC, 6 AUGUST 2013: Image of the plant life in the gorilla sector of Virunga National Park, DRC, 6 August 2013. (photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://www.brentstirton.com/japans-ivory-industry daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642363-5DTHGU7IDOPFZPV0VF92/JapanIvory_001.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, 13 April 2018: Mr. Kyozaburo Tsuge is the head of a famous Japanese Pipe and Tobacco business. He is also an outspoken advocate for the Japanese Ivory Association and for the cultural heritage of Ivory carving in Japan. At the end of the second world war, smoking pipes modelled after General MacArthur’s famous pipe were especially popular amongst American GI’s. Tsuge stopped making ivory pipes 42 years ago. At the height of the Japanese Ivory trade, there were over 500 families involved, nowadays there are 30, mainly focused on the Hanko business. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642197-0T1TOCCL882LM2PRJD05/JapanIvory_010.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Japan, 14 April, 2018: Kaiko, 62, a Japanese woman, is seen with three ivory Hankos she has purchased in the last ten years. She bought the first one from a door to door salesman and that is unregistered ivory. The other two she bought more recently for her son for an upcoming auspicious occasion. These were accompanied by a registration certificate stating the ivory came from a legal source. Kaiko bought her hanko because her parents died and she felt she needed a special personal seal for the property changes. Many Japanese have a strong belief in the use of a special Hanko for good fortune. Kaiko says, “One Hanko can change a persons life. My parents always told me, don’t use your Hanko very often, it decides your fate.” Kaiko paid 30, 000 Yen for her Hanko, but paid 300, 000 Yen for her sons. Prices have risen steadily making the ivory Hanko market strong in Japan. “When I die, I hope my children will place my Hanko in my coffin with me.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642275-GYB92NDUJOQV6VT02XN6/JapanIvory_012.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Yamanashi, Japan, April 2018: The Museum of Ivory Carving is financed by one of Japans most successful Hanko manufacturing businessmen. The museum has certified ivory carvers for Hanko design as well as a large museum dedicated to the founders extensive ivory collection. The carvings are Japanese as well as Chinese. One of Japan’s biggest Hanko manufacturers. The founder was a jeweler as a young man, he realized jewelry was too expensive for most people; there was better opportunity in hankos. Began marketing them in the forties through newspaper advertising. He was the first to do this and he talked about Ivory having status in personal Hankos. Today his company makes half billion yen a year. The Ivory museum has ivory from both China and Japan, some of it a few centuries old to a huge recent piece completed twenty years ago. All of this was financed this with his hanko sales. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642217-3UHQ4PFDLE5WVMSZRIJR/JapanIvory_002.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, images of a private ivory Netsuke collection. Many of these exquisitely carved pieces are defined as a carved miniature ornament, especially of ivory or wood, formerly worn in Japan to suspend articles from the sash of a kimono. The idea is that they be used subtly on a garment, sometime to hold a key bag but mainly to ornament something on the clothing or something worn in the belt tying the Kimono. Subtle games are played in Japanese society with the theme of these tiny ornaments. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642317-DCN7HK8XUTV2LYNYU6OI/JapanIvory_011.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Japan, 14 April, 2018: Kaiko, 62, a Japanese woman, is seen with three ivory Hankos she has purchased in the last ten years. She bought the first one from a door to door salesman and that is unregistered ivory. The other two she bought more recently for her son for an upcoming auspicious occasion. These were accompanied by a registration certificate stating the ivory came from a legal source. Kaiko bought her hanko because her parents died and she felt she needed a special personal seal for the property changes. Many Japanese have a strong belief in the use of a special Hanko for good fortune. Kaiko says, “One Hanko can change a persons life. My parents always told me, don’t use your Hanko very often, it decides your fate.” Kaiko paid 30, 000 Yen for her Hanko, but paid 300, 000 Yen for her sons. Prices have risen steadily making the ivory Hanko market strong in Japan. “When I die, I hope my children will place my Hanko in my coffin with me.” (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642236-0GUQFUZL6NF3I80PDTPM/JapanIvory_013.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry ROKUGO, YAMANASHI, JAPAN, APRIL 2018: The Rokugo Seal museum displays tools and materials from the early Meiji period onwards used to create personal stamps and seals. These include ivory, horn, crystals and tusks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642323-UWOTKMVSFEZRCED900AP/JapanIvory_003.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry KYOTO, JAPAN, APRIL 2018: Moderen Ivory Netsuke carvings from The Netsuke Art Museum. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642305-7QE8YMMH103OGG8S4VVK/JapanIvory_014.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Yamanashi, Japan, April 2018: The Museum of Ivory Carving is financed by one of Japans most successful Hanko manufacturing businessmen. The museum has certified ivory carvers for Hanko design as well as a large museum dedicated to the founders extensive ivory collection. The carvings are Japanese as well as Chinese. One of Japan’s biggest Hanko manufacturers. The founder was a jeweler as a young man, he realized jewelry was too expensive for most people; there was better opportunity in hankos. Began marketing them in the forties through newspaper advertising. He was the first to do this and he talked about Ivory having status in personal Hankos. Today his company makes half billion yen a year. The Ivory museum has ivory from both China and Japan, some of it a few centuries old to a huge recent piece completed twenty years ago. All of this was financed this with his hanko sales. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642311-JJWEBYZ24ICMKB7G81R2/JapanIvory_004.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The preparation for the burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory to be burnt is originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It will be burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642395-YKYQIIYKTZWKAQUTWV8Z/JapanIvory_015.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Yamanashi, Japan, April 2018: The Museum of Ivory Carving is financed by one of Japans most successful Hanko manufacturing businessmen. The museum has certified ivory carvers for Hanko design as well as a large museum dedicated to the founders extensive ivory collection. The carvings are Japanese as well as Chinese. One of Japan’s biggest Hanko manufacturers. The founder was a jeweler as a young man, he realized jewelry was too expensive for most people; there was better opportunity in hankos. Began marketing them in the forties through newspaper advertising. He was the first to do this and he talked about Ivory having status in personal Hankos. Today his company makes half billion yen a year. The Ivory museum has ivory from both China and Japan, some of it a few centuries old to a huge recent piece completed twenty years ago. All of this was financed this with his hanko sales. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642242-EYYF28FDX1TCZYXT8V7M/JapanIvory_005.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A Oneisan practices with her Shamisen at the Asakusa Kenban where Geisha shows are held for clients. The bridge of the Shamisen is made of ivory and the plectrum , known as a Bachi, is also made of ivory and is said to create the best sound. The skin on the front of her Shamisen is made of cat skin and the skin at the back is made of dog skin. The instrument itself was made 15 years ago. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally skins were made using dog or cat skin but use of these skins gradually fell out of favor starting around 2006 due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. The bachi or plectrum used to play the shamisen also differ in size, shape, and material from genre to genre. The bachi used for nagauta shamisen are made out of three possible materials, i.e. wood, plastic, or ivory. Ivory is the preferred substance and Shamisen players often believe it delivers the best sound. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642281-GXJH0ZMINQ5KQ672Y0Y4/JapanIvory_016.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry MANYANI, TSAVO, KENYA, JULY 2011: The preparation for the burning of 5 tons of trafficked Ivory recovered from a seizure in Singapore in 2002, Manyani, Tsavo, Kenya, 20 July 2011. The ivory to be burnt is originally from Malawi and Zambia, 5 tons of the original 6.4 tons were burnt and the remainder will supposedly be sent back to the 2 countries of origin, Malawi and Zambia. It will be burnt in Kenya under the auspices of the LATF, the Lusaka Task Force, a group of affiliated countries who are supposed to form a common front against wildlife crime in Africa. The ivory burning is regarded with some cynicism from conservation quarters, no Kenyan ivory was added to the pyre, despite stocks in excess of 65 tons and their appropriation of the PR value of this event. The Kenyans response is to say that the disposal of public assets is a parlimentary affair, with due process of the law. The minimum time it would take for this is 3 months, more than enough time for Kenya to have participated if it so chose. Wildlife crime in Kenya still remains a perceived minor crime, with a maximum fine of only $430 for the killing of an elephant for its tusks. In conservation circles this illustrates a lack of comittment on the part of the KWS to truly stamp out the illegal ivory trade within Kenya. The overwhelming perception is that KWS appropriated this event, with minimum participation from the other LATF countries, and no credit was given to the Environmental Impact Agency despite the fact that it was their intelligence operation which resulted in the seizure in the first place. KWS also attempted to charge all foreign media a fee of $700 to attend the burn, despite them being invited guests to the burning and an indispensable source of publicity for Kenya's supposed anti-ivory trade stance. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642351-LDLXGVE08T87PYAWC3Z7/JapanIvory_006.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A Oneisan practices with her Shamisen at the Asakusa Kenban where Geisha shows are held for clients. The bridge of the Shamisen is made of ivory and the plectrum , known as a Bachi, is also made of ivory and is said to create the best sound. The skin on the front of her Shamisen is made of cat skin and the skin at the back is made of dog skin. The instrument itself was made 15 years ago. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally skins were made using dog or cat skin but use of these skins gradually fell out of favor starting around 2006 due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. The bachi or plectrum used to play the shamisen also differ in size, shape, and material from genre to genre. The bachi used for nagauta shamisen are made out of three possible materials, i.e. wood, plastic, or ivory. Ivory is the preferred substance and Shamisen players often believe it delivers the best sound. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642369-UDUCPEPD3KMHEJ4IVIXH/JapanIvory_017.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A netsuke carver carves an ivory piece in his small studio inside his apartment in Tokyo. He says he makes about one of these pieces every month to 6 weeks. The pieces are often comissioned by clients looking for something to commemorate a special occasion. This carver says he is aware that there is an ivory problem in the world and he is exploring the use of plastics and box wood in order to find a replacement. He says that is difficult because of the unique qualities and colors of ivory and its value to collectors. If the ivory markets dries up in Japan, he may not be able to make enough money for his family. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642224-HRYXL4U9R3DWNOHPAJ6J/JapanIvory_007.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A Oneisan practices with her Shamisen at the Asakusa Kenban where Geisha shows are held for clients. The bridge of the Shamisen is made of ivory and the plectrum , known as a Bachi, is also made of ivory and is said to create the best sound. The skin on the front of her Shamisen is made of cat skin and the skin at the back is made of dog skin. The instrument itself was made 15 years ago. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally skins were made using dog or cat skin but use of these skins gradually fell out of favor starting around 2006 due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. The bachi or plectrum used to play the shamisen also differ in size, shape, and material from genre to genre. The bachi used for nagauta shamisen are made out of three possible materials, i.e. wood, plastic, or ivory. Ivory is the preferred substance and Shamisen players often believe it delivers the best sound. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642231-VW1VIRQEJNJW3F0A8QIP/JapanIvory_018.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, images of a private ivory Netsuke collection. Many of these exquisitely carved pieces are defined as a carved miniature ornament, especially of ivory or wood, formerly worn in Japan to suspend articles from the sash of a kimono. The idea is that they be used subtly on a garment, sometime to hold a key bag but mainly to ornament something on the clothing or something worn in the belt tying the Kimono. Subtle games are played in Japanese society with the theme of these tiny ornaments. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642341-5Z5KIFWD3LL1EQS2RJET/JapanIvory_008.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A Oneisan practices with her Shamisen at the Asakusa Kenban where Geisha shows are held for clients. The bridge of the Shamisen is made of ivory and the plectrum , known as a Bachi, is also made of ivory and is said to create the best sound. The skin on the front of her Shamisen is made of cat skin and the skin at the back is made of dog skin. The instrument itself was made 15 years ago. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally skins were made using dog or cat skin but use of these skins gradually fell out of favor starting around 2006 due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. The bachi or plectrum used to play the shamisen also differ in size, shape, and material from genre to genre. The bachi used for nagauta shamisen are made out of three possible materials, i.e. wood, plastic, or ivory. Ivory is the preferred substance and Shamisen players often believe it delivers the best sound. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642264-3MD1QWOM89ZPFHW6M2VL/JapanIvory_019.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry KYOTO, JAPAN, APRIL 2018: The director of The Netsuke Art Museum, Kyoto, Mr Muneaki Kinoshita, is seen in the garden with an ivory netsuke carving in his belt which he uses to hold his key bag, this is a modern twist on how Netsuke would once have been used in Kimono belts to anchor similar bags and acoutremounts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642329-N7CRO40VQXT1BCNS357U/JapanIvory_009.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 27 2018: Photographs from a visit to a specialized Hanko shop “Ginnando “at Kodemmacho, Nihonbashi area of Tokyo. At this store the most expensive ivory hanko with gold we saw came in a lizard and crocodile case. This is called ZOUGAN (inlay) hanko made by MINSEI, the very famous representative Japanese craftsman. It was 378000yen because his name was on it. On the issues of a foreigner buying an ivory Hanko, this is what the owner of the shop had to say. “ I don’t know if you can come home taking ivory or not but our products are all registered so I think it no problem.” “ I don’t know if you can take ivory outside of Japan. Ivory is listed 1 of CITES but all of our products are certified with seals. I think it OK. ( He seems to want to sell it while he was puzzled.)” “Speaking officially registered hanko ( Jitsuin 実印 )is ivory for Japanese. *That is why demand for ivory is still quite large. But foreigner dislike ivory because ivory is regulated by CITES. The foreigners have feeling animal welfare after all.” He said he has a big company client named ITOCHU, one of the biggest trading company in Japan. Every year department or division of the company make new hanko made of other materials but regarding officially registered hanko made of ivory are not made new. Ivory official hanko can be re carved. He scrapes old name off and carves new person’s name on ivory. Ivory can be reused. This is advantage of ivory he said. I doubt demand for ivory is still large. In response of me saying that is ‘Ivory products are made from dead elephants’, he agreed ‘ Yes. They are from dead elephants.’ When carving, no other material is beautiful than ivory. In answering my request “Would you confirm if I can take it outside of Japan?” he said “Confirm? I wonder where to check? You must know where to check. How to confirm?? OK I will check. I’ve never had such a client before. But this is only hanko. You don’t carry orn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642299-FKRH26AK29SSJGH4AQT4/JapanIvory_020.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry KYOTO, JAPAN, APRIL 2018: The director of The Netsuke Art Museum, Kyoto, Mr Muneaki Kinoshita, is seen in the garden with an ivory netsuke carving in his belt which he uses to hold his key bag, this is a modern twist on how Netsuke would once have been used in Kimono belts to anchor similar bags and acoutremounts. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642357-C1F70NW5F39H9NODRJ25/JapanIvory_022.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, 13 January 2018: Part of a private Japanese collectors’ ivory collection, stored on a shelf in his office and dating back to the early 20th century. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642247-A7LFM5L7XN1T0WKM9LGZ/JapanIvory_023.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry KYOTO, JAPAN, APRIL 2018: Two local Kyoto woman dressed in traditional kimono visit The Netsuke Art Museum, Kyoto. The majority of the high end carvings at the museum are made of ivory, both recent and older carvings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642253-Y1RU4FCIWQCA6N87X6T0/JapanIvory_024.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry KYOTO, JAPAN, APRIL 2018: Two local Kyoto woman dressed in traditional kimono visit The Netsuke Art Museum, Kyoto. The majority of the high end carvings at the museum are made of ivory, both recent and older carvings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642389-OJF0ZRFSQM43CWS4IEYG/JapanIvory_025.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry KYOTO, JAPAN, APRIL 2018: Two local Kyoto woman dressed in traditional kimono visit The Netsuke Art Museum, Kyoto. The majority of the high end carvings at the museum are made of ivory, both recent and older carvings. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642382-D7C7I6OYVAK0A7Y583BX/JapanIvory_026.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642204-VEC5E9KN5DRT07QFSTUW/JapanIvory_027.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Yamanashi, Japan, April 2018: The Museum of Ivory Carving is financed by one of Japans most successful Hanko manufacturing businessmen. The museum has certified ivory carvers for Hanko design as well as a large museum dedicated to the founders extensive ivory collection. The carvings are Japanese as well as Chinese. One of Japan’s biggest Hanko manufacturers. The founder was a jeweler as a young man, he realized jewelry was too expensive for most people; there was better opportunity in hankos. Began marketing them in the forties through newspaper advertising. He was the first to do this and he talked about Ivory having status in personal Hankos. Today his company makes half billion yen a year. The Ivory museum has ivory from both China and Japan, some of it a few centuries old to a huge recent piece completed twenty years ago. All of this was financed this with his hanko sales. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642287-4RT3XH8VMB7HG56UI36A/JapanIvory_028.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Yamanashi, Japan, April 2018: The Museum of Ivory Carving is financed by one of Japans most successful Hanko manufacturing businessmen. The museum has certified ivory carvers for Hanko design as well as a large museum dedicated to the founders extensive ivory collection. The carvings are Japanese as well as Chinese. One of Japan’s biggest Hanko manufacturers. The founder was a jeweler as a young man, he realized jewelry was too expensive for most people; there was better opportunity in hankos. Began marketing them in the forties through newspaper advertising. He was the first to do this and he talked about Ivory having status in personal Hankos. Today his company makes half billion yen a year. The Ivory museum has ivory from both China and Japan, some of it a few centuries old to a huge recent piece completed twenty years ago. All of this was financed this with his hanko sales. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642270-I1OKFWVON9NI1M37N10P/JapanIvory_029.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Yamanashi, Japan, April 2018: The Museum of Ivory Carving is financed by one of Japans most successful Hanko manufacturing businessmen. The museum has certified ivory carvers for Hanko design as well as a large museum dedicated to the founders extensive ivory collection. The carvings are Japanese as well as Chinese. One of Japan’s biggest Hanko manufacturers. The founder was a jeweler as a young man, he realized jewelry was too expensive for most people; there was better opportunity in hankos. Began marketing them in the forties through newspaper advertising. He was the first to do this and he talked about Ivory having status in personal Hankos. Today his company makes half billion yen a year. The Ivory museum has ivory from both China and Japan, some of it a few centuries old to a huge recent piece completed twenty years ago. All of this was financed this with his hanko sales. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642408-VWXY5FZVV4IAWERVJ2N5/JapanIvory_030.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Kyoto, Japan, 19 April 2018: One of the most high end collections of ivory in Japan collection is seen at the Kiyomizu Samenzaka ivory museum in Kyoto. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642376-0EDNV9Y1JQ5U7XQ0X2RC/JapanIvory_031.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642258-SQEMLXU6BKBRX7G6FYT1/JapanIvory_032.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry KYOTO, JAPAN, 19 April 2018: A tea ceremony perfomed in a private house in Koto, Kyoto. Teapot lids and tea container lids are often made of ivory in Japan as part of high end utensils. (Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642414-39BVB4AVDAZCD5DC1C3I/JapanIvory_033.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo Japan, April 2018: Reiko Nakamura has been studying ivory carving for 12 years. She is passionate about it. She received a tusk from her uncle 12 years ago and cut that up to make the material for her carvings. She first noticed ivory in antique markets and from there she began to be interested in carving herself. She attends classes with a master ivory carver in order to grow in her craft. She became aware of these classes when she saw them advertised in the newspaper. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642335-BT1DTKW8OA69Z4Y3KLKP/JapanIvory_034.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry TOKYO, JAPAN, April 2018: One of the few Ivory protest posters on display on Earth Day in a park in Tokyo. This one was put out by the Japanese Elephant and Tiger Fund, who say that a softer approach works better with the Japanese public.(Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642192-PVGGICTZ967CY93HRK4O/JapanIvory_035.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 20th 2018: Illegal ivory for sale on Yahoo Japan’s retail site. Yahoo have refused to shut down this sales site despite repeated evidence of illegal ivory sales. In this image, a whole carved tusk is displayed. Japanese law clearly states that if the tip of the tusk is present and the overall length is over 20cm, then it has to be registered. There is no certificate of registration for this tusk on the sales page, despite the length being 43cm and the tip being clearly present. This is apparently common practise in Japan on online retails sites.Customs searches for ivory have also been deprioritized as ports are deemed too busy to worry about it and it may interfere in commerce. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642293-5SCPB7ICPLRMKXF7JOFM/JapanIvory_036.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, 26 April 2018: Masayuki Sakamoto, executive director of the Japanese Tiger and Elephant Fund, and lawyer. He is seen on a day when a long term investigation into illegal ivory has failed. The illegal ivory trade in Japan is conducted largely online with unregistered tusks and carvings. As China has agreed to end their domestic ivory trade, Japan has refused to. More tusks have also come into the Japanese market in recent years, many of them unregistered. Loopholes in Japanese law also mean that if cut tusks come into Japan, once they get past customs in some of the busiest ports in the world, they are considered legal. Sakamoto considers the international mail service to be the most virulent element of the illegal ivory trade. He also points to online retails sites like Yahoo japan who have refused to shut down their ivory sales division. Once on the Yahoo site, it took less than 2 minues to find unregistered and therefore illegal ivory for sale. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642402-4RE30E2ILG7PX6F2CT46/JapanIvory_038.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry Tokyo, Japan, April 2018: A special day of Blessings for Elephants conducted by members of the Japanese Ivory Association at the Gokokuji temple in Tokyo. This is seen by the members as paying homage to the elephant’s who’s ivory is the heart of their business. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158642212-IJ6SU85D8BXNWUTUPT1P/JapanIvory_039.jpg Japan's Ivory Industry AMBOSELI, KENYA, MAY 2011: Undercover Kenya Wildlife Services Ranger detusk a bull elephant killed by a spear in the Amboseli ecosystem in the shadow of Amboseli, Kenya, May 29, 2011. The elephant was killed by a single spear stroke close to the spine which penetrated deeply enough to cause massive internal bleeding. It is not known whether this was a poaching attempt or whether this was a case of human elephant conflict with the animal in the crops of local Masaai. The animal was detusked and the ivory sent to the KWS HQ in Amboseli National Park. KWS has the mandate to protect wildlife in Kenya but lack the manpower and resources. Organisations like Big Life are the private sector arm of KWS in the 2 million acre Amboseli ecosystem, working alongside them to supply manpower, vehicles, funding, information networks and aircraft to practise effective conservation in the region. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/living-with-lions daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825863-MLGTQE6QKOC6XPBY14PJ/livingwithlions_0001.jpg Living with Lions RIFIJI, SELOUS, TANZANIA, 4 MARCH 2013: Yusuf Shabani Difika, 41, lost both his arms to a lion attack on a fishing trip in the region of Selous National Park, Tanzania, 4 March 2013. The attack occured in the evening in 2005. The lion attacked Yusuf and his arms were shredded beyond recovery as he attempted to fend off the lion. He says the lion bit him multiple times on his arms, exposing his bones and ripping off the flesh. Yusuf was rescued by village friends who drove the lion off with sticks and machettes. Yusuf was rushed to a local clinic and then transported to a hospital where doctors had no choice but to amputate what was left of his arms. Yusuf has two children, aged 5 and 3, he has lost the ability to work and is entirely reliant on his father, his uncle and his cousins as well as the kindness of his village for his survival. He says the hardest thing is that he cannot clean himself or go to the bathroom without assistance. His uncle bathes him on a regular basis and his father and cousins help him to dress, eat and drink. Lion attacks on the rural people who farm close to Selous National Park are not uncommon. There is a degree of hypocrisy to the West's expectation that these people should live with lions as if there is no danger. They do not benefit from the wildlife in Selous and they live in danger as there are no fences to the Park and the range of the lions often extends outside of the park. They are especially in vulnerable during the harvest period. Wild Bush pigs are attracted by young maize and rice crops and so people sleep in their fields in order to protect their crops. They are especially exposed to lion attacks at this time. The lions are attracted to the bushpig presence, the pigs are hard to catch and the human beings are close at hand and completely vulnerable and easy to subdue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826062-R5HKDL2K59NI7R0HRJB6/livingwithlions_0008.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826014-03EBX91QAOSCMTZ7D4NF/livingwithlions_0064.jpg Living with Lions GIR NATIONAL PARK, GUJARAT, INDIA, APRIL 8 2013: Images of Asiatic lion taken from a week shooting the last lion outside of Africa inside Gir National Park, Gujarat, India, 8 April 2013. This small population of Asiatic lion was once as low as 117 animals before being successfully rebred to current numbers of around 411. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reporage for Terra Matte Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825798-CKVHDSWVT0PGB36M9JXX/livingwithlions_0009.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825665-J4XHAGXO6EL4CW17Z93I/livingwithlions_0065.jpg Living with Lions GIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, GUJARAT, INDIA, APRIL 9 2013: Amra Vejabhai, 71, is a Maldhari shepherd who lives with his family in a Maldhari community inside Gir Wildlife Sancturary, home to the Asiatic lion, the last lion outside of Africa inside Gir National Park, Gujarat, India, 9 April 2013. Ten years ago Amra was attacked by a lion while out with his buffalo and cows in the Sanctuary, the lion bit him on the neck when he tried to stop them killing a small buffalo. Amra was saved by his buffalo charging the lion which released him and ran. Amra claims he feels no ill will to the lions and sees them killing his cows and buffalo as just part of life in Gir, a place the Maldhari have inhabited with their cattle and buffalo for centuries. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reporage for Terra Matte Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825911-6QUHBBSJ2XDCZPB99G6H/livingwithlions_0002.jpg Living with Lions RIFIJI, SELOUS, TANZANIA, 4 MARCH 2013: Yusuf Shabani Difika, 41, lost both his arms to a lion attack on a fishing trip in the region of Selous National Park, Tanzania, 4 March 2013. The attack occured in the evening in 2005. The lion attacked Yusuf and his arms were shredded beyond recovery as he attempted to fend off the lion. He says the lion bit him multiple times on his arms, exposing his bones and ripping off the flesh. Yusuf was rescued by village friends who drove the lion off with sticks and machettes. Yusuf was rushed to a local clinic and then transported to a hospital where doctors had no choice but to amputate what was left of his arms. Yusuf has two children, aged 5 and 3, he has lost the ability to work and is entirely reliant on his father, his uncle and his cousins as well as the kindness of his village for his survival. He says the hardest thing is that he cannot clean himself or go to the bathroom without assistance. His uncle bathes him on a regular basis and his father and cousins help him to dress, eat and drink. Lion attacks on the rural people who farm close to Selous National Park are not uncommon. There is a degree of hypocrisy to the West's expectation that these people should live with lions as if there is no danger. They do not benefit from the wildlife in Selous and they live in danger as there are no fences to the Park and the range of the lions often extends outside of the park. They are especially in vulnerable during the harvest period. Wild Bush pigs are attracted by young maize and rice crops and so people sleep in their fields in order to protect their crops. They are especially exposed to lion attacks at this time. The lions are attracted to the bushpig presence, the pigs are hard to catch and the human beings are close at hand and completely vulnerable and easy to subdue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825985-BP3Y2RIRDN0ROLX8W7FG/livingwithlions_0010.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825991-YN93D4KXO8071HX67AZ1/livingwithlions_0066.jpg Living with Lions GIR NATIONAL PARK, GUJARAT, INDIA, APRIL 3 2013: Images of a man who lost two cows three days previously to an attack by Asiatic lions from Gir National Park, these are the last lion outside of Africa which reside inside Gir National Park, Gujarat, India, 3 April 2013. The herdsmen holds no grudge against the lions, despite their killing his cows and attacking a holy animal. He sees these lions as a proud symbol of the region. He will receive a small compensation for the dead cows, about half their value, which will be paid by the government forestry department. This small population of Asiatic lion was once as low as 50 animals before being successfully rebred to current numbers of around 400. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reporage for Terra Matte Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825929-1YTEZMS9Q0NU46CJYI2X/livingwithlions_0003.jpg Living with Lions RIFIJI, SELOUS, TANZANIA, 4 MARCH 2013: Yusuf Shabani Difika, 41, lost both his arms to a lion attack on a fishing trip in the region of Selous National Park, Tanzania, 4 March 2013. The attack occured in the evening in 2005. The lion attacked Yusuf and his arms were shredded beyond recovery as he attempted to fend off the lion. He says the lion bit him multiple times on his arms, exposing his bones and ripping off the flesh. Yusuf was rescued by village friends who drove the lion off with sticks and machettes. Yusuf was rushed to a local clinic and then transported to a hospital where doctors had no choice but to amputate what was left of his arms. Yusuf has two children, aged 5 and 3, he has lost the ability to work and is entirely reliant on his father, his uncle and his cousins as well as the kindness of his village for his survival. He says the hardest thing is that he cannot clean himself or go to the bathroom without assistance. His uncle bathes him on a regular basis and his father and cousins help him to dress, eat and drink. Lion attacks on the rural people who farm close to Selous National Park are not uncommon. There is a degree of hypocrisy to the West's expectation that these people should live with lions as if there is no danger. They do not benefit from the wildlife in Selous and they live in danger as there are no fences to the Park and the range of the lions often extends outside of the park. They are especially in vulnerable during the harvest period. Wild Bush pigs are attracted by young maize and rice crops and so people sleep in their fields in order to protect their crops. They are especially exposed to lion attacks at this time. The lions are attracted to the bushpig presence, the pigs are hard to catch and the human beings are close at hand and completely vulnerable and easy to subdue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826057-Y2XKTZLD9V94KIW2G15N/livingwithlions_0011.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825745-4HRLSN7MJGVJA9545A8R/livingwithlions_0004.jpg Living with Lions RIFIJI, SELOUS, TANZANIA, 4 MARCH 2013: Yusuf Shabani Difika, 41, lost both his arms to a lion attack on a fishing trip in the region of Selous National Park, Tanzania, 4 March 2013. The attack occured in the evening in 2005. The lion attacked Yusuf and his arms were shredded beyond recovery as he attempted to fend off the lion. He says the lion bit him multiple times on his arms, exposing his bones and ripping off the flesh. Yusuf was rescued by village friends who drove the lion off with sticks and machettes. Yusuf was rushed to a local clinic and then transported to a hospital where doctors had no choice but to amputate what was left of his arms. Yusuf has two children, aged 5 and 3, he has lost the ability to work and is entirely reliant on his father, his uncle and his cousins as well as the kindness of his village for his survival. He says the hardest thing is that he cannot clean himself or go to the bathroom without assistance. His uncle bathes him on a regular basis and his father and cousins help him to dress, eat and drink. Lion attacks on the rural people who farm close to Selous National Park are not uncommon. There is a degree of hypocrisy to the West's expectation that these people should live with lions as if there is no danger. They do not benefit from the wildlife in Selous and they live in danger as there are no fences to the Park and the range of the lions often extends outside of the park. They are especially in vulnerable during the harvest period. Wild Bush pigs are attracted by young maize and rice crops and so people sleep in their fields in order to protect their crops. They are especially exposed to lion attacks at this time. The lions are attracted to the bushpig presence, the pigs are hard to catch and the human beings are close at hand and completely vulnerable and easy to subdue. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825792-44RP5C7H1TRBXFHP64UJ/livingwithlions_0012.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825857-ZVWX2AEZGH7C4MR9JREZ/livingwithlions_0005.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826038-WBBJK2L5JNADQPCDJY0R/livingwithlions_0013.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825967-6E2PIKEA23GVOW15CKT1/livingwithlions_0006.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lion cubs on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825659-NJ6VIA5NB582JJT0FLZA/livingwithlions_0014.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825887-YHM6LNHFJUZ98O3HA2M1/livingwithlions_0007.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825906-XXDTTXT18PYG0UHB2UFV/livingwithlions_0015.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826002-FMJAWFGNMDJDQEBAUGIV/livingwithlions_0016.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825812-V78YI1OHQOUT5QKRG9YU/livingwithlions_0017.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825948-K8WQSW37FZ1H7Z0YXN4P/livingwithlions_0018.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825972-D4FYSS7GZGDHE0N10PKV/livingwithlions_0019.jpg Living with Lions KOSTER, SOUTH AFRICA, 20 FEBRUARY 2013: Views of the largest lion breeding facility in the world, Doornkp Farm, owned by Ben Duminy, Koster South Africa, 20 February 2013. Duminy has between 500 and 600 lions on his property, the majority of which will be sold for trophy hunting purposes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826008-5SYR7DRYYK39QISI9AUQ/livingwithlions_0020.jpg Living with Lions KOSTER, SOUTH AFRICA, 20 FEBRUARY 2013: Views of the largest lion breeding facility in the world, Doornkp Farm, owned by Ben Duminy, Koster South Africa, 20 February 2013. Duminy has between 500 and 600 lions on his property, the majority of which will be sold for trophy hunting purposes. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825677-E6ZLUHQY3H0R47UE7MZQ/livingwithlions_0021.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: A research team from the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa collects a sperm sample from a tranquilized lion at a breeders farm outside Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. There is an effort to by the Predator Breeders association of South Africa to compile a lion DNA database and this event is the beginning of collaborations between govenrment and lion breeders as the breeders attempt to standardize their controversial industry. This took place in front of 30 lion breeders at Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825805-22XD5Q6P518WXCYN9A23/livingwithlions_0022.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825935-KSEHUC2FL1SHUJ2ABO25/livingwithlions_0023.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825850-KBA7UZFVSY3N5YNK5OMA/livingwithlions_0024.jpg Living with Lions WOLMARANSSTAD, SOUTH AFRICA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of breeding cages for lions on Buisfontein, a lion breeding farm outside of Wolmaransstad, South Africa, September 31, 2012. These lions will be raised to maturity, used for breeding purposes and when old enough will be sold to hunters for lion hunts in South Africa. Seven years is the preferred age. As controversial as the practice is, it is legal under the South African judicial system. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These phenomenons go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826026-E0XLKXI5MT72OP8HPWDF/livingwithlions_0025.jpg Living with Lions OKAHANDJA, NORTH NAMIBIA, SEPTEMBER 2012: A lion hunt in progress on a hunting concession in North Namibia, 17-25 September 2012. Over 700 000Km2 are given over to Hunting Concessions in Southern Africa alone. Namibia has the most sustainable hunting model, with ownership of animals given to local communities and private ranchers. There are 71 hunting concessions in Namiba today. This has provided economic incentive to look after these animals, especially major Trophy animals like lions. These images depict Bill Centers, 65, a life-long American hunter, hunting for a lion with Pieter De Lange, a Professional Hunter with Omujeve Safaris, who specialise in hunting with foreign clients in Namibia. These hunters are all high end clients who stay in the best lodges in Namibia and pay trophy fees in excess of $50 000 to hunt a lion. Namibia has limited quotas for trophy animals which are closely monitored. Game breeding for eco-tourism and hunting purposes is growing in Namibia. Hunting and Tourism which occurs on Community land means that those communities are comensated by both hunting groups and tourism, earning them finance which can be spent on community upliftment programs. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825670-P69KY6ERTNPZ46GXQF5T/livingwithlions_0026.jpg Living with Lions OKAHANDJA, NORTH NAMIBIA, SEPTEMBER 2012: A lion hunt in progress on a hunting concession in North Namibia, 17-25 September 2012. Over 700 000Km2 are given over to Hunting Concessions in Southern Africa alone. Namibia has the most sustainable hunting model, with ownership of animals given to local communities and private ranchers. There are 71 hunting concessions in Namiba today. This has provided economic incentive to look after these animals, especially major Trophy animals like lions. These images depict Bill Centers, 65, a life-long American hunter, hunting for a lion with Pieter De Lange, a Professional Hunter with Omujeve Safaris, who specialise in hunting with foreign clients in Namibia. These hunters are all high end clients who stay in the best lodges in Namibia and pay trophy fees in excess of $50 000 to hunt a lion. Namibia has limited quotas for trophy animals which are closely monitored. Game breeding for eco-tourism and hunting purposes is growing in Namibia. Hunting and Tourism which occurs on Community land means that those communities are comensated by both hunting groups and tourism, earning them finance which can be spent on community upliftment programs. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826033-JTEW88FUJI7LWXW2D6QR/livingwithlions_0027.jpg Living with Lions OKAHANDJA, NORTH NAMIBIA, SEPTEMBER 2012: A lion hunt in progress on a hunting concession in North Namibia, 17-25 September 2012. Over 700 000Km2 are given over to Hunting Concessions in Southern Africa alone. Namibia has the most sustainable hunting model, with ownership of animals given to local communities and private ranchers. There are 71 hunting concessions in Namiba today. This has provided economic incentive to look after these animals, especially major Trophy animals like lions. These images depict Bill Centers, 65, a life-long American hunter, hunting for a lion with Pieter De Lange, a Professional Hunter with Omujeve Safaris, who specialise in hunting with foreign clients in Namibia. These hunters are all high end clients who stay in the best lodges in Namibia and pay trophy fees in excess of $50 000 to hunt a lion. Namibia has limited quotas for trophy animals which are closely monitored. Game breeding for eco-tourism and hunting purposes is growing in Namibia. Hunting and Tourism which occurs on Community land means that those communities are comensated by both hunting groups and tourism, earning them finance which can be spent on community upliftment programs. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825997-KC36Z7X86IFOFRPPMQY6/livingwithlions_0028.jpg Living with Lions OKAHANDJA, NORTH NAMIBIA, SEPTEMBER 2012: A lion hunt in progress on a hunting concession in North Namibia, 17-25 September 2012. Over 700 000Km2 are given over to Hunting Concessions in Southern Africa alone. Namibia has the most sustainable hunting model, with ownership of animals given to local communities and private ranchers. There are 71 hunting concessions in Namiba today. This has provided economic incentive to look after these animals, especially major Trophy animals like lions. These images depict Bill Centers, 65, a life-long American hunter, hunting for a lion with Pieter De Lange, a Professional Hunter with Omujeve Safaris, who specialise in hunting with foreign clients in Namibia. These hunters are all high end clients who stay in the best lodges in Namibia and pay trophy fees in excess of $50 000 to hunt a lion. Namibia has limited quotas for trophy animals which are closely monitored. Game breeding for eco-tourism and hunting purposes is growing in Namibia. Hunting and Tourism which occurs on Community land means that those communities are comensated by both hunting groups and tourism, earning them finance which can be spent on community upliftment programs. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825682-ZBUNGJDHK10XB92IOJMS/livingwithlions_0029.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825739-DELVJ1UBMPK19FU52VJF/livingwithlions_0030.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825756-PHNHS0NUMFGEA41FRS6Y/livingwithlions_0031.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825979-HGMYK813VUWK4722WSLE/livingwithlions_0032.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825954-LCLSCHU2HXD3M1Q96MQ2/livingwithlions_0033.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825713-SPOSOAYZR82ICKFZ0BHG/livingwithlions_0034.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826051-2DHLPMGJ6K3XI9MKY4ZQ/livingwithlions_0035.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825694-CT3BWODPJOAU34Q6Z42D/livingwithlions_0036.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825918-M1AWYXOOENSY6EEDI10Y/livingwithlions_0037.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825768-YRH9I6AYN40O6RJDC6N5/livingwithlions_0038.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825774-KETFM153IB2HQR0FPL90/livingwithlions_0039.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825882-9N16KUXMEMRK6SVPR9ZH/livingwithlions_0040.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: American Bow hunter Steve Sibrel hunts a lioness with professional South African hunter guides on a game farm close to the South Africa/Botswana border region, October 19, 2012. Two systems for the hunts exist in two different provinces of South Africa. One practice sees the lion released for a minimal 96 hours into a 3000-hectare area before the hunt can begin. The other practice sees the lion released for 3 months into a minimum 3000-hectare area before it can be hunted. The lioness in these images was released 96 hours ahead of the hunt into the area. Recent global research points to the fact that hunting and breeding programs are necessary components for the survival of lions into the future. These practices go some way towards lessening pressure on wild lion populations as well as preserving a strong lion DNA base and a future repository for lions for areas where they have been decimated. The hunting industry is also a strong employer in Africa, with over 1.4 million square kilometers given over to hunting concessions. This is a landmass more than 20% higher than that given over to Wildlife Conservation areas. More than 18000 hunters come to Africa every year and the money high-end dangerous game hunting brings to the continent goes some way to preserving the land mass set aside for hunting. The South Africa Predators Breeders association is making strides towards a more regulated industry, with a charter and code of conduct in the works, which is expected to bring a stronger emphasis on ethical practice into play. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825843-K6RTG1I1FEXVYP5U39O9/livingwithlions_0041.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion bones from hunts hang up to dry on a hunting concession in the North West Province, South Africa, October 19, 2012. These bones come from lions killed in legal hunts. The dealer requires a local permit for Nature Conservation South Africa as well as a Cites export permit for this trade. There is a large Asian market for these bones, which are crushed and used in Asian medicines and also in Lion Wine. Lion bone has become more popular in Asian culture as a result of the increasing rarity of the Tiger. Tiger parts have long been a part of Asian traditional medicine, but with less than 3000 tigers left in the wild, lion bone is becoming increasingly popular. Conservationists argue that this increasing demand for lion bone will severely impact wild lion populations. Hunters and breeders argue that they can easily meet the demand and that a legal trade means wild lion populations as well as tiger populations will be saved as captive breeding and hunting of those lions can meet the demand. Prices for a lion skeleton vary, from $1200 to $10, 000. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825900-R1LHDWVMZ4DTEBUB6QB7/livingwithlions_0042.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion bones from hunts hang up to dry on a hunting concession in the North West Province, South Africa, October 19, 2012. These bones come from lions killed in legal hunts. The dealer requires a local permit for Nature Conservation South Africa as well as a Cites export permit for this trade. There is a large Asian market for these bones, which are crushed and used in Asian medicines and also in Lion Wine. Lion bone has become more popular in Asian culture as a result of the increasing rarity of the Tiger. Tiger parts have long been a part of Asian traditional medicine, but with less than 3000 tigers left in the wild, lion bone is becoming increasingly popular. Conservationists argue that this increasing demand for lion bone will severely impact wild lion populations. Hunters and breeders argue that they can easily meet the demand and that a legal trade means wild lion populations as well as tiger populations will be saved as captive breeding and hunting of those lions can meet the demand. Prices for a lion skeleton vary, from $1200 to $10, 000. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825942-8LMBTD7U0MDQ01GZKG4G/livingwithlions_0043.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion bones from hunts hang up to dry on a hunting concession in the North West Province, South Africa, October 19, 2012. These bones come from lions killed in legal hunts. The dealer requires a local permit for Nature Conservation South Africa as well as a Cites export permit for this trade. There is a large Asian market for these bones, which are crushed and used in Asian medicines and also in Lion Wine. Lion bone has become more popular in Asian culture as a result of the increasing rarity of the Tiger. Tiger parts have long been a part of Asian traditional medicine, but with less than 3000 tigers left in the wild, lion bone is becoming increasingly popular. Conservationists argue that this increasing demand for lion bone will severely impact wild lion populations. Hunters and breeders argue that they can easily meet the demand and that a legal trade means wild lion populations as well as tiger populations will be saved as captive breeding and hunting of those lions can meet the demand. Prices for a lion skeleton vary, from $1200 to $10, 000. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825960-4K6X8FH54F9GKF1Q9GNT/livingwithlions_0044.jpg Living with Lions NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion bones from hunts hang up to dry on a hunting concession in the North West Province, South Africa, October 19, 2012. These bones come from lions killed in legal hunts. The dealer requires a local permit for Nature Conservation South Africa as well as a Cites export permit for this trade. There is a large Asian market for these bones, which are crushed and used in Asian medicines and also in Lion Wine. Lion bone has become more popular in Asian culture as a result of the increasing rarity of the Tiger. Tiger parts have long been a part of Asian traditional medicine, but with less than 3000 tigers left in the wild, lion bone is becoming increasingly popular. Conservationists argue that this increasing demand for lion bone will severely impact wild lion populations. Hunters and breeders argue that they can easily meet the demand and that a legal trade means wild lion populations as well as tiger populations will be saved as captive breeding and hunting of those lions can meet the demand. Prices for a lion skeleton vary, from $1200 to $10, 000. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825820-DMPDJSSA4PIRWUAK6GEH/livingwithlions_0045.jpg Living with Lions VREDE, ORANGE FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 2012: A worker cleans lion bones with a combination of water and peroxide at a taxidermist in the Orange Free State, South Africa, 10 October 2012. These bones come from lions killed in legal hunts and from breeding programs in South Africa. The Taxidermist requires a local permit for Nature Conservation South Africa as well as a Cites export permit for this trade. There is a large Asian market for these bones, which are crushed and used in Asian medicines and also in Lion Wine. Lion bone has become more popular in Asian culture as a result of the increasing rarity of the Tiger. Tiger parts have long been a part of Asian traditional medicine, but with less than 3000 tigers left in the wild, lion bone is becoming increasingly popular. Conservationists argue that this increasing demand for lion bone will severely impact wild lion populations. Hunters and breeders argue that they can easily meet the demand and that a legal trade means wild lion populations as well as tiger populations will be saved as captive breeding and hunting of those lions can meet the demand. Prices for a lion skeleton vary, from $1200 to $10, 000. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826044-J7AMODMUGQOLBUOB601N/livingwithlions_0046.jpg Living with Lions VREDE, ORANGE FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 2012: A worker cleans lion bones with a combination of water and peroxide at a taxidermist in the Orange Free State, South Africa, 10 October 2012. These bones come from lions killed in legal hunts and from breeding programs in South Africa. The Taxidermist requires a local permit for Nature Conservation South Africa as well as a Cites export permit for this trade. There is a large Asian market for these bones, which are crushed and used in Asian medicines and also in Lion Wine. Lion bone has become more popular in Asian culture as a result of the increasing rarity of the Tiger. Tiger parts have long been a part of Asian traditional medicine, but with less than 3000 tigers left in the wild, lion bone is becoming increasingly popular. Conservationists argue that this increasing demand for lion bone will severely impact wild lion populations. Hunters and breeders argue that they can easily meet the demand and that a legal trade means wild lion populations as well as tiger populations will be saved as captive breeding and hunting of those lions can meet the demand. Prices for a lion skeleton vary, from $1200 to $10, 000. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158826020-0B2WGD6G0ETWWXHO4MIL/livingwithlions_0047.jpg Living with Lions WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, SEPTEMBER 2012: Images of taxidemist operation "Inyati" in the capital of Windhoek, Namibia, September 26 2012. Namibia is a popular hunting destination, with over 71 hunting concessions and a system of either private or community ownership over animals. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825707-9PELA3JU5BLJUDE88TFF/livingwithlions_0048.jpg Living with Lions VREDE, ORANGE FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 2012: A worker cleans a stuffed lion's teeth at a taxidermist in the Orange Free State, South Africa, 10 October 2012. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825719-5CYUUPMY77FOOKR22E3N/livingwithlions_0049.jpg Living with Lions VREDE, ORANGE FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 2012: A worker cleans a stuffed lion's teeth at a taxidermist in the Orange Free State, South Africa, 10 October 2012. South Africa is the lion hunting and breeding capital of the world, with an estimated 500 plus lions hunted every year and the largest breeding programs in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825688-SJDZMRBEHAD587SCR3I6/livingwithlions_0050.jpg Living with Lions LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825786-A4CUN9LO5N8G3TW1K6GO/livingwithlions_0051.jpg Living with Lions LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825894-LQ40PSX7NXJ0SUC3TA1G/livingwithlions_0052.jpg Living with Lions LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825924-ZD2O8XZWWDJKKY7H0I3J/livingwithlions_0053.jpg Living with Lions LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. One of the young warriors in this ceremony is wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion he speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825725-U684LLY4XHPMX8ALKYG1/livingwithlions_0054.jpg Living with Lions LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. One of the young warriors in this ceremony is wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion he speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825780-5VGDV7FFC95S89VCQ5UL/livingwithlions_0055.jpg Living with Lions LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825762-5UK9HO68ZZT2PEM0QWM9/livingwithlions_0056.jpg Living with Lions LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825750-KXHJRA0K0RYRZPMW7P34/livingwithlions_0057.jpg Living with Lions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825876-CFD3WNPL4AGW2JXUXQ0Z/livingwithlions_0058.jpg Living with Lions MPIMBWE, WESTERN TANZANIA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion Dancers from the Sakuma tribe perform the story of their lion killing outside a village in rural Mpimbwe, Western Tanzania, October 27, 2012. Lion dancers are men who have killed a lion in defense of their cattle or their village. They are a deeply superstitious people who believe that once they have killed a lion they have to become a lion dancer for 3 to 5 years to avoid going mad. They spend a year or longer preparing with the local witchdoctor and then go from village to village seeing their relatives and dancing while collecting tribute for their bravery. In a time when lion are very scarce in the region, this practice is actively discouraged by conservation organizations and it is slowly dying out. When the dancers appear in the villages, they are often praised and given money, goats and even sometimes a small cow. It is therefore something that some young men aspire to, even going as far as to venture into the local Katavi National Park in pursuit of a lion. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825828-87S68H1HUBYLN949QNB1/livingwithlions_0060.1.jpg Living with Lions AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA, 25 FEBRUARY 2013: Images of "Lion Guardians" using telemetry to locate lions in the ecosystem outside of Amboselli National Park, Kenya, 25 February 2013. Lion guardians is a conservation program which recruits leading Maasai men, many of whom are former lion killers, into a system which monitors lions, confers a sense of ownership and pride in them and forms a Maasai vanguard which seeks to prevent other Maasai from hunting lions in retribution for cattle killing. Retaliatory and traditional spearing by Maasai warriors is the greatest threat to the survival of lions in Maasailand. the Lion Guardians program is unique in employing the traditional enemy of lions to conserve rather than kill them. The Guardians monitor spoor, use telemetry devices to track collared lions, and collect dna samples for analysis. They have also named all the lions in their area and recently produced identity cards which further reinforce notions of lion identity within Maasai communities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825870-WKDLAIAXOROUC4T889EK/livingwithlions_0060.jpg Living with Lions AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA, 25 FEBRUARY 2013: Images of "Lion Guardians" using telemetry to locate lions in the ecosystem outside of Amboselli National Park, Kenya, 25 February 2013. Lion guardians is a conservation program which recruits leading Maasai men, many of whom are former lion killers, into a system which monitors lions, confers a sense of ownership and pride in them and forms a Maasai vanguard which seeks to prevent other Maasai from hunting lions in retribution for cattle killing. Retaliatory and traditional spearing by Maasai warriors is the greatest threat to the survival of lions in Maasailand. the Lion Guardians program is unique in employing the traditional enemy of lions to conserve rather than kill them. The Guardians monitor spoor, use telemetry devices to track collared lions, and collect dna samples for analysis. They have also named all the lions in their area and recently produced identity cards which further reinforce notions of lion identity within Maasai communities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825836-JIDD4IAB9ZO1KZS8G6RH/livingwithlions_0061.jpg Living with Lions AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA, 25 FEBRUARY 2013: Images of "Lion Guardians" using telemetry to locate lions in the ecosystem outside of Amboselli National Park, Kenya, 25 February 2013. Lion guardians is a conservation program which recruits leading Maasai men, many of whom are former lion killers, into a system which monitors lions, confers a sense of ownership and pride in them and forms a Maasai vanguard which seeks to prevent other Maasai from hunting lions in retribution for cattle killing. Retaliatory and traditional spearing by Maasai warriors is the greatest threat to the survival of lions in Maasailand. the Lion Guardians program is unique in employing the traditional enemy of lions to conserve rather than kill them. The Guardians monitor spoor, use telemetry devices to track collared lions, and collect dna samples for analysis. They have also named all the lions in their area and recently produced identity cards which further reinforce notions of lion identity within Maasai communities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825700-4AQIISYXIFJEUZ4EB6GY/livingwithlions_0062.jpg Living with Lions AMBOSELLI ECOSYSTEM, KENYA, 25 FEBRUARY 2013: Images of "Lion Guardians" using lion identification cards to discuss lions in the ecosystem outside of Amboselli National Park, Kenya, 25 February 2013. Lion guardians is a conservation program which recruits leading Maasai men, many of whom are former lion killers, into a system which monitors lions, confers a sense of ownership and pride in them and forms a Maasai vanguard which seeks to prevent other Maasai from hunting lions in retribution for cattle killing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158825732-UDVY44ZZIXVXHRRSWQA7/livingwithlions_0063.jpg Living with Lions NAIROBI, KENYA, MARCH 7 2012: Richard Turere, 13, attachs his "Lion Lights" invention to the timber posts of a cattle kraal close to his home on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, Kenya, March 7, 2013. Richard devised these lights when he was 11 years old and they are an effective local solution to lion attacks on Maasai livestock at night. "These lights are a small device which protects Maasai cows from lions," says Richard. "Lions fear moving lights so I have made a device that tricks lions into thinking that I am awake and walking around when I am actually sleeping in my bed." Richard has become a minor celebrity as a result of his invention, Brookhouse School, an exclusive private institution, has offered him a full scholarship and he has given a number of TED talks about his invention. Richard is now considering an electric fence design, but this time its aim is to keep people out. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/samurai-today-1 daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158669921-0CRBY39NNI6D8NLNMH7H/samurai_001.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OSAKA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Fumon Tanaka, 73, Samurai master and descendent of a long line of Samurai warriors in Japan. He is seen at a temple complex in Osaka, Japan. Sensei Tanaka is somewhat controversial amongst the pursuants of the Samurai arts in that he embraces the media and has appeared in films, documentaries and commercials all showcasing his Samurai martial arts skills. This is controversial in Samurai culture as many pursuants believe in secrecy and humbleness and not in ostentatious display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028017601-4O1UURK2KNZPEBER839X/samurai_006.jpg Legacy of the Samurai SHIMIZU KU, SHIZUOKA CITY, TOKYO, 16 OCTOBER 2014: Images from the dojo of Master Sensei Yoshimitsu (Kagehiro) Katsuse, a master of all 18 of the Samurai arts. He is known as the 15th sōke of Suiō-ryū, a form of Japanese martial arts which dates back to 1615. Katsuse Yoshimitsu Kagehir is seen with his son, his advanced students and with his collection of prestigious Katana swords. His students are seen practising their various katas. The founder's son Yohachirō succeeded his father to become the 2nd head of the tradition and the lineage has continued unbroken to the present day. Traditionally, the kage waza were shared only with the successor to the tradition, in a form of transmission called isshi sōden. However, now nearly all of the physical techniques of the tradition are taught openly. Even today though, one set of iai kata, which represent the very essence of the tradition's teachings, is set aside only for communication to the tradition's next sōke. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054674-KMLA5TLVW5D2XGRX068X/samurai_007.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: A female Kyudo archer holds her form after she releases her arrow at Tokyo University Kyudo dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is seen by its practioners as more of a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath and perfection of movement. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028092197-NAAGN0CIJ55B9IOV4NNL/samurai_024.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO, JAPAN, 18 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Yagyu, a master whose family was important in the creation of 3 centuries of the warrior class of Japan. He is seen lecturing a group of students and also in his modern dojo. His classes represent the better off of those studying the warrior arts in Japan today, as does his dojo in a high rise building in Tokyo. Sensei Yagyu is a banker by profession and many in his class represent the far right in Japan. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141061-DW8JQHASGJGX2MXB2PCB/samurai_025.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO, JAPAN, 18 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Yagyu, a master whose family was important in the creation of 3 centuries of the warrior class of Japan. He is seen lecturing a group of students and also in his modern dojo. His classes represent the better off of those studying the warrior arts in Japan today, as does his dojo in a high rise building in Tokyo. Sensei Yagyu is a banker by profession and many in his class represent the far right in Japan. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028175417-MLZLWGYVEHRU487WJP7F/samurai_038.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028212963-LVG5HMU52OPTX0FZP88C/samurai_040.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250561-85TYHE7FHL9OZLVCG6HR/samurai_041.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158669870-0TJS0ZDQ403OYRQMMCWW/samurai_002.jpg Legacy of the Samurai SHIMIZU KU, SHIZUOKA CITY, TOKYO, 16 OCTOBER 2014: Advanced students practise sword skills in the dojo of Master Sensei Yoshimitsu (Kagehiro) Katsuse, a master of all 18 of the Samurai arts. This dojo dates back to the 16th century and is one of very few pure Samurai dojos that survive today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054809-6MSODH5YKIM4WMMF2PZV/samurai_008.jpg Legacy of the Samurai SHIMIZU KU, SHIZUOKA CITY, TOKYO, 16 OCTOBER 2014: Master Sensei Yoshimitsu Katsuse, a master of all 18 of the Samurai arts, is seen practising his skills with his son while utilizing an ancient Samurai weapon which allowed combat against skilled swordsman from a distance. Most of these skills and techniques reside in the hands of only a few Samurai masters who survive today. Their secrets are closely guarded and passed down in their entirety to only one man at a time. Sensei Katsuse is the current guardian of these techniques and can trace his line back to the 16th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141267-C6ZQA5RBSNEK84WD32UD/samurai_026.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO, JAPAN, 18 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Yagyu, a master whose family was important in the creation of 3 centuries of the warrior class of Japan. He is seen lecturing a group of students and also in his modern dojo. His classes represent the better off of those studying the warrior arts in Japan today, as does his dojo in a high rise building in Tokyo. Sensei Yagyu is a banker by profession and many in his class represent the far right in Japan. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028175330-KYVRN5UX3I6U3HVYQNSH/samurai_039.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250628-1QI804A863S1L4EYTOSX/samurai_042.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158670111-32FMP3VJC3RMGARCVKKL/samurai_003.jpg Legacy of the Samurai SHIMIZU KU, SHIZUOKA CITY, TOKYO, 16 OCTOBER 2014: Master Sensei Yoshimitsu (Kagehiro) Katsuse, a master of all 18 of the Samurai arts. The sensei is a direct descent of a particular line of Samurai masters who date back to the 16th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054620-IWONCEQR9JKGRWQXEI80/samurai_009.jpg Legacy of the Samurai SHIMIZU KU, SHIZUOKA CITY, TOKYO, 16 OCTOBER 2014: Images from the dojo of Master Sensei Yoshimitsu (Kagehiro) Katsuse, a master of all 18 of the Samurai arts. He is known as the 15th sōke of Suiō-ryū, a form of Japanese martial arts which dates back to 1615. Katsuse Yoshimitsu Kagehir is seen with his son, his advanced students and with his collection of prestigious Katana swords. His students are seen practising their various katas. The founder's son Yohachirō succeeded his father to become the 2nd head of the tradition and the lineage has continued unbroken to the present day. Traditionally, the kage waza were shared only with the successor to the tradition, in a form of transmission called isshi sōden. However, now nearly all of the physical techniques of the tradition are taught openly. Even today though, one set of iai kata, which represent the very essence of the tradition's teachings, is set aside only for communication to the tradition's next sōke. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141187-A8ZJTZWTEYMCWTQNV5EN/samurai_027.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250749-BP1KS8CA3EXGW2P0KX62/samurai_043.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158669864-1UNKAEHC3MP38JFITRDT/samurai_004.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: Master Sensei Kato, 81, corrects a student's technique at his Nagoya city dojo. Sensei Kato runs the auspicious Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and teaches a specific version of the way of the Samurai, techniques which date back to the 15th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054169-5QF5OE6EEUXH8FT5DYSU/samurai_010.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: Boys practise Samurai Bushido techniques in the dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist in the way of the Samurai, he teaches in a way which dates back to the 15th century. There are very few of these masters still alive today and the passing of these skills to chosen students is an important part of the maintenance of this aspect of Japanese culture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141261-1H65968DY6BPUWUUQQAE/samurai_028.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250622-S24YSZVA7Z28YVBK0KKB/samurai_044.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158670018-5Q7PM26BNYPJKPUO5IHI/samurai_005.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO, JAPAN, 22 OCTOBER 2014: Master Japanese swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara polishes a recently completed Katana sword in a room in his home in Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese sword is renowned for its excellence. There is a centuries old tradition of swordmaking in Japan, stretching back over a 1000 years. These days it remains a profession of very few craftsmen, with a even fewer master swordsmiths amongst them. The sword remains popular globally with those who can afford them. Prices can reach over 3 million Euros for an antique sword from a distinguished Samurai lineage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054852-QLNBHC3C3AT3GU4QEWR7/samurai_011.jpg Legacy of the Samurai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141255-ZT9DU4TRJINKJIXJHZY5/samurai_029.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250701-G4CO6D9Q9JN4X4PV9YVI/samurai_045.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054751-Y4YE6NE4DMIBOZIUVGCK/samurai_012.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141287-1PNCL0O2OD6XVYT5QER9/samurai_030.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250496-HHL347WSQ0ZB7IPXJNQ8/samurai_046.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054723-19CYOAUH35Y8O0UYKP33/samurai_013.jpg Legacy of the Samurai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141043-Y6F26P59VEZ600EZ2NVQ/samurai_031.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250519-QCHNVTEBGL2A7GT34OF4/samurai_047.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054737-Z5FUEO00EMPXZ93JF3CS/samurai_014.jpg Legacy of the Samurai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141174-TNIBTIWY7Q2SCSVHYYWD/samurai_032.jpg Legacy of the Samurai KYOTO, JAPAN, 22 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from "MovieLand," Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a complex which celebrates the Japanese culture and showcases movie making in Japan and the role of the Samurai and Ninja in that culture. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250688-VHA2JMIJUY9568UKOSSI/samurai_048.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054626-0LS5Q6GR0P5TG8I4E93P/samurai_015.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141097-K5GGJ1ALAUC0O63JONZB/samurai_033.jpg Legacy of the Samurai KYOTO, JAPAN, 22 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from "MovieLand," Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a complex which celebrates the Japanese culture and showcases movie making in Japan and the role of the Samurai and Ninja in that culture. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250769-Y75YUHINKE3ASEG0O2WZ/samurai_049.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054242-N5GZ35KV1NLQBJK5IVDM/samurai_016.jpg Legacy of the Samurai OKINAWA, JAPAN, 19 OCTOBER 2014: Sensei Hatsumi, 83, was born in Noda, Chiba on December 2, 1931. He participated in sports during his school years, along with martial arts and theater, including becoming "captain of the football team". While attending the Meiji University,,he continued learning judo and eventually rose to Yudansha or Dan rank. He also began teaching Judo during his time at the university to American soldiers at the nearby Yokota Air Base. After graduating, Hatsumi began to search for a teacher to further his study of martial arts and when he was 26 he met Toshitsugu Takamatsu, known as "the Tiger of Mongolia". Hatsumi was accepted as Takamatsu's student and spent fifteen years on Honshu Island learning various ninjutsu styles from Takamatsu and other members of the Takamatsu family, also he continued to learn judo, Shito Ryu karate, aikido, and kobudo. Masaaki Hatsumi focuses the training of the Bujinkan on the "feeling" of technique or what he terms the feeling of real situations. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi." Hatsumi focuses on teaching taijutsu to his students, as the other ninja arts have no need to be practiced in modern times, besides for "historical study" He has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the titular hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji. Hatsumi's dojo is always full, with more than 100 experienced martial artists from all over the world attending expensive classes. Hatsumi has a long history teaching the military, police and other more clandestine organizations. (Photo by Brent Stir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141349-8JKOK5YUZQO35L5XD0IS/samurai_034.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO, JAPAN, 22 OCTOBER 2014: Images inside the home and foundry of Master Japanese swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara, Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese sword is known globally for its quality and there is a centuries old tradition of swordmaking in Japan, stretching back over a 1000 years. These days it remains a profession of few craftsmen, with a even fewer master swordsmiths amongst them. The sword remains very popular in Japan and also globally. Prices can reach over 3 million Euros for an antique sword from a distinguished Samurai lineage. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250612-CC2R498KNORMQNATEV50/samurai_050.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054694-Q9497MXVAUCBU5MBDCKP/samurai_017.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: The dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and showed his family Scrolls, the way of the Samurai, which date back to the 15th century. Kato has a number of foreign students, including Alex Krupp, a dedicated American from Boston. Kato-sensei was born in Tokyo. He began Aikido training in 1954 at Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) under the instruction of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba otherwise known as O’Sensei. Introduced to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo through his mother’s network of connections when he was 19, he trained there daily as well as spending long hours perfecting his personal practice. Working during the day as a printer, he attended classes at night, and for this reason he was unable to be an uchideshi, and does not appear in early photographs with them. He continued to train for over 52 years at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo although he later primarily taught at his Suginami Dojo, but he still attended special events at Aikikai Hombu dojo. After his first 10 years at Hombu Dojo, Kato-sensei occasionally had chances to personally serve the Founder. He is still pursuing Aikido through the Founder’s image, as according to Kato-sensei, “To me, the Founder is not dead. He is still alive in my mind and in my heart.” Kato attended Doshu’s class over three generations: the Founder, the second Doshu, and the current third Doshu. He received his first six black belts from the Founder and his next two black belts from the second Doshu. His self-training in Aikido has been ascetic. In his early years, he often used to practice weapons by himself through the night, greet sunrise the next morning, and then go to work again. Kato's Aikido had a measure of personal spirituality to it. Before every class, Kato Sensei arrived early to the dojo to meditate. Since he was young, he visited mountain shrines and https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141281-W8AE4BGQRHH2COSXEDAZ/samurai_035.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO, JAPAN, 22 OCTOBER 2014: Images inside the home and foundry of Master Japanese swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara, Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese sword is known globally for its quality and there is a centuries old tradition of swordmaking in Japan, stretching back over a 1000 years. These days it remains a profession of few craftsmen, with a even fewer master swordsmiths amongst them. The sword remains very popular in Japan and also globally. Prices can reach over 3 million Euros for an antique sword from a distinguished Samurai lineage. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028250776-MO1Z3IJZW1TUWBLN96KL/samurai_051.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054687-L9FJBD0IRF143975WFNO/samurai_018.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: The dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and showed his family Scrolls, the way of the Samurai, which date back to the 15th century. Kato has a number of foreign students, including Alex Krupp, a dedicated American from Boston. Kato-sensei was born in Tokyo. He began Aikido training in 1954 at Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) under the instruction of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba otherwise known as O’Sensei. Introduced to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo through his mother’s network of connections when he was 19, he trained there daily as well as spending long hours perfecting his personal practice. Working during the day as a printer, he attended classes at night, and for this reason he was unable to be an uchideshi, and does not appear in early photographs with them. He continued to train for over 52 years at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo although he later primarily taught at his Suginami Dojo, but he still attended special events at Aikikai Hombu dojo. After his first 10 years at Hombu Dojo, Kato-sensei occasionally had chances to personally serve the Founder. He is still pursuing Aikido through the Founder’s image, as according to Kato-sensei, “To me, the Founder is not dead. He is still alive in my mind and in my heart.” Kato attended Doshu’s class over three generations: the Founder, the second Doshu, and the current third Doshu. He received his first six black belts from the Founder and his next two black belts from the second Doshu. His self-training in Aikido has been ascetic. In his early years, he often used to practice weapons by himself through the night, greet sunrise the next morning, and then go to work again. Kato's Aikido had a measure of personal spirituality to it. Before every class, Kato Sensei arrived early to the dojo to meditate. Since he was young, he visited mountain shrines and https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141091-86IL487AKRR6KTH6ZGL2/samurai_036.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO, JAPAN, 22 OCTOBER 2014: Images inside the home and foundry of Master Japanese swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara, Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese sword is known globally for its quality and there is a centuries old tradition of swordmaking in Japan, stretching back over a 1000 years. These days it remains a profession of few craftsmen, with a even fewer master swordsmiths amongst them. The sword remains very popular in Japan and also globally. Prices can reach over 3 million Euros for an antique sword from a distinguished Samurai lineage. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054780-PV4U2R9ZV61LHX9XUBL3/samurai_019.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: The dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and showed his family Scrolls, the way of the Samurai, which date back to the 15th century. Kato has a number of foreign students, including Alex Krupp, a dedicated American from Boston. Kato-sensei was born in Tokyo. He began Aikido training in 1954 at Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) under the instruction of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba otherwise known as O’Sensei. Introduced to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo through his mother’s network of connections when he was 19, he trained there daily as well as spending long hours perfecting his personal practice. Working during the day as a printer, he attended classes at night, and for this reason he was unable to be an uchideshi, and does not appear in early photographs with them. He continued to train for over 52 years at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo although he later primarily taught at his Suginami Dojo, but he still attended special events at Aikikai Hombu dojo. After his first 10 years at Hombu Dojo, Kato-sensei occasionally had chances to personally serve the Founder. He is still pursuing Aikido through the Founder’s image, as according to Kato-sensei, “To me, the Founder is not dead. He is still alive in my mind and in my heart.” Kato attended Doshu’s class over three generations: the Founder, the second Doshu, and the current third Doshu. He received his first six black belts from the Founder and his next two black belts from the second Doshu. His self-training in Aikido has been ascetic. In his early years, he often used to practice weapons by himself through the night, greet sunrise the next morning, and then go to work again. Kato's Aikido had a measure of personal spirituality to it. Before every class, Kato Sensei arrived early to the dojo to meditate. Since he was young, he visited mountain shrines and https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028141343-PZM2VL9ZVBB97B1GZ5JC/samurai_037.jpg Legacy of the Samurai TOKYO UNIVERSITY, TOKYO, JAPAN, 25 OCTOBER 2014: Tokyo University Kyudo club in action at the University dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Kyudo is much more a moving meditation than a sport of archery, with an emphasis on breath, perfection of movement than an attempt to hit the target. It is seen as one of the most static of the Bushido Samurai arts. These young students all talk about the beauty and the meditative aspects of the sport and not the actual target shooting. All of the Samurai arts have aspects which stress these points of technique, artistry and flow. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054235-IQAHUN61HSFQN2804B8F/samurai_020.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: Alex Krupp, a dedicated American from Boston, practises Samurai Bushido skills in the dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and teaches techniques in the way of the Samurai that date back to the 15th century. Kato has a number of foreign students, the skills of the Samurai have continued to draw these students from all over the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054872-W09CPAA87LRFMCCBTLM6/samurai_021.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: The dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and showed his family Scrolls, the way of the Samurai, which date back to the 15th century. Kato has a number of foreign students, including Alex Krupp, a dedicated American from Boston. Kato-sensei was born in Tokyo. He began Aikido training in 1954 at Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) under the instruction of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba otherwise known as O’Sensei. Introduced to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo through his mother’s network of connections when he was 19, he trained there daily as well as spending long hours perfecting his personal practice. Working during the day as a printer, he attended classes at night, and for this reason he was unable to be an uchideshi, and does not appear in early photographs with them. He continued to train for over 52 years at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo although he later primarily taught at his Suginami Dojo, but he still attended special events at Aikikai Hombu dojo. After his first 10 years at Hombu Dojo, Kato-sensei occasionally had chances to personally serve the Founder. He is still pursuing Aikido through the Founder’s image, as according to Kato-sensei, “To me, the Founder is not dead. He is still alive in my mind and in my heart.” Kato attended Doshu’s class over three generations: the Founder, the second Doshu, and the current third Doshu. He received his first six black belts from the Founder and his next two black belts from the second Doshu. His self-training in Aikido has been ascetic. In his early years, he often used to practice weapons by himself through the night, greet sunrise the next morning, and then go to work again. Kato's Aikido had a measure of personal spirituality to it. Before every class, Kato Sensei arrived early to the dojo to meditate. Since he was young, he visited mountain shrines and https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054701-EC889UY50JOFI28D8PUS/samurai_022.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: The dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and showed his family Scrolls, the way of the Samurai, which date back to the 15th century. Kato has a number of foreign students, including Alex Krupp, a dedicated American from Boston. Kato-sensei was born in Tokyo. He began Aikido training in 1954 at Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) under the instruction of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba otherwise known as O’Sensei. Introduced to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo through his mother’s network of connections when he was 19, he trained there daily as well as spending long hours perfecting his personal practice. Working during the day as a printer, he attended classes at night, and for this reason he was unable to be an uchideshi, and does not appear in early photographs with them. He continued to train for over 52 years at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo although he later primarily taught at his Suginami Dojo, but he still attended special events at Aikikai Hombu dojo. After his first 10 years at Hombu Dojo, Kato-sensei occasionally had chances to personally serve the Founder. He is still pursuing Aikido through the Founder’s image, as according to Kato-sensei, “To me, the Founder is not dead. He is still alive in my mind and in my heart.” Kato attended Doshu’s class over three generations: the Founder, the second Doshu, and the current third Doshu. He received his first six black belts from the Founder and his next two black belts from the second Doshu. His self-training in Aikido has been ascetic. In his early years, he often used to practice weapons by himself through the night, greet sunrise the next morning, and then go to work again. Kato's Aikido had a measure of personal spirituality to it. Before every class, Kato Sensei arrived early to the dojo to meditate. Since he was young, he visited mountain shrines and https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751028054879-02YI8NXOJB26NNG4ZTP2/samurai_023.jpg Legacy of the Samurai NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN, 17 OCTOBER 2014: The dojo of Master Sensei Kato, 81, who runs the Owari Kan Ryu school where he himself studied under his master from the age of 25. Kato is a traditionalist and showed his family Scrolls, the way of the Samurai, which date back to the 15th century. Kato has a number of foreign students, including Alex Krupp, a dedicated American from Boston. Kato-sensei was born in Tokyo. He began Aikido training in 1954 at Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) under the instruction of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba otherwise known as O’Sensei. Introduced to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo through his mother’s network of connections when he was 19, he trained there daily as well as spending long hours perfecting his personal practice. Working during the day as a printer, he attended classes at night, and for this reason he was unable to be an uchideshi, and does not appear in early photographs with them. He continued to train for over 52 years at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo although he later primarily taught at his Suginami Dojo, but he still attended special events at Aikikai Hombu dojo. After his first 10 years at Hombu Dojo, Kato-sensei occasionally had chances to personally serve the Founder. He is still pursuing Aikido through the Founder’s image, as according to Kato-sensei, “To me, the Founder is not dead. He is still alive in my mind and in my heart.” Kato attended Doshu’s class over three generations: the Founder, the second Doshu, and the current third Doshu. He received his first six black belts from the Founder and his next two black belts from the second Doshu. His self-training in Aikido has been ascetic. In his early years, he often used to practice weapons by himself through the night, greet sunrise the next morning, and then go to work again. Kato's Aikido had a measure of personal spirituality to it. Before every class, Kato Sensei arrived early to the dojo to meditate. Since he was young, he visited mountain shrines and https://www.brentstirton.com/capitol-riots-washington-dc daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776008-KNR8FDDEP2DY1CW47G0S/CapitolRiots_001.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776051-EOPG3HL42X3JPO0WWVFB/CapitolRiots_002.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776215-6XMV15GYVA9W3EGMIS6G/CapitolRiots_003.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776149-WE4BQ79SGHQR1DP9163O/CapitolRiots_004.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776143-KJF0FPAGYCZNIX8PBF55/CapitolRiots_005.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776022-6IA14JOKQUDIX7PE339J/CapitolRiots_006.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776177-1BO99FRLG8B8OQYNOLFQ/CapitolRiots_007.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775983-3NQNM50WCCVO0HPNJ9C4/CapitolRiots_008.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776002-4A0VPCB1SN5LZV51CCNP/CapitolRiots_009.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775989-Z9DG3J8FZ1NT2TJI0JNT/CapitolRiots_010.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Jacob Anthony Angeli Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman, is seen at the Capital riots. On January 9, Chansley was arrested on federal charges of "knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds"Trump supporters clashed with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776105-GPSJVQJ3YSJW5EBDHJQO/CapitolRiots_011.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776124-ZKB6WOYTEECBUYKAASU8/CapitolRiots_012.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776036-S7KWFY804GVGIOW21WXS/CapitolRiots_013.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775952-RYMX3VPLMENYQJHNI33H/CapitolRiots_014.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776163-BWVU4FORDANP9N3WMCXO/CapitolRiots_015.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776136-Q5NRXJ1WCYN1W2R658N2/CapitolRiots_016.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775946-NZH0H0X9JB4WLRKZRWOK/CapitolRiots_017.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776057-ESI99EX262BKHLL3H59I/CapitolRiots_018.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776080-NTRIZKT21Y4B49NML3RX/CapitolRiots_019.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776063-G0A5MOC2OSI08HCMMIHQ/CapitolRiots_020.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775925-P5H1VK0E8U7IES2VQWTQ/CapitolRiots_021.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775958-IH0L9B9T0BP2ZHP329VW/CapitolRiots_022.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776074-0KZG4FKFQLGXMN1B8DFZ/CapitolRiots_023.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776117-JO7GEHLUF5VTU746KREZ/CapitolRiots_024.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776209-XAKRIYWMOBIF5QI46T0P/CapitolRiots_025.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776085-25ATEKCOUYMLAOWJJY69/CapitolRiots_026.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776029-C79N8FL1RFIL0C98HYFW/CapitolRiots_027.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776130-6O36DP9KSLXLAME2NCDK/CapitolRiots_028.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776015-YVDBIUXM2EYAMLQ198HC/CapitolRiots_029.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776197-07R4R7EE3YB3V1SNW32I/CapitolRiots_030.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776191-7FYXCDTCQEOA3D7WH1MT/CapitolRiots_031.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776044-40TGT8FWP1J47F5ITJYX/CapitolRiots_032.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776227-T44OPJYQ41QN9LLO4LWN/CapitolRiots_033.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: A protester dressed as George Washington debates with a Capital Policemena before being pushed out. Supporters of US President Donald Trump protested inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776092-RYANBNCYIEZ0L8PWWMCE/CapitolRiots_034.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: A protester dressed as George Washington debates with a Capital Policemena before being pushed out. Supporters of US President Donald Trump protested inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775971-0CO3RL3CN5832LU5QDMU/CapitolRiots_035.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: A protester dressed as George Washington debates with a Capital Policemena before being pushed out. Supporters of US President Donald Trump protested inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776184-43411BL3H6AVCBYLWA4B/CapitolRiots_036.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: FBI and ATF law enforcement push out supporters of US President Donald Trump as they protested inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776156-KZA84UN787QLIDTIGCSH/CapitolRiots_037.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: FBI and ATF law enforcement push out supporters of US President Donald Trump as they protested inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776203-RAJJI0CUHV664SB03LBD/CapitolRiots_038.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775932-9ISIMNOBTXUPGCUH0ZCO/CapitolRiots_039.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776234-6D1QDBJXYAKW50U1CUN5/CapitolRiots_040.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC nation's capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. A pro-Trump mob later stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Five people died as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776221-1YCZCI1H6KB00OKFZJ8Y/CapitolRiots_041.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776170-L4AKEOD4GB905Q4PK10V/CapitolRiots_042.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776111-WWVIUN6CX73QEJQSC3FZ/CapitolRiots_043.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775964-5EQNKFVS127VDJUZX80R/CapitolRiots_044.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775976-9BLLN13WJ3K9T71B9QBY/CapitolRiots_045.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775940-3A6U1J6XLIG1QIUNADLK/CapitolRiots_046.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776098-9T8NAX82KYNR16K1Y334/CapitolRiots_047.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158776068-TTGI6I4EEPKRU0MG4YWK/CapitolRiots_048.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158775996-CJV193XAQF9I5USYZU41/CapitolRiots_049.jpg Capitol Riots, Washington DC WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://www.brentstirton.com/brazils-amazon-defenders daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886793-HS76I6GLOT3669K7W600/AmazonDefenders_001.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Chief Evandor Gaviao, 30, and his adopted son, the young chief of the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governme https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024091512-JSKKHIYW192Z8CT0ZKQW/AmazonDefenders_013.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: A young boy under- going a ritual month of isolation coming of age ceremony is seen in the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024201099-MRO01ZO19JZR6UMQOG2O/AmazonDefenders_014.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024777751-AUX7PGUOROI27S4FEP7B/AmazonDefenders_023.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024825793-BMVT8Q82QH4KQWKPH4LO/AmazonDefenders_024.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Indigenous people from the village of Governador prepare for a dance in the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024859706-36IGCKK4O117URISCRCV/AmazonDefenders_032.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024896959-7UCEJJ92Z7E3Y0V6704F/HRWBrazil_059.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Members of the Forest Patrol from the village of La Goa Comprida in Arariboia Indigenous territory. In this village illegal loggers attacked locals when the locals confiscated their logging vehicles. One indigenous man, Tomes, was killed defending his wife and a logger was also shot. Tomes is survived by 2 daughters Graca Guajajara and Jaciane Guajajara. They remain in a deeply saddened state about his killing to this day. This village has little real funding but they continue to send out forest patrols they call forest guardians. This consists of motorbike patrols when they have fuel. Arariboia is the ancestral territory of the Guajajara, it encompasses 413,000 hectares of Amazon forest. The Guajajara share this land with the Awá Guajá, who live in voluntary isolation. Arariboia is the most populated territory we visited, with visible signs of deforestation in the areas we visited. The Guajajara have been organised since 2013 to monitor their territory, they call these patrols Indigenous Environmental Inspectors (Agentes Indígenas Ambientais). Arariboia is divided in 8 regions and each region has 15 inspectors, they all answer to one General Coordinator. In turn, the General Coordinator answers to a council of village chiefs. The inspectors received some funding for several years from FUNAI for transport and food expenses, in addition to some basic training. However, the funding stopped in 2015. Guajajara inspectors have engaged in violence against the loggers they apprehend, including beatings and setting on fire their equipment. These acts of violence seem to have taken place under the supervision of Olimpo Guajajara, who was reportedly removed from his position for these incidents. The Guajajara foresee no community enforced sanctions when their own are complicit in environmental crimes. The Guajajara will often acknowledge widespread participation of their own people in environmental crimes, including three village chiefs. Guajaj https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886762-GCBKTQ1PFM8UBB4DWBVX/AmazonDefenders_002.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of La Goa Comprida in Arariboia Indigenous territory. In this village illegal loggers attacked locals when the locals confiscated their logging vehicles. One indigenous man, Tomes, was killed defending his wife and a logger was also shot. Tomes is survived by 2 daughters Graca Guajajara and Jaciane Guajajara. They remain in a deeply saddened state about his killing to this day. This village has little real funding but they continue to send out forest patrols they call forest guardians. This consists of motorbike patrols when they have fuel. Arariboia is the ancestral territory of the Guajajara, it encompasses 413,000 hectares of Amazon forest. The Guajajara share this land with the Awá Guajá, who live in voluntary isolation. Arariboia is the most populated territory we visited, with visible signs of deforestation in the areas we visited. The Guajajara have been organised since 2013 to monitor their territory, they call these patrols Indigenous Environmental Inspectors (Agentes Indígenas Ambientais). Arariboia is divided in 8 regions and each region has 15 inspectors, they all answer to one General Coordinator. In turn, the General Coordinator answers to a council of village chiefs. The inspectors received some funding for several years from FUNAI for transport and food expenses, in addition to some basic training. However, the funding stopped in 2015. Guajajara inspectors have engaged in violence against the loggers they apprehend, including beatings and setting on fire their equipment. These acts of violence seem to have taken place under the supervision of Olimpo Guajajara, who was reportedly removed from his position for these incidents. The Guajajara foresee no community enforced sanctions when their own are complicit in environmental crimes. The Guajajara will often acknowledge widespread participation of their own people in environmental crimes, including three village chiefs. Guajajara environmental defe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024201062-ISMLI58ZZS0BK9R5MKH3/AmazonDefenders_015.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Early morning family scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024825690-99YDBNSEAMTKYK4PEG2V/AmazonDefenders_025.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Indigenous people from the village of Governador prepare for a dance in the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024896993-28X8XMY4CY8CARJX1XQM/AmazonDefenders_033.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Chief Antonio Wilson Guajajara from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. He is seen being painted in traditional patterns before a patrol and also on the bank of the river flowing through his territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886845-LLU7TLZRWADWESSR3H8T/AmazonDefenders_003.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: An illustration of a typical roadblock indigenlous people set up to look for illegal loggers on their land. This man is from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024201037-6PZGV5824WKDHX0EWCNE/AmazonDefenders_016.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024825684-IBEJIHDY5Z7Y3B3YM0M3/AmazonDefenders_028.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024896814-UJVWN5KRLFML5BKIXBF2/AmazonDefenders_034.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Forest Guardians from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory cut new pathways to help IBAMA move through their forests. This helps to get to fires and also to find illegal loggers. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886820-AY4YBLY33AI9W7E16HBC/AmazonDefenders_004.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Gaviao Indigenous people set up a rudimentary road block for illegal loggers in their territory. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the limitations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024201109-SJSZ1NOHBJU4AF6RH60N/AmazonDefenders_017.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024825628-JYDASO5OHE83A70U0QJR/AmazonDefenders_029.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024896758-XV2FTMAQB0W44MYXCRAL/AmazonDefenders_035.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886788-AP8LGB9F2XIU9KW1SJAI/HRWBrazil_035.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Gaviao Indigenous people set up a rudimentary road block for illegal loggers in their territory. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the limitations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024201011-IC3HEGZDNMQJYXA3PMXW/AmazonDefenders_018.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024825733-98PE117HJ50JROU0EOGR/AmazonDefenders_030.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024896801-1XAB97WK24FF5A0CN1W2/HRWBrazil_020.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indigenous issues. They know well the https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886927-BYCOX7595CBCCDDYI0V0/AmazonDefenders_005.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Indigenous people from the village of Governador prepare for a dance in the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024200931-5Y4YTPKCS1DPYOKNHV8F/AmazonDefenders_019.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: A yoing boy is painted wth tradional patterns in a scene from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024825678-V08FVD43DBQZZ5JTKR8U/AmazonDefenders_031.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024896773-Q05O6NKAYEQ0D91Y3UIG/HRWBrazil_054.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of La Goa Comprida in Arariboia Indigenous territory. In this village illegal loggers attacked locals when the locals confiscated their logging vehicles. One indigenous man, Tomes, was killed defending his wife and a logger was also shot. Tomes is survived by 2 daughters Graca Guajajara and Jaciane Guajajara. They remain in a deeply saddened state about his killing to this day. This village has little real funding but they continue to send out forest patrols they call forest guardians. This consists of motorbike patrols when they have fuel. Arariboia is the ancestral territory of the Guajajara, it encompasses 413,000 hectares of Amazon forest. The Guajajara share this land with the Awá Guajá, who live in voluntary isolation. Arariboia is the most populated territory we visited, with visible signs of deforestation in the areas we visited. The Guajajara have been organised since 2013 to monitor their territory, they call these patrols Indigenous Environmental Inspectors (Agentes Indígenas Ambientais). Arariboia is divided in 8 regions and each region has 15 inspectors, they all answer to one General Coordinator. In turn, the General Coordinator answers to a council of village chiefs. The inspectors received some funding for several years from FUNAI for transport and food expenses, in addition to some basic training. However, the funding stopped in 2015. Guajajara inspectors have engaged in violence against the loggers they apprehend, including beatings and setting on fire their equipment. These acts of violence seem to have taken place under the supervision of Olimpo Guajajara, who was reportedly removed from his position for these incidents. The Guajajara foresee no community enforced sanctions when their own are complicit in environmental crimes. The Guajajara will often acknowledge widespread participation of their own people in environmental crimes, including three village chiefs. Guajajara environmental defe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886875-TE1176NH7TNFHXI2SS8F/AmazonDefenders_006.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Antonia Andre Jacinto Gaviao, 59, voices his complaints to HRW at an introductory meeting at the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024200924-JOOWJLPOS1PNV0A9RRA7/AmazonDefenders_020.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Painted nails and traditional body paint in the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental agency for indige https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886800-BE10XK70P80CKAD6CQKG/AmazonDefenders_007.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Members of the Forest Patrol attend a meeting before setting out on patrol in the village of La Goa Comprida in Arariboia Indigenous territory. In this village illegal loggers attacked locals when the locals confiscated their logging vehicles. One indigenous man, Tomes, was killed defending his wife and a logger was also shot. Tomes is survived by 2 daughters Graca Guajajara and Jaciane Guajajara. They remain in a deeply saddened state about his killing to this day. This village has little real funding but they continue to send out forest patrols they call forest guardians. This consists of motorbike patrols when they have fuel. Arariboia is the ancestral territory of the Guajajara, it encompasses 413,000 hectares of Amazon forest. The Guajajara share this land with the Awá Guajá, who live in voluntary isolation. Arariboia is the most populated territory we visited, with visible signs of deforestation in the areas we visited. The Guajajara have been organised since 2013 to monitor their territory, they call these patrols Indigenous Environmental Inspectors (Agentes Indígenas Ambientais). Arariboia is divided in 8 regions and each region has 15 inspectors, they all answer to one General Coordinator. In turn, the General Coordinator answers to a council of village chiefs. The inspectors received some funding for several years from FUNAI for transport and food expenses, in addition to some basic training. However, the funding stopped in 2015. Guajajara inspectors have engaged in violence against the loggers they apprehend, including beatings and setting on fire their equipment. These acts of violence seem to have taken place under the supervision of Olimpo Guajajara, who was reportedly removed from his position for these incidents. The Guajajara foresee no community enforced sanctions when their own are complicit in environmental crimes. The Guajajara will often acknowledge widespread participation of their own people in environmental cr https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751024200914-TJBDSTKP4A0SY1ZE36DU/AmazonDefenders_022.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Indigenous members of IBAMA, the Brazilian Enviromnmental Protection Agency, perform excercises in the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work wit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886869-86AAO5P5676T52I2KADY/AmazonDefenders_008.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Scenes from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886839-OQMLMZGWFGRU7JXZ1O0A/AmazonDefenders_009.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Members of the Forest Patrol in the village of La Goa Comprida in Arariboia Indigenous territory use bikes and walk the forest in their search for illegal loggers in their territory. In this village illegal loggers attacked locals when the locals confiscated their logging vehicles. One indigenous man, Tomes, was killed defending his wife and a logger was also shot. Tomes is survived by 2 daughters Graca Guajajara and Jaciane Guajajara. They remain in a deeply saddened state about his killing to this day. This village has little real funding but they continue to send out forest patrols they call forest guardians. This consists of motorbike patrols when they have fuel. Arariboia is the ancestral territory of the Guajajara, it encompasses 413,000 hectares of Amazon forest. The Guajajara share this land with the Awá Guajá, who live in voluntary isolation. Arariboia is the most populated territory we visited, with visible signs of deforestation in the areas we visited. The Guajajara have been organised since 2013 to monitor their territory, they call these patrols Indigenous Environmental Inspectors (Agentes Indígenas Ambientais). Arariboia is divided in 8 regions and each region has 15 inspectors, they all answer to one General Coordinator. In turn, the General Coordinator answers to a council of village chiefs. The inspectors received some funding for several years from FUNAI for transport and food expenses, in addition to some basic training. However, the funding stopped in 2015. Guajajara inspectors have engaged in violence against the loggers they apprehend, including beatings and setting on fire their equipment. These acts of violence seem to have taken place under the supervision of Olimpo Guajajara, who was reportedly removed from his position for these incidents. The Guajajara foresee no community enforced sanctions when their own are complicit in environmental crimes. The Guajajara will often acknowledge widespread participation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886691-EKUA9V4FO1MNLTYQQBCW/AmazonDefenders_010.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Members of the Forest Patrol from the village of La Goa Comprida in Arariboia Indigenous territory. In this village illegal loggers attacked locals when the locals confiscated their logging vehicles. One indigenous man, Tomes, was killed defending his wife and a logger was also shot. Tomes is survived by 2 daughters Graca Guajajara and Jaciane Guajajara. They remain in a deeply saddened state about his killing to this day. This village has little real funding but they continue to send out forest patrols they call forest guardians. This consists of motorbike patrols when they have fuel. Arariboia is the ancestral territory of the Guajajara, it encompasses 413,000 hectares of Amazon forest. The Guajajara share this land with the Awá Guajá, who live in voluntary isolation. Arariboia is the most populated territory we visited, with visible signs of deforestation in the areas we visited. The Guajajara have been organised since 2013 to monitor their territory, they call these patrols Indigenous Environmental Inspectors (Agentes Indígenas Ambientais). Arariboia is divided in 8 regions and each region has 15 inspectors, they all answer to one General Coordinator. In turn, the General Coordinator answers to a council of village chiefs. The inspectors received some funding for several years from FUNAI for transport and food expenses, in addition to some basic training. However, the funding stopped in 2015. Guajajara inspectors have engaged in violence against the loggers they apprehend, including beatings and setting on fire their equipment. These acts of violence seem to have taken place under the supervision of Olimpo Guajajara, who was reportedly removed from his position for these incidents. The Guajajara foresee no community enforced sanctions when their own are complicit in environmental crimes. The Guajajara will often acknowledge widespread participation of their own people in environmental crimes, including three village chiefs. Guajaj https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886806-D8WKS340HZ28UKHCMVSE/AmazonDefenders_011.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: Chief Antonio Wilson Guajajara from the village of Macaranduba in the Karu Indigenous Territory. He is seen being painted in traditional patterns before a patrol and also on the bank of the river flowing through his territory. This village has experienced many problems with illegal loggers and have used their settlement funds from a mining dispute to create an organized patrol of forest guardians. The women of the village have learnt to fly a drone and work together with the men to reinforce these patrols. In 2013 there was much disharmony in the village but this was successfully resolved, largely thanks to pressure from the women in the village. Those who were working with illegal loggers were expelled and from that time there has been solidarity in working towards the preservation of the forest. (Picture by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158886710-HDUW3WEDE8X6DJ58K478/AmazonDefenders_012.jpg Brazil's Amazon Defenders MARANHAO, BRAZIL, JUNE 2018: A blind woman sits in the early morning light in a scene from the village of Governador, the central village in the tribal area for Gaviao Indigenous people. TI Governador is the ancestral territory of the Gavião people; it encompasses 42,000 hectares of Amazon forest. Governador has been noticeably affected by deforestation, with whole areas razed of trees, dry riverbeds and frequent forest fires. People in this village say that the old days were better, their forests held more animals for hunting, more fruit and there were no problems with loggers illegally cutting their timber. This village was running a regular forest guardian patrol but funding for indigenous NGO’s has dried up and at this time there are no patrols due to that lack of funding. 3 years ago this village confiscated logging vehicles by force which led to a confrontation with the loggers. The village was abandoned by the military police, who were supposed to protect them from the illegal loggers. The military police only returned a week later during which time the village had to defend themselves. Environmental defenders in Governador have been subjected to threats, death threats, intimidation, assault and armed attacks. Defenders reported receiving threatening anonymous calls usually after seizing a truck during one of the patrols; sometimes the callers would also issue death threats towards the defender or towards their whole village. Loggers residing in the neighboring town have intimidated and physically assaulted at least 2 indigenous leaders when they traveled to town. In one instance loggers intimidated shop owners in town so they wouldn’t sell gas to indigenous people for two weeks. To date, there seem to have been no killings of Gavião environmental defenders in retaliation for their activism. Gavião people are ambivalent about the role of the State. Several environmental defenders have worked or continue to work with Funai, the specialised governmental https://www.brentstirton.com/mogadishu-develops daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158710877-1H7157YWN66YWCVAYPYA/MogadishuDev_001.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: A local fisherman delivers a shark to the fish market in Mogadishu. Fishing remains a vital resource for Somalia, complicated by overfishing by illegal foreign fleets and difficult to police without a navy. Notorious Somali piracy originated with this overfishing as locals fisherman caught less and less. New development in Mogadishu and elsewhere has seen a rise in demand for fish and with potential EU aid, the Somali fishing industry could become a real economic force. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033233617-TOE2UCP3PP5SQVN9HKID/MogadishuDev_008.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: The president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmagio, the 9th elected president of this complicated country. President Farmagio is an American citizen and part of the Somali diaspora displaced around the world by civil war inside Somalia. He spent much of his time in the US in Buffalo NY advocating for the rights of minorities. Inside his office at Villa Somalia, he has a large portrait of Aden Abdulle Osman positioned directly in his line of sight. Osman was the first president of an independent Somalia, elected in 1960. President Farmagio says he likes to be able to look up and see that portrait because when Osman lost the campaign for re-election by one vote, he willing stepped down in one of the first true acts of African political democracy. Current President Farmagio sees this as an inspiration for leadership in Somalia, a country he hopes to lead to stability and increased prosperity. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270685-61E7SLGG3CF1D36XMB53/MogadishuDev_009.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: A security guard chews Khat to stay awake in in the stairwell of the Sahafi hotel in Mogadishu. All hotels have a heavy security presence in the face of Al Shabab attacks in the city. Somali and African Union forces have pushed the main Shabab forces outside of the city but suicide bombers and attacks on western targets are still relatively common in the city. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158710890-6EJOMNACP87UHOHHHBII/MogadishuDev_002.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: Students at Simad University in Mogadishu learn lab skills in the modern laboratory in Mogadishu. The university has two labs, this one specializes in the study of hematology, micro-biology, bio-chemistry and molecular biology. Students are involved in research on antibiotics as well as the testing of traditional medicine in Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270625-ZZNVDUH6AHWUIUJBPRSR/MogadishuDev_010.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: Somali woman queue to pass through security at a new Turkish built hospital in Mogadishu. This new facility is one of many initiatives the Turks have undertaken in the city, the new airport is another example of investment in uplifting the Somali economy. This new hospital is the only facility in Somalia to offer incubators for premature or problematic newborns and the hospital also boasts the only dialysis unit in the country. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158710942-PNXT4KDN4HD7Z8TDMJL4/MogadishuDev_003.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 2 AUGUST 2017: Scenes along the Mogadishu foreshore, destroyed by civil war beginning in the nineteen eighties. These buildings and many others along the foreshore are shrapnel-pitted ruins but they occupy some of the most desireable land in Somalia if stability comes to the country. This area was a beach paradise before the civil war with a heavy Italian presence. If Al Shabab can be defeated, many Somalis feel that will be the last hurdle to stability and a new and resurgent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270560-8KN4ET0KB8S3GU1EJ8RT/MogadishuDev_011.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: Nurses attend premature babies inside the new neo-natal unit at the Turkish built and run hospital in Mogadishu. The child in this image weighed only 600 grams at birth and would surely have died without this special unit. The hospital has 16 incubators for premature babies, the only facility of its kind in Somalia. There has been increasing relations between the Turks and the Somalis, with the Turks building not only this hospital but also the new airport and many other projects in Mogadishu. President Erdogan himself has visited and opened the new hospital. The Turkish embassy in Mogadishu is huge and reaffirms their long-term commitment to investing in Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158710834-PUIZBP7217AMHGN0N46X/MogadishuDev_004.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 2 AUGUST 2017: A young girl watches American cartoons in a room inside the ruins of the former US embassy in Mogadishu from the nineteen eighties. This building and many other along the foreshore are shrapnel-pitted ruins but they occupy some of the most desireable land in Somalia if stability comes to the country. This area was a beach paradise before the civil war with a heavy Italian presence. If Al Shabab can be defeated, many Somalis feel that will be the last hurdle to stability and a new and resurgent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270596-IXNC8J8J573RFJUAKQQF/MogadishuDev_012.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: Nurses attend premature babies inside the new neo-natal unit at the Turkish built and run hospital in Mogadishu. The child in this image weighed only 600 grams at birth and would surely have died without this special unit. The hospital has 16 incubators for premature babies, the only facility of its kind in Somalia. There has been increasing relations between the Turks and the Somalis, with the Turks building not only this hospital but also the new airport and many other projects in Mogadishu. President Erdogan himself has visited and opened the new hospital. The Turkish embassy in Mogadishu is huge and reaffirms their long-term commitment to investing in Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158710860-NMJ3E23NBX1A7RUR2RD7/MogadishuDev_005.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 2 AUGUST 2017: Local builders work on a new house on the foreshore of Mogadishu. Surrounded by buildings ruined by the civil war, new money from the Somali diaspora is now investing in this area, a former beach paradise before the civil war with a heavy Italian presence. If Al Shabab can be defeated, many Somalis feel that will be the last hurdle to stability and a new and resurgent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270678-GUAF4LD1NU58H2KJEHF3/MogadishuDev_013.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: Patients receive kidney dialysis at the new Turkish built and run hospital in Mogadishu. This special unit is the only one of its kind in Somali and services over 100 patients a week. The hospital also has 16 incubators for premature babies, the only facility of its kind in Somalia. There are increasing relations between the Turks and the Somalis, with the Turks building not only this hospital but also the new airport and many other projects in Mogadishu. President Erdogan himself has visited and opened the new hospital. The Turkish embassy in Mogadishu is huge and reaffirms their long-term commitment to investing in Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158710954-71D0AN0GKSOPZ1TX8VVA/MogadishuDev_006.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: Street scenes in Mogadishu close to the sea. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270582-MIN00WQPRVTW35UG3L7H/MogadishuDev_014.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 5 AUGUST 2017: Customers doing brisk business inside Premier Bank in Mogadishu. This modern bank has 6 branches in Mogadishu and 1 in Hargeysa. 70% of all banking is done by phone in Somalia and is done in dollars. The lack of a local currency is a weakness for Somalia, especially in the import/export sector. The central Bank of Somalia is working towards a national currency roll-out. Premier is the first bank to offer Mastercard and Visa facilities and Somalis have been quick to embrace this. The bank is also doing a lot of loan business which is helping with local business development. Premier credits the 2011 arrival of the Turks with renewed interest in investment in Somalia, since then they feel Mogadishu has experienced a steady growth. Premier also makes extensive use of social media to advertise their services and also facilitates online banking, something which plays well to security minded Somalis. The IMF is currently helping to restructure the central bank of Somalia and the bankers association is creating a regulated and supervised structure for national banks. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158710914-G189V4TO710UVVLOF570/MogadishuDev_007.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 5 AUGUST 2017: Yahya Jimale Kheyliye, 8, was one of nine children who were hit by an Al-Shabab mortar that was fired at the presidential compound on the day the new president was elected. Two children died and 7 were wounded, most of them were from the Kheyliye family who's home is on the border road close to the president's residence. The new president helped immediately but even when Yahya was sent to Turkey for surgery, the family was told the brain surgery required was too delicate and there was nothing that could be done. Yahya has gone from being a normal happy child to being one with limited motor skills, limited mental capacity and he has lost his ability to speak. This is due to the two pieces of mortar shrapnel that are lodged inside his brain. A Somali who lives in the USA has brought a number of wounded children to the USA for complex surgery, he is working on being able to do the same for Yahya but President Trump's travel ban on Somali's is complicating matters. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270704-SE8GCY2N0MO1NS0QCM3U/MogadishuDev_015.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: Scenes from Lido Beach, where Mogadishu comes to enjoy the ocean. Boats take people out on jaunts to a nearby sandbar, people eat and drink and enjoy a time out from the city. When Islamist Al-Shabab ruled this section of Mogadishu, the beach a segregated affair with women on one side and men on the other. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270611-W71DY9M266RXLZWHXWTW/MogadishuDev_016.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: An armed security guard amongst beach goers on Lido Beach, where Mogadishu comes to enjoy the ocean. Boats take people out on jaunts to a nearby sandbar, people eat and drink and enjoy a time out from the city. When Islamist Al-Shabab ruled this section of Mogadishu, the beach was a segregated affair with women on one side and men on the other. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270574-504MSPQGNWDSU3R1IVTI/MogadishuDev_017.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 3 AUGUST 2017: Scenes from PeacePark, a complex catering to the youth of Mogadishu. There is an extensive playground for kids and teenagers are seen in their best clothes, selfies are going on everywhere you look and the young men are dressed like teens of most other countries. This is one of the few places where you will see fully made up Somali women, usually in colorful groups clustered around a selfie stick. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270552-8NQVEK3SNHHH5BZ6RYSF/MogadishuDev_018.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 2 AUGUST 2017: Young boys play football on a concrete pitch along the foreshore of the Mogadishu beachfront. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270725-U5BZZUAEXSXVDZKMWAMZ/MogadishuDev_019.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 5 AUGUST 2017: Ahmed Jama, the owner of Village restuarants in Mogadishu, is seen at one of his restuarants. Jama has been attacked by suicide bombers more than 6 times since he moved back to Somalia from the UK in 2008. In the UK, he ran a successful catering business but now employs over 100 Somalis at his 4 restuarants. He remains optimistic, despite the added tragedy of losing his wife to a traffic accident in the last year. "I wanted to be a visionary for Somalia, to show people that it is possible to build something here. Mogadishu is definitely improving, Rome just wasn't built in one day. I am an asset for the Somalia nation and therefore I must be here. Small business development is key to Somalia's development, employment is equally important in the peacemaking process that must happen here. When yong people see that it is possible, it will not be so easy to recruit them for war." (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270691-YRL54HCK9HYFF5DK1OKA/MogadishuDev_020.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 5 AUGUST 2017: Scenes from the port in Mogadishu.This port is largely managed by the Turks and is an essential import export pipeline for Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270638-5KY4D95V6S1YC41A7SRF/MogadishuDev_021.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 5 AUGUST 2017: Scenes from the port in Mogadishu.This port is largely managed by the Turks and is an essential import export pipeline for Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270651-FFOOTECG97J7G1UX3FY9/MogadishuDev_022.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 5 AUGUST 2017: Scenes from the port in Mogadishu.This port is largely managed by the Turks and is an essential import export pipeline for Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270717-IONZO7I67OJY0UAAIAPV/MogadishuDev_023.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 5 AUGUST 2017: Scenes from the port in Mogadishu.This port is largely managed by the Turks and is an essential import export pipeline for Somalia. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270665-6XMKL33DLNRO593BBK2W/MogadishuDev_024.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: A parade at the Police academy in Mogadishu. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270604-D2R77W25BY55EIG904O5/MogadishuDev_025.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: A parade at the Police academy in Mogadishu. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270545-U7ESUE866JWOX119SZJW/MogadishuDev_026.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 1 AUGUST 2017: A parade at the Police academy in Mogadishu. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751033270658-TS6WMSTZ22R6V52MZWFR/MogadishuDev_027.jpg Mogadishu Develops MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, 6 AUGUST 2017: Police candidates attend a crime scene investigation class in Mogadishu. As well as classroom lessons, on this day they are also seen conducting a search of a crime scene involving a vehicle. This policetraining is aided by Bancroft, a US based organization which has the following for its mission statement: "Bancroft Global Development is a multinational, not-for-profit nongovernment organization that implements stabilization initiatives in conflict zones. Through ground-up, citizen-focused education and mentoring, Bancroft Global Development creates conditions that allow individuals to transcend basic survival needs and participate in establishment of culturally appropriate civil order and rule of law." (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Time Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/narcowars-afghanistan daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840003-SDYCOUYSD12T8EU4QUFI/AfghanNarco_001.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840016-3GQW4HYRDYCT3TXJ97PU/AfghanNarco_002.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840160-B0F6AK9QZHXG1DYN3IFA/AfghanNarco_003.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840188-PZGM2Z2N35S0QZA7HP36/AfghanNarco_004.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840183-XTXQKOTZQ2GH4YE0IGYY/AfghanNarco_005.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158839988-Y3I1MS6J5UA6Z48R0C3F/AfghanNarco_006.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840078-QSEW04D7TI6N3JQ1F12W/AfghanNarco_007.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840121-MGDRQC0O722UAS6R1VGH/AfghanNarco_008.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840066-1LKIG91X1FNUFKH25YC6/AfghanNarco_009.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840114-NDJYRLYZ7X3ZXIMWAJ38/AfghanNarco_010.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from the office of the Attorney General of Afghanistan, a man who has vowed a war against corruption in the troubled country, Kabul Afghanistan, 16 April 2007. CNN Senior international correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews the Attorney General for a show on the drug war taking place in Afghanistan today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840102-AZPR2J53577VW6K2781A/AfghanNarco_011.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan Kabul, Afghanistan, September 11, 2006: CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper, Field producer Charlie Moore, Photojournalist Phillip Littleton and Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson, Senior Producer Henry Schuster and photojournalist Todd Baxter fly to US foward operating base Bermel in the Paktika Province in Afghanistan. The CNN crews shot the 9/11 anniversary at the base. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840166-BDR4M6MIJUQ74T1TX2A5/AfghanNarco_012.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan - CNNAfghanistan (Copy) CNNAfghanistan Kabul/Jalalabad, Afghanistan 10-16 March 2006: CNN's Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour and CNN's terrorism expert Peter Bergen track Osama Bin Laden as they interview various subjects who knew Bin Laden during his time in Afghanistan. CNN visited his former home in Kabul as well as his bombed out compound near the city of Jalalabad. CNN spoke with former front line commanders from the battles of Tora Bora as well as the governor of Kabul and others who encountered Bin Laden. Amanpour and Bergen were accompanied on this trip by CNN cameraman Mark Phillips, Field Producer Piere Bairin, Senior Producer Ken Shiffman and Producer/ Editor Cliff Hackel. *** Local Caption *** CNN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840154-DDDCLO5YAVCDWYWE2JQE/AfghanNarco_013.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Images from illegal opium producing poppy farms an hours travel outside of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840171-PBFZTUKD7WCILLXGMJBB/AfghanNarco_014.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Images from illegal opium producing poppy farms an hours travel outside of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158839996-A356CCUDQ9WHR0TZT4PG/AfghanNarco_015.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Images from illegal opium producing poppy farms an hours travel outside of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840194-ZDSXEFEKMFT2BLKT0GG4/AfghanNarco_016.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Images from illegal opium producing poppy farms an hours travel outside of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840128-KSD3BSBIM58YYVURWOLI/AfghanNarco_017.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes with drug addicts at an underfunded rehabilitation centre and at the place where they use drugs, Kabul Afghanistan, 16 April 2007. CNN Senior international correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews addicts for a show on the drug war taking place in Afghanistan today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840141-M29L5AZ5WPP00HURJNZO/AfghanNarco_018.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes with drug addicts at an underfunded rehabilitation centre and at the place where they use drugs, Kabul Afghanistan, 16 April 2007. CNN Senior international correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews addicts for a show on the drug war taking place in Afghanistan today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840108-H2KYMG56B533ONBF7CY4/AfghanNarco_019.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840029-TXDJ803MS800Z7CEY9JE/AfghanNarco_020.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes with drug addicts at an underfunded rehabilitation centre and at the place where they use drugs, Kabul Afghanistan, 16 April 2007. CNN Senior international correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews addicts for a show on the drug war taking place in Afghanistan today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840134-1KY275HS5Z9IT9BFZ859/AfghanNarco_021.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes with drug addicts at an underfunded rehabilitation centre and at the place where they use drugs, Kabul Afghanistan, 16 April 2007. CNN Senior international correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews addicts for a show on the drug war taking place in Afghanistan today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840200-IEVX1UTV3E9Y3TLVTSAX/AfghanNarco_022.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes with drug addicts at an underfunded rehabilitation centre and at the place where they use drugs, Kabul Afghanistan, 16 April 2007. CNN Senior international correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews addicts for a show on the drug war taking place in Afghanistan today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840035-PS8R2XVA7NS3NS2QGJK6/AfghanNarco_023.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840096-RIWIS7NLAIMG6HNFS15M/AfghanNarco_024.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840042-TMCNP381PMWCYE09THWA/AfghanNarco_025.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840047-OMP36IHVBXXUSI1QPF3K/AfghanNarco_026.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840148-MVYS269P2IVKG8HABYS8/AfghanNarco_027.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840177-OY6KX6QLK82H03EGNVL6/AfghanNarco_028.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840023-9BABZ9EV6WBPMQJAO812/AfghanNarco_029.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840054-ORQARJAYOQ4ZAJRPJQQ6/AfghanNarco_030.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan Paktika Province, FOB Bermel, Afghanistan: CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper and Field producer Charlie Moore and Photojournalist Phillip Littleton at US foward operating base Bermel in the Paktika Province in Afghanistan. The CNN crews shot the 9/11 anniversary at the base and went on patrol with both US and Afghan Army soldiers. While at the base the crew experienced a rocket attack from insurgents which forced the initial 9/11 comemoration to be halted while the soldiers sought shelter underground in bunkers. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840090-WUUAXW8SGAE1TW0KN9XT/AfghanNarco_031.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Afghanistan counter-narcotics forces dispose of over 2500kg of confiscated opium, heroin and hashish they have recovered in various busts and investigations across the poppy growing areas around Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 19 April 2007. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840084-N56NRXTWO1W9O67IFYDH/AfghanNarco_032.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from a drugs bust conducted by the Afghan Anti-Narcotics unit assisted by American DEA agents who have been training these men for over 2 years, Kabul, Afghanistan, 18 April 2007. The images show a search scene and arrest with 2 suspects in custody. 6 kilos of processed heroin was confiscated in the raid. Afghanistan currently produces over 90% of the world's illegal opium and the industry accounts for over 45% of the countries annual GDP. A great deal of this production is based on communal poverty and a lack of alternatives for farmers combined with coercion from the opium cartels of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The event is filmed by CNN freelance crew Cameraman Richard Parry and producer Tresha Mabile. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840073-HRGI3BTWFT5JPXOMF0HH/AfghanNarco_033.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan Kabul, Afghanistan, 10 September 2006: CNN international correspondent Anderson Cooper and crew interview Minister Shaharani of the Ministry of the Haj and Islamic affairs. CNN was probing a story about vice and virtue at the time. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840009-LXQXFXM659RZU2ZOGI83/AfghanNarco_034.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan KABUL, AFGHANISTAN-APRIL 2007: Scenes from the office of the Attorney General of Afghanistan, a man who has vowed a war against corruption in the troubled country, Kabul Afghanistan, 16 April 2007. CNN Senior international correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews the Attorney General for a show on the drug war taking place in Afghanistan today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158840060-LLZTELMORL3GPHIYJC64/AfghanNarco_035.jpg Narcowars, Afghanistan Paktika Province, FOB Bermel, Afghanistan: CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper and Field producer Charlie Moore and Photojournalist Phillip Littleton at US foward operating base Bermel in the Paktika Province in Afghanistan. The CNN crews shot the 9/11 anniversary at the base and went on patrol with both US and Afghan Army soldiers. While at the base the crew experienced a rocket attack from insurgents which forced the initial 9/11 comemoration to be halted while the soldiers sought shelter underground in bunkers. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images https://www.brentstirton.com/musangwe-fight-club daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761166-THB55J069YMTATKKJPJ1/Musangwe_001.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Tshumelo “Killer” Makhado, 15, a young up and coming Musangwe fighter. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Killer is hoping to become a professional boxer but is busy with school and does not have the funds for a boxing gym in Venda. He has had 40 Musangwe bare knuckle fights and his record stands at 38-2. He is seen by the Musangwe community as a future senior champion and someone who could become a professional boxer one day. Killer is seen with trainer and Musangwe committee president, Poison, who is a teacher at a local school and long time Musangwe participant. Killer hits the punching bag the committee bought him, does shadow boxing and runs for fitness. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761203-MMGERB85TLFJZWXC4CYC/Musangwe_006.jpg Musangwe Fight Club THOYANDO, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 9 DECEMBER 2016: Steven Nditwani, 26, is one of two current senior champions in Venda's Musangwe fighting. This is an old sport practised by men in Venda and it has become a rite of passage for many Venda men, a way of displaying their courage in fronts of enthusiastic crowds over the Xmas period. Steven has been fighting since 2010 and won his first championship in 2013. The Venda people are superstitious and the fighters are no exception. Before a small fight Steven will rub a mixture of salt, child's urine and goat or pig fat on his body. Before a big fight, he will consult a traditional healer or Sangoma for a more potent solution. Most fights are not for money but when invited by the King or another VIP, fighters will perform for a pool of up to R40,000.00, the equivalent of $2,700.00. That money can be shared amongst as many as 20 fighters with the winner taking the lions share. Steve is seen doing pushups, hitting a puch bag made of a maize sack and with his brother Emmanuel. Steve likes to watch wrestling and boxing videos for inspiration, especially Mike Tyson and Muhammed Ali. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761160-DZYZA0B55VIZ9QHS5Q2S/Musangwe_008.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Nephalama "Senior" Khodani, a Senior Champion Musangwe fighter. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Senior is 24 years old and has been fighting in Musangwe since 2007. He has had more bare knuckle fights than he can count and sees Musangwe as a way of taking fighting off the streets and onto a more sportsman like field. He says that when he was younger he was always fighting and his elders told him if he was going to fight he needed to do Musangwe. Senior is seen sparring with a friend on the actual Musangwe fighting ground in Venda and in portraits close to the capital Thoyando. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761210-TNADUPIW6WHJXMVYS8C7/Musangwe_017.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: A Musangwe bare knuckle boxing trophy carved from wood sits on an ironing board inside the home of "Poison" Ndevana, 58. Poison is the president of the Musangwe Comittee in Venda. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Poison is a former Umkhonto Wi Sizwe ANC military wing fighter but he was already a Musangwe Champion before he joined the Liberation movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761137-651WHDV4PYD0E494IOMR/Musangwe_018.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761177-0IMFV2IT2ET09Z1D9HYT/Musangwe_002.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Tshumelo “Killer” Makhado, 15, a young up and coming Musangwe fighter. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Killer is hoping to become a professional boxer but is busy with school and does not have the funds for a boxing gym in Venda. He has had 40 Musangwe bare knuckle fights and his record stands at 38-2. He is seen by the Musangwe community as a future senior champion and someone who could become a professional boxer one day. Killer is seen with trainer and Musangwe committee president, Poison, who is a teacher at a local school and long time Musangwe participant. Killer hits the punching bag the committee bought him, does shadow boxing and runs for fitness. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761306-HXH27ZIVHVVX2ALXRE0Y/Musangwe_007.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Nephalama "Senior" Khodani, a Senior Champion Musangwe fighter. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Senior is 24 years old and has been fighting in Musangwe since 2007. He has had more bare knuckle fights than he can count and sees Musangwe as a way of taking fighting off the streets and onto a more sportsman like field. He says that when he was younger he was always fighting and his elders told him if he was going to fight he needed to do Musangwe. Senior is seen sparring with a friend on the actual Musangwe fighting ground in Venda and in portraits close to the capital Thoyando. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761236-6S1Q6MHLQ052L1F14M9D/Musangwe_009.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Nephalama "Senior" Khodani, a Senior Champion Musangwe fighter. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Senior is 24 years old and has been fighting in Musangwe since 2007. He has had more bare knuckle fights than he can count and sees Musangwe as a way of taking fighting off the streets and onto a more sportsman like field. He says that when he was younger he was always fighting and his elders told him if he was going to fight he needed to do Musangwe. Senior is seen sparring with a friend on the actual Musangwe fighting ground in Venda and in portraits close to the capital Thoyando. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761197-7KCXGXLLF85U5VGSUVDB/Musangwe_019.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761217-2QA30PAQP88F6LR4LPF4/Musangwe_003.jpg Musangwe Fight Club THOYANDO, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 9 DECEMBER 2016: Steven Nditwani, 26, is one of two current senior champions in Venda's Musangwe fighting. This is an old sport practised by men in Venda and it has become a rite of passage for many Venda men, a way of displaying their courage in fronts of enthusiastic crowds over the Xmas period. Steven has been fighting since 2010 and won his first championship in 2013. The Venda people are superstitious and the fighters are no exception. Before a small fight Steven will rub a mixture of salt, child's urine and goat or pig fat on his body. Before a big fight, he will consult a traditional healer or Sangoma for a more potent solution. Most fights are not for money but when invited by the King or another VIP, fighters will perform for a pool of up to R40,000.00, the equivalent of $2,700.00. That money can be shared amongst as many as 20 fighters with the winner taking the lions share. Steve is seen doing pushups, hitting a puch bag made of a maize sack and with his brother Emmanuel. Steve likes to watch wrestling and boxing videos for inspiration, especially Mike Tyson and Muhammed Ali. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761149-Y6CX332W1QNNWCEOTVRQ/Musangwe_010.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: "Zero" real name Enoch Kwinda, 31, consults a traditional healer/Sangoma who prescribes him a concoction called Thari. This is supposed to boost Zero's fighting prowess and make him invisible to his fighting opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. This Sangoma is also a warrant officer in a nearby police station. He claims his ability to heal and prescribe "muthi" came to him in a dream as a boy and he continues to dream to this day as to cures for his patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761242-601JMEB9KEEB7F05AFUQ/Musangwe_020.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761313-7Y9C709RS6QC6GNKQTFP/Musangwe_004.jpg Musangwe Fight Club THOYANDO, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 9 DECEMBER 2016: Steven Nditwani, 26, is one of two current senior champions in Venda's Musangwe fighting. This is an old sport practised by men in Venda and it has become a rite of passage for many Venda men, a way of displaying their courage in fronts of enthusiastic crowds over the Xmas period. Steven has been fighting since 2010 and won his first championship in 2013. The Venda people are superstitious and the fighters are no exception. Before a small fight Steven will rub a mixture of salt, child's urine and goat or pig fat on his body. Before a big fight, he will consult a traditional healer or Sangoma for a more potent solution. Most fights are not for money but when invited by the King or another VIP, fighters will perform for a pool of up to R40,000.00, the equivalent of $2,700.00. That money can be shared amongst as many as 20 fighters with the winner taking the lions share. Steve is seen doing pushups, hitting a puch bag made of a maize sack and with his brother Emmanuel. Steve likes to watch wrestling and boxing videos for inspiration, especially Mike Tyson and Muhammed Ali. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761190-IYHSSN0614SNM2AIZD3P/Musangwe_011.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: "Zero" real name Enoch Kwinda, 31, consults a traditional healer/Sangoma who prescribes him a concoction called Thari. This is supposed to boost Zero's fighting prowess and make him invisible to his fighting opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. This Sangoma is also a warrant officer in a nearby police station. He claims his ability to heal and prescribe "muthi" came to him in a dream as a boy and he continues to dream to this day as to cures for his patients. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761256-M44SHQEZRA8HNGFQYI1M/Musangwe_021.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761143-8210LV13BADGBFY5DZO3/Musangwe_005.jpg Musangwe Fight Club THOYANDO, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 9 DECEMBER 2016: Steven Nditwani, 26, is one of two current senior champions in Venda's Musangwe fighting. This is an old sport practised by men in Venda and it has become a rite of passage for many Venda men, a way of displaying their courage in fronts of enthusiastic crowds over the Xmas period. Steven has been fighting since 2010 and won his first championship in 2013. The Venda people are superstitious and the fighters are no exception. Before a small fight Steven will rub a mixture of salt, child's urine and goat or pig fat on his body. Before a big fight, he will consult a traditional healer or Sangoma for a more potent solution. Most fights are not for money but when invited by the King or another VIP, fighters will perform for a pool of up to R40,000.00, the equivalent of $2,700.00. That money can be shared amongst as many as 20 fighters with the winner taking the lions share. Steve is seen doing pushups, hitting a puch bag made of a maize sack and with his brother Emmanuel. Steve likes to watch wrestling and boxing videos for inspiration, especially Mike Tyson and Muhammed Ali. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761262-78AWYMI4TAFUOW2U6D1D/Musangwe_012.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Chief Boana Madzhuta, the tradional leader of Gaba village. The Chief's permission must be granted every year before Musangwe can begin. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. The Chief is seen in his bedroom. He states that he'd like Musangwe to bring in more tourism so that his village can grow and improve. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761286-LIK0T6OLRYMG9DTHNA6M/Musangwe_022.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761120-OQ7YID5UG6IIYEKAT7ZE/Musangwe_013.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: "Poison" Ndevana, 58, is the president of the Musangwe Comittee in Venda, he is seen training his two eldest boys Mudshidzi, 15, and Nanjana, 13. Poison says his two eldest are still too young to train seriously but he sees them as future champions. The two boys fight at every Musangwe event and are fearless of their opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Poison is a former Umkhonto Wi Sizwe ANC military wing fighter but he was already a Musangwe Champion before he joined the Liberation movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761300-5CK9RWY3P6JQ4FTOEM46/Musangwe_023.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761294-DOO1D2ITCKHA2GQXEAQ2/Musangwe_014.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: "Poison" Ndevana, 58, is the president of the Musangwe Comittee in Venda, he is seen training his two eldest boys Mudshidzi, 15, and Nanjana, 13. Poison says his two eldest are still too young to train seriously but he sees them as future champions. The two boys fight at every Musangwe event and are fearless of their opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Poison is a former Umkhonto Wi Sizwe ANC military wing fighter but he was already a Musangwe Champion before he joined the Liberation movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761108-89M4M8G40LTMPGWLGIHJ/Musangwe_024.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761326-1JU4JABJT6OSMKW3S13Z/Musangwe_015.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: "Poison" Ndevana, 58, is the president of the Musangwe Comittee in Venda, he is seen training his two eldest boys Mudshidzi, 15, and Nanjana, 13. Poison says his two eldest are still too young to train seriously but he sees them as future champions. The two boys fight at every Musangwe event and are fearless of their opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Poison is a former Umkhonto Wi Sizwe ANC military wing fighter but he was already a Musangwe Champion before he joined the Liberation movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761125-OP7AAONO9I5SAMJPQEQR/Musangwe_025.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761231-186KDV4EX14Z8G1ISK6K/Musangwe_016.jpg Musangwe Fight Club VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 DECEMBER 2016: Mudshidzi, 15, and Nanjana, 13 Ndevana, seen after a sparring session at their home in Venda. These two young fighters are the eldest sons of the president of the Musangwe comittee, Poison Ndevana. He says his two eldest are still too young to train seriously but he sees them as future champions. The two boys fight at every Musangwe event and are fearless of their opponents. Musangwe is traditional bare knuckle boxing which occurs in Venda every Xmas period. Poison is a former Umkhonto Wi Sizwe ANC military wing fighter but he was already a Musangwe Champion before he joined the Liberation movement. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761332-DIBDODOQY1HG0IAKE790/Musangwe_026.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761249-WDD9MMT8IRHHYCMGQTFH/Musangwe_027.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761274-T80QN3YD4SOTU9E4ICC2/Musangwe_028.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761114-T5O1VSSDVRC1RCX92K8H/Musangwe_029.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761319-ZGXI5VS4FQD9RNKQKJFG/Musangwe_030.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761131-TJRFRJEZLQTZXNMD08AN/Musangwe_031.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761154-HJCKWAWNYNAITXNJ9H1A/Musangwe_032.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761280-NW5J7Y3475IC0VLECJK8/Musangwe_033.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761269-TCEZLBEZFUJVGYWIKH1G/Musangwe_034.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761224-RJN7VSIGB7V4FIRLNUTS/Musangwe_035.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761183-KLNWJRFGY8U736Y6M63B/Musangwe_036.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158761171-0EESILZM4RJCKLCD6YXF/Musangwe_037.jpg Musangwe Fight Club TSHIFIDI, VENDA, SOUTH AFRICA, 15 DECEMBER 2016: Men and boys of the Venda tribe challenge each other and fight bare knuckle over the festive period in South Africa. This is a tradition that dates back 200 years and began when herd boys tried to get their cattle bulls to fight with each other while they were being dipped for disease. The herd boys soon began to fight with each other and this became a tradition. The fighters may stop at any time and if a fighter starts bleeding the fight is stopped. It is seen a an outlet for the males in the community and nowadays there are champions on three different levels. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://www.brentstirton.com/ndakasis-second-life-and-death daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820988-0GQLB9P2G4AOS0CTKTOX/Ndakasi_002.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death DR Congo: I first met the mountain gorilla Ndakasi in a heavy downpour in Virunga’s rainforest in 2007. She was 2 months old and clinging to her mother’s dead body, the blood from multiple AK47 rounds pooling in the rain around her as the infant tried in vain to suckle. Ndakasi was the only mountain gorilla to survive the deadly killing that took the lives of nine extremely endangered mountain gorillas that day. That included her father Senkwekwe, a magnificent silverback who died trying to defend his family. Fragile and unlikely to survive long, ICCN ranger Andre Bauma took her out of the rain, using the warmth of his body to keep her alive until morning, thus beginning a loving relationship that was to last over 13 years. Andre remains the head caregiver at the Senkwekwe Center in Virunga National Park, Africa’s first park and arguably it’s most challenging. Ndakasi moved to Senkwekwe where she lived with other mountain gorilla orphans, all cared for 24/7 by Andre, Baboo, Richard, Patrick, Matthieu and others. Veterinarian Eddy Syaluha and the Gorilla Doctors team have been performing miracles there since day one. Mountain gorillas are sensitive, surprisingly fragile, gentle creatures; highly social and playful, unaware of their own enormous strength. They have personalities, idiosyncrasies, they can be joyful, and they can be sad. Just like humans. Ndakasi shared all these things with her caregivers, hard men that came to spend more time with the gorillas than with their own families. These orphans won them over and these tough Congolese men came to love the gorillas in their care, often describing them as “my own children.” Despite extraordinary care, Ndakasi developed an elusive illness over the last 6 months, eventually succumbing last week after crawling into Andre’s arms, thirteen years after he embraced her for the first time. To say Andre was devastated would be a gross understatement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821000-LOMLA9C49AR9E0G6U1KN/Ndakasi_001.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820969-AOHUS3HYA3ZYGO98LETO/Ndakasi_003.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821092-U4B1DXRC1KGVTJTR9H5L/Ndakasi_004.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821098-1RPUJ4ZMDQ60T1GNZGNU/Ndakasi_005.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers discover the body of a nursing female mountain gorilla gunned down by AK47 rounds, a baby later named Ndakasi was still trying to suckle from her dead mother when the body was discovered. Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of 5 Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male named Senkwkwe, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820994-H0JY7LYVGH84EARREZXP/Ndakasi_006.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe is seen before evacutation. He is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820939-V0GVOOXDXTTENEV2TQMN/Ndakasi_006.1.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Conservation Rangers from an Anti-Poaching unit work with locals to evacuate the bodies of four Mountain Gorrillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, three females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and the other was pregnant. The two babies were not found and it is thought that they will have died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing is not known but it is suspected that there are political motivations. The local illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 100 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the Gorrillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The Congolese Rangers in this particular group are working with Wildlife Direct, a Conservation organisation. The Rangers receive a salary based on donations to Wildlife Direct and perform one of the most dangerous jobs in the world of wildlife conservation. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 4.6 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820956-JRYZWU2IBN9JHVH2Z8BH/Ndakasi_007.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death BUKIMA, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN CONGO, JULY 2007: Murdered Silverback mountain gorilla Senkwekwe and three female mountain gorillas are seen before being taken away for autopsy. Senkwekwe is the father of rescued baby gorilla Ndakasi, her mother is one of these dead females. Congolese Conservation Rangers worked with locals to evacuate the bodies of Mountain gorillas killed in mysterious circumstances in the park, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo, 24 July 2007. A Silver-Back Alpha male, the leader of the group was shot, 4 females were also killed. Two of the females had babies and another was pregnant. One of the babies was found trying to suckle from it's dead mothers breast. This baby was rescued and called Ndakasi. It is thought that the other baby died of stress and dehydration. The motivation for the killing was revealed to be an intimidation tactic by a crooked warden backed by the local charcoal mafia. Charcoal was being illegally produced using hardwood from the park, rangers tried to stop the habitat destruction and the gorillas were killed as a warning. The illegal Charcoal industry clashes with conservation efforts in this very poor area and Rangers have been threatened, tortured and killed as a result of this clash of political and economic wills. Over 180 Rangers have been killed in their efforts to protect the mountain gorillas of Virunga, one of the world's most endangered species. The DRC has the highest toll of human casualties of any country since the second world war, a figure in the region of 5 million dead as a result of war and resultant displacement, disease, starvation and ongoing militia violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820981-W4MAOYK259KR85VHT6P7/Ndakasi_011.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the make-shift facility was noisy and dusty, the opposite of the natural environment of the mountain gorilla sector of the Park. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. Today, the Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage has been built inside the headquarters of the ICCN at Rumangabo, about 50 kilometers outside of Goma, that facility houses 5 orphans including the latest orphan Ihirwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821018-A63XPZ6U0ZIJT94OG502/Ndakasi_010.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2008: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver Baboo play in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, 4 October 2008. At this time, the make-shift facility was noisy and dusty, the opposite of the natural environment of the mountain gorilla sector of the Park. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. Today, the Senkekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage has been built inside the headquarters of the ICCN at Rumangabo, about 50 kilometers outside of Goma, that facility houses 5 orphans including the latest orphan Ihirwe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821184-7XKAYHVV3DPVJGZDFHT6/Ndakasi_012.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821165-T05YBCPFPUUM1YAGGTLV/Ndakasi_013.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821178-98HF7VZKRX9H0VQGSCQE/Ndakasi_014.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 4 OCTOBER 2013: Orphaned mountain gorilla Ndkasi and her ICCN conservation ranger care-giver prepare for bed as he reaches to bring down the Mosquito net around them in the make-shift gorilla orphanage in Goma. The care-giver lives and sleeps in the same space with the orphan in 3 weeks shifts, 24/7, with one week off a month to see his family. Ndkasi's mother was killed in order to secure the Gorilla baby by poachers. The poachers had hoped to sell the baby but were caught in a sting by ICCN conservation rangers. Mountain Gorillas are extremely endangered and exist in a small region of the Virunga mountains on the border of DR Congo and Rwanda with a small family in Uganda. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821160-S5EX4GXGK8TIE863PJXP/Ndakasi_022.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, JANUARY 18 2015: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi, one of a number of gorillas raised and cared for in the Senkwekwe Orphan gorilla sanctuary inside Virunga National Park. The gorillas are seen discovering a new play area made of old fire hoses set up by their caregiver Andre. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821012-0Y6365BNSLH4CJKSK2F7/Ndakasi_018.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death CONGO, 27 FEBRUARY 2012: Head caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage, Andre Bauma plays with Ndakasi and Ndeze, ensuring that they are adequately hydrated and cared for before they turn in the for the night in their specially built night quarters. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820950-IDY0X5JKMQ49GAEP5SCH/Ndakasi_021.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Park, DRC, 2 March 2012. Andre thinks of these gorillas as his own children and even describes bringing his children to see them as showing them their brothers and sisters. Andre lives with the Gorillas 24/7 with the exception of a few days off to visit his own family. Andre is an ICCN Congolese Conservation ranger and has cared for orphaned and rescued gorillas since 2003. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821006-O5GC0S8HTDGCH3ZZALMH/Ndakasi_020.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MARCH 2012: Andre, 39, a self described "gorilla mother" looks after 4 orphaned gorillas who were rescued from various horrific circumstances and brought into care by the staff of Virunga National Park, DRC, 2 March 2012. Andre thinks of these gorillas as his own children and even describes bringing his children to see them as showing them their brothers and sisters. Andre lives with the Gorillas 24/7 with the exception of a few days off to visit his own family. Andre is an ICCN Congolese Conservation ranger and has cared for orphaned and rescued gorillas since 2003. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821023-BQAYVCAR1KU2FHMS0DCA/Ndakasi_026.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821067-8GVBFL6JLRF4M51SRJNV/Ndakasi_029.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821055-ORELX1ERG47DA1L4JT95/Ndakasi_024.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821085-HMIOSU2EBRE7KZ9OWPVT/Ndakasi_030.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821142-DZH0XT3Y1ZDC4LPFA39M/Ndakasi_028.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821061-8EY0AOLATW0H8VKU99BX/Ndakasi_027.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Caregivers at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage play with the orphaned gorillas inside their enclosure. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821197-FWD1DZXW19E9RDMOFX8H/Ndakasi_031.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2015: Andre Bauma, chief caregiver at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla orphanage teaches painting to Ndakasi inside her night enclosure. The caregivers try to find as many ways as possible to stimulate the gorillas. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821136-WBCSDCRU9307T1K22EB2/Ndakasi_034.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, OCTOBER 2020: Orphan mountain gorilla Matabishi plays with Patrick while female orphan Ndakasi is seen in the foreground. This scene is inside Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage inside Virunga National Park. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821209-A1FEH0094UH794IWR18X/Ndakasi_036.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is seen with caregiver Patrick just before a medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821123-B6126QVH6XGLRJ2BO5VQ/Ndakasi_037.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821130-Z4SSB09W2YT3NFJMPOIU/Ndakasi_038.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821049-F3BFDAJ6818PV0UWQP6Z/Ndakasi_040.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A sick Ndakasi is carried out of her night enclosure to a medical procedure to try to determine what is behind her long term illness. This procedure was carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821029-8A8OY53T0Y1NY2UOAUWL/Ndakasi_40.1.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821149-06GQS81RO3AC79SC92DR/Ndakasi_041.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821035-5O7R1PKCI34D676N6ACM/Ndakasi_043.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821110-PD9PE30N81TEKL793BHX/Ndakasi_046.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821204-Z0L4GO6EES3ZZM7IAWQ7/Ndakasi_047.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821155-3K1NJ17EPTIKGWC9OEGE/Ndakasi_048.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820963-25PVB7RJUM6IUBVT5WWF/Ndakasi_049.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: A medical procedure is carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820944-FBW0LW7SLK9Y2YVZO7SJ/Ndakasi_050.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821117-QROZPDQCTM3S2HXU8FQT/Ndakasi_055.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158820975-68F2RZMCQS7XH6OEW77Y/Ndakasi_052.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821043-PNGQKMS3UHVZBK7WPOWZ/Ndakasi_051.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821171-DIU2WK88XBYQZM1WRTYK/Ndakasi_053.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26 2021: Moutain gorilla Ndakasi fights off the effects of the anasthetic as Andre Bauma comforts her. A medical procedure was just carried out on female orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi by Gorilla Doctors vets Eddy Syaluha and Fabrice Malonga accompanied by the Senkwekwe team of caregivers. Ndakasi passed away shortly thereafter. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821191-8CO8E7UBSEI0H378GPNA/Ndakasi_056.5.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821080-F4MWLVQ01DVEKWCWU7S1/Ndakasi_057.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158821073-44P1Q2QEXLF2RTWFW560/Ndakasi_058.jpg Ndakasi's second life and death RUMANGABO, VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, DR CONGO, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: Orphan mountain gorilla Ndakasi passes away in her cargiver's arms after a prolonged illness. Andre Bauma and others at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center have cared for Ndakasi and other orphans for 13 years. This is the only mountain Gorilla orphanage in the world and takes in mountain gorilla orphans who have lost their families to poaching or conflict. A number of the orphans here were rescued from sales by poachers in sting operations carried out by ICCN rangers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://www.brentstirton.com/farm-murders-south-africa daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158611023-FFTSJZW9759EAWAVW1NG/farms_001.jpg Farm Murders South Africa Farm murders in South Africa – 2017 South African farmers constitute statistically the most vulnerable population group in the world. They are three times more likely to be killed than a policeman in a country that has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The reasons behind this are myriad. Isolation, government’s loss of control over immigration, a lack of police protection, the disbanding of traditional defense units, the rise of anti-white hate speech since the death of Mandela, political apathy from government, post Apartheid land restitution and it’s manipulation by politicians. President Zuma recently called for land appropriation without compensation, echoing the cries of black right wing group the Economic Freedom Fighters. He is using this issue to try to remain in power in the face of massive corruption charges. The E.F.F is using this issue as a way to try to come to power. More than 4000 farmers have been murdered since 1994, according to Afriforum and the Transvaal Agricultural Union. In the first two months of 2017 alone there have been over 90 attacks on farms, with 30 murders. The police are prohibited from keeping records on farm attacks, ordered instead to call them house robberies or business robberies. The idea is that this kind of statistic is politically charged and bad for investment. In 1994 there were over 105 000 commercial farms across the country. Most of these were white owned. Now there are less than 30 000, most of these are run by farmers who are of pensionable age. Inflation is beyond a living wage, unemployment is 35% and rising and of the 35, 000 estimated black farmers, most are small scale. Those black farmers speak of a lack of skills training as well as a lack of funding from Government. This same government does little to protect the farmers who feed the nation. The poorest class in the nation will no longer be able to afford rising food prices. Violence will be inevitable. Land restitution is now in it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158611028-7WUZDTMGEGDT7RFD8DC9/farms_016.jpg Farm Murders South Africa DULLSTROOM, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 FEBRUARY 2017: Robert Lynn, a farm attack victim who lost his wife Sue to a brutal attack last week. The couple were overpowered in their house on the Marchlands farm in Dullstroom, South Africa on Sunday morning. Lynn’s wife, Susan Howarth, passed away in hospital on Tuesday, and Lynn was discharged on Wednesday. He said: “I woke up because the dogs were barking, and there was a racket at the bedroom window. After I sat up in bed, I heard the bedroom glass breaking. I suppose that is when they started shooting at us. I saw three flashes and I assumed they missed. I realized later that Sue was hit immediately in the initial attack” Men wearing balaclavas then pounded on Lynn, hitting him over the head with a gun. He was ordered to lie down. “They kept on asking where the money is. I told them that we don’t keep money, but they would not believe me.” Lynn gave them a couple of hundred rand he had in a money clip and his bank cards, telling his attackers that they would be able to withdraw R1 000 a day from it. Lynn was taken to the living room. Shortly after, attackers started burning him with a blowtorch on his chest and legs. His hands were tied with baling twine and the robbers then started cutting him with a knife in order to get him to confess to keeping more money or a gun safe somewhere. “They were looking for things we just don’t have. I said to them that whoever gave them their information, gave them the wrong information. One of them replied with, ‘No they didn’t.’” Lynn kept on calling to his wife in the bedroom, who he last saw lying in a sleeping position. She did not answer. “The small dark one, who seemed to be the leader, smacked me over the head with his gun and told me to shut up.” Lynn was put in the back of their Nissan Hardbody doublecab. His attackers pulled a black bag over his head. “I suppose they wanted to suffocate me, but I managed to bite a tiny hole through the bag through which https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610841-5I8CRYR831WMK8Z3XGLS/farms_017.jpg Farm Murders South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610810-IRK1XQCQVJLUIEC8PP6E/farms_002.jpg Farm Murders South Africa MARBLE HALL, SOUTH AFRICA, 18 NOVEMBER 2016: Diederich Beyers and his wife Dolla and one of their three childen are seen in one of their fields on their farm in Marble Hall, South Africa. Beyers is seen one week after his farm home was invaded by 6 men who tied him and his wife up and ransacked their home. The attackers told him they were going to kill him and they threatened to rape his wife. As the attackers were preparing to leave, they told him once they had loaded the cars they were coming back to kill him and his family. Temporarily alone and without a gun to his head, Beyers managed to escape the cable ties binding his arms and grab a hidden shot gun and kill one attacker and wound two others. His wife was still cutting the cable ties binding his legs as he took his first shot. He says the incident was terrifying and credits God with saving their lives. He says the thought of his sleeping children and his wife gave him strength to survive this incident. Beyer's feels bad about killing the one man and says he does not bear the black man any ill-will. One of the wounded was caught by the police and he confessed that this group had commited 5 other murders and was also involved in illegal rhino poaching. Beyers says that he knows that farmers have no choice but to take their protection into their own hands. He say he knows he cannot rely on the government or the police but he remains positive about South Africa and is willing to work with everyone towards a future. The official government figures say that close to 4000 white farmers have been killed since 1994 in South Africa. Agricultural and farmer organizations say that number is much higher and believe that the attacks on farmers are not only about criminal opportunism but that there is also a political motive. The number of farmers in South Africa has dwindled steadily from around 105 000 in 1994 to around 35 000 today. Farmers in these isolated areas have received very little support from the police and ha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610789-Q2BTE3VZIAOD2CDTB7K3/farms_018.jpg Farm Murders South Africa ELLIS RAS, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 NOVEMBER 2016: Suspected farm attacker Witness Mandipa is interogated by South African Police detetives and Investigative NGO Heritage Protection group's Sakkie Louwrens. Lourens until recently was a Colonel in the SAP Serious Crimes investiagative unit. Fingerprint evidence linked Witness to burglary on farms and he was arrested the day before in an attempted burglary in which his two accomplices got away. Police and HPG believe that he knows the whereabouts of dangerous Zimbabwean Farm attackers he has worked with before. Witness has been deported before for criminal activity and again illegally in South Africa. Experts state that the majority of farm attacks these days are carried out by Zimbabweans. Conservative experts state that just under 4000 farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994, with over 20,000 farm people attacked. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610861-T17BSED9TE36ZW4NFLOU/farms_003.jpg Farm Murders South Africa NABOOMSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, 13 FEBRUARY 2017: RACHEL MATHABATHA, 62, is a female farmer in the Naboomspruit area of South Africa. She began farming in 1998 and in 2009 was able to buy 428 ha of land via a loan through the land restitution program LRAD. Rachel applied 8 times before she received a parcel of land. She lives alone with a small labor force and has successfully bred over 200 head of cattle and many goats on her farm. Rachel was attacked on her farm by three armed men who broke into her house and arrived in her bedroom at midnight in June 2015. They demanded money and tied her up with wire. They also assaulted and tied her laborers and then went through the house taking all her valuables. They demanded she lie on the floor and placed a blanket over her, ordering Rachel to “sleep.” “We want the guns, the attackers demanded, forcing her to open her safe and taking her weapons. One of the attackers pressed a knife into her, threatening to stab her. He asked the others for permission to stab her repeatedly, the 2 other men stopped him from doing so. The robbers took her bank card and withdrew cash. One of Rachel’s workers, a Zimbabwean, left a week later, after taking a loan from her. He is thought to be complicit as the attackers knew the layout of the house and the location of the safe. Her attackers were later caught, after robbing a number of farms in the district. Rachel has applied for a new firearm license but this is taking a long time and she fears she cannot protect herself on the farm. The majority of farm attacks are on whites, based on farmland ownership and a perception of wealth. Rachel has a good relationship with the white farmers around her property. “We don’t care about white/black around here, we just want to farm. My neighbor Piet Bester gave me an Nguni Bull to breed cattle with, he is a vet and if I have problems he is always helping me. My other neighbor is Professor Prinsloo, he buys my cattle and gives me advice if there https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610938-MM12MYK8GVOPBV3MG21F/farms_019.jpg Farm Murders South Africa ELLIS RAS, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 NOVEMBER 2016: Suspected farm attacker Witness Mandipa is interogated by South African Police detetives and Investigative NGO Heritage Protection group's Sakkie Louwrens. Lourens until recently was a Colonel in the SAP Serious Crimes investiagative unit. Fingerprint evidence linked Witness to burglary on farms and he was arrested the day before in an attempted burglary in which his two accomplices got away. Police and HPG believe that he knows the whereabouts of dangerous Zimbabwean Farm attackers he has worked with before. Witness has been deported before for criminal activity and again illegally in South Africa. Experts state that the majority of farm attacks these days are carried out by Zimbabweans. Conservative experts state that just under 4000 farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994, with over 20,000 farm people attacked. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610767-LPEZLSS5BVYPA5Q5111J/farms_004.jpg Farm Murders South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610848-V2Y2T8DYNO6S0BKU5VO5/farms_020.jpg Farm Murders South Africa ELLIS RAS, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 NOVEMBER 2016: Suspected farm attacker Witness Mandipa is interogated by South African Police detetives and Investigative NGO Heritage Protection group's Sakkie Louwrens. Lourens until recently was a Colonel in the SAP Serious Crimes investiagative unit. Fingerprint evidence linked Witness to burglary on farms and he was arrested the day before in an attempted burglary in which his two accomplices got away. Police and HPG believe that he knows the whereabouts of dangerous Zimbabwean Farm attackers he has worked with before. Witness has been deported before for criminal activity and again illegally in South Africa. Experts state that the majority of farm attacks these days are carried out by Zimbabweans. Conservative experts state that just under 4000 farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994, with over 20,000 farm people attacked. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610993-2J5CDQ0BC751F3JX5ZKY/farms_005.jpg Farm Murders South Africa JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 2 FEBRUARY 2014: The inaugural rally of the Economic Freedom Front, the EFF is a newly formed black right wing party led by disgraced former ANC Youth League President Julius Malema. Malema was forced out of the ANC after attacking President Jacob Zuma repeatedly and faces over 500 criminal charges. He formed the EFF after he was thrown out of the ANC and advocates the policies of Hugo Chavez, Robert Mugabe and Fidel Castro. He wants to nationalize the banks, mines and all major industries, he also wants to disposses white farmers of their land, claiming the whites stole it from former black owners. Historians and academics dispute his claims and he neglects the fact that South Africa has already been through multiple land dispute court claims. Malema regularly uses hate speech against whites and although this is constitutionally illegal he is not prosecuted by governement. He is most famous for revitalisizing and singing "Kill the Boer, kill the farmer," a former protest song from the apartheid period. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Vebatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158611011-8W6ZC2FUQJRZM4GJJRDN/farms_021.jpg Farm Murders South Africa LYDENBERG, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 FEBRUARY 2017: South African Police and members of Heritage Protection Group, an NGO specializing in serious crime investigation, arrest farm attackers in Lydenberg, South Africa. These attackers invaded the farm home of an elderly man living alone. They beat him badly, tied him to a chair and tortured him all the while demanding money. These suspects were caught through the sister of one of the men using stolen property from the attack. They confessed and the victim’s wallet, bankcards, rifle and building tools were recovered in the course of the arrest. These men will now face up to 20 years for the attack if convicted. Heritage Protection Group is made of ex-policemen with very good investigative records. They were founded to help to make up for a lack of investigative experience in the post-apartheid South African Police force. There is currently at least one farm attack a day in South Africa; violence is common as is murder. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610759-OP7IZI318PCENII297AO/farms_006.jpg Farm Murders South Africa SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 DECEMBER 2013: Nelson Mandela supporters gather at FNB stadium for a day of comemoration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic Freedom Fighter of the ANC, Soweto, South Africa, 10 December 2013. Mr Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013. Since Mandela's death however, anti-white speech has become far more vocal in its intensity, especially from Black right wing party, the Economic Freedom Front led by Julius Malema. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610963-TYYTQ9T02E87JBYPMF1S/farms_022.jpg Farm Murders South Africa LYDENBERG, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 FEBRUARY 2017: South African Police and members of Heritage Protection Group, an NGO specializing in serious crime investigation, arrest farm attackers in Lydenberg, South Africa. These attackers invaded the farm home of an elderly man living alone. They beat him badly, tied him to a chair and tortured him all the while demanding money. These suspects were caught through the sister of one of the men using stolen property from the attack. They confessed and the victim’s wallet, bankcards, rifle and building tools were recovered in the course of the arrest. These men will now face up to 20 years for the attack if convicted. Heritage Protection Group is made of ex-policemen with very good investigative records. They were founded to help to make up for a lack of investigative experience in the post-apartheid South African Police force. There is currently at least one farm attack a day in South Africa; violence is common as is murder. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610854-XN5K2W53GHK7LEYLA6WU/farms_007.jpg Farm Murders South Africa MODIMOLLE, SOUTH AFRICA, 16 FEBRUARY 2017: Black ANC and EFF supporters protest out the court in Modimolle. Stephan Hepburn, a young white farmer is accused of murdering a black farm worker by the name of Jan Railo. Hepburn claims he was out hunting bushpigs in the night on his farm. Local hunters explain that Bushpigs are hunted at full moon without the aid of artifical light. The pigs tend to hide in the shadows which is where hunters look for movement. Allegedly, Jan Railo was lying low to the ground at the time, attempting to hide from view. Hepburn said he saw movement in the shadows which he took to be a bushpig and fired. The victim is alleged to have been stealing corn at the time from the maize fields on the farm. He was not on the property legally and it is alleged that 2 bags of maize cobs were found with the victim, stolen from the farmers fields. The incident comes at a time when tensions are high in the area between white farmers and black right wing party the Economic Freedom Front. Modimolle has a number of EFF council members for local government and it is alleged that the charge against Hepburn was pushed from culpable homicide to murder by one of these EFF councillors. The case was postponed in court until Monday while Hepburn's lawyer organizes his bail application. The EFF is attempting to influence a no bail situation. More than 4000 white farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994 in farm attacks that have seen commercial white farms reduced from 105 000 to under 30000. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610739-AT1X3NMGIYRR1CEXK677/farms_023.jpg Farm Murders South Africa LYDENBERG, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 FEBRUARY 2017: South African Police and members of Heritage Protection Group, an NGO specializing in serious crime investigation, arrest farm attackers in Lydenberg, South Africa. These attackers invaded the farm home of an elderly man living alone. They beat him badly, tied him to a chair and tortured him all the while demanding money. These suspects were caught through the sister of one of the men using stolen property from the attack. They confessed and the victim’s wallet, bankcards, rifle and building tools were recovered in the course of the arrest. These men will now face up to 20 years for the attack if convicted. Heritage Protection Group is made of ex-policemen with very good investigative records. They were founded to help to make up for a lack of investigative experience in the post-apartheid South African Police force. There is currently at least one farm attack a day in South Africa; violence is common as is murder. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610906-NUJ2CAI0KF8EVY66C0XY/farms_008.jpg Farm Murders South Africa ORANIA, NORTH WEST CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA: Niklas Kirsten, an Orania resident and former South African Army Paratrooper, teaches Erik Du Pree hand-gun self-defence in the fields outside Orania, South Africa. Orania is a privately owned South African town located along the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province. Orania is a former government workers village originally bought by a group of Afrikaners in 1991 from the South African government with the intention of creating a pure Afrikaner community which functions as a stronghold for conservative Afrikaner cultural and religious values. Orainia currently has four times more applicants than they can handle, one of the drivers for this is the farm attacks phenomenon which currently see White South African farmers as the most vulnerable population group in the world. Increasing anti-white hate speech from the black right wing is only driving this further. The Orania community sees themselves as independant from the rest of South Africa with a goal of a self-determining Afrikaner homeland. All work in Orania is done by white Afrikaners. They do not see themselves as right wing, but are very concerned with their ultra conservative cultural and religious integrity and independence. They welcome anyone who shares those values and as a result are one hundred percent white in ethnicity. THere has been a steady rise in population numbers for Orania, due to ongoing disenfranchisement of white South Africans as a result of Black Empowerment policies of the ANC government as well as undiminished, traumatically high crime statistics which are driving whites to seek shelter in perceived safer communities such as Orania. There has also been a solid increase in the numbers of professional people moving to Orania in the face of the afore mentioned drivers. Up until now there have been good relations between Orania and the SA government and in June 1998 the then Minister of Constitutional Development in the ANC governement sta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610981-X7UO4WLRWV3XS66YV7KY/farms_024.jpg Farm Murders South Africa LYDENBERG, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 FEBRUARY 2017: South African Police and members of Heritage Protection Group, an NGO specializing in serious crime investigation, arrest farm attackers in Lydenberg, South Africa. These attackers invaded the farm home of an elderly man living alone. They beat him badly, tied him to a chair and tortured him all the while demanding money. These suspects were caught through the sister of one of the men using stolen property from the attack. They confessed and the victim’s wallet, bankcards, rifle and building tools were recovered in the course of the arrest. These men will now face up to 20 years for the attack if convicted. Heritage Protection Group is made of ex-policemen with very good investigative records. They were founded to help to make up for a lack of investigative experience in the post-apartheid South African Police force. There is currently at least one farm attack a day in South Africa; violence is common as is murder. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610879-364PDO1FHZS61AQAVHJK/DapBushmen.jpg Farm Murders South Africa SWARTRUGGENS, SOUTH AFRICA: A group of Bushmen security personel learn self defense tactics to combat farm attacks on a farm in Swartruggens. They are taught by Dap Maritz, a long time security consultant on farm security and rhino protection. The E.F.F, a right wing black political party, is calling for a "Give back the land" campaign whereby White farmers must surrender their land. The EFF alleges this land was taken illegally from black ancestors. Historians and academics point out however that the only Bantu people in South Africa at the time of the Dutch settlers arriving in the Cape in 1652 were the Bushmen and the Hottentots. The Bushmen today are the most marginalized racial group in South Africa but historically speaking, may in fact be historically only true South Africans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610835-36OTAIYHQC3F0PCU11I4/farms_025.jpg Farm Murders South Africa LYDENBERG, SOUTH AFRICA, 22 FEBRUARY 2017: South African Police and members of Heritage Protection Group, an NGO specializing in serious crime investigation, recover stolen property from farm attackers in Lydenberg, South Africa. These attackers invaded the farm home of an elderly man living alone. They beat him badly, tied him to a chair and tortured him all the while demanding money. These suspects were caught through the sister of one of the men using stolen property from the attack. They confessed and the victim’s wallet, bankcards, rifle and building tools were recovered in the course of the arrest. These men will now face up to 20 years for the attack if convicted. Heritage Protection Group is made of ex-policemen with very good investigative records. They were founded to help to make up for a lack of investigative experience in the post-apartheid South African Police force. There is currently at least one farm attack a day in South Africa; violence is common as is murder. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610746-UT25W0EPDFO1JLGDN1VM/farms_009.jpg Farm Murders South Africa SWARTRUGGENS, SOUTH AFRICA: A group of bushmen men learn self defence tactics to combat farm attacks on a farm in Swartruggens. They are taught by Dap Maritz, a long time security consultant on farm security and rhino protection. The EFF, a right wing black political party, is calling for a "Give back the land" campaign whereby White farmers must surrender their land. The EFF alleges this land was taken illegally from black ancestors. Historians and academics point out however that the only black people in South Africa at the time of the Dutch settlers arriving in the Cape in 1652 were the Bushmen and the Hottentots. The bushmen today are the most marginalized racial group in South Africa but may in fact be the only true South Africans. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610830-E8QA6TGYBG2PACB5V29A/farms_026.jpg Farm Murders South Africa BELFAST, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 FEBRUARY 2017: Farmers and members of the Democratic Alliance protest farm murders outside of the Magistrates Court where this morning three murder suspects will be arraigned for the killing of a local woman and the attempted murder of her husband on their farm outside of Dullstroom, South Africa. Farmers and people living in rural small holdings in South Africa have come to represent the most vulnerable population group on earth, statistically more than 4000 farmers have been murdered since 1994. Since the beginning of 2017, the Transvaal Agricultural Union reports there have been over 57 attacks and 30 murders on farms across the country. In this case, Robert Lynn, a farm attack victim lost his wife Sue to a brutal attack last week. The couple were overpowered in their house on the Marchlands farm in Dullstroom, South Africa on Sunday morning. Lynn’s wife, Susan Howarth, passed away in hospital on Tuesday, and Lynn was discharged on Wednesday. He said: “I woke up because the dogs were barking, and there was a racket at the bedroom window. After I sat up in bed, I heard the bedroom glass breaking. I suppose that is when they started shooting at us. I saw three flashes and I assumed they missed. I realized later that Sue was hit immediately in the initial attack” Men wearing balaclavas then pounded on Lynn, hitting him over the head with a gun. He was ordered to lie down. “They kept on asking where the money is. I told them that we don’t keep money, but they would not believe me.” Lynn gave them a couple of hundred rand he had in a money clip and his bank cards, telling his attackers that they would be able to withdraw R1 000 a day from it. Lynn was taken to the living room. Shortly after, attackers started burning him with a blowtorch on his chest and legs. His hands were tied with baling twine and the robbers then started cutting him with a knife in order to get him to confess to keeping more money or a gun safe somewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610951-0NXMWOHZROV5VWPAPRS1/BushmenWeb.jpg Farm Murders South Africa A bushmen and his son take a break while walking through a farm that used to be part of their traditional hunting ground. The Bushmen are regarded by historians as the first people of South Africa yet they are the most marginalized people in the country. There is a land claim for them in the Kalahari region of the country but De Beers mining company is disputing part of the claim and the South African government is offering the land without mineral rights. The case is ongoing in the courts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610873-B51SM1R5HAH2STS1BTH1/farms_027.jpg Farm Murders South Africa BELFAST, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 FEBRUARY 2017: Farmers and members of the Democratic Alliance protest farm murders outside of the Magistrates Court where this morning three murder suspects will be arraigned for the killing of a local woman and the attempted murder of her husband on their farm outside of Dullstroom, South Africa. Farmers and people living in rural small holdings in South Africa have come to represent the most vulnerable population group on earth, statistically more than 4000 farmers have been murdered since 1994. Since the beginning of 2017, the Transvaal Agricultural Union reports there have been over 57 attacks and 30 murders on farms across the country. In this case, Robert Lynn, a farm attack victim lost his wife Sue to a brutal attack last week. The couple were overpowered in their house on the Marchlands farm in Dullstroom, South Africa on Sunday morning. Lynn’s wife, Susan Howarth, passed away in hospital on Tuesday, and Lynn was discharged on Wednesday. He said: “I woke up because the dogs were barking, and there was a racket at the bedroom window. After I sat up in bed, I heard the bedroom glass breaking. I suppose that is when they started shooting at us. I saw three flashes and I assumed they missed. I realized later that Sue was hit immediately in the initial attack” Men wearing balaclavas then pounded on Lynn, hitting him over the head with a gun. He was ordered to lie down. “They kept on asking where the money is. I told them that we don’t keep money, but they would not believe me.” Lynn gave them a couple of hundred rand he had in a money clip and his bank cards, telling his attackers that they would be able to withdraw R1 000 a day from it. Lynn was taken to the living room. Shortly after, attackers started burning him with a blowtorch on his chest and legs. His hands were tied with baling twine and the robbers then started cutting him with a knife in order to get him to confess to keeping more money or a gun safe somewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610912-WU771NSR81DN8JEQ3A2R/farms_010.jpg Farm Murders South Africa SUNDRA, SOUTH AFRICA, 23 NOVEMBER 2016: Sundra's community protection group leaders meet to discuss the nights tactics. Sundra has one of the best CPG's in the country with over 200 members who patrol nightly. Rural farming towns and farmers are especially vulnerable to farm attack and these groups are their only real means of protection. Official government statistics state that 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Farmers and agricultural organization say that number is far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records as they say it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610925-9610S8YW1SP8TOSNP073/farms_028.jpg Farm Murders South Africa BELFAST, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 FEBRUARY 2017: Farm murder suspects are seen in the Belfast Magistrates Court, they are there to be arraigned for the killing of a local woman Susan Howarth and the attempted murder of her husband Robert Lynn on their farm outside of Dullstroom, South Africa. They were denied bail as they were caught in possesion of stolen goods from the farm and confessed to the murder to the investigating officer in the case. Farmers and people living in rural small holdings in South Africa have come to represent the most vulnerable population group on earth, statistically more than 4000 farmers have been murdered since 1994. Since the beginning of 2017, the Transvaal Agricultural Union reports there have been over 57 attacks and 30 murders on farms across the country. In this case, Robert Lynn, a farm attack victim lost his wife Sue to a brutal attack last week. The couple were overpowered in their house on the Marchlands farm in Dullstroom, South Africa on Sunday morning. Lynn’s wife, Susan Howarth, passed away in hospital on Tuesday, and Lynn was discharged on Wednesday. He said: “I woke up because the dogs were barking, and there was a racket at the bedroom window. After I sat up in bed, I heard the bedroom glass breaking. I suppose that is when they started shooting at us. I saw three flashes and I assumed they missed. I realized later that Sue was hit immediately in the initial attack” Men wearing balaclavas then pounded on Lynn, hitting him over the head with a gun. He was ordered to lie down. “They kept on asking where the money is. I told them that we don’t keep money, but they would not believe me.” Lynn gave them a couple of hundred rand he had in a money clip and his bank cards, telling his attackers that they would be able to withdraw R1 000 a day from it. Lynn was taken to the living room. Shortly after, attackers started burning him with a blowtorch on his chest and legs. His hands were tied with baling twine and the robbers th https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158611004-63WRNPJCPLDDVH15GRTG/farms_011.jpg Farm Murders South Africa SUNDRA, SOUTH AFRICA, 23 NOVEMBER 2016: The funeral for Kathleen Van Coppenhagen, shot dead by black attackers on her small holding in the farming town of Sundra. Kathleen was found hiding inside the dog kennel after being shot, her husband managed to escape his attackers after they shot his wife and beat him badly. Kathleen was taken to hospital but died a day later. Another white women was stabbed to death in Sundra 2 nights later. According to government, 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Farmers and agricultural organization say that number is far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records as they say it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610998-FWSY0MRQQMBOD8GPMC8D/farms_029.jpg Farm Murders South Africa MODIMOLLE, SOUTH AFRICA, 16 FEBRUARY 2017: Stephan Hepburn, a young white farmer accused of murdering a black farm worker Jan Railo, consults with a friend in the jail at Modimolle police station. Hepburn was out hunting bushpigs in the night on his farm. Local hunters explain that Bushpigs are hunted at full moon without the aid of artifical light. The pigs tend to hide in the shadows which is where hunters look for movement. Allegedly, Jan Railo was lying low to the ground at the time, Hepburn said he saw movement in the shadows which he took to be a bushpig and fired. The victim is alleged to have been stealing corn at the time from the maize fields on the farm. He was not there legally and should not have been on the scene. It is alleged that 2 bags of maize cobs were found with the victim, stolen from the farmers fields. The incident comes at a time when tensions are high in the area between white farmers and black right wing party the Economic Freedom Front. Modimolle has a number of EFF council members for local government and it is alleged that the charge against Hepburn was pushed from culpable homicide to murder by one of these EFF councillors. The case was postponed in court until Monday while Hepburn's lawyer organizes his bail application. The EFF is attempting to influence a no bail situation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610956-9MMRBKEK7OXMQF449755/farms_012.jpg Farm Murders South Africa SUNDRA, SOUTH AFRICA, 23 NOVEMBER 2016: The funeral for Kathleen Van Coppenhagen, shot dead by black attackers on her small holding in the farming town of Sundra. Kathleen was found hiding inside the dog kennel after being shot, her husband managed to escape his attackers after they shot his wife and beat him badly. Kathleen was taken to hospital but died a day later. Another white women was stabbed to death in Sundra 2 nights later. According to government, 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Farmers and agricultural organization say that number is far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records as they say it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610899-MP58B3B80XNG3UT2SXXX/farms_030.jpg Farm Murders South Africa MODIMOLLE, SOUTH AFRICA, 16 FEBRUARY 2017: Stephan Hepburn, a young white farmer accused of murdering a black farm worker Jan Railo, seen in court at his bail application in Modimolle. Hepburn was out hunting bushpigs in the night on his farm. Local hunters explain that Bushpigs are hunted at full moon without the aid of artifical light. The pigs tend to hide in the shadows which is where hunters look for movement. Allegedly, Jan Railo was lying low to the ground, hiding from view at the time, Hepburn said he saw movement in the shadows which he took to be a bushpig and fired. The victim is alleged to have been stealing corn at the time from the maize fields on the farm. He was not there legally and should not have been on the scene. It is alleged that 2 bags of maize cobs were found with the victim, stolen from the farmers fields. The incident comes at a time when tensions are high in the area between white farmers and black right wing party the Economic Freedom Front. Modimolle has a number of EFF council members for local government and it is alleged that the charge against Hepburn was pushed from culpable homicide to murder by one of these EFF councillors. The case was postponed in court until Monday while Hepburn's lawyer organizes his bail application. The EFF is attempting to influence a no bail situation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158611017-XAKJWM235LWX88TBYH8G/farms_013.jpg Farm Murders South Africa NABOOMSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA, FEBRUARY 2017: Dean Botha, 14, is the only son in a family that has been attacked on their farm 4 times in the course of his young life. Deon has seen his grandparents badly beaten in the first attack, they were bludgeoned to death in the second attack, his mother raped by a farm worker in the third attack and in the most recent he was forced to flee into the bush at night when 5 men trapped his mother inside and he fled barefoot to seek help on a neighbouring farm 8 miles away. “I heard gunshots in the house and then men came out and took the truck, I thought they were looking for me so I went deeper into the bush to avoid being seen. I wanted to get to a neighbor, I did not know what those men had done to my mom. “ Deon is very angry as a result of these attacks and is seeing a psychologist to help him cope with his feelings. It took him a long time to leave the house after the most recent attack and he is obsessive about protection. He goes to boarding school now but calls his mother every night to check on her safety. His parents are stoic, saying they will remain on the farm despite these attacks: “This is our land, this is what we do, where should we go from here? We are surviving, we must go on, this is all that we know.” Gerda Botha regrets that her son has been exposed to this. “I wish I had been attacked while I was alone, my son should not have to cope with this. “ (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610796-AVMJKSA5DRQPGTMSCK1B/farms_031.jpg Farm Murders South Africa MODIMOLLE, SOUTH AFRICA, 16 FEBRUARY 2017: Black ANC and EFF supporters protest out the court in Modimolle. Stephan Hepburn, a young white farmer is accused of murdering a black farm worker by the name of Jan Railo. Hepburn claims he was out hunting bushpigs in the night on his farm. Local hunters explain that Bushpigs are hunted at full moon without the aid of artifical light. The pigs tend to hide in the shadows which is where hunters look for movement. Allegedly, Jan Railo was lying low to the ground at the time, attempting to hide from view. Hepburn said he saw movement in the shadows which he took to be a bushpig and fired. The victim is alleged to have been stealing corn at the time from the maize fields on the farm. He was not on the property legally and it is alleged that 2 bags of maize cobs were found with the victim, stolen from the farmers fields. The incident comes at a time when tensions are high in the area between white farmers and black right wing party the Economic Freedom Front. Modimolle has a number of EFF council members for local government and it is alleged that the charge against Hepburn was pushed from culpable homicide to murder by one of these EFF councillors. The case was postponed in court until Monday while Hepburn's lawyer organizes his bail application. The EFF is attempting to influence a no bail situation. More than 4000 white farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994 in farm attacks that have seen commercial white farms reduced from 105 000 to under 30000. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610893-VZGJORRPUKS95TGN5Y2T/farms_014.jpg Farm Murders South Africa ELLIS RAS, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 NOVEMBER 2016: Kotie Lamprecht, 77, is seen in the bedroom where her and her husband were attacked by 3 Zimbabwean men on the 30 October 2016. She was badly beaten in the attack, strangled and tied up for 24 hours, her husband Poem Lamprecht was beaten so badly he died of his wounds while she was tied up. Conservative experts state that just under 4000 farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994, with over 20,000 farm people attacked. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610803-QW5EWOI7B7B4LBEJX0PM/farms_033.jpg Farm Murders South Africa PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 NOVEMBER 2016: A demonstration against farm murders by right wing groups and farmers by the statue of Afrikaner patriarch Paul Kruger. Official government statistics are censored by the ANC government but the highest figures state that 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Figures from the NGO Agriforum and the Transvaal Agricultural Unino place the number of murders just under 2000 and the number of attacks as close the 5000 since 1994. Farmers say that the numbers are far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records, stating it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements like the EFF has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610817-DM1ALSWJAND99QCM0MD2/farms_015.jpg Farm Murders South Africa DULLSTROOM, SOUTH AFRICA, 27 FEBRUARY 2017: Robert Lynn, a farm attack victim who lost his wife Sue to a brutal attack last week. The couple were overpowered in their house on the Marchlands farm in Dullstroom, South Africa on Sunday morning. Lynn’s wife, Susan Howarth, passed away in hospital on Tuesday, and Lynn was discharged on Wednesday. He said: “I woke up because the dogs were barking, and there was a racket at the bedroom window. After I sat up in bed, I heard the bedroom glass breaking. I suppose that is when they started shooting at us. I saw three flashes and I assumed they missed. I realized later that Sue was hit immediately in the initial attack” Men wearing balaclavas then pounded on Lynn, hitting him over the head with a gun. He was ordered to lie down. “They kept on asking where the money is. I told them that we don’t keep money, but they would not believe me.” Lynn gave them a couple of hundred rand he had in a money clip and his bank cards, telling his attackers that they would be able to withdraw R1 000 a day from it. Lynn was taken to the living room. Shortly after, attackers started burning him with a blowtorch on his chest and legs. His hands were tied with baling twine and the robbers then started cutting him with a knife in order to get him to confess to keeping more money or a gun safe somewhere. “They were looking for things we just don’t have. I said to them that whoever gave them their information, gave them the wrong information. One of them replied with, ‘No they didn’t.’” Lynn kept on calling to his wife in the bedroom, who he last saw lying in a sleeping position. She did not answer. “The small dark one, who seemed to be the leader, smacked me over the head with his gun and told me to shut up.” Lynn was put in the back of their Nissan Hardbody doublecab. His attackers pulled a black bag over his head. “I suppose they wanted to suffocate me, but I managed to bite a tiny hole through the bag through which https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610886-2O030R62DT6FKSFP0IKV/farms_034.jpg Farm Murders South Africa PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 NOVEMBER 2016: A demonstration against farm murders by right wing groups and farmers by the statue of Afrikaner patriarch Paul Kruger. Official government statistics are censored by the ANC government but the highest figures state that 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Figures from the NGO Agriforum and the Transvaal Agricultural Unino place the number of murders just under 2000 and the number of attacks as close the 5000 since 1994. Farmers say that the numbers are far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records, stating it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements like the EFF has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610782-CKTG2EVPQ3RBQGM3SZJS/farms_035.jpg Farm Murders South Africa PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 25 NOVEMBER 2016: A demonstration against farm murders by right wing groups and farmers by the statue of Afrikaner patriarch Paul Kruger. Official government statistics are censored by the ANC government but the highest figures state that 3398 farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1994. Figures from the NGO Agriforum and the Transvaal Agricultural Unino place the number of murders just under 2000 and the number of attacks as close the 5000 since 1994. Farmers say that the numbers are far higher. The ANC government instructed the police to stop keeping these records, stating it was bad for investment. Right wing groups all say that officially police in South Africa have a 33/100000 chance of being killed every year. Farmers in South Africa have a 158/100000 chance making them the most vulnerable population group in the world. Since 1994 there have been 328 244 murders in South Africa, with over 80 000 whites killed. Farmers in particular have little recourse to the law and must largely protect themselves. They formed Kommando groups to do this but the ANC government banned these. Since then, farmers remain reliant on themselves and small community protection groups. On average, there is a farm attack in South Africa every second day. The vast majority of these attacks involve significant numbers of attackers and violence, torture and rape are common. These attacks have polarized South Africa further and hate speech by black right wing movements like the EFF has accelerated this. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610919-UYI9WFRK3JR6AFFKPUIB/farms_036.jpg Farm Murders South Africa VANDERKLOOF, NORTHERN CAPE, 3 DECEMBER 2016: Members of the Suidlanders movement learn to use radios and maps on a farm in the North West Cape region of South Africa. Suidlanders are a group of around 100,000.00 white people who believe that persecution against the whites of South Africa will reach a point soon where they will have to leave their homes around the country and congregate in a safe haven in the North West Cape region. There are clear instructions from the Suidlander leadership as to how to prepare for this exodus, from a year's food planning to areas where they can assemble and begin a new life through sustainable farming and self defence. Suidlanders believe that 2017 will be the year when black attacks against whites reach the point where this movement towards safety will be unavoidable. (Photo by Brent Stirton\Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610824-R4OBUXU9PJYMXHU4QIDG/farms_037.jpg Farm Murders South Africa VANDERKLOOF, NORTHERN CAPE, 3 DECEMBER 2016: Members of the Suidlanders movement learn to use radios and maps on a farm in the North West Cape region of South Africa. Suidlanders are a group of around 100,000.00 white people who believe that persecution against the whites of South Africa will reach a point soon where they will have to leave their homes around the country and congregate in a safe haven in the North West Cape region. There are clear instructions from the Suidlander leadership as to how to prepare for this exodus, from a year's food planning to areas where they can assemble and begin a new life through sustainable farming and self defence. Suidlanders believe that 2017 will be the year when black attacks against whites reach the point where this movement towards safety will be unavoidable. (Photo by Brent Stirton\Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610969-Z2TXMFFBVY5J7A2P8RMI/farms_038.jpg Farm Murders South Africa THABAZIMBI, SOUTH AFRICA, 6 DECEMBER 2016: Corn fields at the side of the road in the farming area of Thabazimbi, South Africa. In 1994 there were approximately 105,000 commercial farmers in South Africa, now in 2016 there are just over 30, 000. Most of those farmers are well into retirement age and very few new young farmers are replacing them. This is due to the high rate of attacks on farmers and also the constant insecurity over their land rights going forward. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610987-YKNKB91DYRYVO9P2KZWF/farms_039.jpg Farm Murders South Africa MARBLE HALL, SOUTH AFRICA, 14 FEBRUARY 2017: Farm laborers harvest a field in the farming district of Marble Hall, South Africa. Minimum wage in South Africa has been increased to R3500 and this is making things difficult for farmers to employ labor. Traditionally, much of the farm labor force lived on the property, with free accommodation, food, water, electricity and healthcare. Minimum wage is set to go up again to R5000 within the next two years. This will mean many farmers will be forced to let go their workforce and evict them from farms where they have often lived their whole lives. A local tomato farmer in the district say he will be forced to look at mechanical solutions and say he will have to cut his workforce of 200 down to 40 people. Many of these laborers have no education and will struggle to find work when they lose their positions. The minimum wage ruling was set by government without consultation with farmers. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim Photo for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610867-6RIVI5W018B0Q7UY7BE4/farms_040.jpg Farm Murders South Africa THABAZIMBI, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 NOVEMBER 2016: Inside the home of murdered farmer Johannes Christiaan Theunissen. Johannes was asleep in bed when 4 attackers burst through his door, shooting him dead in the back before tearing the place apart in their attempt to find money. Conservative experts state that just under 4000 farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994, with over 20,000 farm people attacked. In 1994 over 105 000 commercial farms existed, now it is down to just under 30,000. High inflation combined with a 35% unemployment rate mean food security is increasingly an issue as a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610774-A5402LGU0617SVMIE5KH/farms_041.jpg Farm Murders South Africa THABAZIMBI, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 NOVEMBER 2016: Inside the home of murdered farmer Johannes Christiaan Theunissen. Johannes was asleep in bed when 4 attackers burst through his door, shooting him dead in the back before tearing the place apart in their attempt to find money. Conservative experts state that just under 4000 farmers have been killed in South Africa since 1994, with over 20,000 farm people attacked. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610944-ZC7TKHIZ26036F38KVZQ/farms_042.jpg Farm Murders South Africa BELA BELA, SOUTH AFRICA, 21 FEBRUARY 2017: Abandoned farm labor living quarters lie open on a diminished farm. In 1994 over 105 000 commercial farms existed, now the number of working farms is down to just under 30,000. High inflation combined with a 35% unemployment rate mean food security is increasingly an issue as a result. Attacks on farms are often linked to an inside person increasing distrust between farmers and their labor. The ANC government have also increased the minimum wage law. This means farmers cannot afford to employ the same numbers and are increasingly turning to automation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610975-JTMJ104DK3YX8T1VWCL9/farms_043.jpg Farm Murders South Africa SUNDRA, SOUTH AFRICA: Subsistence farms owned by black farmers under a storm cloud close to the farming district of Sundra. There are many black farmers in South Africa but few of them operate on a large scale. The post apartheid land restitution process has failed due to corruption and ineptitude. Black land claimants who have won land have most often chosen not to farm it and the land is often stripped of all assets and then lies fallow. In other cases where there is a will to farm, governemtn have not made subsidies and training available to run the farms and they fail within the first year. Until recently land redistribution has been based on a willing buyer willing seller approach. South Africa is entering the third round of land appropriations now, with President Zuma openly speaking about land appropriation without compensation, this echoes the rising voice of the black right wing and is angering white farmers who vow to fight back. Land appropriation without compensation is currently against the South African constitution and is illegal. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158610932-JB7N8N39VK315IQAPNJU/farms_044.jpg Farm Murders South Africa DELMAS, SOUTH AFRICA, 6 DECEMBER 2016: Old farm gates in areas of old white farming areas which have now been taken over by subsistence black farmers, South Africa. In 1994 there were approximately 105,000 commercial farmers in South Africa, now in 2016 there are just over 30, 000. Most of those farmers are well into retirement age and very few new young farmers are replacing them. This is due to the high rate of attacks on farmers and also the constant insecurity over their land rights going forward. There are many black farmers in South Africa but few of them operate on a large scale. The post apartheid land restitution process has failed due to corruption and ineptitude. Black land claimants who have won land have most often chosen not to farm it and the land is often stripped of all assets and then lies fallow. In other cases where there is a will to farm, governemtn have not made subsidies and training available to run the farms and they fail within the first year. Until recently land redistribution has been based on a willing buyer willing seller approach. South Africa is entering the third round of land appropriations now, with President Zuma openly speaking about land appropriation without compensation, this echoes the rising voice of the black right wing and is angering white farmers who vow to fight back. Land appropriation without compensation is currently against the South African constitution and is illegal. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim for Getty Images) https://www.brentstirton.com/wounded-veterans-sports-rehab daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869027-1LHUFE307N6N5LCF5ENG/SportRehab_001.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751025130921-RCNXIK19S3IS96X4TVUR/SportRehab_034.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869046-JF589RPNRZVVWV67CHW8/SportRehab_002.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869002-8GJHKNPQ84H4UE0VHOZY/SportRehab_003.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab San Antonio, Texas, 23 August 2006: Marine Corporal Merlin German, 20, is a severe burns patient at Brook Army Medical Centre, Texas. Cpl German sustained 98% burns to his body in an IED attack on his Humvee in Iraq. He is pictured excercising for only the second time in his recovery in the rehabilitation gym at Brook Army Medical centre. It is an extremely painful process for Cpl german to excercise, he will repeatedly tear his healing skin as he attempts to rebuild his mobility. He is an example of the kind of patient that would have been unsaveable 5 years ago. The current wave of conflict around the world has seen huge advances in Medical science and a subsequent survival rate which before would have been unthinkable. Corporal German is seen with his mother Lourdes German and Physical Therapist Jessie Norris. Norris is assisted by Physical Therapy assistant John Inzinna. Brooke Army Medical Centre is one of the most advanced facilities in the world for the healing and rehabilitation of amputees and severe burn victims. Photo by Brent Stirton/ Getty Images for Newsweek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158868973-LYI1DBRPB6JNW02ROGRN/SportRehab_004.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869154-D9C354NY0EQVNFKRUEIQ/SportRehab_005.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869110-2UGKCX48PCCNS7BRUUK4/SportRehab_006.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158868996-ZU6IN46VBZX2M385PRJW/SportRehab_007.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869070-ARCZZ48FKCE0PL3CYJXZ/SportRehab_008.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158868985-6RD4FOH2KRHZB92MDDF3/SportRehab_009.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869099-A6AD6FWNUWZ6ACWERAQJ/SportRehab_010.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8 2006: On a painful journey to the Salmon River on a bumpy road, disabled veteran Major Anthony L. Smith, 39, is comforted by his wife Jacqueline Gayden Smith. The couple are part of a group off on a river rafting trip for the next 4 days. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869135-CMDNPJST7EKR2B6730Z4/SportRehab_011.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Disabled veteran Major Anthony L. Smith cracks up his wife and friends with a joke while on a river rafting trip in Idaho. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869075-KFUDB9M7RUANJ675RP5T/SportRehab_012.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8 2006: Double amputee veteran of the Afghan conflict, Andrew W. Soule, 25, passes inbetween a group of young boys on a trip to the Salmon River. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869122-JJ5V9FDSOU7SCAUK1TYH/SportRehab_013.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: A rest stop on the Main Salmon river in Idaho on a river rafting trip for disabled veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts.These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869087-4L47IRG2CMRLKQXOK4SQ/SportRehab_014.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Staff Sergeant Damion Jacobs, 30, examines the stump of his amputated leg after the first stretch of a river rafting trip down the Main Salmon river in Idaho. The wound is still healing and the skin has a tendency to blister and abrade. These images focus on a week in the outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Ketchum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869104-7YYM7H5X60AODSXC99YN/SportRehab_015.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Specialist Andrew W. Soule, 25, a double amputee veteran of the Afghanistan conflict and Erik Schultz, 37, paralysed as result of a skiing accident, take a break in the river while on a river rafting trip on the Main Salmon river in Idaho. These images focus on a week outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, was blown out of his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869093-DWQL0FG57JKPG48K27BF/SportRehab_016.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Specialist Andy Soule, 25, gets into his inflable kayak at the beginning of the day on a 4 day river rafting trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. These images focus on a week outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869116-45R7MAZ6JTGY0WECND2I/SportRehab_017.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Major Anthony L. Smith,39, and Specialist Andew W. Soule, 25, race each other in a burst of exhuberance at the end of the day's rafting on the Main Salmon River. These images focus on a week outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Major Anthony Smith,39, was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869051-AB0A5H98JYONY1OTWFHB/SportRehab_018.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Major Anthony L. Smith paddles through a wall of water using his prosthetic arm to propel the raft throught the water. He is one of three amputee veterans on a river trip down the Salmon River in Idaho. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869008-EQ1DW5VK9X9E8Y3DA5T8/SportRehab_019.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Specialist Andew W. Soule, 25, paddles through rapids as part of a 4 day river rafting trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. These images focus on a week outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869141-0IPIYVXZQSUGV9KXRB4B/SportRehab_020.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Major Anthony Smith, 39, celebrates after a fun swimming race on the Main Salmon river in Idaho. These images focus on a week outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Major Anthony Smith,39, was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Major Smith is now comitted to trying out for the US paraolympic team for 2008. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869021-DKKR46QRX08S90QVARO6/SportRehab_021.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Specialist Andrew W. Soule, 25, uses his hands to make his way back to the boats after viewing Indian cave paintings at a stop along the Main Salmon river. These images focus on an outdoor week with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, is a Specialist who was blown out of his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Ketchum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869063-DSPLA98XPH2LVOVIMYWS/SportRehab_022.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Jacqueline Gayden Smith dresses the wounds of her husband Major Anthony Smith at day end on a river-rafting trip down the Main Salmon River in Idaho. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158868990-C49XCRSCIWJWR49S7FVR/SportRehab_023.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SALMON RIVER IDAHO - AUGUST 8/14 2006: Major Anthony L. Smith, 39, inspects his wounds after his wife Jacqueline Smith cleaned and applied new bandages at the end of the day on a river-rafting trip. The wound is still open and attempting to heal more than two years after the attack. These images focus on a week in the outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Major Anthony Smith,39, was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158868979-M63CTK5FOLZ2AYE7I095/SportRehab_024.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - 8/14 AUGUST 2006: Specialist Andy Soule, 25, learns to ride a horse as part of a series of choices he made as to which sports sorts he wanted to pursue as part of a week of outdoor activity. The programm is run by an organisation called Higher Ground and is done in conjunction with the Veterans Administration and is free to these wounded and disabled servicemen and women. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158868967-FC8JJFRKIU67JFI2X9N1/SportRehab_025.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - 8/14 AUGUST 2006: Specialist Andew W. Soule, 25, looks across at the horse he will be riding from his elevated chair lift position. He is learning how to ride properly as part of a series of sports choices he made for a week of outdoor activity designed as part of his rehabilitation process. These images focus on a week in the outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869128-DE96LG1IB6QVXQEVUZOW/SportRehab_026.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - 8/14 AUGUST 2006: Specialist Andy Soule, 25, learns to ride a horse as part of a series of choices he made as to which sports sorts he wanted to pursue as part of a week of outdoor activity. The programm is run by an organisation called Higher Ground and is done in conjunction with the Veterans Administration and is free to these wounded and disabled servicemen and women. These images focus on a week in the life of three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. The three men are Major Anthony Smith,39, an African American man who was severely wounded in the hip in Iraq while on deployment. He is missing an arm, is recovering from 4 bullet wounds and has only partial use of his right leg and hip after being struck by an RPG. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869167-RD8W1DF07P6C3CDBS2V9/SportRehab_027.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab - Sports Rehabilitation for US veterans - Category 5 (Copy) Sports Rehabilitation for US veterans - Category 5 SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - 8/14 AUGUST 2006: Specialist Andrew W. Soule, 25, takes his horse through a series of training poles in an arena in Sun Valley, Idaho . He is learning how to ride as part of a series of sports choices he made for a week of outdoor activity designed as part of his rehabilitation process. These images focus on a week in the outdoors with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Andy Soule, 25, is a specialist who was blown out os his vehicle by an IED in Afghanistan. Andy is a double above the knee amputee. Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Newsweek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869015-DW69OJ78V4UOMYQTW7LC/SportRehab_028.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869033-C40MRU8ZBARMW5OLHG13/SportRehab_029.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab San Antonio, Texas, 23 August 2006: Specialist Andrew W. Soule, 25, is a double amputee rehabilitation patient at Brooke Army Medical Centre. Soule is pictured using an adaptive handcycle on a bike route around the military base. The bikes are part of a program run by the San Antonio Park's and Recreation department. Spc Soule is a quiet but positive patient and excels at all of the rehabilitative sports programs he takes part in. He lost his legs to an IED explosion in Afghanistan which blew him out of the vehicle and claimed his legs. Brooke Army Medical Centre is one of the most advanced facilities in the world for the healing and rehabilitation of amputees and severe burn victims. Photo by Brent Stirton/ Getty Images for Newsweek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869040-MP6R1PMLZ8ZQWN4VY4KZ/SportRehab_030.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869148-53S7J3PY4L8IHJR4FG63/SportRehab_031.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab SUN VALLEY, IDAHO, 8/14 AUGUST 2006: Marine Staff Sergeant Damion Jacobs, 30, an amputee veteran of the Iraq conflict, paraglides over Sun Valley as part of a week of outdoor therapy. These images focus on a week of outdoor pursuit with three disabled war wounded veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts. Damien Jocobs,30, is a Marine Staff Sergeant with a below the knee amputation as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. Higher Ground is a program run by Sun Valley Adaptive sports in Kethum Idaho. They are an NGO looking to provide a sports based meaningful rehabiliation experience for disabled veterans. The program involved taking the men, all of whom are amputees of sorts, down the Main Salmon River on a 4 day river rafting trip and then offering them the opportunity afterwards to pursue futher sporting intersts such as climbing, parasailing, kayaking and horse-riding. The program also encourages disabled veterans to bring their wives on the program. It is aimed at a healthier and speedier recovery through outdoor recreation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869161-H1DBJ52VBRRSJVOAMLD7/SportRehab_032.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158869057-X0QN3VD45F2W5Y32B0UF/SportRehab_033.jpg Wounded Veterans Sports Rehab https://www.brentstirton.com/pastoralists-in-transition daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844630-MUFD8RN8UKIAEVYNQ8Q5/Pastoralists_001.jpg Pastoralists in Transition RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: An emaciated Samburu Elder pastoralist stands in his burnt-out cattle boma at at time of the worst drought in Kenya for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. It is traditional for the Samburu and other pastoralist groups to burn their bomas if they lose their cattle to disease or drought, it is done as a cathartic excercise to remove the bad luck of the old and hopefully bring about better luck for the future. Many Samburu have lost up to 95% of their herds, making starvation a real threat over the coming months. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026773455-VQ644GLTVE68X5S7YZBS/Pastoralists_022.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989016-Y0D89PLUY9IOUJF6OTDK/Pastoralists_023.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027180784-GY4FWRC8VOMEVZY6F1M8/Pastoralists_041.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: A Belgian Catholic Priest is seen as Dasenetch pastoralists attend a church service at the local Catholic mission church in Ileret, North East Lake Turkana in North Kenya. The priest has been in the area for over 20 years and he and other priests like him have fundamentally changed the lives of many of the local pastoralists. The Dasenetch are moving slowly into a more modern way of thinking, with more focus on education and alternative livelihoods. The presence of various religous groups and churches has had a profound impact on the way that Pastoralists view themselves and their future, changing values and distancing them from many of their traditional ways. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302013-IB77HQ1O6Q6MVHHU79AF/Pastoralists_042.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: Dasenetch pastoralists attend a church service at the local Catholic mission church in Ileret, North East Lake Turkana in North Kenya, 20 May 2010. The Dasenetch are moving slowly into a more modern way of thinking, with more focus on education and alternative livelihoods. The presence of various religous groups and churches has had a profound impact on the way that Pastoralists view themselves and their future, changing values and distancing them from many of their traditional ways. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844813-NCHRWAZPXZV7DMSPM1BM/Pastoralists_002.jpg Pastoralists in Transition RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: Images of a massacre site where the Pokot tribesman came out of the Rift Valley, their traditional area, and attacked a Samburu village over cattle grazing rights in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in the region for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. 25 Samburu men, women and children were killed in the attack, over 50 cattle were shot and over 300 died later in the week from not being able to access grazing land because of the threat of the Pokot. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989501-V55KRO8FZHU4I55D94O8/Pastoralists_024.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301830-X6OB4QZSQGIPAYYFT0LI/Pastoralists_043.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Three elder ladies who are members of "Legion of Mary" in Lowarengak, Turkana, Kenya. Relegion has had a profound effect on the Turkana pastoralists, changing the nature of their belief systems and in some cases, their way of life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844896-2WRONPOH56FK12DYKB8E/Pastoralists_003.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAISAMIS, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: A Kenya Police reservist guards Borana cattle which were raided by Rendille Moran tribesman in retaliation for a huge Boran raid in September 2009, North of Kenya, 27 February 2010. The police are being assisted in this matter by the members of the Melako Conservancy who are formed from the local community and are involved in conservancy and other peace-keeping affairs for the region. A cattle exchange is planned between the Rendille and the Borana which will be mediated by the Melako conservancy comittee and the police. North Kenya is currently undergoing an intense disarmament process in which the Kenyan Army and Administrative Police are trying to disarm the local tribes, mainly the Borana, the Samburu, the Rendille and Somalis, amongst others. This process is controversial as the tribes feel they have to have weapons to protect against cattle raids from the other tribes. This is an age old conflict but the Rendille and Samburu feel especially vulnerable as the Borana exist on both sides of the border region with Kenya and can thus access weapons from their fellow tribesmen on the Ethiopian side. This is also true of the Somalis and as such the Rendille and Samburu feel especially vulnerable. Although weapons have been collected there are many stories of violence by the Kenyan authorities against the tribes in this process, especially against the Samburu and the Rendille. This process has not been helped by the fact that many of the biggest cattle raids in history have been made by the Borana against the Rendille and Samburu in the last year. It looks unlikely that of the 23 000 weapons allegedly in the field only a few hundred have thus far been collected. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989076-1JH26R37GFJAKY4BHSHP/Pastoralists_025.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. One of the young warriors in this ceremony is wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion he speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301770-5OF1WDDI646DEPISURF3/Pastoralists_044.jpg Pastoralists in Transition OLDEREKESI RANCH, MASAAI MARA, FEBRUARY 2010: Masaai children at a boarding school for primary scholars, Olderekesi Ranch, Masaai Mara, Kenya, 19 February 2010. Education for their children, access to medical services and access to water are the three biggest pastoralist concerns today. The pastoralists across Kenya have found themselves at a tipping point, lack of land, overpopulation, pastoralist conflicts, the worst drought in over 100 years and huge subsequent cattle losses have driven the pastoralist tribes of Kenya to a point where change is becoming inevitable. The Masaai Mara has experienced tremendous exploitation by different tourist facilities which are not licensed and standardised. As a result there are too many illegal and unregulated lodges and this is having a drastic effect on the unique wildlife of Kenya as well on the pastoralists who no longer have enough land to maintain their nomadic cattle based lifestyle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844669-S6KDIA1YVVE6SIH2PJWO/Pastoralists_004.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026988990-5GPMQMBTUX32L8EAAJL0/Pastoralists_026.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301961-N9PQ9I1I4UK1JZNYPH7Y/Pastoralists_045.jpg Pastoralists in Transition ORNGAYANET, NAROK SOUTH, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010: Images of a rural Masaai village school in Orngayanet area, Kenya, 22 February, 2010. The main priorities of the Pastorilists around Kenya is access to medical treatment, education for their children and access to water for good grazing. The culture around cattle however means that selling them for money for these purposes is often a reluctant process. As land for grazing diminishes and drough and climate change and overpopulation loom, these practises will have to change if pastoralists are to move into a modern way of life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844648-N8IGE9JSLVZRM3Y5AMUM/Pastoralists_005.jpg Pastoralists in Transition ILERET, LAKE TURKANA, NORTH KENYA, MAY 2010: Dasenetch men who are members of the Kenya Police Reserve on patrol through Dasenetch villages in the Ileret district, Lake Turkana, North Kenya, 23 May 2010. These men are an inadequate defence against cattle raids from the Gabra tribe or other Southern Ethiopian tribes who traditionally make up the enemies of the Dasenetch people. Kenya is currently undergoing a controversial and intense disarmament process in which the Kenyan Army and Administrative Police are trying to disarm the local tribes, mainly the Borana, the Samburu, the Rendille, the Dasenetch, the Gabra, the Turkana as well as the Somalis, amongst others. This process is controversial as the tribes feel they have to have personal weapons to protect against cattle raids from the other tribes. This is an age old conflict. Many Kenya based tribal groups feel especially vulnerable as many other tribes often exist on both sides of the Kenya border regions for Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia and can thus access weapons from their fellow tribesmen across the border despite the disarmament process within Kenya. Although weapons have been collected there are many stories of violence by the Kenyan Security authorities against the pastoralist tribes in this process. This process has not been helped by the fact that some of the biggest cattle raids in history have been made in the last year. It looks unlikely that of the alleged 23 000 weapons allegedly in the field will in actual fact be confiscated. Only a few hundred have thus far been collected and many pastoralists have fled with their weapons or hidden them and endured the brutal search by Kenyan security forces in silence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026988978-7CCVN1JLP20VHVDZGYWJ/Pastoralists_027.jpg Pastoralists in Transition KANGATOSA, TURKANA, KENYA, 11 OCTOBER 2014: Turkana tribeswomen greet each other in the traditional way by touching heads. Many greetings in this tribe are meant to mimic the actions of cattle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302117-XNQYG2470PNW3U8K2TDL/Pastoralists_046.jpg Pastoralists in Transition KALOKOL, TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from Kalokol Girls Primary school where girls do not have access to running water. The girls take it in turns to fetch water daily from a dry river source which sees them exposed to potential danger and taking time off from their studies to walk the two hour round trip it takes them to fetch water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844908-QADWJFCU2IBWN756D6YO/Pastoralists_006.jpg Pastoralists in Transition KOYA, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: Melako Conservancy Scouts patrol Koya, an area which became a vast no mans land after extensive cattle raiding between the Rendille tribe and the Borana tribe, Koya, north Kenya, 28 February 2010. The Rendille ended up moving 42 kilometers away and the Borana also pulled back, leaving a viable pastoral and conservation area deserted and contentious. The Melako Conservancy community group with the help of the Northern Rangelands trust are trying to rehabilitate the area for both Pastoralists and for wildlife tourism. The scouts are appointed by the community and with the help of a few Kenya Administrative Police are trying to secure the area and the wildlife so that people may safely return and invest in the area for both their cattle and tourism returns. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989027-3RNXG60ZJQOS0FWDA05S/Pastoralists_028.jpg Pastoralists in Transition MPIMBWE, WESTERN TANZANIA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion Dancers from the Sakuma tribe perform the story of their lion killing outside a village in rural Mpimbwe, Western Tanzania, October 27, 2012. Lion dancers are men who have killed a lion in defense of their cattle or their village. They are a deeply superstitious people who believe that once they have killed a lion they have to become a lion dancer for 3 to 5 years to avoid going mad. They spend a year or longer preparing with the local witchdoctor and then go from village to village seeing their relatives and dancing while collecting tribute for their bravery. In a time when lion are very scarce in the region, this practice is actively discouraged by conservation organizations and it is slowly dying out. When the dancers appear in the villages, they are often praised and given money, goats and even sometimes a small cow. It is therefore something that some young men aspire to, even going as far as to venture into the local Katavi National Park in pursuit of a lion. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301866-8ST2ZJ9WVYSK9QD27AZX/Pastoralists_047.jpg Pastoralists in Transition KALOKOL, TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Girls study in the dormitory at the Kalokol Girls Primary school where girls do not have access to running water. The girls take it in turns to fetch water daily from a dry river source which sees them exposed to potential danger and taking time off from their studies to walk the two hour round trip it takes them to fetch water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844610-GAAD0CURDZDQFX5SF6MY/Pastoralists_007.jpg Pastoralists in Transition KOYA, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: Rendille Morans dig water for goats and camels in an area designated as sustainable by the Melako Conservancy comittee, Koya, North Kenya, 28 February 2010. The Melako Conservancy is run by the local community with advice from the Northern Rangeland Trust, an NGO which seeks to advise communities on sustainable pastoral practises and ways to leverage wildlife for conservancy and income purposes. In this area they have been instrumental in advising the locals how to graze cattle sustainably in a controlled pattern and keep them out of sensitive wildlife areas so that they can build viable tourism from which the community derives an annual guaranteed income. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989670-K2U3BC59EBNTO8XOWO2H/Pastoralists_029.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: A Dasenetch pastoralist circumcision ceremony in Lake Turkana in North Kenya, 20 May 2010. The Dasenetch are moving slowly into a more modern way of thinking, with more focus on education and alternative livelihoods. They do adhere to certain traditions however and ritualised circumcision is still the most important ceremony in the life of the Dasenetch man. The mixture of western clothing and traditional circumcision rituals is an indicator of a culture in transistion. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301764-CR4QJKFETRDMIZPX9WXP/Pastoralists_048.jpg Pastoralists in Transition ILERET, LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: A Dasenetch pastoralist school in the Ileret district, Lake Turkana, North Kenya, 21 May 2010. Education is new for the Dasenetch and has been embraced over the last 20 years. It is primarily focused on boys, with only one girl in each of the senior classes at Ileret Primary school. This has to do with gender bias, early marriage and bride price. The Dasenetch are still coming to terms with the long term value of education for girls, who are 90% proven to return to their communities with their education and bring value to the community. Boys on the other hand are statistically 90% likely to move to larger centres and thus further erode the traditional way of life of these pastoralist people. There is also very little subsidy for children going on to high school, it costs in the region of $2000 to put a child through high school in Kenya and this is way beyond the financial reach of most pastoralist families. Thus, although their traditional lives are being eroded by globalisation, overpopulation, climate change and other factors, the Dasenetch and other pastoralist groups find themselves ill prepared in terms of education to cope with the transistion in their culture. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844845-SQWM5BI2K3TJEIDD2YYG/Pastoralists_008.jpg Pastoralists in Transition RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: Images of a massacre site where Pokot tribesman came out of the Rift Valley, their traditional area, and attacked a Samburu village over cattle grazing rights in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in the region for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. 25 Samburu men, women and children were killed in the attack, over 50 cattle were shot and over 300 died later in the week from not being able to access grazing land because of the threat of the Pokot. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026988946-VJQM5HY4KJ0N4UHZ30KP/Pastoralists_030.jpg Pastoralists in Transition RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: Controversial Kenyan Administrative Police search for weapons and suspects as they move through a Samburu village in the region of Samburu National Park in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in Kenya for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. 2 days after these pictures were taken, 12 people were killed in this area by the AP's, with claims of political motivations behind the killings. Most of the Samburu cattle have succumbed to the worst drought to hit Kenya in over 100 years and many Samburu now face starvation as a result of their decimated herds being unable to supply a steady food supply for communities. Tensions are high as pastoralists tribes as well as conservationists are all competing for tiny pockets of grazing land. Cattle raiding is commonplace and increasingly armed conflict over grazing rights is becoming the norm. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301922-5QT8IM5ZD77J79S9I4AD/Pastoralists_049.jpg Pastoralists in Transition TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. The Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia is likely to bring the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, sugar cane farms along the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms look likely to severly impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844750-JS9IMDV16ZN0BSTOQ4F4/Pastoralists_009.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989456-SPQVI8T3JAFYOBG5RTEH/Pastoralists_031.jpg Pastoralists in Transition RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: Controversial Kenyan Administrative Police search for weapons and suspects as they move through a Samburu village in the region of Samburu National Park in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in Kenya for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. 2 days after these pictures were taken, 12 people were killed in this area by the AP's, with claims of political motivations behind the killings. Most of the Samburu cattle have succumbed to the worst drought to hit Kenya in over 100 years and many Samburu now face starvation as a result of their decimated herds being unable to supply a steady food supply for communities. Tensions are high as pastoralists tribes as well as conservationists are all competing for tiny pockets of grazing land. Cattle raiding is commonplace and increasingly armed conflict over grazing rights is becoming the norm. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301967-POLIXJLV1B3A6L8DAVC5/Pastoralists_050.jpg Pastoralists in Transition TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. The Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia is likely to bring the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, sugar cane farms along the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms look likely to severly impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844871-1JOEVW5MF40L0VZUF1KU/Pastoralists_010.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026988965-EHO8C3ILTOH20K7ZTWGA/Pastoralists_032.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been moved off their land by Dassanech tribesman who raided their cattle and killed their people, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have in fact come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Turkana land. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is likely to increase as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam comes online next year. This will reduce the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size. This will decimate the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo will fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict will be likely to continue in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, could have a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301956-K66C9NUPFQQ2XJ8CUQTL/Pastoralists_051.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been moved off their land by Dassanech tribesman who raided their cattle and killed their people, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have in fact come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Turkana land. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is likely to increase as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam comes online next year. This will reduce the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size. This will decimate the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo will fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict will be likely to continue in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, could have a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844938-ZNAVZT6MD24U14OFGMKP/Pastoralists_011.jpg Pastoralists in Transition RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: A Samburu elder with the last of his drought-stricken cattle competes with wildlife for grazing in the famous Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in Kenya for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. Conservation areas have had no choice but to come to arrangements with the pastoralists, in this case allowing them to graze their cattle in the reserve for parts of the day, moving them out at night. This has had a negative effect on tourism revenues as well as on conservation priorities in the world's most important wildlife region. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989101-MRDW2B3BYIN565KBTMFY/Pastoralists_033.jpg Pastoralists in Transition DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2008: Images of armed Karo tribesman preparing for clashes with Bume people who have fired on them over a water rights dispute along the Omo river in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2008. The Karo, with a population of about 1000,are a small group of people who live on the east banks of the Omo River. They are surrounded by relatively wealthy and strong groups,in terms of cattle and population size. The Omo river is severely threatened by the Gibe 3 dam project currently under construction by the Ethiopian government for hydro-electric purposes. There has been no environmental assesment study for the dam and it is likely to lower the Omo River level to one fifth of its current flow, thus removing the fertile flood plain utilised by the agro-pastoral tribes of the Omo Valley. The Omo River is also the chief tributary for Kenya's lake Turkana, just over the border, and thus the dam project is also likely to impact all the tribes living on Lake Turkana's shores and increase the conflicts over scarce agricultural and water resources. Karo, whose neighbors especially the Hamar (to the South East ) ,Bana (to the east ),Bashada (to the East ), the Mursi (to the North)and Nyangatom (to the west across the Omo river ) know them by the name Kara,speak a south Omotic language.The main subsistance crops of the Karo are sorghum ,maize and beans .They are supplemented by bee-keeping and more recently fishing.They plant fields using rain,flood retreat and river bank cultivation but the most important source of grain production is river bank farming than the other two which is carried out both along omo river and on the shores of Lake Diba.The Karo used to have big ,magnificient houses when they were rich in cattle but after they have lost their wealth through tsese fly they adopted the much lighter conical huts of the Bume.Every karo family own two houses-the conical shaped Ono which is the principal living room of the family an https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301933-6VASLRT9T5WCJOHH1MSH/Pastoralists_052.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: Dasenetch pastoralist people with their catch of Tilapia fish in Lake Turkana in North Kenya, 20 May 2010. Fishing is a relatively new phenomenon for the Dasenetch, drought and climate change have forced them to look further than cattle for alternative sources of sustenance and economy. Fishing has become the primary means in the Lake Turkana region but has yet to reach any real commercial significance. The lake is the largest desert lake in the world and sustains both Turkana and Dasenetch people as well as Gabra and other tribes in the region. Lake Turkana faces an uncertain future however as the Gibe 3 dam project in Ethiopia, a massive hydro-electric scheme and Ethiopia's biggest single investment, comes on line. The dam project, designed to create electricity for sale to surrounding countries including Kenya, will reduce the flow of the Omo river dramatically and this river is the main feeder river for Lake Turkana. Significant changes in lake levels and in ecology can be expected as a result. Fertile flood plain invaluable for agriculture will also be negatively impacted. All of this bodes badly for the pastoralists of the Lake Turkana and Southern Ethiopia's Omo river region, these groups are already under severe subsistence pressure and there is a long history of armed conflict in the region. Weapons flow in to this region through Sudan and Somalia and there is little control over this trade which looks likely to accelerate if pressures increase in this region. At this time the Dam project has full support from Kenya's Nairobi government, despite the fact that there has been no Environmental Impact Asssesment produced for this scheme. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844506-CG9F6SXY0SCBFT908D7Q/Pastoralists_012.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. Two of the young warriors in this ceremony are wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion they speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989719-0TWXB5BBEF3Y78WBP6P1/Pastoralists_034.jpg Pastoralists in Transition DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of a Karo tribesman clashing with Bume people who have fired on them over a water rights dispute in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. The Karo, with a population of about 1000,are a small group of people who live on the east banks of the Omo River. They are surrounded by relatively wealthy and strong groups,in terms of cattle and population size. Karo, whose neighbors especially the Hamar (to the South East ) ,Bana (to the east ),Bashada (to the East ), the Mursi (to the North)and Nyangatom (to the west across the Omo river ) know them by the name Kara,speak a south Omotic language.The main subsistance crops of the Karo are sorghum ,maize and beans .They are supplemented by bee-keeping and more recently fishing.They plant fields using rain,flood retreat and river bank cultivation but the most important source of grain production is river bank farming than the other two which is carried out both along omo river and on the shores of Lake Diba.The Karo used to have big ,magnificient houses when they were rich in cattle but after they have lost their wealth through tsese fly they adopted the much lighter conical huts of the Bume.Every karo family own two houses-the conical shaped Ono which is the principal living room of the family and the flat roofed Gappa which is the center of several house hold activities.The Karo have Muldas- kind of gate having "Y" shaped wooden posts up on which are placed horizontal wooden pars.There are three settlements in Karo -Dus,Korcho and Labuk. The most striking thing about Karo people's symbolic and ornamental expressions is the painted body and face decorations. This is an elaborate process, which ranges from fine and elaborate details to rough, but striking paintings traced with the palms or fingers. The most beautiful expression is in the facial and chest paintings that combine white (chalk), black (charcoal), yellow, ochre, and red earth. They often imitate the sp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302156-0ZV26YQAAFQBHD3RDM3K/Pastoralists_053.jpg Pastoralists in Transition TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. The Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia is likely to bring the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, sugar cane farms along the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms look likely to severly impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844512-TQSR8GSNH8JMFTG89MY9/Pastoralists_013.jpg Pastoralists in Transition BOR, SOUTH SUDAN, FEBRUARY 2013: Scenes with cattle in the countryside close to Bor, South Sudan, February 7, 2013. Cattle are very highly prized in the economy of South Sudan and are often a part of the price of dowry for a young woman's hand in marriage. This is a long standing part of the economy for families and lends tremendous value to cattle. This often leads men to assume a sense of ownership over the woman. Early marriage is common in Sudan, with girls as young as 12 essentially sold into a life of indentured labour and childbirth. There are moves to change this in the legal system in South Sudan but this fledgling country is struggling with many issues and the fact that early marriage is a long established part of the culture is making this transition in thinking very difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989474-CBLONLQLQ1BZTQRH4O8X/Pastoralists_035.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301889-DBYA33J6CJZAKDKBQW2I/Pastoralists_054.jpg Pastoralists in Transition TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. The Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia is likely to bring the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, sugar cane farms along the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms look likely to severly impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844525-N7QVE4M27SKY5UMENVZ5/Pastoralists_014.jpg Pastoralists in Transition BOR, SOUTH SUDAN, FEBRUARY 2013: Scenes with cattle in the countryside close to Bor, South Sudan, February 7, 2013. Cattle are very highly prized in the economy of South Sudan and are often a part of the price of dowry for a young woman's hand in marriage. This is a long standing part of the economy for families and lends tremendous value to cattle. This often leads men to assume a sense of ownership over the woman. Early marriage is common in Sudan, with girls as young as 12 essentially sold into a life of indentured labour and childbirth. There are moves to change this in the legal system in South Sudan but this fledgling country is struggling with many issues and the fact that early marriage is a long established part of the culture is making this transition in thinking very difficult. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989576-VIIEFM1N5XWPM99H2Z9X/Pastoralists_036.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301905-YEEY7KGE23DA4WI68HRO/Pastoralists_055.jpg Pastoralists in Transition TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Scenes from Longetch fishing village on the shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, the world's largest inland desert lake. This region of the lake is a well know spawning ground and at the heart of fishing commerce for the Turkana. These villagers along with many thousands along the shores of this vast body of water are soley dependent on the lake for their survival. The Turkana are traditionally pastoralists but persistent droughts have decimated their herds to such an extent that for many Turkana fishing is now their main means of subsistence and commerce. The same pattern is emerging for other tribes along the lake shore. Recent dam building in Ethiopia is likely to bring the Omo river to one fifth of its current flow, sugar cane farms along the Omo are already causing tribal movement down to Lake Turkana as pastoralists struggle for grazing and water rights. The Omo river supplies 90% of Lake Turkana's water and these dams and sugar cane farms look likely to severly impact the renewal of the lake's waters. This threatens all the tribes around the lake and makes conflict over diminishing resources ever likely. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844604-NJVIBCWE7G375UX3K7OT/Pastoralists_015.jpg Pastoralists in Transition Young Masai boys guard cattle from lion and other predators https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026988922-L2FLX6LPJX7DRB10L1FP/Pastoralists_037.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302206-PDN7L4QTK3NZ1UJ5P94U/Pastoralists_056.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAISAMIS, MARSABIT SOUTH, NORTH KENYA: Rendille women collect water from a well at the new Manyata Koya, a relocated village which moved 42 kilometers from the original Koya in 1992 due to heavy cattle raiding and fighting with the Borana tribe, North of Kenya, 27 February 2010. North Kenya is currently undergoing an intense disarmament process in which the Kenyan Army and Administrative Police are trying to disarm the local tribes, mainly the Borana, the Samburu, the Rendille and Somalis, amongst others. This process is controversial as the tribes feel they have to have weapons to protect against cattle raids from the other tribes. This is an age old conflict but the Rendille and Samburu feel especially vulnerable as the Borana exist on both sides of the border region with Kenya and can thus access weapons from their fellow tribesmen on the Ethiopian side. This is also true of the Somalis and as such the Rendille and Samburu feel especially vulnerable. Although weapons have been collected there are many stories of violence by the Kenyan authorities against the tribes in this process, especially against the Samburu and the Rendille. This process has not been helped by the fact that many of the biggest cattle raids in history have been made by the Borana against the Rendille and Samburu in the last year. It looks unlikely that of the 23 000 weapons allegedly in the field only a few hundred have thus far been collected. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844782-B7XGK2YAIKJ9UTZ2DJBE/Pastoralists_016.jpg Pastoralists in Transition Flies cover a young boys face in a traditional cattle manyata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989613-W6DD6Z6K99DS8QDT5OPW/Pastoralists_038.jpg Pastoralists in Transition ORNGAYANET, NAROK SOUTH, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010: Beatrice Chebkurui, one of two nurses in a local Masaai village, treats a Masaai child who has Malaria and Pneumonia in her small clinic in Orngayanet, 22 February, 2010, Kenya. This is a private practise and an average treatment costs around 500 Kenyan shillings, around $7. The main priorities of the Pastorilists around Kenya is access to medical treatment, education for their children and access to water for good grazing. The culture around cattle however means that selling them for money for these purposes is often a reluctant process. As land for grazing diminishes and drough and climate change and overpopulation loom, these practises will have to change if pastoralists are to move into a modern way of life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301843-EC0TST59X4VMH4L910JO/Pastoralists_057.jpg Pastoralists in Transition KALOKOL, TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Girls from Kalokol Girls Primary school collect water from a dry river bed as their school does do not have access to running water. The girls take it in turns to fetch water daily from a dry river source which sees them exposed to potential danger and taking time off from their studies to walk the two hour round trip it takes them to fetch water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844839-ZJQP2B5GHONE2VGNP5MO/Pastoralists_017.jpg Pastoralists in Transition Goats being killed by suffocation and then butchered for a coming of age ceremony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989443-LCYJ2A1I6HF4AQCEEGVV/Pastoralists_039.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302083-9F5X5NW3B7NKLCO13CDO/Pastoralists_058.jpg Pastoralists in Transition TURKANA, KENYA, 8 OCTOBER 2014: Boys collect water from a dry river bed to sell it in the nearby town of Karokol, Lake Turkana, Kenya. The water is sold for around 20 Kenyan Shillings for 20 Gallons. The town does not have running water and most water is sourced this way. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844902-61ZJXZK4AGW2LYWFHVCP/Pastoralists_018.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751026989620-1LVBCHJGAO5J3WJ96EZD/Pastoralists_040.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: A mentally handicapped Dasenetch man, Michael, 20, in Lake Turkana North Kenya, 20 May 2010. A lack of any access to medical care resulted in brain damage when Michael was born. It remains an important priority for pastoralist tribes all over Kenya to have access to medical care in their communities in order to secure the well being of their people. The cost of this is driving many pastoralists to abandon traditional cattle practises and adopt other economic pursuits in order to cope with the pressures of their changing lives. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301916-FADGOBI026AJCQQEZEMV/Pastoralists_059.jpg Pastoralists in Transition RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE, KENYA, NOVEMBER 2009: Large flower hothouses close to Mount Kenya which form Kenya's current most important export, North Kenya. These hothouses take an estimated 95% of the water flow of the Ewaso Nyiro river, the only major river in the north of Kenya at a time of the worst drought in Kenya for the last 100 years, 20 November 2009. The drought has brought about increasingly deadly conflict between pastoralists as well as conservationists all competing for grazing land and the small amount of available water. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844807-8UDGQP4C1TESO6QUHNXH/Pastoralists_019.jpg Pastoralists in Transition A young Masai boy heals a burnt hand inside a recently killed goat stomach, a traditional cure amongst Masai. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301814-173HNCPHZDYNVBLY38W0/Pastoralists_060.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been moved off their land by Dassanech tribesman who raided their cattle and killed their people, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have in fact come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Turkana land. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is likely to increase as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam comes online next year. This will reduce the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size. This will decimate the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo will fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict will be likely to continue in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, could have a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844819-8J5RR107HAFTDHE3J3UC/Pastoralists_020.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. One of the young warriors in this ceremony is wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion he speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301900-063WPSUIXTGIP6Q1R6UE/Pastoralists_061.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been moved off their land by Dassanech tribesman who raided their cattle and killed their people, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have in fact come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Turkana land. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is likely to increase as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam comes online next year. This will reduce the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size. This will decimate the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo will fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict will be likely to continue in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, could have a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158844961-6P431MECO1NX7J47Z98X/Pastoralists_021.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOLIONDO, NORTHERN TANZANIA, NOVEMBER 2012: Images from a Masai coming –of-age ceremony in a remote Masai village in Loliondo, Northern Tanzania, 2 November 2012. One of the young warriors in this ceremony is wearing a Lion Mane head-dress from a lion he speared 3 years ago. The Masai have a long history of lion-killing, both as a proving ground for young warriors in their ascent to manhood and also to protect their cattle from lion attacks. This is an illegal activity and 3 years ago a number of young warriors were arrested and jailed for this offence. Illegal lion killing continues amongst the Masai today, but as lion numbers dwindle, this activity is also increasingly rare to find. Conflict between the pastoralist Masai and the lion is an age-old phenomenon. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301803-FXBZUGGW4F39MDYABINM/Pastoralists_062.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Images from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been moved off their land by Dassanech tribesman who raided their cattle and killed their people, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. The Dassenech have in fact come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Turkana land. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is likely to increase as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam comes online next year. This will reduce the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size. This will decimate the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo will fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict will be likely to continue in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, could have a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301989-JHGEIZ8P0M258M9XKMHC/Pastoralists_063.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LOWARENGAK, TURKANA, KENYA, 10 OCTOBER 2014: Village defence man Steven Lajore, 27, is from an internally displaced Turkana community who have been moved off their land by Dassanech tribesman who raided their cattle and killed their people, Turkana, Kenya. These Turkana now practise fishing as opposed to their traditional pastoralism as their main means of subsistence. Steven is seen guarding the boats from Dassanech raids. The Dassenech have in fact come illegally over the Ethiopian border into Turkana land. They were pressured by sugar cane farms on the lower Omo river which is the main tributary for Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. These sugar cane farms robbed the Dassenech of tradional grazing land and water rights and so they moved over the border into Turkana territory and ongoing conflict is the result. This pattern is likely to increase as Ethiopia's Gibe 3 dam comes online next year. This will reduce the flow of the Omo river to one fifth of its current size. This will decimate the fertile flood plain in the region and the tribesmen along the Omo will fight for diminishing resources as a result. This conflict will be likely to continue in Kenya's Turkana region as all around the lake hundreds of thousands of tribespeople will find themselves competing for less and grazing, fishing and clean water sources. A series of droughts have reduced most of these pastoralists to fishing as their chief source of subsistence due to huge cattle and goat deaths. The massively reduced flow of the Omo, source of 90% of Lake Turkana's water, could have a devastating effect on this food and income source. The Ethiopian government has conducted no Environmental Impact Assessment for their dams and has yet to respond to these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for HRW.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302090-18B07451BAOX16WLIBEL/Pastoralists_064.jpg Pastoralists in Transition OLDEREKESI RANCH, MASAAI MARA, FEBRUARY 2010: An age group of Olderekesi community elected Masaai elders discuss the pros and cons of turning away for cattle pastoralism towards wildlife conservation as a primary income source, Olderekesi Ranch, Masaai Mara, Kenya, 19 February 2010. This group is meeting with Calvin Cottar, a white Kenyan who is attempting to deal with the Masaai on this land where he has a safari camp in which he wants to be involved with the local Masaai. If the land is privatised and the Masaai decide to go the wildlife conservation route they will make a guaranteed income from it through Calvin Cottar and other Safari camps on the leased Masaai land. The pastoralists across Kenya have found themselves at a tipping point, lack of land, overpopulation, pastoralist conflicts, the worst drought in over 100 years and huge subsequent cattle losses have driven the pastoralist tribes of Kenya to a point where change is becoming inevitable. The Masaai Mara has experienced tremendous exploitation by different tourist facilities which are not licensed and standardised. As a result there are too many illegal and unregulated lodges and this is having a drastic effect on the unique wildlife of Kenya as well on the pastoralists who no longer have enough land to maintain their nomadic cattle based lifestyle. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302078-JYT07Q9ADH5WW1OSF6RE/Pastoralists_065.jpg Pastoralists in Transition MPIMBWE, WESTERN TANZANIA, OCTOBER 2012: Lion Dancers from the Sakuma tribe perform the story of their lion killing outside a village in rural Mpimbwe, Western Tanzania, October 27, 2012. Lion dancers are men who have killed a lion in defense of their cattle or their village. They are a deeply superstitious people who believe that once they have killed a lion they have to become a lion dancer for 3 to 5 years to avoid going mad. They spend a year or longer preparing with the local witchdoctor and then go from village to village seeing their relatives and dancing while collecting tribute for their bravery. In a time when lion are very scarce in the region, this practice is actively discouraged by conservation organizations and it is slowly dying out. When the dancers appear in the villages, they are often praised and given money, goats and even sometimes a small cow. It is therefore something that some young men aspire to, even going as far as to venture into the local Katavi National Park in pursuit of a lion. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302055-DV4RVFDNVJDMN6ADL41S/Pastoralists_066.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301796-83FMT3D4RHV3IB73ZA87/Pastoralists_067.jpg Pastoralists in Transition MASAAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010. Kenyan men who are former pastoralists now working for an early morning ballon ride service inside the Masaai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, 25 February 2010. Pastoralist throughout Kenya are in transistion, affected by land pressures, drought, insecurity and competition for grazing lands, many are turning towards Kenya's conservation and tourist industry for security and income. Some of that is manifesting in land leasing by various tribes to tourism operators, others are working directly in tourism in the game parks like these three men who are chefs at Governor's Camp in the Masaai Mara Nature conservancy reserve. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302167-0K5G1WGZWROYFZQJ9M92/Pastoralists_068.jpg Pastoralists in Transition MASAAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010. Samson Lenjirr, 41, the AG Chief Game Warden of the Mara Triangle Conservancy Masaai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Lenjirr has been an outspoken critic of the abundance of illegal safari lodges, camps and hotels in the reserve. He has campaigned for a proper land management plan from the Kenyan Government and spoken out fearlessly about corruption and the resulting overcrowding and ecologically unsound practises happening in the Mara today. There are currently 108 tourist operations in the greater Mara area, of which only 29% meet the legal standards to be in business. Lenjirr believes that unless something is done soon, the Mara will reach a tipping point from which there can be no return for arguably the most important wildlife reserve in the world. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302196-DJZXBGLEP7NIU41EAQMM/Pastoralists_069.jpg Pastoralists in Transition KALAMA CONSERVANCY, ISIOLO DISTRICT, NORTH KENYA: Scenes of local Samburu men from the Kalama Conservancy working at exclusive Saruni Lodge in Northern Kenya, 1 March 2010. The lodge has been in existence for two years, the conservancy for six. It is an example of a local community conservancy working with and advocating for viable tourism in an area which previously would have only been used for cattle grazing. In the two years that Saruni has been built, there has been a substantial return of wildlife to the area and the local Kalama community have derived an annual land lease and Park fee payment which has substantially reinforced their commitment to conservation and tourism alongside sustainable pastoralism. All of this has been with the advice and educational training of the Northern Rangeland Trust, an NGO specialising in sustainable pastoralism and wildlife conservation in local communities in the North of Kenya. (Photo by Brent Stirton/ Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302060-3MENMAMXLUG2PVXBM7EW/Pastoralists_070.jpg Pastoralists in Transition ORNGAYANET, NAROK SOUTH, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010: Pastoralist Masaai prepare a field of Maize in Orngayanet, Kenya, 22 February, 2010. Crop cultivation is a relatively new thing for the Masaai, and is a result of living next to other tribes who practise agricultural and have fared better than the Masaai with their cattle in times of drought and disease and shrinking grazing land. There are now large fields of maize under cultivation by the Masaai as some move from pastoralism towards a more stable means of income and subsistence. The main priorities of the Pastorilists around Kenya is access to medical treatment, education for their children and access to water for good grazing. The culture around cattle however means that selling them for money for these purposes is often a reluctant process. As land for grazing diminishes and drough and climate change and overpopulation loom, these practises will have to change if pastoralists are to move into a modern way of life. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302178-CBKXMO0FCS2MS2UT331A/Pastoralists_071.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: Trained Dasenetch pastoralist men sift for hominid fossils at one of the sites of the Ileret Turkana Basin Institute in Lake Turkana in North Kenya, 20 May 2010. The Lake Turkana region is one of the greatest fossil fields in the world and the Institute seeks to employ as many local pastoralist people as it can as a way of translating the value of the area across multiple platforms, from academia, to tourism and local job creation. There are very few employment opportunities in this region and the pastoralist Dasenetch and Turkana people are very enthusiastic about the Institute as a result. There are plans to grow the Turkana Basin Institute significantly into an internationa phenomenon, this may being further jobs to the area for the local pastoralists. Climate change, globalisation, education, drought and overpopulation are just some of the reasons why pastoralist culture in Kenya is changing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302173-VJWZQ1TUWK3E8UX3FXZS/Pastoralists_072.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: Trained Dasenetch pastoralist men sift for hominid fossils at one of the sites of the Ileret Turkana Basin Institute in Lake Turkana in North Kenya, 20 May 2010. The Lake Turkana region is one of the greatest fossil fields in the world and the Institute seeks to employ as many local pastoralist people as it can as a way of translating the value of the area across multiple platforms, from academia, to tourism and local job creation. There are very few employment opportunities in this region and the pastoralist Dasenetch and Turkana people are very enthusiastic about the Institute as a result. There are plans to grow the Turkana Basin Institute significantly into an internationa phenomenon, this may being further jobs to the area for the local pastoralists. Climate change, globalisation, education, drought and overpopulation are just some of the reasons why pastoralist culture in Kenya is changing. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301939-AHATU9JSPDZ0CY2D6FSV/Pastoralists_073.jpg Pastoralists in Transition LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: Yierat Lonyakwanga, 70, a Dasenetch pastoralist sits with 4 of his 6 wives and some of his 43 children in northern Lake Turkana in North Kenya, 22 May 2010. Polygamy has long been a sign of prosperity and prestige for many of the pastoralist tribes of Kenya. This practise however has become far less sustainable as overpopulation has surged and there have been less favourable climate and resultant drought in Kenya. Education as to womans rights as well as basic education is also changing this practise. Yeirat blames the lack of rainfall and increased land pressure on the bloodshed that resulted between the tribes as a result of cattle conflict but in reality it is as a result of the introduction of the AK47 in the region and the continued pressures of climate change, overpopulation and water issues between the competing pastoralist groups. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302111-UV83XIHP1Z8ADUYTR83R/Pastoralists_074.jpg Pastoralists in Transition ORNGAYANET, NAROK SOUTH, KENYA, FEBRUARY 2010: Masaai elders sit outside a bar in a town which has grown up outside one of the gates of the Masaai Mara National Reserve, Orngayanet, 22 February, 2010, Kenya. This is a recent occurence, the elders would previously be found in the village dispensing wisdom and sitting under trees with their cattle in the distance. As their land has shrunk, populations mushroomed, droughts have impacted, the Masaai are increasingly in touch with the western world. A steady erosion of their culture is a result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301944-A7LX4TY9Y6LFS6K8JKBI/Pastoralists_075.jpg Pastoralists in Transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027301819-WVSIDTA3DOKX2K85FUM7/Pastoralists_076.jpg Pastoralists in Transition NAIROBI, KENYA, FEBRRUARY 2010: Urban pastoralist Masaai at Wilson Manyatta, close to Wilson airport, who originally moved to Nairobi 20 years ago from Kajiato district for better grazing and rainfall, Nairobi, Kenya, 26 February 2010. These urban Masaai are experiencing ever increasing land pressure as Nairobi becomes a thriving metropolis where land is more and more valuable. Due to their pastoralist nomadic lifestyle, these Masaai have little claim to land unless they fence it and place permanent structures on the land. Even so, government planning, voracious business models for development and no real political representation mean these Masaai are permanently under threat of removal. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751027302022-644ABPG6DDDK5WBYLO5I/Pastoralists_077.jpg Pastoralists in Transition Kibera Slum outside of Nairobi, one of the largest slums in Africa and a place where many former pastoralists who have made their way to the city now call home. https://www.brentstirton.com/river-blindness-dr-congo daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620103-2L4KQQLCK1Q5QLHDT67L/riverblind_01.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo River Blindness is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions on the African continent. It's caused by parasites inside black flies that live around fast flowing rivers. This makes infection common in the communities that live alongside these rivers. It's a disease that receives little attention from big Pharma. The medicine used to stave off the parasites is Ivermectin, ironically the drug hailed as a possible Covid-19 solution. That false claim actually resulted in less Ivermectin being available for impoverished people affected by parasites. These images try to show people affected by the disease and the work of a small organization called Drugs for Neglected Disease, which tries to conduct clinical trials in remote areas to find drug interventions that big Pharma sees no profit in.First image:BALEKE VILLAGE, BENGAMISA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Pastor Jerome Gendose Kayana, 57, lost his sight to river blindness in 2000. He saw numerous local traditional doctors but ultimately went blind because of a lack of access to western medicine. Jerome says he initially felt suicidal, but his faith helped him to see that this was, “God’s plan for him.” This was a very difficult period, as he had been an avid reader and had only qualified as a priest two months before he lost his sight. Nowadays he actively encourages his congregation to go to Ivermectin distributions, using himself as an example of why this is important. Pastor Jerome condemns other churches who say that this is a western practice and people should only use African medicine. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae ( https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620136-6ES91RYFZETNRYUGY5L0/riverblind_02.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo KISANGANI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: A portrait of a fisherman stretching before he lowers a large wicker fishing net into the rapids outside the city of Kisangani on the Congo River. Fisherman in this region are commonly affected by Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620155-LY0UBY1GBSHYQ50CSSGL/riverblind_03.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo SALABONGO VILLAGE, WANIE RUKULA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Sumbu Ramazani suffers from riverblindness. He has lost the ability to work as a farmer and two of his wives left him as he was unable to provide. He is now largely in the care of his younger brother and lives in a state of extreme poverty as a result of his blindness. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620122-B2X6RQAX57HGW4C02GD4/riverblind_04.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo SALABONGO VILLAGE, WANIE RUKULA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Venance Akolio, 50, used to make a living as a fisherman. His repeated exposure to blackfly bites at the river caused a parasitic worm infection that led to blindness. He is a much-reduced man today, prone to heavy drinking, anger and violence, all prompted by his frustrations and desperation at being blind and unable to work. Ironically, Akolio used to help to distribute Ivermectin, the drug currently prescribed for the parasites that cause river blindness. The damage to his eyes however, continued to progress beyond repair. Akolio’s wife was interviewed and said “this blindness turns women into men,” refering to her added burden of taking over all the work as well as caring for her husband. Akolio’s eldest son has now become his primary guide, sacrificing his education and prospects to assist his father. Akolio talks of suicide, saying it is only his two youngest children who give him reason to live. . There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620162-OXOAV9ANW5LRFGPW4SZC/riverblind_05.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo BAMBANE VILLAGE, BENGAMISA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Ettiene Kasusku, 38, center, has lost most of his sight to river blindness, his eyes irreparably damaged by Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness. This is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. Ettiene’s father Germaine Nduba, seated, is already blind for the same reason and Etienne’s son Marco is susceptible to the disease too. They continue to make a living from fishing, largely by feel, and are thus repeatedly exposed to the bites of black flies. Marco is also their primary guide, thereby robbing him of an education and future prospects. Etienne and his father are fatalisitic, saying they did not know why this was happening and did not have access to healthcare. The current medication for river blindness is Ivermectin and that was only distributed once a year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620147-3D397SCY4RRJS7JL2WB4/riverblind_06.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo KISANGANI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Sudi Sumaili is a traditional medicine doctor in Kisangani. He fraudulently claims to be able to cure River Blindness in a 4-day treatment using secret ingredients diluted in palm oil. A lack of access to appropriate and effective medication is one of the driving reasons for the ongoing issue of River blindness. Uneducated rural people often waste their life savings on traditional doctors who are not equipped to deal with this parasitic infection. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. Access to genuine medicine remains the key issue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620096-QVVTBUFV78NQZGG3SS4A/riverblind_07.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo MASIMANIMBA, KWILU PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Drugs for Neglected Disease doctor Felix Akwaso Massa is DNDI’s primary river blindness investigator for the Masimanimba region. His job is to seek out patients with the parasite and get them into drug trials that aim to arrive at a better solution than the current annual Ivermectin distribution. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620109-V4Z2P8EYHJ6QEE3JDOPU/riverblind_08+copy.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo BALEKE VILLAGE, BENGAMISA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: People gathered for an Ivermectin distribution display classic symptoms for river blindness. “Leopard Skin, “ a mottled lightening of the skin on the shins of the patient is an indicator of parasitic infection. . There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620115-IEZ98SRB1I6GQ8UZ75HI/riverblind_09.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo SALABONGO VILLAGE, WANIE RUKULA DISTRICT, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Drugs for Neglected Disease biologist Dr Sabine Specht works with her Congolese colleagues to examine people for symptoms of river blindness. She is looking for raised skin nodules, usually around the hips, as well as “Leopard Skin, “ a mottled lightening of the skin on the shins of the patient. Dr Specht is involved in ongoing trials for a better medical treatment for the disease. Dr Specht is hoping to arrive at one drug that can treat a variety of parasitic infections. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a filarial disease caused by the parasitic nematode worm Onchocerca volvulus. People are infected by worms transmitted by the bite of blood-sucking blackflies, which breed in fast-flowing rivers. River blindness is not usually fatal, but it inflicts hardship and misery on millions of people. In the human body, the adult worms produce embryonic larvae (microfilariae) that migrate to the skin, eyes and other organs. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158620129-0HIN0FNG433Z94GPMLV5/riverblind_10.jpg River Blindness - DR Congo MASIMANIMBA, KWILU PROVINCE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Drugs for Neglected Disease Dr Felix Akwaso Massa is seen in surgery removing skin nodules containing parasitic worms in the surgical room in the DNDI wing at Masimanimba General Hospital. There is no air-conditioning so he is regularly wiped of sweat by colleagues. Dr Felix is DNDI’s primary investigator for the Masimanimba region. His job is to seek out patients with the parasite and get them into drug trials that aim to arrive at a better solution than the current annual Ivermectin distribution.. The worms can cause severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and blindness or impaired vision. There are 217.5 million people at risk in Sub-Saharan Africa with 19 million currently infected and 1.15 million who are blind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for GEO magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/saving-chimpslwiro-drc daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597303-X79G1O9GMR7MLRZK3PYV/Lwiro_001.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC Democratic Republic of Congo, Bukavu: Virunga National Park pilot Anthony Caere flies two rescued baby chimps to Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation center. These babies are survivors of the illegal bushmeat trade and were rescued by conservation forces. Their mothers were killed and eaten by hunters who tried to sell the babies as pets. Once at the center, the babies will be cared for like human children by keepers in a house, easing their trauma and preparing them to join the other rescued chimps in the santuary. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597508-T13URDBT9CI326Z70415/Lwiro_018.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is one of two women currently running Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house with Itsaso and Lorena, raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597588-8329XWSDMYE0C44LPLKF/Lwiro_019.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is one of two women currently running Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house with Itsaso and Lorena, raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597354-O1POPIYRA8NOIP8YGR61/Anthony.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597457-N19KSIXBI5P39PNUJGFT/Lwiro_020+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is one of two women currently running Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house with Itsaso and Lorena, raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597367-1TLYWRI2BFB3WPQWLWJ2/Lwiro_002.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is one of two women currently running Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house with Itsaso and Lorena, raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597604-JTHTKDSBW59NXXJI7850/Lwiro_021+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued baby chimpanzees Mubaki, Felix and Mara are cared for by Itsazo, the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary, and her new caregiver Flores. When the babies are strong enough and recovered sufficiently from their ordeal, they will be slowly intergrated into the groups of 90 other chimps at the sanctuary. The chimps here are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597527-2FDGTOQK11EI4IXUSTKH/Lwiro_003+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597464-TXZAN2KNE4M325HAIEBO/Lwiro_022+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued baby chimpanzees Mubaki, Felix and Mara are cared for by Itsazo, the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary, and her new caregiver Flores. When the babies are strong enough and recovered sufficiently from their ordeal, they will be slowly intergrated into the groups of 90 other chimps at the sanctuary. The chimps here are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597540-BEUGQB5SRHSN6Z5DDMXC/Lwiro_004.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is one of two women currently running Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house with Itsaso and Lorena, raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597396-D9PW7KSTM3SPEEB3XRWF/Lwiro_023+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued baby chimpanzees Mubaki, Felix and Mara are cared for by Itsazo, the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary, and her new caregiver Flores. When the babies are strong enough and recovered sufficiently from their ordeal, they will be slowly intergrated into the groups of 90 other chimps at the sanctuary. The chimps here are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597501-AHMGKTJ95ZWYWMFI9EZK/Lwiro_005+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597547-I33G2MDXRQZNNV1C291I/Lwiro_024+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued baby chimpanzees Mubaki, Felix and Mara are cared for by Itsazo, the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary, and her new caregiver Flores. When the babies are strong enough and recovered sufficiently from their ordeal, they will be slowly intergrated into the groups of 90 other chimps at the sanctuary. The chimps here are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597638-IF4JXE52HGZI8QKPON9M/Lwiro_006+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597375-CDUC6PSO35OEMXM4GUH1/Lwiro_025.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued baby chimpanzees Mubaki, Felix and Mara are cared for by Itsazo, the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary, and her new caregiver Flores. When the babies are strong enough and recovered sufficiently from their ordeal, they will be slowly intergrated into the groups of 90 other chimps at the sanctuary. The chimps here are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597520-4HW53MU8D2X4CELEUTPV/Lwiro_007+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597422-S5KTX8B0TFPAHYVCA84Y/Lwiro_026.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued baby chimpanzees Mubaki, Felix and Mara are cared for by Itsazo, the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary, and her new caregiver Flores. When the babies are strong enough and recovered sufficiently from their ordeal, they will be slowly intergrated into the groups of 90 other chimps at the sanctuary. The chimps here are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597315-VPYUKTS0ERYDKP6S8S5U/Lwiro_008+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597554-AXTNEX84CFLI258DOZIA/Lwiro_027+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2019: Nina Nturubika, 35, in green scrubs, is a Congolese vet working with the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Flores, in blue, is a recently employed care-giver who is learning to care for traumatized baby chimps that have been rescued. Lina has been with the center since 2014. While not practising her vetenary skills, she is seen looking after recent rescue, Mubaki, who’s name means suffering in Swahili. Mubaki was very close to death when he arrived at the sanctuary, having experienced great trauma and mistreatment at the hand of bushmeat poachers who killed his mother and wanted to sell him. Lina studied in Goma in South Kivu and was wounded in a grenade attack by M23 rebels while she was there. She recovered and is now doing the work she dreamed of. She is very tired however, looking after a baby chimp is a 24 hour experience as they require a similar amount of care to a human baby. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597321-RLFTKLFY9D8M0Q1695XL/Lwiro_009.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597567-WK4NTTYP4WXM0NORZ3FR/Lwiro_028.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2019: Nina Nturubika, 35, in green scrubs, is a Congolese vet working with the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Flores, in blue, is a recently employed care-giver who is learning to care for traumatized baby chimps that have been rescued. Lina has been with the center since 2014. While not practising her vetenary skills, she is seen looking after recent rescue, Mubaki, who’s name means suffering in Swahili. Mubaki was very close to death when he arrived at the sanctuary, having experienced great trauma and mistreatment at the hand of bushmeat poachers who killed his mother and wanted to sell him. Lina studied in Goma in South Kivu and was wounded in a grenade attack by M23 rebels while she was there. She recovered and is now doing the work she dreamed of. She is very tired however, looking after a baby chimp is a 24 hour experience as they require a similar amount of care to a human baby. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597360-Q2Z827XYW34OZF79V1NV/Lwiro_010.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597428-TDPPG7R7FX1SHI2DPSA8/Lwiro_029+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 26 NOVEMBER 2019: Nina Nturubika, 35, in green scrubs, is a Congolese vet working with the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Flores, in blue, is a recently employed care-giver who is learning to care for traumatized baby chimps that have been rescued. Lina has been with the center since 2014. While not practising her vetenary skills, she is seen looking after recent rescue, Mubaki, who’s name means suffering in Swahili. Mubaki was very close to death when he arrived at the sanctuary, having experienced great trauma and mistreatment at the hand of bushmeat poachers who killed his mother and wanted to sell him. Lina studied in Goma in South Kivu and was wounded in a grenade attack by M23 rebels while she was there. She recovered and is now doing the work she dreamed of. She is very tired however, looking after a baby chimp is a 24 hour experience as they require a similar amount of care to a human baby. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597450-1S6K4Z0XBBNE9JLI9QMW/Lwiro_011.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597309-N6Y12AK4WTA44OLKW4PG/Lwiro_030+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Flores runs after Felix, a new baby chimp arrival at Lwiro Chimpanzee center and sanctuary. In the background vet Lina looks after Mubaki and Mara. All three of these babies are recent survivors of the bushmeat trade. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597347-NJRWGN2W0365PQQQAJLA/Lwiro_012+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597560-VDOZSCDGFABF936RM611/Lwiro_031+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Sawari is a keeper for the juvenile chimps at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She lives with the chimps and sleeps in their dormitory with them at night. Sawari was raped 3 times, experieincing horrific treatment at the hands of a Rwandan militia groups, then a Mai Mai group and finally while she was involved in treating child soldiers. She says that she is helping the chimps but they are also helping her. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. Besides Chimps, the sanctuary has many monkeys and baboons as well as parrots. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597334-Q6BAVWZA5RCVGRCWLXEZ/Lwiro_013.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is seen with Luis Flores, a veterinarian for Gorilla Doctors and vets rom the Jane Goodall institute who are learning from Luis. They are performing health checks on Chimpanzees that have been rescued and are now in quarantine at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. Itsazo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. All 93 chimps at Lwiro are rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result, many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597340-B744UE1ESKG1H16V0713/Lwiro_032+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597483-YBY0Y5LHEH6TAOV0A07F/Lwiro_014+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: One of the caregivers at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house and are raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597384-WUMDFLEE3KLMRAPI2FKY/Lwiro_033.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597404-865IB6P7Z4HBNN6PJH63/Lwiro_015+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: One of the caregivers at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house and are raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597514-DSBBL244M4OT2FVUIJYL/Lwiro_034+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597327-2MD3S6M1SHQMAKV4A35K/Lwiro_016+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Caregivers Mireille Midero, 21, at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering after being anesthatized for their comprehensive health check. Both of these young chimps live in the house and are raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597436-S63VRR8285HNH8H6GOBC/Lwiro_035.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597581-8D1WL8HTSKWQYO9BN5FQ/Lwiro_017.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Caregiver Mireille Midero, 21, at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary is seen with two recently rescued baby chimps who are recovering from their ordeal at the hands of poachers. Both of these young chimps live in the house and are raised like children until they can be released into the large sanctuary cages with the other chimps. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597477-A81JHCVD95Y5VHZQ7BCN/Lwiro_036.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597495-IE6IOYQJBGW1JQREWZMF/Lwiro_037.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597489-GBOZY8LURQB3UTLYA6VZ/Lwiro_038.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597391-JDSLD00AEC2KJ65FHGPM/Lwiro_039+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo, the director at the Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue and sanctuary center, introduce two new rescued baby chimps into the juvenile enclosure at the center. Itsazo is careful to introduce the new babies slowly, seperating the large juveniles first and slowly allowing the group to meet the two new arrivals. They will be closely monitored by the keepers who live with the juvenile and baby chimps 24/7 in their enclosure and at night in their night dormitory. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597623-HTSGPEUTSSMYGPLIJVYY/Lwiro_040.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 22 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsaso Velez Del Burgo is the director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. She is seen feeding the chimps in their sleeping quarters after they have come in for the night from their large open enclosures. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597471-PKXF5WBI2FTJ3ZPC0PZU/Lwiro_041+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Itsazo Velez del Burgo, director of Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary helps her keepers feed rescued chimpanzees inside their night dormitories at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. The chimps are fed with rice, fruit, vegetables and a special protein drink. They make fresh nests and sleep under cover every night and then are released into large enclosures during the day. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597575-SV56ZEL4FRI8TEEMJCWI/Lwiro_042.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued chimpanzees inside one of the large day enclosures at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597616-UP9MH7B91O1918OD8I5X/Lwiro_043.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued chimpanzees inside one of the large day enclosures at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597416-A372U7MI5H3BROXCHFQB/Lwiro_044+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued chimpanzees inside one of the large day enclosures at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597630-S6CPRZ3WNPSSV9YUU5Y1/Lwiro_045.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued chimpanzees inside one of the large day enclosures at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597443-Q843ON8MY4LL7AKEJYYD/Lwiro_046.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued chimpanzees inside one of the large day enclosures at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597410-1POQAKARROB7N7EI2XSP/Lwiro_047+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 25 NOVEMBER 2019: Rescued chimpanzees inside one of the large day enclosures at Lwiro Chimpanzee rescue center and sanctuary. These chimps are all rescues and come from the bushmeat trade in DRC after their mothers were killed for bushmeat. The babies are often taken for sale and sometimes for pets. As a result many of these chimps have lived lives of isolation, suffering and cruelty. The sanctuary is a place where they can learn to be chimps for the first time and interact with other chimps. They were brought to the sanctuary after being rescued either by the Congolese Conservation authority or the Lwiro staff. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597533-FYOM0PN65HJGV0SFGLWP/Lwiro_048.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 28 NOVEMBER 2019: Scenes from the Gorilla and Chimpanzee room at the Center for Scientific Research into the Natural Sciences, Lwiro. This center was opened by the Belgians and has remained largely unchanged since the nineteen fifties. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158597596-PM9OVAAB9JG80CWVCM4N/Lwiro_049+%281%29.jpg Saving Chimps-Lwiro DRC LWIRO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 28 NOVEMBER 2019: Scenes from the Gorilla and Chimpanzee room at the Center for Scientific Research into the Natural Sciences, Lwiro. This center was opened by the Belgians and has remained largely unchanged since the nineteen fifties. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images for National Geographic Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/portraits-with-the-blind daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699535-ACH9TQISKXA8RZQ4GCLB/_DSF0764.jpg Portraits with the Blind TARAPOTO, PERU, AUGUST 2017: Portraits of patients at a SEE International Eye camp in the Peruvian town of Tarapoto. SEE offers free eye surgery to poor communitie around the world who cannot afford or access eye care any other way. SEE relies on donations to make this happen. In this camp, volunteer doctors from India, the USA and Peru performed over 100 surgeries on people who came in from over 5 hours away. Cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure to perform that takes ten minues. Those ten minutes are life changing for most of the people who can access it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim Agency) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699541-QP2LDV38G2A0HXRE173G/Blindportraits_002.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699408-N20J2A8URWMEUFSE6VAS/Blindportraits_023.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699451-CAEKGH37X32D0PMZGREX/Blindportraits_012.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699564-LXS5NGHT0FS7RDG4FRQW/BlindOMo.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699511-5SCF0FVI57NUD2CKDNW4/_DSF0391.jpg Portraits with the Blind Jose Rosas Vallalobos, 56, started losing his sight after a car accident, a trauma for which he was never treated. He also developed cataracts in both eyes that have caused him to lose further vision until he was completely blind. Jose has a large family that depend on him for their survival. He bought a home for which he paid off half and then intended to work off the other half in his small coffee plantation. His complete blindness has prevented him from doing so and his children and his wife now work the plantation in an effort to stave off their creditors. Jose feels a deep shame about this, he regrets he is not able to contribute to his family and feels he is a burden. His wife also has to guide him everywhere and in all things, he feels terrible about this. Two of Jose’s children, Wilder, 19, and Maria, 21, are also legally blind. Both have detached retinas and cataracts. A Peruvian doctor visited this family in their home town while canvassing for a blindness camp, she told the family that they should come to Tarapoto, a town three hours away for a SEE International eye camp where they can receive free surgery for their cataracts. Jose and his family came to the camp. Unfortunately, both the children were not eligible for surgery as their eyes were diagnosed as beyond help. If they had come to surgery sooner, it is possible they could have been helped. This is typical of people in rural areas with no access to eye care and illustrates to importance of immediate action if at all possible. Jose was diagnosed as having a very slim chance for any sight recovery after surgery, due to the advanced age of his cataracts and subsequent potential nerve damage. His sister was told that she had the best chance but that it would not be more than ten percent of sight, enough to be independent at least. After a difficult surgery on Jose, Dr Preeti Shah, a SEE doctor from India, was able to install a new lens in one eye and Jose’s recovery has been far better than expect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699433-FGF8QRP1KCABRFLI3A1M/Blindportraits_022.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699486-EPV2HM0ONFISRMHWTBVX/Blindportraits_008.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699528-4RGWIVKZ7PNP70FHKUJ2/Blindportraits_015.jpg Portraits with the Blind VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, HALDIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, JANUARY 14, 2016: A young boy with severely impaired vision seen in the hostel residence of the Vivekananda Mission Asram school for the blind. This is the highest rated school for blind children in India, the country with the highest number of blind people, arond 1% of their population, approximately 12 million people. Vivekanda Mission Asram provides care to some of the poorest of blind children, providing them with an education and tools for life survival once they leave the Asram after graduating. The children learn a normal school curiculum through braile and a team of dedicated teachers. Vocationa training is also available at the Asram in weaving, candle making amongst other skills that can add meaning to a blind life in India. Most of the blind in India end up as beggars, this school offers students a chance to be more than that. A number of their students have gone on to become senior teachers for sighted pupils, lawyers and business people. In these images the boys and girls are seen attending school lessons, learning Braille, music as well as scenes from their hostel residence and sports activities. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699468-CYT9JT86GFYPM85LI11V/IndiaBlindA_0154-2.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699427-73T12LPARG9S2BRVZ75D/Blindportraits_024.jpg Portraits with the Blind OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 1 NOVEMBER 2015: A blind Damara Nama woman, Theresa Tsamasas, 85, is seen waiting to be screened after arriving from Okombei, a location over 100 kilometers away, at Omaruru District Hospital, Namibia. Theresa lost one eye to a stick when she was a child and now fears for her future as she has lost her only sighted eye to a mature cataract. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. They are often the result of donor efforts to make the surgery and lenses possible for impoverished communities. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699446-83SLKPE8HVE3WSWPK6IS/BlindOmo2.jpg Portraits with the Blind LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699388-LZMM7FW6NV5EB9W4OOYV/Blindportraits_026.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699369-QUD2M5N4VVITVS8HDEPV/Blindportraits_028.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699557-LLF4K6V59WLEMHNGHU4P/_DSF0669.jpg Portraits with the Blind TARAPOTO, PERU, AUGUST 2017: Portraits of patients at a SEE International Eye camp in the Peruvian town of Tarapoto. SEE offers free eye surgery to poor communitie around the world who cannot afford or access eye care any other way. SEE relies on donations to make this happen. In this camp, volunteer doctors from India, the USA and Peru performed over 100 surgeries on people who came in from over 5 hours away. Cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure to perform that takes ten minues. Those ten minutes are life changing for most of the people who can access it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim Agency) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699571-SWE6MZ557YBT9JZP221M/Blindportraits_029.jpg Portraits with the Blind SHRI BHOJAY SARVODAYA EYE HOSPITAL, BHUJ, KUTCH, INDIA, JULY 22 2015: Blind girl Zanvita Rang, 4 yrs, is seen at the Shri Bhojay Sarvodaya Eye hospital, where her parents have broght her for a blindness clinic. She was born with her eye condition. Dr Janak Shah is an accomplished and prolific eye surgeon who volunteers his services to the global poor via SEE International, an NGO with a focus on curing blindness. He and his wife Preeti are seen examining and performing eye surgery at the Shri Bhojay Sarvodaya Eye hospital close to the India Pakistan border. This is a new hospital that offers modern facilities to SEE where Janak can run a blindness camp as well as perform the surgeries required. Janak graduated from the University of Bombay in 1991, and completed his residency in ophthalmology in 1996. He’s been volunteering with SEE International as an eye surgeon since 1996, and in 2013, passed the milestone of 100 SEE expeditions. He is SEE’s most prolific doctor and has worked in places like the Peruvian Jungle, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Mongolia, China, Brazil and many other remote locations. He has worked all over India and has performed thousands of eye surgeries, addressing every kind of illness. Janak is a proud adherent of the Jainism religion; he is a strong believer in their religious tenants of mankind being one. Janak often works with his wife Preeti, herself a talented eye surgeon. Together they are a formidable force and can work quickly on a multitude of surgeries in a single day. They have two daughters, one of 11 and the other 15. Both girls often travel with their parents on their volunteer trips for SEE and actively assistant in patient diagnosis as well as assisting their parents in surgery. Janak and Preeti both believe this gives the girls a real perspective on their place in the world and helps to bind them as a family unit. The Shahs live in Mumbai, India and run a successful eye surgery practice when they are not volunteering for SEE Interna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699421-M8LBFEYEE0XFWL4URUYD/_DSF0708.jpg Portraits with the Blind TARAPOTO, PERU, AUGUST 2017: Portraits of patients at a SEE International Eye camp in the Peruvian town of Tarapoto. SEE offers free eye surgery to poor communitie around the world who cannot afford or access eye care any other way. SEE relies on donations to make this happen. In this camp, volunteer doctors from India, the USA and Peru performed over 100 surgeries on people who came in from over 5 hours away. Cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure to perform that takes ten minues. Those ten minutes are life changing for most of the people who can access it. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Verbatim Agency) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699480-FQ13SHDS5TE6VYQTW90B/Blindportraits_035.jpg Portraits with the Blind PHILADELPHIA, USA, 13TH MARCH 2016: Christian Guardino, 16, was legally blind and now sees well enough to read thanks to Gene therapy treatment that corrected his Laber’s Congenital Amaurosis syndrome. Christian began Gene Therapy at the age of 12 under Dr Jean Bennet at Children’s hospital of Philadelphia. Shortly after the therapy began he was able to identify patterns of carpets he never saw before and his night sight improved dramatically. His mother Elizabeth Guardino says that he always needed help to move around before and the use of a cane. This is no longer necessary. Christian is a singer and won the Amateur night at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. He is able to read his lyrics nowadays rather than relying entirely on memory. Christian remembers seeing the moon for the first time, a moment he calls pivotal. He is seen with his friends, learning lyrics in his bedroom and kitchen and at the Apollo theatre. Christian sings all the time and says that the best thing about his new sight is being able to spend time with his friends without restriction. His next wish is to be able to drive, his sight is currently around 20/50 and that may not be an impossible goal if his sight continues to improve. The Gene therapy targets a missing RP65 Gene, which was first identified in 1997. People with this issue cannot see because they lack an enzyme that breaks down Vitamin A and without that their nerve cells cannot capture light. The missing gene is delivered to the eye cells in people with inherited genetic disease and the chemical pathway is then corrected. Surgery uses a gene therapy vector virus to deliver the treatment. The surgeon places this in contact with the affected cells and injects under the retina. The cells first absorb the virus, and then the missing gene then starts to be produced by the body. Patients who have experienced this therapy say they have gone from dependence to independence; most can read and go about daily lives with ease af https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699355-VJSS6Q21L96NVYTIO1VR/Blindportraits_001.jpg Portraits with the Blind OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 5 November 2015: Gerd Gamanab, 67, is a completely sightless man hoping for a miracle at a blindness camp in Omaruru District hospital in Namibia. He lost his sight to 50 years of farm labour in the Namibian sun and dust, which destroyed both of his corneas. This kind of blindness is the result of living in remote locations with prolonged exposure to fierce elements and no eye care anywhere nearby. A lack of education as to what was happening to his eyes also allowed this to occur. These camps are held all over Namibia and cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicant are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699522-UETYWX9KTO2ZWTKEKW7Y/IndiaBlindA_0146-2.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699349-9DRBLLSEXSCM24OD4X2S/Blindportraits_003.jpg Portraits with the Blind HANOI, VIETNAM, OCTOBER 2011: Pham, 32, a man born without eyes due to Agent Orange contamination which affected his father while he fought as a soldier in the Vietnam war, Hanoi, Vietnam, October 10, 2011. (Photo by Brent Stirton.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699381-XNOQ29SDD0GUXTXN1TJ7/Blindportraits_005.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699499-OLNW8ZKXZ33S9JCY7C9E/Blindportraits_009.jpg Portraits with the Blind LAKE TURKANA, NORTHERN KENYA, MAY 2010: A mentally handicapped and blind Dasenetch man, Michael, 20, in Lake Turkana North Kenya, 20 May 2010. A lack of access to proper medical care resulted in brain damage when Michael was born. His mother says he was sighted until he was 12 but lost the ability to see. This has made him a burden in his community and totally reliant on others. It remains an important priority for pastoralist tribes all over Kenya to have access to medical care in their communities in order to secure the well being of their people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699462-W5D4YV9WH5D30CQU9XUT/Blindportraits_021.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699516-PMBCA9ZF9TBC6WUVM4KF/Blindportraits_017.jpg Portraits with the Blind VIVEKANANDA MISSION ASRAM, WEST BENGAL, INDIA, 14 JANUARY 2016: Annya Polley, 15, has been a pupil at the Vivekananda Mission Asram School for the blind for two year. She lives at the school residence and says that she attends Vivekananda because her previous school could not cater for her blindness and she was neglected. This is often the case for children around the world who live with severely impaired vision. Vivekananda is regarded as one the best schools of its kind in India but there is shortage of these facilities in a country with the largest numbers of blind people. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699402-5TL8QOL68D1QH6NDCX1J/Blindportraits_025.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699505-101Q74DIOPI9OO2J86S4/Blindportraits_006.jpg Portraits with the Blind ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, 1 March 2016: When Dan Bigley was 25 he lost life as he knew when a bear mauled him, leaving his face ruined and his eyes blind after the incident. After relearning everything from how to match his socks to how to make a living, Dan earned a masters degree in social work, got married and became a father to two children. He currently works with youth in need in Anchorage, Alaska. Medical science is moving forward at a rapid pace when it comes to rebuilding aspects of the cell building blocks that make up our organs. There is speculation within the industry that one day whole eye replacement may become a possibility. Dan would be the perfect candidate for that, as would children and veterans who lose their sight in combat. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699457-ZVHSUYKUZ7MNMN767QL0/Blindportraits_027.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699415-5Q2JRNQW751O6JVF1Y73/Blindportraits_031.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699396-EJ8WUAQEK2E5TF1TQWER/Blindportraits_034.jpg Portraits with the Blind OMARURU, NAMIBIA, 4 November 2015: An Herero woman waits for her bandages to be removed after undergoing cataract surgery the previous day at Omaruru District Hospital. Most of the people who undergo this kind of eye surgery will recover a degree of sight that has been lost to them for a few years, they are grateful for the opportunity to see again. These camps are held all over Namibia and subsidized by a mix of government funding and donor equipment. They tend to cater to sections of the population that do not receive regular eye care, mostly as a result of poverty. The applicants are screened and if the diagnosis is a mature cataract, they are selected as candidates for a simple operation which in fifteen minutes lends signicant sight to their world. The cataract is removed by a surgical vacuum and a new lens in inserted. Bandages are removed the next day and in most cases a real improvement in vision is the result. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699549-APYXHQJJ69W1IJINXI28/Blindportraits_037.jpg Portraits with the Blind ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDIA, USA, 21 MARCH 2016: Marine Cpl. Michael Jernigan was five weeks from leaving Iraq when an improvised explosive device mangled his right hand and left knee, shattered his entire forehead, destroyed both eyes and left him with a traumatic brain injury. The shrapnel from two rigged 105 shells blew him twenty meters out of the gun turret of the Humvee he was in, passing straight through his right eye and out of his left. This was on August 22, 2004. He became the first US serviceman to lose both eyes in combat in Iraq. Michael underwent 30 surgeries over 12 months enduring tremendous pain and trauma. He eventually had a Bilateral Anucleation where the remains of both eyes were removed and spacers were implanted. One of his optical nerves is badly damaged, the other remains intact. He has no sight whatsoever. Michael is seen in his hometown of St Petersburg, Florida with his new Guide dog “Treasure.” Mike was initially paired up with a guide dog from Southeastern Guide dogs in Florida and became involved with that organization. He helped start the Paws for Patriots non-profit program through the Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto as well as the Paws for Independence. Today he is the associate director of philanthropy for Southeastern Guide dogs and lives in St Petersburg, Florida, where he grew up. His mission is to provide guide dogs to veterans who have lost their sight in the course of their duties. Michael has also completed a college degree and is a regular speaker on behalf of US veterans. The currents state of research in Blindness is moving forward at a rapid pace. Retinal implants combined with Stem Cell technology and Gene Therapy, the future may well offer whole eye replacement, a dream for many in the world of blindness. Michael remains philosophical about this. “I have been blind for 11 and a half years now. I’m okay with being blind, Organ regeneration was once Star-Trek stuff but I know that these days they are moving ahea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699362-M18FNC7FNB31V6TX8U12/Blindportraits_007.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699440-9TUHVO5JT8OCJHXXWEQV/Blindportraits_010.jpg Portraits with the Blind JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2009: A blind Zimbabwean refugee photographed in slum dwellings in inner city Johannesburg, South Africa. Most of the blind are in South Africa illegally and lack official papers and ID documents which might help them to apply for limited charity. This man was part of a group of over 20 blind people who made the journey with the help of two sighted people. They say they fled a complete lack of economic opportunity in Zimbabwe's failed state and had no choice but to come to South Africa to survive. They could no longer beg for their survival in Zimbabwe as people simply no longer have anything to give. As a result many of these blind people have made long journeys with their guides, families or by relying on the kindness of strangers. They crossed the Limpopo River to avoid the border authorities and lived in the bush for many weeks before being able to organise a ride by train or bus down to Johannesburg. All of this they did for the opportunity to beg in a more affluent economy. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699474-GKG15PC269G38HP9YWW3/Blindportraits_013.jpg Portraits with the Blind Blind Albino Boys - Vivekananda Mission School for the Blind - India, West Bengal, September 19, 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158699492-F8G4HB7NGGLSUST0VMPL/Blindportraits_014.jpg Portraits with the Blind https://www.brentstirton.com/glimpses-of-the-navajo daily 0.75 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646474-NSOSLK9V3XDIQDAUZJ6M/NavajoEDITOrial+_001.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Jones Benally, a famous medicine man, dances the Navajo Hoop dance in a small canyon in the badlands of Cameron, Arizona. The hoop dance is traditionally performed at the end of a grueling nine day ceremony and is a form of storytelling dance representing various animals, symbols and storytelling elements, all representing the never ending circle of life for the Navajo. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646580-QT1W4XORQ5CNXZS0TXZS/NavajoEDITOrial+_006.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 14 APRIL 2014: Jones Benally, a renowned Medicine Man of the Navajo Indian Tribe, performs an ancient traditonal body adjustment treatment on a patient at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona. This treatment outdates Chiropractics by many centuries yet there is a battle within the Navajo nation between traditionalists who want to keep these ancient practices alive and christian Navajos who believe these traditional practices to be unchristian. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646494-UO91PFTPE0IIFXID5UEM/NavajoEDITOrial+_007.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOWROCK, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: Scenes from a rodeo event in the Navajo capital WindowRock, Arizona. There were not many Navajo competing but Rodeo is considered a tradtional sport by the Navajo Nation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646595-EOT4D6E0C2B0S10O3YQ1/NavajoEDITOrial+_012.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOWROCK, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: A young fan at the start of a rodeo event in the Navajo capital WindowRock, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646387-R37JQQIC0RUQO4P8TINY/NavajoEDITOrial+_013.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Scenes from a Navajo sweat lodge and pipe smoking ceremony, Pinon, Arizona. The sweat lodge is a purification ritual involving hot rocks and sage, as well as drumming and chanting. The Pipe smoking ceremony is a giving of thanks for the four seasons and their role in nature. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646320-KSVNCBWO8WISZP00S14E/NavajoEDITOrial+_031.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo TUBA CITY, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Virgil Frank Martinez Jr, 22, seen on the outskirts of Tuba City in a poor part of the town. Tattoos are common on Navajo youth and do not necessarily suggest gang affiliations. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646567-JAZTLJM6M8CNS0DJZ0JF/NavajoEDITOrial+_032.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 11 APRIL 2014: Navajo EMT emergency workers attend to a man who was assaulted by his brother in WindowRock, Arizona. both were intoxicated at the time, alcohol is illegal on the Navajo reservation but is the chief cause of violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646547-PLID2PKX77AIZ4I7672R/NavajoEDITOrial+_067.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are mostly of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646487-ZL9VILEYU6GUZR88VPCV/NavajoEDITOrial+_068.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are mostly of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646764-H6ND965S5UK83202OZNQ/NavajoEDITOrial+_070.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646368-ATC80Z9DEQMKLJ2JFRMJ/NavajoEDITOrial+_072.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646481-65Q4XC69QT0ZN299B2MP/NavajoEDITOrial+_073.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646711-DTRKR0EI2KPO2E06R2SC/NavajoEDITOrial+_075.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646420-LYL3XMCYHA2IXP672WDC/NavajoEDITOrial+_002.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646393-WLIDHXPBMLQ50UDS51Z3/NavajoEDITOrial+_008.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOWROCK, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: Scenes from a rodeo event in the Navajo capital WindowRock, Arizona. There were not many Navajo competing but Rodeo is considered a tradtional sport by the Navajo Nation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646438-9DA1QU9Y8HMI8OMTMO6L/NavajoEDITOrial+_014.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Scenes from a Navajo sweat lodge and pipe smoking ceremony, Pinon, Arizona. The sweat lodge is a purification ritual involving hot rocks and sage, as well as drumming and chanting. The Pipe smoking ceremony is a giving of thanks for the four seasons and their role in nature. This ceremony is not part of traditional Navajo cultural practises but was co-opted from the Navajo relationship with the Lakota tribe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646698-7FQABX9ZAXAQO1PU9NWC/NavajoEDITOrial+_033.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 11 APRIL 2014: Navajo EMT emergency workers attend to a man who was assaulted by his brother in WindowRock, Arizona. both were intoxicated at the time, alcohol is illegal on the Navajo reservation but is the chief cause of violence. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646407-56VHK1YCSNGKIYTP6HGU/NavajoEDITOrial+_069.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Four generations of Navajo male dancers are seen at a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. The dancers at this Pow Wow come from all over America. Their costumes are not traditional however and these bright, modern manifestations have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. This is also seen in the appropriation of certains ceremonies for other Indian nations. This is worrisome for the traditionalists who want to maintain authenticity in the Navajo Culture. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646654-10VPWCMRMLXX4W7XLN9S/NavajoEDITOrial+_071.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646501-T3NJDFCL8LBD3MQ7SVY7/NavajoEDITOrial+_074.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646314-TIAIUFOB3QCSWYAUOIY9/NavajoEDITOrial+_076.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646724-MEI3090DM8ZP495QMZJN/NavajoEDITOrial+_003.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Jones Benally, a famous medicine man, dances the Navajo Hoop dance in a small canyon in the badlands of Cameron, Arizona. The hoop dance is traditionally performed at the end of a grueling nine day ceremony and is a form of storytelling dance representing various animals, symbols and storytelling elements, all representing the never ending circle of life for the Navajo. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646521-6PR2CEVUS4KWTP7ZP3UP/NavajoEDITOrial+_009.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo TSAILE, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: The Dine College Rodeo team at practise, Tsaile Arizona. Dine College is the first tribally controlled college in the United States. Their educational philosophy is grounded in the traditional Navajo outlook on life and in cultural traditions. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646554-XS3LVO6TVCHZ7FQ5AFCK/NavajoEDITOrial+_015.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Scenes from a Navajo sweat lodge and pipe smoking ceremony, Pinon, Arizona. The sweat lodge is a purification ritual involving hot rocks and sage, as well as drumming and chanting. The Pipe smoking ceremony is a giving of thanks for the four seasons and their role in nature. This ceremony is not part of traditional Navajo cultural practises but was co-opted from the Navajo relationship with the Lakota tribe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646739-Q7WIT2SKX6N5Y9A594PZ/NavajoEDITOrial+_034.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo SHIPROCK, ARIZONA, 17 APRIL 2014: The Red Eagle Challenge at the Northern Navajo Medical Center for Health Promotion and Disease prevention, Shiprock, Arizona. This is a team-building, leadership excercise for Navajo Youth. Many of the students in this class are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction and this course is one of the few available to Navajo Youth who struggle with these issues. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646666-1CUFQRHESD24GCY0J1VD/NavajoEDITOrial+_004.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 7 APRIL 2014: Jones Benalli, a traditional medicine man of the Navajo tribe, seen with ceremonial bowls teaching his grand-daughters the secrets of traditional Navajo medicine, Flagstaff, Arizona, 7 April 2014. The bowls represent the heart of the Navajo spiritual world. Jones is seen with a sacred mountain behind him, a mountain that has been the center of a court case as a local ski lodge has been using recycled sewerage water to manufacture the snow which is spread over this sacred Navajo site. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646622-TN0XRQMXAAC472N9JNAS/NavajoEDITOrial+_010.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo TSAILE, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: The Dine College Rodeo team at practise, Tsaile Arizona. Dine College is the first tribally controlled college in the United States. Their educational philosophy is grounded in the traditional Navajo outlook on life and in cultural traditions. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646356-DNBNW6VRMC822S0Z2OOQ/NavajoEDITOrial+_016.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Scenes from a Navajo sweat lodge and pipe smoking ceremony, Pinon, Arizona. The sweat lodge is a purification ritual involving hot rocks and sage, as well as drumming and chanting. The Pipe smoking ceremony is a giving of thanks for the four seasons and their role in nature. This ceremony is not part of traditional Navajo cultural practises but was co-opted from the Navajo relationship with the Lakota tribe. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646561-O7ORZ51V09EJ0ESTA15K/NavajoEDITOrial+_035.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo LEUPP, ARIZONA, 14 APRIL 2014: Kids from the progressive Star charter school in Leupp Arizona attend an assembly on Monday at which all the children and staff shake hands with each other without exception. The Star school runs completely off the grid and has a Montessori style teaching schedule with a strong emphasis on Navajo Cultural values. The school has a very high success rate with its students with a 71% graduation rate compared to only 1% for Native pupils at Arizona state schools. Despite this, there is a movement to close Native schools in Arizona due to an unfair ratings system which does not take into account reservation issues and Navajo based teaching techniques. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646344-LNNBL6ZZ9I38W505OYWA/NavajoEDITOrial+_005.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 14 APRIL 2014: Jones Benally, a renowned Medicine Man of the Navajo Indian Tribe, performs an ancient traditonal body adjustment treatment on a patient at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona. This treatment outdates Chiropractics by many centuries yet there is a battle within the Navajo nation between traditionalists who want to keep these ancient practices alive and christian Navajos who believe these traditional practices to be unchristian. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646777-1Z0UYARZ46LKWL0KYYEV/NavajoEDITOrial+_011.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOWROCK, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: A young fan at the start of a rodeo event in the Navajo capital WindowRock, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646648-0SIO4OPR7ITD8D0G2Y7S/NavajoEDITOrial+_017.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Scenes from a Navajo sweat lodge and pipe smoking ceremony, Pinon, Arizona. The sweat lodge is a purification ritual involving hot rocks and sage, as well as drumming and chanting. The Pipe smoking ceremony is a giving of thanks for the four seasons and their role in nature. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646432-EYFFWLI6IY4AHS9DOAZT/NavajoEDITOrial+_036.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo LEUPP, ARIZONA, 14 APRIL 2014: A teacher comforts an upset child as kids from the progressive Star charter school in Leupp Arizona attend an assembly on Monday at which all the children and staff shake hands with each other without exception. The Star school runs completely off the grid and has a Montessori style teaching schedule with a strong emphasis on Navajo Cultural values. The school has a very high success rate with its students with a 71% graduation rate compared to only 1% for Native pupils at Arizona state schools. Despite this, there is a movement to close Native schools in Arizona due to an unfair ratings system which does not take into account reservation issues and Navajo based teaching techniques. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646745-163EGVE8OBHM0ASHJJ96/NavajoEDITOrial+_018.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Children play on a horse training farm close to the economically depressed area of Pinon, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646527-PHBLEOXLCGUU1HU4SCKW/NavajoEDITOrial+_037.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo LEUP, ARIZONA, 10 APRIL 2014: Kids from the progressive Star charter school in Leup Arizona attend communal agriculture classes at the Leup Communal farm. The Star school runs completely off the grid and has a Montessori style teaching schedule with a strong emphasis on Navajo Cultural values. The school has a very high success rate with its students with a 71% graduation rate compared to only 1% for Native pupils at Arizona state schools. Despite this, there is a movement to close Native schools in Arizona due to an unfair ratings system which does not take into account reservation issues and Navajo based teaching techniques. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646413-M1Z500Q6JCD0SF4F0UMU/NavajoEDITOrial+_019.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Children play on a horse training farm close to the economically depressed area of Pinon, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646679-0RE7L1UOK9XRCDW0B0WD/NavajoEDITOrial+_038.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo LEUP, ARIZONA, 10 APRIL 2014: Kids from the progressive Star charter school in Leup Arizona attend communal agriculture classes at the Leup Communal farm. The Star school runs completely off the grid and has a Montessori style teaching schedule with a strong emphasis on Navajo Cultural values. The school has a very high success rate with its students with a 71% graduation rate compared to only 1% for Native pupils at Arizona state schools. Despite this, there is a movement to close Native schools in Arizona due to an unfair ratings system which does not take into account reservation issues and Navajo based teaching techniques. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646574-1IPOEY8LG2BKUEOHEQC5/NavajoEDITOrial+_020.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Children play on a horse training farm close to the economically depressed area of Pinon, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646628-ZUZU73KK1L4046RN101G/NavajoEDITOrial+_039.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 11 APRIL 2014: Valuable vintage American muscle cars lie rusting in a yard in the economically deprived Navajo Capital of WindowRock, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646608-XDCO1MW8FJLIIYBUJVHD/NavajoEDITOrial+_021.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 7 APRIL 2014: "M.T," is a pierced 19 year old modern Navajo teenager who has come from a home with a long history of alcoholism and abuse. She was put out onto the street at an early age and has struggled to continue her schooling. She has recently been taken in by concerned relatives and although "M.T" is still recovering, her greatest comfort is her relationship with this horse, Flagstaff, Arizona, 7 April 2014. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646299-VKBPXFUEVDE4VJC6UU0B/NavajoEDITOrial+_040.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: A suburban scene from the economically depressed Navajo town of Pinon, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646450-QB0DAMPKG3JDHV1NB9NR/NavajoEDITOrial+_022.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo KAYENTA, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: Wild horse activist and protector Leland Grass seen with his dogs and one of the wild mustang's he is trying to protect from round up by the Navajo Tribal government, Kayenta, Arizona. The wild horse has been threatened by relocation of the Navajo due to mining and economic issues as well as the severe drought which has befallen Arizona over the last couple of years. It is increasingly difficult for the Navajo to maintain their centuries old connection to the horse. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646400-W589SMN9BFOPQF3BM580/NavajoEDITOrial+_041.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 5 APRIL 2014: Scenes of vandalism in the economically depressed Navajo town, Pinon, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646587-6MVWQLCDV7M6KGSWFOOS/NavajoEDITOrial+_023.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 9 APRIL 2014: Roberto Nutlouis, 34, a youth leader and agriculturist seen at his training farm close to the economically depressed area of Pinon, Arizona. Roberto is working on sustainable agriculutre for the Navajo people and includes youth groups in his projects. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646661-ILO4CAV5C960MPRTYGZ2/NavajoEDITOrial+_042.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 9 APRIL 2014: Fresh Sheep skins signal Wedding preparations on a farm close to the economically depressed area of Pinon, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Rpeortage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646362-5AY5NPZ3G4PTV7HRAONC/NavajoEDITOrial+_024.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 9 APRIL 2014: Husky, a blind former Uranium miner who lives alone on a farm close to the economically depressed area of Pinon, Arizona. Husky worked for over 12 years in various Uranium mines, most of that time he was not provided with protective gear. His wife lived with him on the mine and she passed away from cancer, the same kind of cancer that has been common to Navajo people working on these Uranium mines. Husky has lost his sight to the effects of the mine and he has various other ailments too. He has received no compensation for his loss as his work period was outside of the period agreed by the mines for compensation and disability payments. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646307-7KCKWF199WJ6ML79B322/NavajoEDITOrial+_043.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 12 APRIL 2014: A traditional Navajo wedding which also included a civil service performed by a judge, Pinon, Arizona. The traditonal ceremony cannot be photographed but consists of corn and water coming together symbolizing success and fertility in the marriage. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646602-Q2X1NS6RJ2LW4UG0KTS1/NavajoEDITOrial+_025.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOWROCK, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: Navajo US Military veterans come together for an honor guard in the Navajo capital WindowRock, Arizona. The Navajo have a long and distinguished history of serving with valor in the US armed forces. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646635-BM4EVQ1MAZDHMU1LUFOW/NavajoEDITOrial+_044.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 12 APRIL 2014: A traditional Navajo wedding which also included a civil service performed by a judge, Pinon, Arizona. The traditonal ceremony cannot be photographed but consists of corn and water coming together symbolizing success and fertility in the marriage. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646444-RVDQ6GIOMHFMRVZLHDKS/NavajoEDITOrial+_026.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CANYON DE CHELLY, ARIZONA, 3RD APRIL, 2014: One of the last of the famed Navajo Code Talkers, Teddy Draper Snr, "The Atomic Marine." The code talkers used the Navajo language to fool the Japanese who were monitoring U.S radio traffic and are credited with being such an asset to the U.S military that the code talkers has minders with secret orders to shoot them if they looked like being captured alive. Teddy Draper Snr is credited with being the code talkers who relayed the progress and successful attack of the Enola Gay on Hiroshima. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646339-WJ4G6TOGH9PQXA651LVK/NavajoEDITOrial+_045.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo PINON, NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, 12 APRIL 2014: A traditional Navajo wedding which also included a civil service performed by a judge, Pinon, Arizona. The traditonal ceremony cannot be photographed but consists of corn and water coming together symbolizing success and fertility in the marriage. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646686-3UIJOVWUUQGVNTNGBOUT/NavajoEDITOrial+_027.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOWROCK, ARIZONA, 4 APRIL 2014: Flags flutter in the last light at a Navajo US Military veterans cemetry in the Navajo capital WindowRock, Arizona. The Navajo have a long and distinguished history of serving with valor in the US armed forces. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646615-1J5PZM6SCLMUXV1BGE9X/NavajoEDITOrial+_046.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 6 APRIL 2014: Marcus and Shane Ramon practise their fighting skills at their home in the Navajo Capital of WindowRock, Arizona. Both men work as Casino security at the Casino in nearby Gallup. The Navajo were late adopters of the Casino system on Native American land but a number of Casinos are now operated by the Navajo Nation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646455-BUP5XL9A3M7MJGR49WB0/NavajoEDITOrial+_028.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 11 APRIL 2014: Senior police officer in the Navajo police Dana Dean Tome arrests a suspect on the streets of WindowRock, Arizona. This man was later found to be innocent. No alcohol is allowed on the reservation and it is one of the many obstacles faced by the understaffed, underfinanced Navajo Police. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646673-48ZOB6SQIWZ0LW48WR58/NavajoEDITOrial+_047.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 6 APRIL 2014: Marcus and Shane Ramon practise their fighting skills at their home in the Navajo Capital of WindowRock, Arizona. Both men work as Casino security at the Casino in nearby Gallup. The Navajo were late adopters of the Casino system on Native American land but a number of Casinos are now operated by the Navajo Nation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646515-0N64CEMZ3746RBATZP89/NavajoEDITOrial+_029.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 11 APRIL 2014: Senior police officer in the Navajo police Dana Dean Tome arrests a drunk of the streets of WindowRock, Arizona. No alcohol is allowed on the reservation and it is one of the many obstacles faced by the understaffed, underfinanced Navajo Police. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646718-KXI5OL3QRP2A75LHPQSG/NavajoEDITOrial+_048.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo LEUPP, ARIZONA, 8 APRIL 2014: Wild horses stand on the plains in front of the San Fransciso Peaks, a Navajo Sacred site which has been controversial due to a ski lodge which has been making snow using refined sewerage water, a fact which has outraged traditional Navajos and led to a long running court case, Leupp Arizona. Wild horses are also under threat, with controversial round-ups and a long standing drought making it difficult for these creatures to survive. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646380-0F0EKNBPBYCIEZC11U1U/NavajoEDITOrial+_030.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA, 18 APRIL 2014: Police officer in the Navajo police Kevin Hevel, 27, arrests a drunk passed out in the open close to farming land outside of WindowRock, Arizona. No alcohol is allowed on the reservation and it is one of the many obstacles faced by the understaffed, underfinanced Navajo Police. The police have to take seriously drunk people to hospital to detox and this has created a bed shortage in Navajo clinics for people who are genuinely sick. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646292-TGBC5OIWK5ST4ZSBTCDU/NavajoEDITOrial+_049.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo LEUPP, ARIZONA, 8 APRIL 2014: A view across the plains in front of the San Fransciso Peaks, a Navajo Sacred site which has been controversial due to a ski lodge which has been making snow using refined sewerage water, a fact which has outraged traditional Navajos and led to a long running court case, Leupp Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646533-A8YFLM49RF88X7RF077D/NavajoEDITOrial+_050.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo LEUPP, ARIZONA, 8 APRIL 2014: A wild horse runs away across the plain, Leupp Arizona. Wild horses are under threat, with controversial round-ups and a long standing drought making it difficult for these creatures to survive. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646285-F1T71K64JVTQS8UK154L/NavajoEDITOrial+_051.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo TUBA CITY, ARIZONA, 10 APRIL 2014: Wild horses pass by a water tank with the slogan "Water is Life" along its walls. This slogan appears on many water tanks across the Navajo reservation where last years severe drought saw controversial round ups of horses all over the Navajo Nation. This was seen by the Navajo Council as a humanitarian move but was regarded with anger by many who lost their horses, an intergral and age old part of Navajo culture. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646539-ADRE4IAFP0Z0WMUEJBZ6/NavajoEDITOrial+_052.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 12 APRIL 2014: A beautiful canyon site off the tourist trail close to Cameron, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. Although there are many famous tourist site like Monument Valley and the Canyon De Chelly, there are still a number of breath taking sites all over the Reservation. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646692-S2EN4TQO2BO9WVZTP5S3/NavajoEDITOrial+_053.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: A dead wild horse lies mysteriously at the end of a small canyon in the badlands of Cameron, Arizona. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646705-TX5XV870QGGK3VQDZ9U8/NavajoEDITOrial+_054.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646469-WYP7DAH9PQ0ZCVY4W3YY/NavajoEDITOrial+_055.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Navajo Punk rock band Sihasin is seen with their horse Moonshadow in a canyon in Cameron, Arizona. Sihasin comes from a long tradition of protest music and expouses traditional Navajo values to their audience. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646507-MIWZCOVAXJ0NADZ1TJN5/NavajoEDITOrial+_056.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Navajo Punk rock band Sihasin is seen with their horse Moonshadow in a canyon in Cameron, Arizona. Sihasin comes from a long tradition of protest music and expouses traditional Navajo values to their audience. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646642-OMUM61VK7Q59QXMKYNKC/NavajoEDITOrial+_057.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Claysun Benally with his horse in Cameron, Arizona. Claysun is a strong believer in traditional Navajo values and along with his father keeps several horses on their property in Flagstaff. The Navajo have a long relationship with the wild horse, a relationship characterized by gentleness and agreement rather than breaking the horses spirti to the will of man. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646426-W89U2DMGN2OTLFXEU5TI/NavajoEDITOrial+_058.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Claysun Benally with his horse in Cameron, Arizona. Claysun is a strong believer in traditional Navajo values and along with his father keeps several horses on their property in Flagstaff. The Navajo have a long relationship with the wild horse, a relationship characterized by gentleness and agreement rather than breaking the horses spirti to the will of man. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646770-O3ZZ3S2D2QW13XRWTA80/NavajoEDITOrial+_059.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CAMERON, ARIZONA, 16 APRIL 2014: Claysun Benally with his horse in Cameron, Arizona. Claysun is a strong believer in traditional Navajo values and along with his father keeps several horses on their property in Flagstaff. The Navajo have a long relationship with the wild horse, a relationship characterized by gentleness and agreement rather than breaking the horses spirti to the will of man. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646752-2J22JRT2R0OITUJYHZX9/NavajoEDITOrial+_060.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo CANYON DE CHELLY, ARIZONA, 6 APRIL, 2014: Scenes around the Canyon De Chelly, a famous Navajo Nation landmark and tourist attraction. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646333-OY6Y9VSJJYM7R19WF0UB/NavajoEDITOrial+_061.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo MONUMENT VALLEY, UTAH, 15 APRIL 2014: Tourist scenes at the Navajo tourist site of Monument Valley, a place made famous by its awesome Buttes and Mesa's as well as the hundreds of Western Movies that have been filmed here. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646731-ZVUH266MA0NQC2EQEQKG/NavajoEDITOrial+_062.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo MONUMENT VALLEY, UTAH, 15 APRIL 2014: Tourist scenes at the Navajo tourist site of Monument Valley, a place made famous by its awesome Buttes and Mesa's as well as the hundreds of Western Movies that have been filmed here. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646326-R6D2SFLJEPCQ4IGKRAMG/NavajoEDITOrial+_063.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646462-SI13RT815CTONRB8IVNU/NavajoEDITOrial+_064.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo MONUMENT VALLEY, UTAH, 15 APRIL 2014: Tourist scenes at the Navajo tourist site of Monument Valley, a place made famous by its awesome Buttes and Mesa's as well as the hundreds of Western Movies that have been filmed here. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro Magazine.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646350-KOUEPSRMTM3K9N2QUDUH/NavajoEDITOrial+_065.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo HIGHWAY 180, ARIZONA, 10 APRIL 2014: Navajo Indian gift and curio stores along the highway into the Navajo Reservation area close to Window Rock, Arizona, 10 April 2014. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Le Figaro.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158646374-0J5BGL27RRS0E6WLZTVT/NavajoEDITOrial+_066.jpg Glimpses of the Navajo FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, 13 APRIL 2014: Images from a multi-tribe Pow Wow held in Flagstaff Arizona. These dancers come from all over America, the portraits are mostly of Navajo dancers. Their costumes are not traditional however and have come to portray an almost "Super-Indian" collective today. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for Figaro Magazine.) https://www.brentstirton.com/liberia-sierra-leone-20023 daily 0.75 2025-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031491215-UG71Y0KMS45J9DLAKHBK/SL_Liberia_001.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 KONO, SIERRA LEONE-OCTOBER 2003: A 12 year old former "bush-wife" sex-slave of the rebel group the R.U.F. This girl was taken from her village at 10 years old and forced into sexual servitude by the rebels. When she attempted to escape they used battery acid to burn off her breast as an example to the other slaves. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031516606-QTS75SJAKDEXF3Y15PE9/SL_Liberia_003.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031550839-N9Y515YE94W5MRIS7GTU/SL_Liberia_004.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031571999-W3188R2GEZKYWZGO9LI2/SL_Liberia_005.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031600857-YLHGOZRE165Z7Y5052PV/SL_Liberia_007.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE, MARCH 2003: A male amputee victim of the R.U.F rebels stands with his wife and 3 children. His hands were removed as part of a terror campaign against the civilian population by the rebels. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031630368-MSUWFE7F68Z2R0PAU1AZ/SL_Liberia_009.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031659912-CWS2WK63LHP2CC64JT1Q/SL_Liberia_010.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031686792-Q4VMF3JIA9AQD26HWG1K/SL_Liberia_011.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031708795-JSDXVKFUHH69XA1ZSZHL/SL_Liberia_012.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031737436-NAMMMRAWOYXEJEJPS2ER/SL_Liberia_013.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031763828-KRQCWN95V99QSSOIWDV0/SL_Liberia_014.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031792271-U2VTIILVEGDHBTSV8QR7/SL_Liberia_015.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031825353-17J8P7HQJK4ZQN1JEICP/SL_Liberia_016.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031862064-GNSQEDTLZKH6VJ95Z3KA/SL_Liberia_017.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031888669-I5TRKINDVWXGP96IZH7T/SL_Liberia_018.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031916945-FRN9KNYK3ETLAXGOSRK9/SL_Liberia_019.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031942969-P2F8LJLKX9NXH21RQVPG/SL_Liberia_021.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031572035-6BK0RJPP9CD9NNC6YI8A/SL_Liberia_006.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031600741-UMS6QRTX6N8YXAKTSQU7/SL_Liberia_008.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031491268-P0P348YLCD932A4LXLJX/SL_Liberia_002.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031916984-7GQVBY27GPR8QM7XTJMX/SL_Liberia_020.1.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1751031916960-Y00VD0JDGVJNRW25PXF6/SL_Liberia_020.jpg Liberia/ Sierra Leone 2002-3 https://www.brentstirton.com/omo-valley-before-the-tourists daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780877-NSKYO5ZDXZEKIPI7W3ZO/Omo_001.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781089-3VYJ10E0B1NBPFPJSC46/Omo_010.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781149-RLYNLH56LVLXTX3DB7AW/Omo_008.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781063-FXRBLUGS73QCL60EZKJ7/Omo_011.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780994-QDE9H9O7QKYF90NQYI0L/Omo_017.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists TURMI, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of a teenage Hamar girl in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781143-P4WRHUCXDWOHXEFE2US0/Omo_018.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780883-QTYDZ85TFLUGEQM7EL2Z/Omo_023.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781162-Q851R9LVRGDH9952FQTO/Omo_024.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781120-G8ME41X5DQ2AZE2FN29B/_74H4025+copy.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DILABYNO, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Beshadar people, closely related to the Hamar tribe, in a traditional bull-jumping ceremony in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. The bull-jumping ceremony is one of the most important in a man's life, and once completed allows him to take a wife and marry. The Hamar people and their tribal affiliates conduct a bull-jumping on a regular basis while the Karo people are much more selective in who they allow to bulljump and jump far less frequently. The ceremony is about hierachy and membership in the tribe and typically involves a young man who undergoes a number of rituals before he leaps onto and runs rapidly over a series of cattle held by other men who have recently jumped. Once completed he is a man in the eyes of the tribe. An important part of the ceremony is the ritualistic whipping which women actively seek out from certain men known as Mazha. The women harrass these men who then whip them once with a thin reed like stick before casting the stick away. The whipping causes bleeding and pain but the women look upon it as a sign of strength, loyalty and obligation to the bulljumper. They become incensed through a series of dances and then demand to be whipped in a macho, masochistic display. The resultant scars are worn as a badge of honor by many of the women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781051-2TD2SVYP7DR6GA2KF3TG/Omo_048.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DILABYNO, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Hamar tribe at a traditional bull-jumping ceremony in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. The bull-jumping ceremony is one of the most important in a man's life, and once completed allows him to take a wife and marry. The Hamar people and their tribal affiliates conduct a bull-jumping on a regular basis while the Karo people are much more selective in who they allow to bulljump and jump far less frequently. The ceremony is about hierachy and membership in the tribe and typically involves a young man who undergoes a number of rituals before he leaps onto and runs rapidly over a series of cattle held by other men who have recently jumped. Once completed he is a man in the eyes of the tribe. An important part of the ceremony is the ritualistic whipping which women actively seek out from certain men known as Mazha. The women harrass these men who then whip them once with a thin reed like stick before casting the stick away. The whipping causes bleeding and pain but the women look upon it as a sign of strength, loyalty and obligation to the bulljumper. They become incensed through a series of dances and then demand to be whipped in a macho, masochistic display. The resultant scars are worn as a badge of honor by many of the women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781000-Q6YABB48IWQG0ZTDA5QZ/Omo_053.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists LORYRA, SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Dassanech people in the Lower Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781223-5X6GMPQ235LHZAVXABRQ/Omo_054.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780795-XQLQ2AY3GFTVRM1OWOV3/Omo_002.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781109-GDC0S3CE6SGO6F6P67HV/Omo_009.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780829-6W7R9CDNASON5JBX94WZ/Omo_012.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781096-D4DSOT4UVTK6TRVK4XC5/Omo_019.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780976-5QY6M1W1ILBGQ2NY3NX1/Omo_025.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781186-UERPRC4EBBTAW8680UAZ/Omo_049.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DILABYNO, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Beshadar people, closely related to the Hamar tribe, in a traditional bull-jumping ceremony in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. The bull-jumping ceremony is one of the most important in a man's life, and once completed allows him to take a wife and marry. The Hamar people and their tribal affiliates conduct a bull-jumping on a regular basis while the Karo people are much more selective in who they allow to bulljump and jump far less frequently. The ceremony is about hierachy and membership in the tribe and typically involves a young man who undergoes a number of rituals before he leaps onto and runs rapidly over a series of cattle held by other men who have recently jumped. Once completed he is a man in the eyes of the tribe. An important part of the ceremony is the ritualistic whipping which women actively seek out from certain men known as Mazha. The women harrass these men who then whip them once with a thin reed like stick before casting the stick away. The whipping causes bleeding and pain but the women look upon it as a sign of strength, loyalty and obligation to the bulljumper. They become incensed through a series of dances and then demand to be whipped in a macho, masochistic display. The resultant scars are worn as a badge of honor by many of the women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780957-HGEERXP8N33OZ492IJN2/Omo_055.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781212-USN0UWB6OAZCPIQWW6KJ/Omo_003.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781138-15EMXDM6LLL1ISDSFAKL/Omo_013.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of Hamar herdsman in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781200-U6LYBONYQ4NHYVQKR1RY/Omo_020.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780840-HVTVD7GNJJZV239XJ7KI/Omo_026.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780816-HBJVU5KWN2MA0SQARGIW/Omo_051.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781193-74VKML5ER3NABX5BGNPG/Omo_056.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781126-Z63K7OCWRAODNL5VXH2Z/Omo_004.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781032-T8DYVBG3TXDX3CR0XO8O/Omo_014.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780964-Q3GK9F7OD61XEUG07RDX/Omo_021.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780870-WU5FJ1W4A38DZTRFVUND/Omo_027.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780921-ZX7IQL0X5G7WP0Q2Z1OP/Omo_052.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780896-2NQD9SKYHAQJ8PQZBT4D/Omo_057.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780951-BOWCZYMBPK8H0PPQD9QY/Omo_005.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781012-4OE8JTR2ERL4N0MIQOYN/Omo_015.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780982-RFDIMYPFOGPYVC4DSWUF/Omo_022.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781206-BE5WWZR2KKNHV1G8SY7C/Omo_028.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781114-IAYPMANP3AAG4O43EDCX/Omo_058.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780864-J68LVKDNB8IGHHFT0S0Q/Omo_006.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781102-U0TR31TAX0RGQODXPLVM/Omo_016.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781174-JQOVGI863K5PU6WNQFDN/Omo_029.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781132-9AD0WN9ZSK6OT5NMNKAB/Omo_059.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781039-QQM40DQ6L1NQMHHRQ333/Omo_007.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780834-YSVZT6FCCPYQWVIEWFGM/Omo_030.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780889-7QDTVMJ18992KHWPKGEN/Omo_060.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780938-1PVV2LDC2WFKOF7NBH6Q/Omo_031.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780908-VL2PGNW2X11TH8KL93O8/Omo_061.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780915-1I5YQXVVB83DPN2R2VGQ/Omo_032.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780932-P22O1K633T3NRGHZ10B5/Omo_062.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781025-JU135UKC78CO0AAWLHGZ/Omo_033.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781077-F3W11WTFL75WWAYLVZVJ/Omo_063.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780822-LNDCY9GM3ZHX3SETOEK0/Omo_034.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in a traditional dance ceremony with both men and women in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781180-TN4RNFNYD32QKTACSJU2/Omo_064.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781083-NHM68K536C8UZVV62V6Z/Omo_035.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DILABYNO, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Beshadar people, closely related to the Hamar tribe, in a traditional bull-jumping ceremony in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. The bull-jumping ceremony is one of the most important in a man's life, and once completed allows him to take a wife and marry. The Hamar people and their tribal affiliates conduct a bull-jumping on a regular basis while the Karo people are much more selective in who they allow to bulljump and jump far less frequently. The ceremony is about hierachy and membership in the tribe and typically involves a young man who undergoes a number of rituals before he leaps onto and runs rapidly over a series of cattle held by other men who have recently jumped. Once completed he is a man in the eyes of the tribe. An important part of the ceremony is the ritualistic whipping which women actively seek out from certain men known as Mazha. The women harrass these men who then whip them once with a thin reed like stick before casting the stick away. The whipping causes bleeding and pain but the women look upon it as a sign of strength, loyalty and obligation to the bulljumper. They become incensed through a series of dances and then demand to be whipped in a macho, masochistic display. The resultant scars are worn as a badge of honor by many of the women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780944-0CFTGUSEFFEYC0O8DTU5/Omo_065.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781045-TAUKG64LXZTC0E9YPL2P/Omo_036.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780810-IMCZNY0MK5CNATZ8JBYI/Omo_066.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists LABOUK, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781168-S0D9W6H91ZRBYMME8A74/Omo_037.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781217-1QJX2DBFEATL0N0EPCY1/Omo_067.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of Karo tribesman clashing with Bume people who have fired on them over a land dispute in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780970-ISODFZTXKLLP72O0DGTW/Omo_038.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781072-8ERNDHUICM4O7LNOZRCX/Omo_068.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of Karo tribesman clashing with Bume people who have fired on them over a land dispute in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780802-I5XQC6PCM8PVN5N30PZE/Omo_039.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780926-ZGZEIO2XUVSN0ZZBZNPN/Omo_069.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of Karo tribesman clashing with Bume people who have fired on them over a land dispute in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780847-WDV00ZF4AK532BYSJ7CU/Omo_040.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781006-IOSEHMMJR1ATPEYU1KVY/Omo_070.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DUS, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Karo people in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780902-J0V3U8H3Z44FSYGUI3EK/Omo_041.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781057-TFTHMVRY4KB85R6Y6QKH/Omo_042.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781019-D3JVVK57HM2I46QKO99M/Omo_044.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists DILABYNO, OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA, DECEMBER 2007: Images of the Beshadar people, closely related to the Hamar tribe, in a traditional bull-jumping ceremony in the Omo Valley, South West Ethiopia, 14 December 2007. The bull-jumping ceremony is one of the most important in a man's life, and once completed allows him to take a wife and marry. The Hamar people and their tribal affiliates conduct a bull-jumping on a regular basis while the Karo people are much more selective in who they allow to bulljump and jump far less frequently. The ceremony is about hierachy and membership in the tribe and typically involves a young man who undergoes a number of rituals before he leaps onto and runs rapidly over a series of cattle held by other men who have recently jumped. Once completed he is a man in the eyes of the tribe. An important part of the ceremony is the ritualistic whipping which women actively seek out from certain men known as Mazha. The women harrass these men who then whip them once with a thin reed like stick before casting the stick away. The whipping causes bleeding and pain but the women look upon it as a sign of strength, loyalty and obligation to the bulljumper. They become incensed through a series of dances and then demand to be whipped in a macho, masochistic display. The resultant scars are worn as a badge of honor by many of the women. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158781155-0WGDS7YOOCWAQSAAKXHI/Omo_045.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158780988-IHU84H1LHTORQGLHH9JY/Omo_046.jpg Omo Valley - before the tourists https://www.brentstirton.com/xhosa-circumcision-ritual-south-africa daily 0.75 2025-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519352-2G00USG98FHQZ6CT3N9G/Xhosa_001.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519368-UK0MZU9W6PFG0F39HTCR/Xhosa_018.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519374-03DIHJVWGJ1VV0V09XE8/Xhosa_019.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519406-H5ZV252FCNHFFURZT3FL/Xhosa_002.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa TRANSKEI COAST, SOUTH AFRICA-NOVEMBER 2003: Xhosa boys undergoing the circumcision ceremony walk back to their huts at the end of the day. Every Xhosa male must undergo this ceremony which begins with a unanethatised circumcision and then explores a month long oral history of the Xhosa people. PHOTO BY BRENT STIRTON/GETTY IMAGES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519457-SS0TYB1MSOCQG6SSXFNO/Xhosa_020.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519437-0LVZFBVN1CGGT9AQKHA6/Xhosa_003.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519413-U1TQZI7GPBV8YB8MR648/Xhosa_004.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519444-S572DZJMS0D6XHFWRD5E/Xhosa_005.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519380-6NGYZB5ZQHMDQGX6WQ0F/Xhosa_006.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519386-TZEL1SKUJ4V773BON4R1/Xhosa_007.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519425-BRC6EEKPX4801ILILN9F/Xhosa_008.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519463-U8O60WDNUO701TSP2O9Q/Xhosa_009.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519393-D0V6GWYNMPXCKCIKS4QS/Xhosa_010.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519450-E0HDS8PQNVGMIRHTZQ7H/Xhosa_011.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519340-WWGELBIFAJTFNQDFSTZT/Xhosa_012.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519346-SOB8PC3NGJZGGIRHJNIP/Xhosa_013.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519399-SU2FH4GXBAMD08GF0B3Z/Xhosa_014.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519431-NP5SZ5P4TLE3551TPR1Q/Xhosa_015.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519419-UNN1E9BWX6PGFERGW56I/Xhosa_016.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158519362-IRNU5NQJLG6MVEPOYRZ9/Xhosa_017.jpg Xhosa Circumcision Ritual, South Africa https://www.brentstirton.com/bio daily 0.75 2025-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68514c81437a5a3a6c11153b/1750158493214-TGUHFYNGEO8NBHO00YZN/biopic.jpg https://www.brentstirton.com/brent-stirton daily 1.0 2025-08-28 https://www.brentstirton.com/store daily 0.75 57620-04-14