What does Endangered Coast believe?
We believe in the power of images to move people to do extraordinary things and that
traditional cultures can teach us to help save our planet.
What is your vision?
We envision a polychromatic world where people and their governments recognize the importance of traditional societies. A world in where scientists and community leaders work together towards improving human well-being. Where traditional societies are regarded not as museum relics but storehouses of knowledge and practices that can help develop innovations that enhance the quality of human life, in ways that do not simultaneously destroy the environment. Finally, we envision a world where preservation of traditional knowledge and economic development is simultaneously achieved through activities that allow people to stay in their habitat and culture.
EC accomplishes this vision by compiling a database of research and imagery to engage the public at large through exhibitions and print material. Since its founding in 1997, Endangered Coast has twice presented its work at the United Nations and its expertise has been tapped by the World Wildlife Fund. Past funding has been donated by The Daniele Agostino Foundation, private individuals and in kind donations by Fuji Film.
Do you endorse the UN's declaration?
Absolutely! The 2001 UNESCO-ICSU declaration states: “traditional and local knowledge systems, as dynamic expressions of perceiving and understanding the world, can make, and historically have made, a valuable contribution to science and technology, and that there is a need to preserve, protect, research and promote this cultural heritage and empirical knowledge.
Our mission?
Endangered coast is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization that utilizes multimedia to foster public awareness against the loss of transitional cultures along our coastal planet. We believe our building of an ethnographic record is important for nations and citizens alike so they may expand their knowledge base making choices that will propagate a beneficial coexistence with local traditional cultures.
Are all cultural practices created equal?
NO. We recognize that not all traditional cultural practices are morally or environmentally just. We do not support violence or practices however ‘traditional’ which are not based on free consent.
What about when a culture refuses to help themselves?
While we defend a cultures right to exist it doesn't mean all cultures have the right to exist indefinitely by ignoring modern science or denying access to economic opportunities. Rather it is an argument for empowering all societies to use local resources in sustainable ways.
FAQ