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SDG HEROES Indigenous Series
Honoring Indigenous Peoples SDG HEROES as guardians of ancient wisdom for people and Earth.
Maldete da Silva Pianco, Association of Ashaninka People of the Amônia River, Brasil...
...holding his SDG object:
indigenous necklaces.
SDG #15: "Life on Earth"
"We not only seek the defense of the indigenous people, but all of humanity – the planet that generates the survival of us all. Every human should assume their role, don’t wait for something to become an issue first."
indigenous necklaces.
SDG #15: "Life on Earth"
"We not only seek the defense of the indigenous people, but all of humanity – the planet that generates the survival of us all. Every human should assume their role, don’t wait for something to become an issue first."
Moises Piyako, Association of Ashaninka People of the Amônia River, Brasil...
...waering his SDG object:
traditional indigenous hat.
SDG #15: "Life on Earth"
traditional indigenous hat.
SDG #15: "Life on Earth"
SDG HEROES is a unique photographic series celebrating local and global leaders from all walks of life at the forefront meeting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each of the SDG HEROES holds a personal "SDG Object" symbolizing the single Goal they feel is most vital for them.
Nomba Ganamé, Mali Elephant Project, Mali...
...holding his SDG object:
a native necklace, symbolizing the alliance between all ethnic groups using the same resources in the same areas of Mali.
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"We protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.”
a native necklace, symbolizing the alliance between all ethnic groups using the same resources in the same areas of Mali.
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"We protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.”
Aoua Cherif Doumbia, Mali Elephant Project, Mali...
...holding her SDG object:
a native necklace, symbolizing the alliance between all ethnic groups using the same resources in the same areas of Mali.
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"The necklace is an adornment worn by a woman, who represents the source of all life on earth."
a native necklace, symbolizing the alliance between all ethnic groups using the same resources in the same areas of Mali.
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"The necklace is an adornment worn by a woman, who represents the source of all life on earth."
Equator Initiative
The Equator Initiative brings together the United Nations governments, civil society, businesses & grassroots organizations to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities.
Indigenous Equator Prize Winners 2017, United Nations Development Program.
Indigenous Peoples SDG HEROES Published in Real-Leaders Magazine click HERE
Yakagi Kuikuro Mehinaku, Xingu Indigenous Land Association, Brazil...
...holding his SDG object:
an indigenous Hãda comb,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"The planet was the work of a creator and was made for life of many species. It’s disheartening when I see big machines destroying the forest. Capitalists must learn to value this world, not just think about money for their pockets."
an indigenous Hãda comb,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"The planet was the work of a creator and was made for life of many species. It’s disheartening when I see big machines destroying the forest. Capitalists must learn to value this world, not just think about money for their pockets."
Iankulua Kaiabi Suia, Terra Indigena Xingu, Brasil...
...holding his SDG object:
a rare native Caramujo shell neclace,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"We want to show to non-indigenous society that, more important than having money, is to have wealth in health.
All that the forest - all that nature - gives us is the true form of wealth."
a rare native Caramujo shell neclace,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"We want to show to non-indigenous society that, more important than having money, is to have wealth in health.
All that the forest - all that nature - gives us is the true form of wealth."
Ghulam Mohammad, Balistan Wildlife, Pakistan...
...holding his SDG object:
a carved Snow Leopard,
SDG #1: "No Poverty"
"Our area is very famous for snow leopards, so our organization focuses on providing incentives such as livestock compensation, predator-proof corrals, awareness, and girls’ education to the poor farmers."
a carved Snow Leopard,
SDG #1: "No Poverty"
"Our area is very famous for snow leopards, so our organization focuses on providing incentives such as livestock compensation, predator-proof corrals, awareness, and girls’ education to the poor farmers."
Naila Rizvi, Balistan Wildlife, Pakistan...
...holding her SDG object:
a carved Snow Leopard,
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"We are working for the lives that are living on the earth, to maintain the ecosystem and balance nature which is the main basis for all life."
a carved Snow Leopard,
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"We are working for the lives that are living on the earth, to maintain the ecosystem and balance nature which is the main basis for all life."
Shida Magunda Nyenyo, Kuruwitu Conservation & Welfare Assocation, Kenya...
...holding her SDG object:
an Uteo, a traditional basket,
SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"The basket represents our community weaving our lives together as one. The whole basket represents more than the sum of our parts, it's something bigger than any of us as individuals. Thin dry threads are strong when woven together. Gender equality is when all threads - male and female - work together to strengthen each other."
an Uteo, a traditional basket,
SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"The basket represents our community weaving our lives together as one. The whole basket represents more than the sum of our parts, it's something bigger than any of us as individuals. Thin dry threads are strong when woven together. Gender equality is when all threads - male and female - work together to strengthen each other."
Katana Ngala , Kuruwitu Conservation & Welfare Association, Kenya...
...holding his SDG object:
a wood carved Sea Turtle,
SDG #: 14 "Life below Water"
"Not everyone can see the life below water and, so they do not know its issues, or its beauty and bounty. If someone kills a turtle for meat or eats their eggs, he deprives all the oceans around the world of that turtle, and ends its journey and that of its many offspring. The sea turtle does not take anything from anyone, and only asks that we leave it alone to roam the oceans freely. The Sustainable Goals are important for our community as they give us a direction as to where we should be concentrating our efforts. They give us hope for the future."
a wood carved Sea Turtle,
SDG #: 14 "Life below Water"
"Not everyone can see the life below water and, so they do not know its issues, or its beauty and bounty. If someone kills a turtle for meat or eats their eggs, he deprives all the oceans around the world of that turtle, and ends its journey and that of its many offspring. The sea turtle does not take anything from anyone, and only asks that we leave it alone to roam the oceans freely. The Sustainable Goals are important for our community as they give us a direction as to where we should be concentrating our efforts. They give us hope for the future."
Carlos Zorrilla, Organization for the Defense and Ecological Conservation of Intag, Ecuador...
...holding his SDG object:
local clean water,
SDG #6: "Clean Water & Sanitation"
"To me water is what gives life and what sustains health. It is very connected to our work. Community support is important. We are not the owners; because of this it is important that communities become involved. Without this involvement, most of these objectives will not be achieved. The people need to be involved."
local clean water,
SDG #6: "Clean Water & Sanitation"
"To me water is what gives life and what sustains health. It is very connected to our work. Community support is important. We are not the owners; because of this it is important that communities become involved. Without this involvement, most of these objectives will not be achieved. The people need to be involved."
Silvia Cecilia Quilumbango Flores, Organization for the Defense and Ecological Conservation of Intag, Ecuador...
...holding her SDG object:
coffee from the Intag river,
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"Our forests in the Intag territory are under threat by mining activity, and for us to continue conserving it, this cloud forest is important for the survival on earth, not only from humans, but from all other biodiversity that we have in our territory."
coffee from the Intag river,
SDG #15: "Life on Land"
"Our forests in the Intag territory are under threat by mining activity, and for us to continue conserving it, this cloud forest is important for the survival on earth, not only from humans, but from all other biodiversity that we have in our territory."
Adalid Tomé, Tripal Pech Federation of Honduras...
...wearing his SDG object:
a Matate, made from the fibers of the Majao tree,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"Human practices lack consciousness, achieving the 17 goals will help us guarantee a prolonged life for human society."
a Matate, made from the fibers of the Majao tree,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"Human practices lack consciousness, achieving the 17 goals will help us guarantee a prolonged life for human society."
Gladis Hernández, Tripal Pech Federation of Honduras...
...holding her SDG object:
a Matate and a Jícara,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"The SDGs are incredibly important. Our job is to focus on these 17 goals, since they cover all the needs and issues of our country and our people. But [for us] #15 is fundamental. We should receive support for our forests, for our earth, and for our biodiversity, so that we can support our people, through networks, and for our indigenous community."
a Matate and a Jícara,
SDG #: 15 "Life on Land"
"The SDGs are incredibly important. Our job is to focus on these 17 goals, since they cover all the needs and issues of our country and our people. But [for us] #15 is fundamental. We should receive support for our forests, for our earth, and for our biodiversity, so that we can support our people, through networks, and for our indigenous community."
Conway Young, CBSWG,Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Conservation Group, Belize...
...holding his SDG object:
a poster of a Howler Monkey,
SDG #: 13 "Climate Action"
"Climate change not only affects nature but every livelihood in every form."
a poster of a Howler Monkey,
SDG #: 13 "Climate Action"
"Climate change not only affects nature but every livelihood in every form."
Doria Rahburn, CBSWG, Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Conservation Group, Belize...
...holding her SDG object:
a poster of a Howler Monkey,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"My hope is that people could understand the importance of the Sustainable Goals so that they could have a better way of life."
a poster of a Howler Monkey,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"My hope is that people could understand the importance of the Sustainable Goals so that they could have a better way of life."
Baktiyar Sadak, Public Foundation "Zhassyl Azyk", Kazakhstan...
...holding his SDG object:
a book “Kazakh Model for Sustainable use of Rangeland Resources",
SDG #15: "Life on Land".
"Our land is a mother and a breadwinner. Caring for the land is a noble cause, and should be the same as caring for a mother."
a book “Kazakh Model for Sustainable use of Rangeland Resources",
SDG #15: "Life on Land".
"Our land is a mother and a breadwinner. Caring for the land is a noble cause, and should be the same as caring for a mother."
Lazzat Sarsenbekova, Public Foundation "Zhassyl Azyk", Kazakhstan...
...holding her SDG objects:
an indigenous Kazakh Yurt,
SDG #6: "Clean Water & Sanitation" & SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"SDGs are the guiding principles to which state leaders should pay special attention during the design and implementation of state programs and plans. These are the goals which the whole humanity should strive to realize. I wish peace to every home in the world."
an indigenous Kazakh Yurt,
SDG #6: "Clean Water & Sanitation" & SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"SDGs are the guiding principles to which state leaders should pay special attention during the design and implementation of state programs and plans. These are the goals which the whole humanity should strive to realize. I wish peace to every home in the world."
Josphat Mwamba Mtwana, Mikoko Pamoja, Kenya...
...holding his SDG object:
a "Mbwisho" held by local leaders,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"The sustainable development goals offer a blue print towards addressing the critical global problems. Our projects are contributing towards climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration in mangroves."
a "Mbwisho" held by local leaders,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"The sustainable development goals offer a blue print towards addressing the critical global problems. Our projects are contributing towards climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration in mangroves."
Afusa Mohamed Zuga, Mikoko Pamoja, Kenya...
...holding her SDG object:
an Uteo, traditional basket,
SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"My SDG object is called Uteo, it symbolizes that a woman is also a provider, she can provide food just like a man. It symbolizes equality. It is very important that women are educated, especially about the ocean and to teach them how to plant mangrove trees."
an Uteo, traditional basket,
SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"My SDG object is called Uteo, it symbolizes that a woman is also a provider, she can provide food just like a man. It symbolizes equality. It is very important that women are educated, especially about the ocean and to teach them how to plant mangrove trees."
Pichet Pandam, Mangrove Conservation Baan Bang La, Thailand...
...holding his SDG object:
a T-shirt with a mangrove tree on it,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"The mangrove forests are a direct expression of our community whose identity is deeply intertwined with nature. I believe there needs to be a shift of emphasis for the youth to be engaged in the Sustainable Goals. The youth can determine our future and pass on correct awareness to future generations."
a T-shirt with a mangrove tree on it,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"The mangrove forests are a direct expression of our community whose identity is deeply intertwined with nature. I believe there needs to be a shift of emphasis for the youth to be engaged in the Sustainable Goals. The youth can determine our future and pass on correct awareness to future generations."
Rattanaporn Jaengjaidee, Mangrove Conservation Baan Bang La, Thailand...
...holding her SDG object:
a hand-made Batik cloth,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"We are the protectors of the mangrove forests. These forests help reduce the carbon footprint on Earth, and help saving lives from tsunamis. Gender equality is another important Sustainable Goal that ties in well with our main project, the mangrove conservation, because the conservation also acts as a platform for leadership amongst women, giving them an opportunity to voice their opinions and prove their abilities."
a hand-made Batik cloth,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"We are the protectors of the mangrove forests. These forests help reduce the carbon footprint on Earth, and help saving lives from tsunamis. Gender equality is another important Sustainable Goal that ties in well with our main project, the mangrove conservation, because the conservation also acts as a platform for leadership amongst women, giving them an opportunity to voice their opinions and prove their abilities."
Desnawaty Uten, Yayasan Planet, Indonesia...
...holding her SDG object:
an Indonisian 50000 Rupiah banknote,
SDG #1: "No Poverty" & SDG #4 "Quality Education"
"No poverty is important to me because in Indonesia people still live in very poor conditions. They can’t pay their education, can’t buy quality food or stay in good homes. We are working together with our community to improve incomes, and to build up small business."
an Indonisian 50000 Rupiah banknote,
SDG #1: "No Poverty" & SDG #4 "Quality Education"
"No poverty is important to me because in Indonesia people still live in very poor conditions. They can’t pay their education, can’t buy quality food or stay in good homes. We are working together with our community to improve incomes, and to build up small business."
Novia Sagita, Yayasan Planet, Indonesia...
...holding her SDG object:
a traditional hand crafted blanket,
SDG #10: "Reduced Inequality" & SDG #16 "Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions"
"Before I came here, to these workshops with the Equator Initiative, I did not understand so much. I knew about the SDGs, but I didn’t see the connection between one plan with the others. Now this is reflected, when I see all the plans and think back to the work that I do with the communities. I think “oh my God we are doing everything for the communities at the same time, we are doing it!” And now that I am here (at the UN in NYC), I am so happy because my vision is clearer."
a traditional hand crafted blanket,
SDG #10: "Reduced Inequality" & SDG #16 "Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions"
"Before I came here, to these workshops with the Equator Initiative, I did not understand so much. I knew about the SDGs, but I didn’t see the connection between one plan with the others. Now this is reflected, when I see all the plans and think back to the work that I do with the communities. I think “oh my God we are doing everything for the communities at the same time, we are doing it!” And now that I am here (at the UN in NYC), I am so happy because my vision is clearer."
Cecilia Ramirez, AIRES, (International Alliance for Reforestation), Guatemala...
...holding her SDG object:
a traditional Huipil blouse,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"We believe in ecosystems and we want to reforest so we can help diminish the vulnerability to climate change.
The SDGs are the basis we can use to work with. For us, they are a guide, a map that tells us where we can keep working to achieve the development we want, in all our communities, in all our mountains."
a traditional Huipil blouse,
SDG #13: "Climate Action"
"We believe in ecosystems and we want to reforest so we can help diminish the vulnerability to climate change.
The SDGs are the basis we can use to work with. For us, they are a guide, a map that tells us where we can keep working to achieve the development we want, in all our communities, in all our mountains."
Gilberta Lopez, AIRES, (International Alliance for Reforestation), Guatemala...
...holding her SDG object:
local earthenware pottery,
SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"Gender equality is, to me, the most important Sustainable Development Goal, because we are the ones that reforest our communities to have a better economy, because we women are now empowered. Before we did not have that, but now we do."
local earthenware pottery,
SDG #5: "Gender Equality"
"Gender equality is, to me, the most important Sustainable Development Goal, because we are the ones that reforest our communities to have a better economy, because we women are now empowered. Before we did not have that, but now we do."
Kamal Shivling Kumbhar, Swayam Shikshan Prayog farming project, India...
...holding her SDG object:
a variety of seeds & grains from India,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"Through our work we are focusing on gender equality, economic growth and climate action to help end poverty and climate change creating better lifes."
a variety of seeds & grains from India,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"Through our work we are focusing on gender equality, economic growth and climate action to help end poverty and climate change creating better lifes."
Godavari Bhimashankar Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog farming project, India...
...holding her SDG object:
a variety of seeds & grains from India,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"Earlier, men used to cultivate only cash crops like sugarcane, soybean. Instead now, we have enabled women to create a roadmap for how much food will be needed by their family."
a variety of seeds & grains from India,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"Earlier, men used to cultivate only cash crops like sugarcane, soybean. Instead now, we have enabled women to create a roadmap for how much food will be needed by their family."
Naseem Babasaheb Shaikh, Swayam Shikshan Prayog farming project, India...
...holding her SDG object:
a variety of seeds & grains from India,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"The most important SDG for us are Gender Equality and Zero Hunger which we constantly try to achieve through our work."
a variety of seeds & grains from India,
SDG #2: "Zero Hunger"
"The most important SDG for us are Gender Equality and Zero Hunger which we constantly try to achieve through our work."
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