Preserving Biocultural Diversity Values through Improved Communication

 

In order to promote the preservation of biological and cultural diversity among different groups of people, exchange experiences and strengthen partnerships between organizations,  "Taalim-Forum" public foundation and "Anahita" public foundation in Tajikistan implemented a joint project with the support of the Christensen Found in 2018-2019. 

BCD issues in documentaries

Three documentaries were created as part of the project: "The Heritage," "The Desert Garden," and "Pasture." These films are about preserving and transmitting to new generations the art of traditional craftsmanship, traditional farming methods, and desert lands transformed into blooming gardens.

 

"The Heritage"

Sapar Ismailov, a hereditary master of Kyrgyz yurt making, is a master of his craft. His wife Toksonbaeva Gulbar and other family members help him in his work. This is not just a family business. Having received this knowledge from his father, the master passes it on to his children and apprentices. Thanks to such masters, the ancient art and craft is preserved, as well as the unique home of the Kyrgyz nomad. Script writer and director: Tilek Murataliev

Link to the film in Kyrgyz 

Link to the film with Russian subtitles

Link to the film with English subtitles

 "The Desert Garden"

The documentary tells the story of people who have dedicated themselves to growing gardens in arid lands. Their tireless work and energy transform the desert into the blooming gardens. They transform the landscape, preserve local varieties of fruit trees, and the gardens help block wind erosion. The characters of the film are Arstanbek Sulaimanbekov, a resident of Ak-Olon rural district in Issyk-Kul province, and Asanbekov Bolot, a resident of Kara-Bulun in Kochkor district of Naryn province. Script writer and director: Tilek Murataliev

Link to the film in Kyrgyz language

Link to the film with Russian subtitles

Link to the film with English subtitles

 

"Pasture."

Myktybek Sharshenaliev, a hereditary shepherd, continues his father's work. He has been engaged in cattle breeding since his youth. He moves with his cattle from the winter barns to the spring pastures, then to the summer and autumn pastures, and then back to the winter barns. This cycle repeats from year to year, allowing not only to feed the cattle, but also to protect the pastures from degradation. Script writer and director: Tilek Murataliev

Link to the film in Kyrgyz

Link to the film with Russian subtitles

Link to the film with English subtitles



Project Implementation: Approaches and activities

 

Seminar on promoting the values of biocultural diversity in the media.

 

Journalists' participation in an INMIP meeting

 

Presentation of the films in schools, universities and communities

 

Cooperation with the Community Media Association

 

Presentation of the project to partner organizations

 

Conclusion and follow-up

The implementation of the project, which included seminars and trainings with professional journalists, teachers, students, schoolchildren and communities, the presentation of three documentaries, photo exhibitions, allowed the publication of numerous articles in local newspapers, TV and radio programs and information in social networks, which covered different aspects of RBD.

 

Special attention to groups of teachers made it possible to find ways to integrate RBB issues into educational programs.

As a result of this project, various groups of people in Kyrgyzstan were able to understand and learn about the importance of traditional knowledge and how it can help maintain harmony in our relationship with the earth; to understand the importance of passing on traditional ecological knowledge to younger generations. Only in this way can we preserve the unique cultures, beauty and health of our earth and all living beings.

 

As a continuation of our project in collaboration with the Federation of Organic Movement of Kyrgyzstan "BIO-CG", in December 2019 we organized presentations in 4 organic aimags dedicated to the revival of traditional knowledge and its adaptation to the modern world. Presentations were held in 2 organic aimags of Talas region and 2 in Naryn region. The presentations were attended by local farmers, teachers, representatives of local government and pasture committees. The participants watched documentaries and discussed sustainable development issues in their districts. Future collaborations and workshops with other organic aimags were included in the plans of the BIO-CG Federation for 2020

The documentaries were shown on the Kyrgyz Public Channel, uploaded to YouTube and distributed to local communities on DVDs.

The film "Heritage" was nominated for the "Turkish World" International Documentary Film Festival in 2020.

 

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