Science and Cultures
Stories from and of the natural world
Global
Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
Oceania
South America
Antarctica
Contributors
Don Rowlands
Photograph – Don Rowlands in Glen Affric on a visit to Highland Scotland
As an Aboriginal Elder, I understand the profound importance of Dreamtime stories and cultural heritage. Cùra has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving and sharing these invaluable aspects of our culture and highlight the richness of Indigenous traditions, as well as foster a greater understanding and respect within the broader community and around the world.
Dreamtime stories are essential for connecting us to our ancestors, providing wisdom and guidance, and ensuring that our cultural knowledge is passed down to future generations. Cùra Earth is helping to sustain these traditions and promote a sense of pride and resilience among Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, Cùra’s efforts will offer a unique perspective to the global audience, promoting the interconnectedness of all life and inspiring a deeper appreciation for Indigenous cultures worldwide.
Chelsea Johanes
I have always been drawn to stories that sit at the intersection of nature, culture, and human experience,- especially those rooted in the landscapes and traditions where I live. For me, the natural world is not separate from community identity; it shapes how we think, how we speak, and how we remember.
My work with Kulture Konnect focuses on connecting people to both the lived and remembered landscapes around them,- from the insects that pollinate our gardens to the larger animals that move quietly through the wild. I am particularly interested in stories that reflect not only the science of nature, but the ways in which people make meaning of it through culture, oral tradition, and history.
For Cura Guardian, I am exploring the story of the leopard (Panthera pardus)or “kwach” as we locally call it, a species deeply woven into ecological systems and human life in parts of Africa, and richly symbolic within the cultural traditions of the Luo community of Kenya. This story brings together ecological science, human–wildlife interactions, and cultural memory to better understand how people live alongside, interpret, and relate to the natural world.
Hana Shono
Hana Shono is of Japanese/Malaysian-Indian descent from Goto, Nagasaki, Japan. She is currently pursuing qualification as a UK solicitor while gaining valuable work experience in Japan. Hana is the Legal and Governance Officer of the United Peoples and acts as Chair of the United Nations Association-UK Conference Committee. She was previously Chair of United Nations Association Scotland (UNAS), a civil society organisation working towards achieving the UN goals at grassroots levels.
Photographs and illustrations ©Nick Sidle, Photograph Chelsea Johanes ©Chelsea Johanes, Photograph Hana Shono © Hana Shono, all rights reserved