Jeff wrote:
> Ladakh
>
> Where can we find examples of cultures with an ecological
> focus to learn from? One answer to this question is Ladakh.
> Located in Northern India and sometimes called little Tibet
> it thrives in a desert.
>
> A friend who has visited Ladakh was much impressed with the
> people but cautioned that articles like the one quoted from
> fail to give a balanced view. There are negatives such as
> an average life span of less than 50 years and high interest
> in consumerism. To some extent the Ladakh lifestyle is forced
> by nature and we will have to find our own path.
Have you heard about Helens Norberg-Hodge's work in Ladakh? And her video
/ book "Ancient Futures"? And her farming exchange program? Good stuff!
There is definately things we can learn here.
I went to Ladakh, but military movement along the Tibetan border prevented
us from getting all the way. We spent a couple months in the general area,
but unfortunatley not Ladakh. I've also been in some other Tibetian border
areas and have the general idea. As with any culture that stayed in place
and adapted to the area, they have many good solutions to their local
climate. The recent "invasion" of outside culture (including tourists like
me!) has lead to dramatic changes in their lives, and not for the better.
Their are many such examples, but they are slowly going the way of Ladakh.
Eric Storm
