Ethnic Culture Conservation in Japan

Using Cameras to Record Changes in Tibetan Environment and Culture

Spokesperson: Zeren Pingcuo
E-mail:zerenpingcuo@hotmail.com
Donor: Conservation International (CI)

Zeren Pingcuo uses his photography books and exhibitions to inform the public of environmental degradation and the loss of ethnic traditional culture. For example, his photographs expose the clearcutting of vast expanses of forests and the gutting of mountainsides for mining that defaces holy mountains. They illustrate how the environmentally unfriendly behaviour of tourists unfairly damages the environment and influences the production activities of the locals. His work also denounces how propaganda material flaunting the benefits of rapid economic progress doesn’t reflect the true facts about the relationship between the local environment and traditional culture. He has published a book and organized an exhibition of photographs to heighten locals’ awareness of the environment and inspire pride in their traditions.