"Listening to the Margins, Working at the Heart"
At ETHNOMAD, we specialise in ethnographic projects with remote and hard-to-reach regions, focusing on research and project development in areas of culture, heritage, livelihoods, environment, shelter and biocultural diversity conservation. With more than 40 years of global fieldwork, we bring deep contextual insight to every project, grounded in lived experience, ethical engagement, and a commitment to amplifying local voices.
From post-disaster zones to tribal heartlands, our team has worked internationally with communities, institutions, and governments, including the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as the governments of Bhutan, Indonesia, Australia, and Tanzania, and the National Geographic Society. We have also partnered with the United Nations, INGOs, and NGOs across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Algeria, and beyond, supporting inclusive development, cultural resilience, and ethical representation in some of the world’s most complex environments.
Our services combine ethnographic research, storytelling, and education-driven initiatives, offering tailored workshops and field-based training. Operating at the intersection of cultural heritage, humanitarian response, and environmental sustainability, we support organisations in shaping locally grounded strategies that honour tradition while responding to contemporary challenges.
Our work has been recognised globally. We are recipients of the European Outdoor Conservation Award for community-based conservation in Indonesia, the FORD Award for sustainable development in Madagascar, and have been named a National Geographic Society Global Explorer for our contributions to cultural and environmental heritage. Notable fieldwork includes:
Whether documenting intangible cultural heritage, designing shelter solutions that respect cultural identity, or crafting development strategies rooted in local knowledge, ETHNOMAD partners with communities to drive meaningful, community-led change.
Culture & Heritage Projects
"THE NATURE OF BELONGING: INDIA'S TRIBAL COMMUNITIES AND INCLUSIVE CONSERVATION"
The Nature of Belonging explores the deep connections between India's tribal communities and their natural environments. India's indigenous peoples have practised sustainable living and ecological stewardship for centuries, balancing cultural heritage with environmental conservation. At the core of our work is PRASAM (PRAkriti SAMvardhan), an innovative model promoting inclusive conservation by integrating indigenous knowledge, traditional ecological wisdom, and modern science. Through ethnographic narratives and vivid photography, this project highlights the resilience and ecological insights of tribal communities, advocating for collaborative conservation approaches that respect and sustain both cultural and natural diversity.
FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESS: EDUCATION IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES
Our research demonstrates that education in remote communities thrives when simple yet powerful community-driven rules are established. By emphasizing community involvement, clear expectations, and a supportive environment, schools can significantly enhance numeracy, literacy, and early childhood development. This project specifically supports tribal communities transitioning from conservation areas, ensuring that children receive culturally relevant, high-quality education that empowers them to thrive academically and socially, even amidst significant life changes.
SUSTAINING TRADITIONS: CONSERVATION OF TRADITIONAL LIVELIHOODS
Through our TIDE (Traditional Indigenous Development & Empowerment) Guide, this initiative aims to conserve traditional livelihoods by supporting indigenous and tribal communities in maintaining and revitalising their cultural practices and economic sustainability by documenting, promoting, and enhancing traditional crafts, agriculture, fishing, pastoralism, and other heritage-based livelihoods. The project enabling them to sustainably manage resources and preserve their unique cultural identities in a rapidly changing world.
