ETHNOGRAPHIC PROJECTS
From Research and Projects to Campaigns and Inspiring Stories
Fading Cultures is a global initiative committed to supporting Indigenous, tribal, traditional, and minority communities through ethnographic research, community-driven projects, and advocacy campaigns. Our work in the field focuses on documenting and safeguarding cultural heritage, empowering displaced people, and supporting artisans to preserve their traditions and livelihoods. From remote regions to challenging environments, we collaborate closely with communities to amplify their voices and create meaningful, sustainable solutions.
Through these efforts, we aim to celebrate and preserve the beauty and diversity of human culture. Much of this vital work informs our flagship publication, Fading Cultures Magazine, where we share stories of resilience, artistry, and unique ways of life with the world.
Contact us to partner on ethnographic research, support community-driven initiatives, highlight a campaign, or bring untold stories to light.
Heritage in Focus: Current 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 revitalizing their cultural practices and economic sustainability. By documenting, promoting, and enhancing traditional crafts, agriculture, fishing, pastoralism, and other heritage-based livelihoods, we strive to empower these communities, enabling them to sustainably manage resources and preserve their unique cultural identities in a rapidly changing world.
WHAT WE DO
Research & Document
Our documentation process is rooted in ethnography—the art of understanding and representing cultures through deep engagement. We work hand-in-hand with communities, gathering stories from the people who live them. By listening to firsthand accounts, observing traditions, and immersing ourselves in local ways of life, we ensure that each story is authentic and deeply connected to the community it represents. This collaborative approach allows us to capture the resilience, beauty, and diversity of human culture in its truest form.
Through these efforts, we aim to celebrate and preserve the beauty and diversity of human culture. Much of this vital work informs our flagship publication, Fading Cultures Magazine, where we share stories of resilience, artistry, and unique ways of life with the world.
Traditional Livelihoods
Building on our research and the needs we identify, we develop projects that address the priorities of communities, artisans, and their ways of life. These projects range from educational initiatives and livelihood programs to cultural preservation efforts, sustainable tourism, and shelter development. We also work on education, conservation and environmental projects that protect traditional lands and resources while empowering communities to thrive. Each project is designed collaboratively, ensuring that it respects and upholds the cultural identity and aspirations of the people we serve.
Through these efforts, we aim to celebrate and preserve the beauty and diversity of human culture. Much of this vital work informs our flagship publication, Fading Cultures Magazine, where we share stories of resilience, artistry, and unique ways of life with the world.
Promote & Advocate
We bring the stories from our fieldwork to life through our website, our high-quality flagship publication, Fading Cultures Magazine, and our monthly newsletter. These platforms serve as windows into the voices, cultures, and ways of life of the communities we engage with, offering firsthand accounts and exploring captivating cultural topics. From built heritage and traditional knowledge to health and environmental practices, we aim to inspire and educate a global audience.
Through our work, we celebrate and preserve the beauty and diversity of human culture.
Fading Cultures Magazine is a testament to resilience, artistry, and the unique ways of life we document, sharing these powerful stories with the world. Profits from magazine subscriptions and individual sales directly fund our project work in the field, supporting communities and their cultural preservation efforts.
