
TED Talks Daily Lasting conservation, led by Indigenous heritage | Adjany Costa
Oct 4, 2022
Adjany Costa, a conservation champion and TED Fellow, focuses on empowering Indigenous communities in conservation. She emphasizes the need for authentic collaboration over imposed policies, highlighting the wisdom of those who know the land best. Costa advocates for Indigenous voices to reclaim their heritage and stewardship rights, promoting a roadmap for independence in conservation efforts. By integrating ancient knowledge and storytelling, she showcases how genuine partnerships can enhance environmental stewardship and biodiversity.
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Community-Based Conservation Washing
- Adjany Costa criticizes "community-based conservation washing," where organizations claim to work with communities but impose pre-designed plans.
- She advocates for centering the voices and knowledge of local communities in research and policymaking.
The Mukisi Story
- Adjany Costa shares a story of meeting Mamala Roggio, who expressed surprise that Costa was still alive after months in the wetlands.
- Roggio told Costa the story of the Mukisi, a mythical creature protecting the rivers, signifying trust.
Empowering Communities
- Use storytelling to restore pride and ownership within communities, connecting them to their heritage and the impact of their actions.
- Empower communities to make their own decisions by exploring alternative livelihoods and fostering independence, not dependency.

