New storytelling project based on Highland photographer's work set to be launched at Inverness event this week
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN EVENT to launch a new initiative raising awareness of the connections between humans and nature around the world will be held in Inverness this week.
On May 19, photographer Nick Sadle and cultural organisation Heartstone will be presenting the new Cura Guardian portal at Highland Council headquarters in Inverness.
The initiative – named after the badger Cùra, a character from the The Heartstone Odissey book which gives the name to the charity – is a storytelling platform on a photolibrary built over a period of 30 years by the Highland photographer.
It seeks to reconnect people and nature and build connections across the globe, an aspect which will see Native American Les Left Hand - representing the Rocky Mountains Tribal Leaders Council – and Rajiv Bhartari, from Corbett National Park in the Himalayan region as guest speakers on the day.
Sitakumari, director and principal dancer and storyteller for Heartstone said: "Cùra Guardian is another route to connect the world, this time through images and story connected with the natural environment that surrounds us, to see the common human experience and the need to put aside differences and work together on an issue that affects us all."
During the launch event Sitakumari will present some of the stories from Cùra Guardian as a storytelling performance for adults and children.
Photographer Nick Sidle will be talking about some of the images and both guest speakers will present stories from their childhood connected to the animals and habitats they feel so passionately about.
This initiative – developed in partnership with NatureScot, RSA Scotland and Highland Council – is the next stage of a project which began in 2021 with an event at Inverness Cathedral to mark the start of COP26 in the Highlands.
Dr Clive Mitchell, NatureScot’s strategic resource manager, said: "The climate-nature crisis is far-reaching and wide-ranging, so it’s wonderful to see this powerful, new tool to communicate nature stories and reach as many people as possible. We are a part of nature, but for too long we have seen and managed nature as if it was separate from us. We hope the images and stories that have been collected for Cùra Guardian will inspire more people to take more care of nature, because each and every one of us is a guardian of nature. Our lives depend on it."
Partners for Cùra Guardian currently include Canada, USA, Colombia, Peru, Kenya, India and the Pacific Islands and more are being added with time.
The event will run from 2pm to 5.30pm in the Main Chamber at the Highland Council Headquarters and online.
Tickets for the online event can be booked for free on the RSA's website.
