Sacred Sites and Biodiversity

Role: Assistant Editor

Director: Christopher McLeod

“We’ve frequently been asked the question: ‘What is the tangible value of sacred places?’ Our scientific, materialistic culture demands proof. These three film scenes answer the question. According to the World Bank, indigenous people make up 4% of the world’s population, control 22% of the Earth’s land surface, and on that land is 80% of the remaining biodiversity on the planet. Indigenous people are obviously doing a remarkable job respecting and conserving the diversity of life around them. Within their territories are sacred places that provide the anchor, the center, the cultural values and customary laws that connect native communities to wise ancestors and future generations. These are the reasons that sacred places and indigenous land rights are so important and need to be better respected and protected.”

– Christopher (Toby) McLeod

This clip contains three scenes from Standing on Sacred Ground — in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia.