After the Avalanche: Life as an Adventure Photographer With PTSD (Part 3) | Nat Geo Live

TL;DR

Photographer and explorer Corey Richards highlights the importance of exploration in understanding and caring for our planet and emphasizes the need for kindness and love in addressing global challenges.

Transcript

I went back, to Africa this time. Exploration had taken on a different modality here. We were gonna explore the upper headwaters of the Okavongo, the Cuito river catchment that flows out of the Angolan highlands. Steve Boyes, another NG explorer, took us to the Angolan highlands after basically 30 years of civil war, 15 years of peace at this point... Read More

Key Insights

• 😨 Exploration plays a crucial role in understanding and caring for our planet, uncovering new species, and documenting the impact of human activities.
• 🪛 Protecting river catchments is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and providing resources for human communities.
• 😃 The interconnectedness of all beings, from big cats to the tiniest insects, emphasizes the need for collective responsibility in addressing global challenges.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why were the river catchments in the Angolan highlands unexplored for so long?

The river catchments were kept off-limits due to the presence of landmines from the civil war, making exploration dangerous. Once the landmines were cleared, deforestation and charcoal production posed new challenges.

Q: What was the significance of the Okavango Delta flooding and drying up?

The Okavango Delta is the heart of southern Africa, attracting migrations and supporting a diverse ecosystem. The floods bring life and when it dries up, dispersal occurs, affecting the entire region.

Q: Why were the sand people concerned about the government not knowing they were there?

The sand people, inhabitants of the river catchment area, had been isolated due to the civil war and the government's lack of presence. They were concerned about their well-being, as decisions regarding resources and water could impact their lives.

Q: How did Corey Richards' expedition to Everest contribute to his personal growth?

The Everest expedition allowed Corey to reflect on his life and face his personal demons. It taught him the lesson that running from one's issues is futile and that true growth comes from turning and facing them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Corey Richards embarked on an expedition to study the unexplored upper headwaters of the Okavango and Cuito rivers, facing challenges such as landmines, deforestation, and river blockages.

• The expedition discovered new species and revealed the importance of the river catchment to the ecosystem in southern Africa.

• Richards reflects on his personal journey, from climbing Everest to understanding the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for love and kindness to address global issues.