An awareness-raising campaign involving a high-quality pilot publication printed on recycled paper, a website, and a social media presence. The publication, which we are calling Lokal Magazine: Te ?Akaora?anga, will use compelling visuals, infographics, high-quality design, local art, and evocative narratives (written in both English and Cook Islands M?ori) to educate and empower the indigenous people of the Cook Islands in matters of health and sustainability. Drawing on both traditional knowledge and emerging science (which in most cases overlap), the publication approaches the health of people and planet in simple, easy-to-understand ways.
Lokal Magazine?s overriding goal is to validate local wisdom. Its guiding principle is an old proverb: Aru i te ara o te ra, follow the path of the sun, or hold on to what works in your culture. The United Nations considers it a ?grave risk? that around the world, traditional knowledge is being lost, and with it important tips for living healthfully and sustainably. Lokal Magazine mitigates that risk.
The publication comprises five sections: Kai (Food), ?pukarea (Environment), Aka?ora (Healing), Piri?anga (Relationships), and T?mataora (Celebration). Environmental coverage will explore waste management, sustainable agriculture, organic farming, overfishing and the politics of fisheries management, climate change adaptation, and lagoon health, and feature interviews with subsistence fishermen, local environmentalists, healers, scientists, and planters. All stories will consider traditional ways of interacting with the environment. All will urge readers: Akama?ara ?ia ?popo. Remember tomorrow.