National geographic photographer showcases how indigenous communities are leading global environmental protection

National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan has released a groundbreaking new book that highlights how Indigenous communities worldwide are serving as environmental guardians through centuries-old knowledge systems. “Guardians of Life: Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Science, and Restoring the Planet,” published by Braided River, documents the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of nine Indigenous communities across the globe.

Yüyan emphasizes that TEK isn’t simply “traditional” knowledge, but rather place-based ecological wisdom that continues to evolve and innovate. This knowledge system offers social, cultural, and environmental benefits that conventional economic models often overlook. The book features contributions and essays from community members themselves, paired with Yüyan’s compelling photography.

A striking example comes from Palau, the Pacific island nation that operates one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. Visitors receive a passport stamp pledging to protect the reef for current and future generations of Palauans. What makes this conservation effort uniquely effective is its integration of family structures into environmental governance. As Yüyan discovered, traditional family ties serve as the enforcement mechanism—violators face public shaming from relatives and community-wide accountability.

“The real magic that I discovered [in Palau] was that the traditional governance structure that they’re all used to over there is what makes it work,” Yüyan explains. “What makes it work is family ties.” This community-based approach demonstrates how Indigenous sovereignty and traditional knowledge systems can create powerful models for environmental protection that the global community can learn from.