Publisher's Synopsis
Ecosystems are in danger: the world has lost around 50% of the world's biodiversity in the last 40 years according to WWF. Many scientists believe that ecosystems are playing a crucial role in stabilizing our climatic conditions. Ecosystems provide us with water we drink, the food we eat, fibers we use in clothing and furniture, biochemicals that are used in medicine. At the same time ecosystems generate oxygen and absorb carbon emissions. Ecosystems are able to pollinate the plants on which our livelihood depends, they provide inspiration for artists and are held sacred by communities in many countries. Shot in Colombia, Brazil, USA, Dubai, France, Spain, UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Albania, Russia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Malaysia and Singapore, this book speaks about the complexity, diversity and the true value of ecosystems. The book received the following endorsements: "The great challenge of our time is to build and nurture human communities that honor, respect, and cooperate with nature's inherent ability to sustain life. To do so, it is critical to understand how ecosystems work - not only intellectually, but also emotionally and spiritually. Artists have an essential role to play to foster such deep, multidimensional understanding, and Stanislav Shmelev's magnificent book succeeds admirably in this task." - Prof. Fritjof Capra, author, The Tao of Physics (1975), The Web of Life (1996), The Hidden Connections (2002), Learning from Leonardo (2007), coauthor, The Systems View of Life (2014). "This is an outstanding collection of photographs. Stanislav's wonderful and imaginative book and sensuous photographs show how the economy is entirely a subsidiary of the environment. Stanislav has created a miracle, read this book, look at these photographs and you will be invited to celebrate our deep connection with the natural world." SATISH KUMAR, Editor Emeritus of Resurgence & Ecologist Magazine and founder of Schumacher College.
