SkillBuilder discussion Communication Stories like the one in FIGURE3 have a number of messages; in this case, providing moral guidance as well explaining the geography of the land. 1. How did the Indigenous people of this region view this land? 2. Suggest what is the ‘moral message’ of this story. 3. Identify and explain how this story provides an explanation of the geography of this region. Sacred and special places Mountain landscapes often have special meaning to certain groups of people. This might be because the location includes sacred sites or religious symbols; it might also be because people want to be close to nature or to feel spiritually inspired or renewed. 14.5.3 Mountaineers who take great risks, climbing alone or in small groups, often find a special meaning in mountain environments. They may hold deep spiritual, cultural and aesthetic (relating to beauty) values and ideas, and these will often inspire such people to care for and protect mountain environments. The following list gives examples of mountains that are connected to various beliefs and religions. • Hindus and Buddhists have beliefs about Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. • Hindus in Bali, Indonesia, have a special connection with Mount Gunung Agung. • Tibetan Buddhists revere Chomolungma (Mount Everest). • The landscape of Demojong in the Himalayas is also sacred to Tibetan Buddhists. • Nanda Devi in the Himalayas is a sacred site for both Sikh and Hindu communities, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. • Mount Fuji, in Japan, is a place of spiritual and cultural symbolism to Japanese people. • Saint Katherine Protectorate in South Sinai, Egypt, is in an area that’s considered holy by Jews, Christians and Muslims. • Jabal La’lam is a mountain that is sacred to the people of northern Morocco.
FIGURE4 Words from the Kosciuszko Aboriginal Working Group on the Australian National Parks website
The Mountains are very old and an ongoing life force that strengthens the ancestral link of our people. We have a living, spiritual connection with the mountains. We retain family stories and memories of the mountains, which makes them spiritually and culturally significant to us. Our traditional knowledge and cultural practices still exist and need to be maintained. – Kosciuszko Aboriginal Working Group
Source: https://theaustralianalpsnationalparks.org/the-alps-partnership/culture-and-history/aboriginal-heritage/
14.5.4 Skills to survive It can be hard to make a living in mountain regions. People living in small, isolated mountain communities have learnt to use the land and resources sustainably. Many practise shifting cultivation, migrate with grazing herds and have terraced fields.
TOPIC14 Geomorphological processes and hazards
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