Karo People, Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2023

Painted in zebra stripes, a herder from the Karo people of the Omo Valley watches over his goats, a glimmer of sunlight flaring off the top of his cap like a golden feather. Despite being the smallest of the Omo Valley tribes, the Karo have an extremely vibrant culture filled with symbolic rituals, rites of passage, and a long history as highly respected and skilled pastoralists. One of their main rites of passage for boys is known as the bull jumping ceremony, in which a young man must cross over the backs of several sturdy bulls to prove he is worthy of marriage.

Karo People, Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2023

Night falls on the Omo Valley, chasing the last embers of the setting sun as a herd of goats stamps plumes of dust into the air. Silhouetted against the fading light, the Karo shepherds keep each animal from straying too far from the protective range of their rifles. To the Karo people, goats and other livestock are incredibly valuable and a foundational part of their culture. In times of brutal drought or when flood waters sweep away crops, goats can be herded to safety. It was clear to me they cherished their animals and their relationship provided much-needed insurance against the challenges of an unpredictable environment.

Banna People, Omo Valley, Ethiopia , 2023

Teetering on stick stilts against a cloudy sky, a group of boys from the Banna tribe balance high above their home in the heart of the Omo Valley. I am not ready to admit how much sand I ate trying to take this photograph. But it was worth gaining a lower vantage point to show the boys walking high among the clouds, like walking trees that came untethered from their roots. Some say that stilt walking originated as a clever way for the Banna to keep high above predators while guarding their cattle. Today, however, the practice is reserved for young unmarried men at festivals, and also as a fun way to pass the time.

Suri People of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2023

The Suri people are one of the many Omo Valley tribes that embrace their cultural traditions, passing down ancestral knowledge and wisdom, finding a deep sense of identity and fulfillment in their unique heritage. I was inspired by their connection to nature and how they exhibit gratitude for the resources provided by the land through rituals and ceremonies. By valuing their communal well-being over individual accumulation, practicing mindful consumption, and embracing beauty as a core element of their cultural roots, the tribes of the Omo Valley exemplify a deep understanding of enoughness, living in harmony with the rhythms of nature and finding contentment within their interconnected community.

Yunnan Province, China, 2006

A virtuous mind and voice in conservation photography and one of the most influential female photographers in the world, Cristina Mittermeier began her career as a Marine Biologist working in her native Mexico.

For the past twenty-five years, she has dedicated herself to inspiring a global audience to care about the delicate balance between human well-being and healthy ecosystems.

Cristina’s work has exhibited at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, The Miller Gallery in Cincinnati, The Paul Nicklen Gallery in New York, Xposure in the UAE , Art Basel Miami, Terras de Salitre/Mar de Mares Festival in Santiago, The Museum of Plastic Pop-Up in New York, The United Nations Headquarters in association with Disney and Girl Up, and at Fotografiska in Stockholm, Sweden.

Cristina is the co-founder of SeaLegacy, the founder and former president of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a board member for the WILD Foundation, an advisor on two major Conservation International programs, an esteemed public speaker, and a recipient of multiple internationally recognized awards for her photography. In 2016, Cristina received the Imaging Award for Photographers who Give Back and in 2018 was acknowledged as a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.

She is the editor of 26 conservation photography books and her Fine Art Coffee Table book, Amaze, is in its second printing.

Today, Cristina is the Co-founder of the conservation society, SeaLegacy, a National Geographic contributing photographer, a Sony Artisan of Imagery and the editor of 26 coffee table books on conservation issues. She is the first female photographer to reach 1M followers on Instagram and was a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. She is acknowledged as one of the most Influential Women in Ocean Conservation in 2018 by Ocean Geographic, and The Men’s Journal recently named her as one of the 18 Most Adventurous Women in the World.

Cristina is a pioneer in the use of powerful and emotive imagery to propel conservation efforts. Born in Mexico, Cristina is a marine biologist, photographer, and writer who specializes in issues surrounding fisheries and indigenous cultures.

Suri People of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2023

I had to hold back laughter when a line of Suri men turned to show off their body paint, giving the smallest member of their group the chance to seize his spotlight. While Suri women have become known for their colourful ensembles, Suri men and boys have their own equally intricate styles. The men carefully paint swirling patterns across their legs, arms, torsos, and faces. They rarely leave their villages without some kind of design expertly etched with the quick hands of skilled artists. The ultimate aim of the overall look is to enhance their beauty while simultaneously intimidating their enemies. Cattle raids and conflict are a part of life within the valley, but to a young Suri boy surrounded by the strength and love of his fellow warriors, nothing could stand in his way.

Suri People of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2023

I loved how even the sunlight seemed to be part of this young Suri girl’s colorful ensemble of seed pods, leaves, wild tomatoes, and other natural elements from the Omo Valley’s landscape. The elaborate headdresses of flowers, fruits, and even pottery that the Suri women wore were each incredibly unique. Every woman had her own unique style, interwoven with traditional paint and intricately carved earrings or lip plates. Although historically, the women of the Omo Valley reserved such colorful regalia for special occasions, in recent years, they have found ways to supplement their income by sharing their culture with visitors.

Suri People of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2023

Beauty and resilience radiate from a young girl from the Suri Tribe in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, adorned in a magnificent headdress crafted from wildflowers. The Omo Valley’s people have confronted daunting challenges, from relentless drought to internal political strife, compelling them to adapt swiftly. In these transformative times, the urgent need arises for a more enlightened and compassionate perspective of the world—one that places the wisdom of marginalized communities, who have coexisted harmoniously with the natural world for centuries, at its heart. Their insights can guide us towards a future where nature and humanity thrive in harmony, fostering a deeper connection with both each other and the world that sustains us.