Search -
Environmental Science: A Global Concern 5e
Environmental Science A Global Concern 5e Author:Barbara Woodworth Saigo, William P. Cunningham Family members sort sun-dried apricots in Hunza, in far northern Pakistan. Surrounded on all sides by the Karakoram Range, Hunza is one of the most remote and isolated places in the world. James Hilton's 1933 novel Shangri La is thought to be based on this beautiful arcadian lanscape. Until 1978, Hunza was connected to the outside world only ... more »by footpaths and precarious suspension bridges. This remoteness allowed them to maintain a simple lifestyle based on a pure diet, hard work, clean air and water, strong religious beliefs, a rich family life, and freedom from stress. Because of this lifestyle, the Hunzakuts have been reputed to reach great ages, often up to 120 years.
Agriculture in these high mountain valleys still is sustained by an ancient system of hand-dug canals that bring melted glacier water down to the carefully terraced fields. Orchard keeping is one of the most sustainable forms of farming. A perennial crop, fruit tress protect the soil from erosion while providing energy-rich and nutritious crops. Perhaps others of us could learn much from the simple lifestyle and traditional wisdom of the Hunzian people.« less