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Since 2001, Eastman Kodak has partnered with The Nature Conservancy on an innovative program that provides cameras and film to remote villagers in order to learn about local needs in southwestern China. Called Photovoice, the project is an integral part of The Nature Conservancy’s effort with local government agencies to establish nature reserves, protected areas, and other conservation objectives.

Thus far, the Conservancy has assembled over 50,000 pictures and 15,000 narratives—all yielding a moving portrait of people practicing customs and traditions lost elsewhere, including the close relationship between local people and their native land. Currently, the Conservancy is building an innovative database to archive Photovoice and scientific data, and help guide the Conservancy’s conservation efforts in northwest Yunnan.