Testimonials

"Required reading for the times we live in. Insightful and interesting."

"The Archipelago of Hope communicates and shines in the world we share, trying to translate the trouble into comprehensible terms."

"Gleb has written a beautiful piece of work that captures the spirit of the people who truly love the land. He expresses so well why it is so important to include the First People in taking a lead to guide the human race to find itself as true caretakers of the land. Well done! A must read!"

"The Archipelago of Hope sets a new standard. Presented in the very best of story-telling tradition, Gleb makes the solid case for seeking out the Indigenous perspective—and for listening with passion and sincerity. As we wring our hands or scratch our heads over the drastic environmental shifts now occurring around the globe Gleb shows how listening is the first step to flourishing, and to every success. Gleb is passionately and—more importantly, sincerely tuned in to the Indigenous voice, and the wisdom it has possessed for thousands of years. We are fortunate that he has shared the work he’s learned with us. This wonderful book not only inspires, but gives me great hope for the future of planetary health!"

"In this wonderfully book, Dr. Raygorodetsky takes us to the far ends of the earth to witness indigenous cultures doing what they have always done – not just survive, but thrive in challenging environments. We privileged moderns would not have even a remote chance of coping in many of them, and yet the traditions and relationships of those fragile cultures show that, even now, they are adapting in the face of rapid climate change. This book brings a message of hope and inspiration for all of us!"

"Exciting and hugely important! Raygorodetsky listens to the voices of those who are so often ignored and overlooked—the world’s Indigenous peoples. These people are also a deep source of deep knowledge that will be needed for us to heal ourselves and the planet. Archipelago of Hope will be an important resource in the tumultuous years ahead!"

"Indigenous people around the world are the only ones with a track record of living in relative balance within their surroundings for thousands of years. There was never a more important time in human history for their perspective and wisdom. The Archipelago of Hope is extremely timely and informative as we confront the reality that the growth imperative of the technologically-driven global economy must be abandoned as we embrace the health of Mother Nature as the source of our survival and health."

"Archipelago of Hope is at once a clarion call for action and an inspirational compendium of steps that Indigenous peoples around the world are taking to address the world’s changing climate. We have much to learn from the peoples whom Gleb Raygorodetsky has met and his elegant, evocative writing will immerse the reader in the places and experiences of those peoples."

"The Archipelago of Hope shares important stories and sophisticated biocultural strategies. I highly recommend this inspiring book, with warm, loving photographs and many other resources, to lead us to a better appreciation of the rich biocultural diversity of our shared world, and a more inclusive and humble approach to stewarding it through these times and into the future."

"This finite blue-green planet creaks under growing pressure. Solutions must come from within: we will all need to find ways of living with a light touch on the planet, and yet at the same time, bring well-being and contentment. This fine book develops a much-needed narrative of hope. We should listen and learn."

"Dr. Gleb Raygorodetsky expresses extraordinary scientific insights about the natural world in intimate and inspiring prose. He pulls the reader directly into the forests and cabins of the Indigenous peoples about whom he writes."

"There could be no more accurate or prescient way to see our climatic future than through the eyes of Indigenous peoples, whose survival depends on the intimacy with which they interact with living systems. In Archipelago of Hope, Indigenous wisdom earns their guide us their eyes and ears, and we can be dumbfounded by an overwhelming onslaught of information, find a precious wisdom that is bestowed to those who patiently abide in the life of the world."

"This book was waiting to be written and Gleb Raygorodetsky has the unique background and skills to tell these communities’ stories with clarity and insight."

"Few writers, anywhere in the world, know and understand the complex relationship Indigenous peoples have with climate as well and deeply as Gleb Raygorodetsky. I am so gratified, and they should be as well, that he has finally put his knowledge and wisdom in one concise and ever-so-readable document."

"When Indigenous Peoples meet one another for the first time it’s as if we’ve always known each other. Gleb’s powerful and knowledgeable book captures that sacred sense and the intimate ties we have to our Mother Earth. This book is like reading my own ancestry. We say that ‘all things are connected’ and these stories show us how related we all are."

"There is no better time than now for the world to learn from this important work by Gleb Raygorodetsky as he respectfully allows the Indigenous voices, those most impacted by climate change, to shine through in his writing."

"Gonzalo Oviedo, Senior Advisor, International Union for the Conservation of Nature: Although scattered throughout the world in oceans of change and conventional development, Indigenous cultures are indeed islands of hope—for their historical roots, for their intimate connection with the land, for their wisdom, and for their resilience. It is precisely this resilience which should serve as the base for reflection, resilience, empathy, and solidarity."

"Few non-native people understand the sacred ancient connection Indigenous people have with Mother Earth better than Gleb Raygorodetsky. Here in the inimitable clarity and style for which we know him from his National Geographic Voices blog, Gleb takes us to key environmental frontlines, to meet and converse with people who are witnessing the impact of climate change on ecosystems they have relied on for countless generations. For them there is no need of abstract scientific data to show there is a real disturbance in our planet’s life-giving force. Yet it is a modern scientific marvel of the world that Gleb adds this traditional knowledge of our planetary organism may well be our species’ ultimate lifeline."

"Gleb Raygorodetsky’s journey through Indigenous peoples of five continents shines an empathetic and sensitive light on the deepest sources of wisdom that still have life left on earth. While climate change is the focus, it is clear that such peoples have much to teach the rest of us about how to live responsibly towards the rest of nature, and ourselves both. Powerful images and clear prose, both based Gleb’s obvious immersion in the lives of these peoples, makes this book enormously educative, useful, and delightful."

"Gleb Raygorodetsky has spent his life immersed in the trials and dreams of Indigenous peoples around the world and Archipelago of Hope presents his personal and professional experiences and insights in a moving and revealing set of stories from around the world. He’s been written about science and climate change, but he also writes from the conviction, passion and deep faith that Gleb brings to his task. Ultimately, his message is one of optimism: there is still time to act, if only we can show the care and commitment to listen and learn from those like Gleb who have taken the time to learn and care."