People & Culture
The More we immerse ourselves in different cultures, the better we can understand the world around us.
Oman is one of the only countries in the world to keep its fish resources constant. The Sultan of Oman banned trawler fishing and dredging 15-20 years ago. No close-shore commercial fishing is allowed, enabling villagers to catch fresh, higher numbers of fish in local waters.
Before oil was discovered in the 1960s, 90% of Omanis lived off agriculture and fishing. Fisheries remain Oman’s second-largest natural resource, and the country aims ‘to create a profitable world-class sector that is ecologically sustainable and a net contributor to Oman’s economy’ by 2040.
Namibia
The Great African Road Trip. Planning an adventure always smacks of excitement, a derring-do attitude, and a hint of spontaneity. However, planning a trip into the barren reaches of Namibia puts one on the edge of one's seat. Mandy and I had avoided dwelling upon the strong probability of getting deeply and irretrievably stuck in the fine, red sands of the Namib desert, which stretches for 81,000 km2, or of running out of water in probably the oldest and most deceptive deserts in the world. No, we would be prepared - super prepared! No skimping on equipment or the quality of the truck; we would even take along an extra Jerry can of fuel! I felt a sense of control and pride as I confirmed our tickets to Cape Town and checked on the 4x4 Toyota Hilux, the newest and most reliable model, waiting for us.
Driving into Namibia from the Cape, my first impression of this barren landscape was one of awe at the vast expanse of fascinating, varied features painted on the face of this vast desert: a sea of sand, forming waves of inspiring heights, some over 300 meters, dropping into canyons that shelter their mini eco-systems. This was true beauty in all its untouched purity. When had the sky been so blue or the sands so blindingly golden? There are no filters in this landscape - no sensual or emotional restraint—nothing to shield us from reality. We were face-to-face with early creation.
You can read the full article and see all the photos.
Photography and Film - Matt Porteous
Post Production - Tom Webster
Full story - thestudiom.com/blog/austria
THE STUBAI HIGH-LEVEL ROUTE
Words Tony Blyth
Two years after completing our expedition through the Lefka Ori in Crete, I never thought that I would be able to undertake another adventure through the mountains. However, at the age of 74, with two ankle replacements, I felt it might be my last chance to venture into the high mountains, somewhere I’ve always dreamed of an explorer’s journey through the Stubai mountaintop route in Austria.
The high mountains are known for their challenging, thrilling routes, delivering the most magnificent scenery. I wanted to bring Matthew and Bagsy along with me for their first adventure through the high peaks: I knew this would be a different kind of challenge, with huts to stay in and restaurants to refuel. This would be more technical but with less weight to carry.