Shackleton Lecture: Celine Cousteau on Environmental Stewardship
On 14 October, we had the privilege of welcoming renowned documentary filmmaker Celine Cousteau to Dulwich College Beijing as part of our Shackleton Lecture series. Ms Cousteau is an environmental activist, international speaker, documentary filmmaker, facilitator, and author committed to sharing the vital message of interconnectivity between humans and the natural world.
During her visit, Ms Cousteau hosted intimate classroom sessions with Year 4 students, sharing her personal encounters with nature and indigenous tribes that encouraged empathy and invited the students to reflect. She also delivered a captivating lecture to our Key Stage 3 students, detailing her remarkable work with the Vale do Javari Indigenous Peoples of the Brazilian Amazon, which inspired the creation of her feature documentary film, Tribes on the Edge, a seven-year endeavour that was made at their request.
Her work has brought to light their unique approaches to land stewardship, emphasising the symbiotic relationship indigenous tribes like the Vale de Javari have cultivated with the land for generations. This narrative reminded us of the importance of listening to and learning from the guardians of the Earth’s most vital ecosystems.
Anthony Coles, our Head of College, added, “Celine’s message resonates strongly with our DCB's focus on sustainability and global citizenship. She encouraged us to reflect on how we, too, can become more conscious stewards of our environment, drawing inspiration from the sustainable practices of these Indigenous communities. Her powerful words highlighted that the protection of our planet is not only a scientific or political issue but a deeply human one. As we continue to explore the connections between education, environment, and global responsibility, this lecture has provided our students with a compelling reminder of the role they can play in shaping a sustainable future.”
The Shackleton Lectures honour Dulwich College alumnus Sir Ernest Shackleton, a renowned Antarctic explorer, and is a highlight of our school calendar. As part of our vision to help our students Live Worldwise, we invite inspiring speakers to share their stories, offering insights that encourage critical thinking and engagement with global issues. These interactions foster curiosity and empathy, cultivating a culture of exploration that empowers our students to make a positive impact in the world.
