Save our seas.
How Do We Protect Our Seas While Embracing Our Post-Modern Lives?
If you’re interested in how we can protect people and the planet in rapidly changing times, you need to listen to my guest Sue Kim on the Brave New Girls Podcast. Sue, a Korean-American filmmaker, is the director of The Last of the Sea Women, the first feature from Malala Yousafzai’s new production company, Extracurricular Productions. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the NETPAC Prize for the best film from the Asia-Pacific region.
Sue’s documentary shines a light on the Haenyeo, the legendary female divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island. For centuries, these women have dived deep into the ocean without oxygen tanks to harvest seafood, supporting their families and communities. The seas have been their livelihood. Their unique matriarchal culture, resilience, and intimate connection to the sea have been passed down through generations.
And yet the waters are under threat and this ancient way of life is now at risk. With most divers in their elderly years, fewer young women are taking up the mantle, and environmental threats such as climate change and disastrous pollution of the seas are making their work increasingly unsustainable. Through The Last of the Sea Women, Sue not only preserves their stories but also challenges us to consider the broader implications of losing such cultural and ecological treasures.
Sue’s films celebrate the dynamic interplay between humanity and the world around us, showing us what’s at stake if we fail to act. Her work reminds us that our decisions today shape the future—for our communities, our cultures, and the planet.
In our conversation, Sue shared powerful insights about balance: between tradition and progress, humanity and nature, and preservation and innovation. Here are ten actionable steps inspired by her work to protect cultural traditions, people, and the planet:
Brave New Girl- How to Be Fearless.
10 Steps to Honour Tradition and Protect Our Planet
Support Sustainable Practices
Prioritize supporting businesses, artisans, and industries that value sustainability and respect traditional practices.Learn About Endangered Cultures
Educate yourself about disappearing ways of life, like the haenyeo. Awareness is the first step to advocacy.Champion Environmental Protection
Advocate for policies that address climate change, marine preservation, and pollution reduction to protect fragile ecosystems.Document Traditions
Record oral histories, stories, and traditions in your own community to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.Invest in Women and Communities
Support programs that empower women, especially in vulnerable communities, to continue sustainable and cultural practices.Promote Responsible Tourism
Travel with care—choose destinations and tours that protect local traditions and minimize environmental impact.Engage in Intergenerational Dialogue
Connect with elders in your community to learn about their experiences and wisdom; ensure it’s shared with younger generations.Support Filmmakers and Artists
Watch and promote films like The Last of the Sea Women that bring awareness to cultural and environmental issues.Reduce Your Environmental Footprint
Make lifestyle changes—reduce waste, go plastic-free, and conserve energy—to contribute to a healthier planet.Advocate for Representation
Encourage diverse storytelling in media to ensure all voices, especially those preserving traditional ways of life, are heard.
Sue Kim’s work illustrates how preserving the past can guide us toward a more mindful, sustainable future. By celebrating and protecting our cultural and environmental heritage, we not only honor those who came before us but also create a more balanced and harmonious world for those yet to come.
PS. Listen HERE to SUE’S journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us create well beings on a well planet.
