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  • BIHAR, INDIA: AUGUST 13: Villagers cross a river to get to Lalita's village after  she made a visit to her village of Koprah,  60 kilometers from Sitamarhi in northern Bihar, India August 13, 2003. Lalita was visiting after an eight month training course at a MSK and 4 months of teaching karate in another district in Bihar. She has overcome great barriers in a society that regards her as the most disadvantaged since she is a female in one of  the lowest castes in India, the "Musahar "caste which means rat eaters. This tenacious young woman attended,  Mahila Shikshan Kendra, a Women's Education Center,  depsite her father's protests and learned how to read, write and defend herself in a community which frequently abuses women. Now she is teaching karate to other young women in a MSK in Amos block. Bihar is the poorest state in India and women suffer  greatly because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. Most of the girls who are attending the eight month course have had to overcome tremendous resistance from families and a society entrenched in the  weight of a caste system which discourages those from the lower castes to be educated, especially women. The 10 centers with 40 students in each are being funded by the World Bank although it was initially started by Unicef . .(Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0093A.jpg
  • BIHAR, INDIA: AUGUST 14: Lalita'gathers water at a pump in her village of Koprah,  60 kilometers from Sitamarhi in northern Bihar, India August 14, 2003. She was visiting after an eight month training course at a MSK and 4 months of teaching karate in another district in Bihar. She has overcome great barriers in a society that regards her as the most disadvantaged since she is a female in one of  the lowest castes in India, the "Musahar "caste which means rat eaters. This tenacious young woman attended,  Mahila Shikshan Kendra, a Women's Education Center,  depsite her father's protests and learned how to read, write and defend herself in a community which frequently abuses women. Now she is teaching karate to other young women in a MSK in Amos block. Bihar is the poorest state in India and women suffer  greatly because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. Most of the girls who are attending the eight month course have had to overcome tremendous resistance from families and a society entrenched in the  weight of a caste system which discourages those from the lower castes to be educated, especially women. The 10 centers with 40 students in each are being funded by the World Bank although it was initially started by Unicef . .(Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0036.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling065.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling012.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling009.jpg
  • EKANGERSERAI, BIHAR: AUGUST 11:Indian children leave Middle School Ekangerserai school after monsoon rains flood their classrooms in a village about 100 kilometers from Patna in the state of Bihar, India August 11, 2003.  Bihar is the poorest state in India and girls often suffer the most because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • MADHOPUR, BIHAR: AUGUST 11:Villagers watch as a group of girls study under the thatch roof of an open hut at the Kishori Kendra Madhopur  in a village about 100 kilometers from Patna in the state of Bihar, India August 11, 2003.  Bihar is the poorest state in India and girls often suffer the most because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Truku Pema Wangyal, 5 years, was recognized at 4 years to be a reincarnated Buddhist Lama in Ura village. Bhutan. (Ami Vitale)
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  • Truku Pema Wangyal, 5 years, was recognized at 4 years to be a reincarnated Buddhist Lama in Ura village. Bhutan. (Ami Vitale)
    Bhutan064.jpg
  • Truku Pema Wangyal, 5 years, was recognized at 4 years to be a reincarnated Buddhist Lama in Ura village. Bhutan. (Ami Vitale)
    Bhutan061.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling158.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling154.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling141.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling139.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling119.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling030.jpg
  • EKANGERSERAI, BIHAR: AUGUST 11:Indian children leave Middle School Ekangerserai school after monsoon rains flood their classrooms in a village about 100 kilometers from Patna in the state of Bihar, India August 11, 2003.  Bihar is the poorest state in India and girls often suffer the most because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0159.jpg
  • Bhutan060.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling172.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling152.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling151.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling120.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling118.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling108.jpg
  • The signs of changing times are evident as Maasai children relax with a game of football as their elders walk by cloaked in traditional clothing during lunch break at the Endulen Primary school in Ngornogoro District in Tanzania September 29, 2003.  Most Maasai now see the value of sending their children to school so they can have a voice in the government to protect themselves with increasing land loss. The Maasai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 in the name of conservation and are being threatened again  under a torrent of new legislation. Like other indigenous people the world over, they continue to be evicted from their land in the name of tourism and conservation. They have lived on these lands for centuries but now struggle to survive on their borders, especially in the difficult drought years. Though they were able to live in harmony with the wildlife for centuries, the places with rich water sources are now preserved for tourists.  Eco-tourism, the government solution to chronic poverty, brings in vast revenues but sadly, the dispossessed Maasai are not allowed to benefit. Only a handful, mostly foreign owned tourist operators profit and only a tiny portion of the money actually filters through to the local economy.
    ami123.jpg
  • Maasai pastoralists collect water at one of the few sources in Endulen, outside of the pristine Ngornogoro Crater in Tanzania, October 4, 2003.  The Maasai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 in the name of conservation and are being threatened again with further land loss under a torrent of new legislation. Like other indigenous people the world over, they continue to be evicted from their land in the name of tourism and conservation. They have lived on these lands for centuries but now struggle to survive on their borders, especially in the difficult drought years. Though they were able to live in harmony with the wildlife for centuries, the places with rich water sources are now preserved for tourists.  Eco-tourism, the government solution to chronic poverty, brings in vast revenues but sadly, the dispossessed Maasai are not allowed to benefit. Only a handful, mostly foreign owned tourist operators profit and only a tiny portion of the money actually filters through to the local economy.
    ami104.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling010.jpg
  • Zhang Hemin, Director of the reserve along with panda handlers wait for a panda in training to emerge from her cage in Wolong Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. The loss of one of the world’s most iconic species is being reversed. Their habitat is being restored, and every year from now on, more captive pandas will be “trained” to be wild and then released. The accomplishment is extraordinary—first the Chinese have had to solve the famous problem of getting Pandas to mate. Then, they’ve had to take an animal that has lost its wild instincts, and re-train it to survive in the harsh Sichuan mountain cloud forests. It’s taken Chinese researchers over 30 years to solve these problems.
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  • KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 4, 2002:   Afghans who were trained for the close protection team by Italian paratroopers working as part of the International Security and Assistance Force  in Afghanistan hold a ceremony marking their completion of the training August 4, 2002 in Kabul.(Photo  by Ami Vitale)
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  • KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 4, 2002:   Afghans who were trained for the close protection team by Italian paratroopers working as part of the International Security and Assistance Force  in Afghanistan hold a ceremony marking their completion of the training August 4, 2002 in Kabul.(Photo  by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0044-3.jpg
  • KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 4, 2002:   Afghans who were trained for the close protection team by Italian paratroopers working as part of the International Security and Assistance Force  in Afghanistan hold a ceremony marking their completion of the training August 4, 2002 in Kabul.(Photo  by Ami Vitale)
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  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 18, 2004:  A Nepalese child helps his grandmother cook next to a fire in Rukum District April 18, 2004. Most of Nepal has no electricity, plumbing or infrastructure and ill-equipped security forces in the politically unstable country are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami234.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004:  Nepalese villagers gossip next to the small local shop in Rukum District April 17, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami233.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 15, 2004:  Children carry their siblings in a small village in Rukum District April 15, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami230.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 24, 2004:  A child works in a tea stall in a small village in Rukum District April 24, 2004. Nepal is one of the poorest countries and most children are forced to be a part of the labor work force.  Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami179.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  Nepalese children stan in a government school yard in Rukum  district April 20, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami178.jpg
  • KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 4, 2002:   Afghans who were trained for the close protection team by Italian paratroopers working as part of the International Security and Assistance Force  in Afghanistan hold a ceremony marking their completion of the training August 4, 2002 in Kabul.(Photo  by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0066-2.jpg
  • KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 4, 2002:   Afghans who were trained for the close protection team by Italian paratroopers working as part of the International Security and Assistance Force  in Afghanistan hold a ceremony marking their completion of the training August 4, 2002 in Kabul.(Photo  by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0002-4.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004: A  Nepalese villager punds wheat in Rukum District April 17, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami235.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 17, 2004:  Donkeys , the only mode of transportation in this undeveloped terrain, cross a bridge in Rukum District April 17, 2004. Ill-equipped security forces in politically unstable Nepal are unable to control  Maoist rebels, who continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination, unless they actively resist the "training attempts," in which case the rebels torture or sometimes kill them. Maoist insurgents have capture most of the Western part of Nepal in their attempt to make it a Communist State. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami184.jpg
  • 2927309: JODPHUR, INDIA, FEB. 10, 2004: Indian Border Security Force constables perform their morning duties at a training center in Jodphur, India February 10,2004.  The constables train camels who are able to survive the harsh conditions in the desert region of Rajasthan and along the border with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought three wars that date back to the partition of the British Indian Empire  in 1947 but are now warming up to eachother and will have peace talks this month. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    20.jpg
  • 2927309: JODPHUR, INDIA, FEB. 10, 2004: Indian Border Security Force constables perform their morning duties at a training center in Jodphur, India February 10,2004.  The constables train camels who are able to survive the harsh conditions in the desert region of Rajasthan and along the border with Pakistan. India and Pakistan have fought three wars that date back to the partition of the British Indian Empire  in 1947 but are now warming up to eachother and will have peace talks this month. (Ami Vitale)
    11.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0067-2.jpg
  • A panda who is training to be put back into the wild climbs a tree and his every move is tracked by some 200 closed-circuit in the Wolong National Nature Reserve in China.  There are now only an estimated 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild. In 2005, scientists at China’s Wolong National Nature Reserve, in Sichuan province, attempted to release a young male into the wild, but it soon died, likely as a result of a fight with wild pandas. That’s when the reserve’s director, Zhang Hemin—dubbed Papa Panda—and his team realized that the captive-born animal didn’t really know how to behave like a panda, and revamped the reserve’s program nearly from scratch. They eventually decided that the best way to raise captive pandas that act like wild ones was to erase all traces of humans from their world and allow the mothers to raise their cubs on their own.
    KEN_4491.jpg
  • A panda who is training to be put back into the wild climbs a tree and his every move is tracked by some 200 closed-circuit in the Wolong National Nature Reserve in China.  There are now only an estimated 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild. In 2005, scientists at China’s Wolong National Nature Reserve, in Sichuan province, attempted to release a young male into the wild, but it soon died, likely as a result of a fight with wild pandas. That’s when the reserve’s director, Zhang Hemin—dubbed Papa Panda—and his team realized that the captive-born animal didn’t really know how to behave like a panda, and revamped the reserve’s program nearly from scratch. They eventually decided that the best way to raise captive pandas that act like wild ones was to erase all traces of humans from their world and allow the mothers to raise their cubs on their own.
    KEN_4366.jpg
  • Panda costumes that are worn by caretakers hang inside the<br />
employee room at the Wolong Nature Reserve managed by the China<br />
Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Babies are born<br />
in a quiet moss and as they grow they are moved to progressively<br />
bigger, more complex and “wilder” enclosures, eventually learning to<br />
climb and forage for themselves. From birth,a panda slated for release<br />
will never see a human, its training administered equally by its<br />
mother and its unseen keepers in panda costumes.
    CHI_1704.tif
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0096-2.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0095-2.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0094-3.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0087.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0045-2.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0078.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0064-2.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0045.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0044-5.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0093.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0085.jpg
  • Afghans do physical training to make using their  prosethetic limbs easier at the International Committee for the  Red Cross hospital August 6, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Most of the Afghans had lost a limb due to landmines and unexploded ordinances that litter the countryside of  this war torn country. (photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0056-5.jpg
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8881.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8874.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8855.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8850.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8799.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8755.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8753.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8737.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8728.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8717.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8706.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8703.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8694.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8689.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8673.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8649.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
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  • Masai study in  an adult literacy training program funded by Oxfam GB at the Endulen Primary school in Ngornogoro District in Tanzania September 29, 2003.  The Masai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 and struggle to hang onto the lands they live on now because of increasing pressure from conservationists. (Ami Vitale)
    2003_Rwanda_032.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  Maoist insurgents take a group of children for a cultural education program  in Rukum district April 20, 2004   Maoist rebels continue to abduct villagers for indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami206.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents walk through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami202.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 20, 2004:  Maoist insurgents take a group of children for a cultural education program  in Rukum district April 20, 2004   Maoist rebels continue to abduct thousands of villagers for forcible indoctrination and military training.  The Maoists mainly target students, teachers and youths. The victims are usually released after a few days of indoctrination. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core Maoist fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and people's courts. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers.  They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami186.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents walk through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami174.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents take a break while walking through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami173.jpg
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents walk through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami172.jpg
  • BIHAR, INDIA: JULY 11: Sonamati gets water from a well in new village where she lives  with her in-laws after she completed training at a Women's Education Center, in the block of Amos which is a cluster of villages located near the city of Patna in Bihar, India July 11, 2003. Bihar is the poorest state in India and women suffer  greatly because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. This center is being funded by the World Bank although it was initially started by Unicef . .(Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0058A.jpg
  • A Kashmiri woman looks through a fence outside a graveyard to try and see an unidentified youth who was found killed in the streets of Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian held state of Kashmir, April 3, 2002. Every Kashmiri citizen has been affected by this  tragic conflict which has been going on for over a decade.  Nearly a dozen militant groups are fighting New Delhi's rule. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training Islamic militants. Pakistan denies the charge and says it only offers moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiri separatists.
    048aa.jpg
  • A Kashmiri child waits outside in a cordoned area along with hundreds of other villagers that were evacuated around 4 a.m. March 28, 2002 before a gun battle between a militant and Indian security forces broke out in Budgam district west of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The muslim militant hid in a mosque in a 20-hour siege. It was the fourth time in two months that separatists had sought refuge in a mosque in the Himalayan region. Nearly a dozen militant groups are fighting New Delhi's rule in Jammu and Kashmir. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training Islamic militants. Pakistan denies the charge and says it only offers moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiri separatists.
    033.jpg
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8779.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8748.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8740.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8666.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8665.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8655.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8652.tiff
  • RUKUM DISTRICT, NEPAL, APRIL 21, 2004:  Maoist insurgents wash up before beginning their walk through the mountains to a mobile training camp in Rukum district April 21, 2004.    Analysts and diplomats estimate there about 15,000-20,000 hard-core fighters, including many children and women, backed by 50,000 "militia".  In their remote strongholds, they collect taxes and have set up civil administrations, and "people's courts" to settle rows. They also raise money by taxing villagers and foreign trekkers. Though young, they are fearsome fighters and  specialise in night attacks and hit-and-run raids. They are tough in Nepal's rugged terrain, full of thick forests and deep ravines and the 150,000 government soldiers are not enough to combat this growing movement that models itself after the Shining Path of Peru. (Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    ami175.jpg
  • BIHAR, INDIA: JULY 11: Sonamati gets water from a well in new village where she lives  with her in-laws after she completed training at a Women's Education Center, in the block of Amos which is a cluster of villages located near the city of Patna in Bihar, India July 11, 2003. Bihar is the poorest state in India and women suffer  greatly because of the poverty, lack of education and opportunities. This center is being funded by the World Bank although it was initially started by Unicef . .(Ami Vitale)
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  • Dheeraj Kohli, who was killed while working as a police officer by an unknown militant in a grenade attack on   is cremated March 31, in Jammu. At least 10 were killed and 18 injured after two militants went on a shooting spree and threw grenades in a temple and shopping district of the Indian state. Nearly a dozen militant groups are fighting New Delhi's rule in Jammu and Kashmir. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training Islamic militants. Pakistan denies the charge and says it only offers moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiri separatists. (Ami Vitale).
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  • Scientist M. Sanjayan films at the Wolong Panda Reserve managed by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan, China. For the first time in 50 years since the WWF adopted the panda as the symbol of wildlife conservation, the loss of one of the world’s most iconic species is being reversed. Their habitat is being restored, and every year from now on, more captive pandas will be “trained” to be wild and then released.<br />
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The accomplishment is extraordinary—first the Chinese have had to solve the famous problem of getting Pandas to mate. Then, they’ve had to take an animal that has lost its wild instincts, and re-train it to survive in the harsh Sichuan mountain cloud forests. It’s taken Chinese researchers over 30 years to solve these problems.<br />
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Many of us have ceased to think of the panda as a “wild” creature. It’s more of a cartoon animal that lives in zoos.  But watching Zhang Xiang, the first female panda to be released into the wild, you realize that she may be the most famous panda that no one—save a handful of scientists-- will ever see.
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  • Nepalese police train early in the morning in Nepalganj, Nepal March 16, 2005. (Ami Vitale)
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  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 19: Indian boys practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Gangawesh on March 19, 2006 in Kolhapur, India. In feudal times, wrestling matches were often fought to the death but over centuries, it was gradually modified to become one of the most popular sports in the region.  The wrestlers train with total devotion and intensity, through exercise, diet, self-control and celibacy. They have a rigorous schedule of waking up at 4am six times a week and they practice more than 6 hours every day.  They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts.
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  • A 14 year old panda named YeYe holds her young cub at Wolong Giant Panda reserve. The mother is captive born and her baby is being trained to be released back into the wild. Thanks to hunting and the destruction of their natural habitat, there are now only an estimated 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild.
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  • Trains carry coal from Williamson, West Virginia, where mountaintop mines are abundant. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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