Why does the culture and heritage need preserving?
A. Akha culture is uniquely intertwined with great care for the environment, clearly defines village functions and provides a legal system for village disputes. Since the Akha receive little to no government aid, assistance to record their traditions for the use of future generations is needed from outside. Knowledge of the culture and traditions gives tools of survival to the young people, many of them displaced by government policy. B. A strong traditional culture helps them maintain their traditional farm lands and farming techniques, food security, traditional medicines and healing systems, clean water, community intermarriage. C. Loss of the culture leads to an increase in mortality, crime and community break up. Decreases food security and nutrition. Leads to an increase in prostitution and drug use, and imprisonment.
