About Us
ETHNOMAD is a global initiative dedicated to documenting, celebrating, and safeguarding the world’s most extraordinary cultural traditions through ethnographic research, storytelling, and advocacy. We work alongside tribal, Indigenous, traditional, and minority communities facing threats from modernisation, conservation policies, development pressures, displacement, and disaster, particularly in Hard-to-Reach Areas (HRAs) where cultural heritage is most at risk.
Our work focuses on community-based conservation, tangible and intangible heritage protection, and sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that traditional knowledge, artistry, and ways of life continue. Through in-depth research, field documentation, consultancies, and workshops, we provide platforms for communities to share their stories and safeguard their traditions on their terms.
At the heart of our mission is Fading Cultures Magazine, which brings powerful stories of resilience, craftsmanship, oral traditions, and cultural identity to a global audience. Through immersive storytelling and breathtaking visuals, we highlight the diverse expressions of human heritage that deserve to be seen and preserved. Every subscription and sale directly supports field projects, research, and initiatives that sustain traditional ways of life, ensuring these cultures not only endure but remain a vital part of our shared human story.
Tom Corcoran
PhD, MSc, BSc, MM, ACP
Tom is a Conservation Ethnographer, Humanitarian, Global Explorer, and Writer who weaves traditional knowledge and cultural heritage into community-based projects while documenting vivid narratives. Born in Ireland, Tom grew up in Australia, where he developed a deep appreciation for biodiversity and traditional ways of life, which guided his career in cultural heritage conservation and humanitarian work. His work spans from restoring heritage buildings and sites in conflict reconstruction and disaster to working in community-based eco-tourism and living heritage across the globe from Australia to Indonesia, Madagascar, South Korea, Bhutan, Europe, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Tom's academic journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise. He holds an MM and ACP from Australia, a BSc and MSc from UCC and UCD in Ireland, and a PhD from Birmingham University in the UK. His professional experience includes managing large-scale private sector projects to leading humanitarian and development projects with the United Nations and INGOs as well as advising and training government departments in cultural heritage, tourism and vernacular architecture. As a National Geographic Global Explorer, his work in Indonesia has received accolades from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (ECOA). Tom also received the FORD Awards for Conservation and Development for his work in Madagascar.
As the project manager, writer, and editor at the Fading Cultures Project, Tom is dedicated to illuminating the stories of remote communities,' supporting and documenting their life stories and traditions, and celebrating the enduring connections between humanity, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and the world around us.
Jasmine San Jose - Aniukova
Jasmine is a seasoned global explorer with a background in Business Administration and Tourism and is the driving force behind the promotions and marketing strategy at ETHNOMAD and the Fading Cultures Magazine. Born in the Philippines, she embarked on her journey of discovery at a young age, leaving her homeland to pursue a career that would span continents and oceans. Over the past decade, Jasmine has navigated the world aboard cruisers and sailboats, immersing herself in the vibrant diversity of cultures, landscapes, and traditions.
From the bustling markets of Southeast Asia to the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean, Jasmine has cultivated a unique understanding of the intricate threads that weave humanity together. Her global perspective is deeply personal—her own family’s story reflects a beautiful diversity, with roots in the Philippines and connections across three continents, scattered between Eastern Europe and the United States.
Jasmine’s experiences have instilled in her a profound appreciation for the world’s cultural richness, making her a vital advocate for the ETHNOMAD mission to document, preserve, and celebrate traditions at risk of fading away. Her work draws inspiration from her love of storytelling and her belief that every culture, no matter how small or remote, has lessons to teach about resilience, identity, and humanity’s shared journey.
Sasha Priyo
Sasha Priyo is a distinguished research academic, philosopher, and educational thought leader with a lifelong commitment to working alongside remote and marginalised communities across India. Drawing from decades of immersive experience, Sasha has dedicated his career to supporting communities through transformative education and innovative pedagogical approaches.
As a leading thinker and philosopher in the field of education, Sasha has contributed extensively to the development and implementation of effective learning frameworks that bridge traditional wisdom and contemporary educational methodologies. His work with Bodh Shiksha Samiti—a pioneering educational organisation known for its community-centered Bodhshalas—has significantly impacted educational quality and equity, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Sasha’s approach emphasises education as a catalyst for social change and empowerment, particularly among marginalised communities whose cultural heritage and identity are threatened. Through his research, advocacy, and direct engagement, Sasha champions the importance of contextually rooted education systems that preserve local knowledge while preparing communities for sustainable futures.
With a lifetime of experience living and collaborating with remote communities across India, Sasha embodies the core philosophy of ETHNOMAD: celebrating diversity, safeguarding traditional knowledge, and advocating for education that is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and empowering.
"Bringing Stories to Life Through the People WHo Live Them
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