About Humanclture
Humanculture is an Indigenous led 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing community driven systems for safe water, food security, education, health access, and women’s economic independence across the Global South.
Humanculture is dedicated to preserving the life, land, and culture of African and Indigenous peoples by advancing sustainable development, cultural preservation, and human rights. We support communities that are often excluded from global visibility and resource access.
Founded by Stephanie Zabriskie in 2018, Humanculture works in partnership with communities to increase access to safe water, resilient food systems, education, public health, women’s health, economic autonomy, and cultural preservation and representation.
Our work is decolonial and community-led. We partner with local leadership to expand access to fundamental human rights for women, children, and whole-village development. Humanculture’s work spans Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Madagascar, Morocco, Cambodia, and communities in Central and South America. Our work focuses on water access, food security, community health, education, women’s economic autonomy, and cultural preservation.
Institutional Engagement and Global Platforms
The work associated with Humanculture and the Indigenous Systems platform contributes to global discussions on biodiversity, food systems, and Indigenous knowledge through participation in international research processes and United Nations–related platforms.
United Nations Recognition
Humanculture is registered with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) through the eSango platform as an Indigenous Peoples’ Organization (IPO). Once accredited, this enables participation in United Nations processes, including the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
Indigenous Collective Governance
Humanculture is a member of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IIFBES), a global caucus representing Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) within biodiversity-related United Nations processes.
Scientific and Technical Expertise
Humanculture founder and Executive Director, Stephanie Zabriskie, serves as an Expert Contributor to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), providing technical input to global assessments and supporting the integration of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) within international science and policy processes.
Food Systems and Family Farming
Humanculture contributes to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Family Farming Knowledge Platform, supporting global dialogue on pastoralist rights, sustainable food systems, and the preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge and practices.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience
Humanculture is registered on the global knowledge platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The organization contributes knowledge resources and practice documentation related to Indigenous governance systems, climate adaptation, and community-based approaches to disaster risk reduction.
HumanCulture’s projects contribute to at least 12 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including:
No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-Being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Reduced Inequalities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life on Land

