5 Minutes With… Andrew Wang
All The Elements community member, fell runner and activist Andrew Wang tackles racism by celebrating the representation of East & Southeast Asian people in the outdoors. Here’s a 5 minute introduction to his work…
Andrew, tell us in one sentence about you and what you’re passionate about.
Increasing equity of access to the outdoors and nature via community organising, advocacy, social media, writing and campaigning.
What does that look like in practice?
I’m the founder and organiser of ESEA Outdoors UK, a grassroots community celebrating East and Southeast Asian representation in the UK outdoors and fighting racism.
Alongside this, my campaigning, writing and speaking explores inequities of access to the outdoors and the role of injustices in outdoors culture on the climate crisis.
Why do you do it?
Like many diasporas, East and Southeast Asian people and voices are underrepresented and unheard in conversations about diversity in the outdoors.
At ESEA Outdoors UK, we are fighting racism by celebrating ESEA representation, resilience and belonging in the outdoors. We are building community and empowering ESEA people in the outdoors around the UK.
Where do you feel most connected to the outdoors and why?
I'm privileged to live, walk, run and swim in the Scottish Borders, where I can access moor, loch, forest and river on my doorstep.
Alongside this I also feel connected when community organising, and running trips in the outdoors. ESEA Outdoors empowers ESEA (East & Southeast Asian) people around the UK, who may face intersecting barriers in accessing the outdoors, from intangible barriers such as fear of racism or transphobia to physical barriers such as transport from cities or access to kit.
“large-scale conservation relies on a nature-connected population. This is achieved, not by perpetuating exclusion, but a radical equity of access to nature”
How has the all the elements community supported you with your work?
Support from the All The Elements team and community have been keystones for building my community and amplifying my voice.
Soraya's vision catalysed me to set up ESEA Outdoors as soon as I returned home from The Summit 2023, and we reached our first members by the selflessness of other ATE community leaders.
At Timber Festival 2024, Frankie and Soraya from All The Elements gave us the platform to host the UK's first ever panel on East & Southeast Asian (ESEA) representation in the outdoors. From being given early access to funding opportunities to 1-to-1 social media advice calls with Frankie, from a network of experienced and connected leaders to a community to lean on when our work is under attack, All The Elements has been instrumental in the success of my work so far.
Where can people find you at Kendal Mountain Festival 2025?
With All The Elements on the Patagonia Action Works Stand from 10:30-12:30 on Friday 21st in Basecamp.
What is your top tip for making the most of KMF?
There are an increasing number of speakers and films about and by diverse voices appearing at KMF. Go and find them: diversity in the outdoors is the most exciting theme at outdoors festivals this year.
(And All The Element’s guide to Diverse Voices at Kendal Mountain Festival might help!)
Where else can people find and follow your work?
You can find out about us via our website - https://eseaoutdoors.uk
Sign up to our newsletter through Substack - https://eseaoutdoorsuk.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram: @eseaoutdoorsuk
Or get in touch via eseaoutdoorsuk@gmail.com
