In Nature Takes a Stand, the Kikatu, at least their nomadic component, is on the verge of extinction because of their lifestyle. Their once evergreen environment has turned into a lifeless desert.The Cobbler, on the lowest rung of the social ladder and in fact a slave for all intents and purposes, rises to the occasion. Leading a "Save the Environment" movement, he begins with the call to protect the lowly herb and then makes a frontal attack on the logging industry, gaining powerful enemies. Among them is Kurtin, part of the most prominent family in the community and a logging merchant intent on keeping the old order in place.Odds are that tradition will win, defeating the forces of change. But then Mother Nature takes a stand. As a result of a cruel drought that almost decimates their herds, the Kikatu can either stay put and starve, or move in search of water and fodder, but perhaps still die for trying.Broadcaster and journalist Ali Abdulkadir worked extensively in the Middle East and in his native country Somalia, before serving the United Nations as a communications officer. In the early 1980s, he witnessed the birth of new nations from the desert sand. He also saw his own country's environment wither. The U.N. taught him that if only people would appreciate that they rise or fall together, peace would reign and hunger would be a thing of the past. He is married and has three children.Publisher's website: http://sbpra.com/AliAbdulkadir