In the climate crisis, indigenous and traditional communities across Africa are solving their own problems and restoring the land, waters, and earth-centered culture that are critical to the climate.
In the three new animations released by the African Earth Law Collective, storytellers from Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Kenya explore how communities can reverse the history of the recent loss and destruction of their homes.
Each story is told in the words of Earth Law practitioners Simon Mitambo, Method Gundidza and Dennis Tabaro, who have been using the holistic approach they learned from the Colombian Amazonian communities, including community dialogue and ecological culture, to accompany these communities towards the rejuvenation mapping.
Blisa, Uganda
Dennis Tabaro from Lake Mwitanzige (Lake Albert) shared his own story of transformation, from accountants to practitioners of terrestrial law, and how the indigenous Bagun people of Buliisa in Uganda restored their natural sacred sites, respected administrators and oil giants. Dahl’s clan governance system in the shadow of oil extraction.
“The ancient people of Bagun were told that their traditional way of life was backward and even evil. Those elders who still had a deep understanding of how to take care of nature were called witches and had to hide.” Dennis said.
But now, the caretaker is taking back and protecting the sacred place, where fish lay eggs and birds nest again. They have gained confidence and the local government is listening to their voices-a law has been passed to protect their natural sacred sites and recognize the role of custodians. This is the first time in Africa. The Bagun ancients are following a path of decolonization that others can emulate. “
Biquita, Zimbabwe
In Biquita, Zimbabwe, Method Gundidza tells the story of how five nearby communities have transformed their food and agricultural systems and their relationship with wilderness and natural sacred sites by restoring the most sacred varieties of millet in the area. Crops.
“Our mission is to revive traditional crop varieties that are suitable for our land and climate. The success we have achieved in this mission is the example of millet, which helps our communities to unite together again,” Method says.
The old varieties of millet are now growing in our fields. The elders and women who knew these seeds regained confidence and respect. We resumed collective harvesting and millet ceremonies and strengthened our community. The granary we used to store seeds has been rebuilt, and the seeds saved every year are enough for us to tide over the difficulties. ”
Taraka, Kenya
