United Nations’ Post

Coastal communities' resilience depends on their conservation efforts, overcoming oppression, and influencing decision-makers. An excellent article by Katherine Arroyo-Arce that highlights the reality of Costa Rican coastal areas and the importance of an integral view of adaptation. #CostaRica #coastalcommunities #CostalDevelopment

Understanding nature through your identity brings sense into how you interact with it. Our very own, Wangari Maathai, the renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, often spoke about the deep connection between nature and African identity. She emphasized the importance of preserving Africa's natural environment as a fundamental aspect of African culture and heritage. Maathai believed that the health of the land, forests, and ecosystems was intricately linked to the well-being and identity of African people. Through her work with the Green Belt Movement, Maathai advocated for environmental conservation, reforestation, and sustainable development practices to protect Africa's natural resources and empower local communities. She saw environmental activism as not only crucial for preserving the planet but also for reclaiming Africa's identity and sovereignty. The African indigenous communities had a fascinating perspective on our natural resources. Our people understood the importance of using the land sustainably, recognizing our interconnectedness with nature. Our cultural practices reflected this deep bond with the land - from how we worshipped to how we interacted with other communities and protected our territories. For native cultures, the land wasn't just a physical space but an integral part of identity. It was revered and respected, almost worshipped. “Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible God and destroys a visible Nature. Unaware that this Nature he’s destroying is the God he’s worshipping.” ~Hubert Reeves. You hurt one par of nature, you hurt yourself in the process. Interesting isn't it? Phot Credit: 4045 #climatechange #africa #sustainableworld

#Sweden’s #reindeer are under threat. Their herders want to change that. Learn more about the importance of embedding Indigenous knowledge in the World Economic Forum’s report ‘Embedding Indigenous Knowledge in the #Conservation and Restoration of Landscapes’:  https://ow.ly/2BQk50Qkzv5

This World Humanitarian Day, I can’t help but see the link between the crises we face in our environment and the broader impacts on humanity. Bholanath Rudra’s art, currently on display, challenges us to confront these issues head-on by highlighting the tragedy of elephant poaching. It’s not just about the loss of wildlife—it’s about the communities whose lives are deeply intertwined with these creatures and the far-reaching consequences on our ecosystems. For me, Rudra’s work serves as a powerful reminder that environmental and humanitarian concerns are inseparable. As we observe this day, let’s consider how we can protect both nature and the people who depend on it. If you haven’t yet seen these works, 30th August is the last day to visit the exhibition. #WorldHumanitarianDay #ArtForChange #BholanathRudra #ElephantConservation #Sustainability

The National Geographic Society's Okavango Wilderness Project is searching for hope and resilience using traditional knowledge as the primary mechanism for protection. We are guided by the people that decided to stay when everyone else left. The guardians and protectors of Africa's water security and megafauna. For modern society, this is about early 21st century exploration and rediscovery, and finding ourselves again by stopping and listening... I have learnt everything I know about the "Mother Okavango" from the Wayeyi. They taught me how to pole my mokoro... about presence in the wild... about how to survive in this wild place. Together, we followed the Okavango to the "Source of Life", "Lisima lya Mwono", in the Angolan Highlands where we met the Luchaze, who, like the Wayeyi, have been in the business of clean air and clean water for millennia. I am an African. I am staying when most of my friends have left. I cannot imagine a future without the Okavango Delta. My children connect me to that future. I am trying to teach them to listen, to connect with their heritage and birthright, to truly feel the wild heart of Africa. They need to learn that we are the ecosystems we live in; that we are connected to all life. COP28 was never going to save us. The children growing up today are going to do that for themselves. They have no choice. We took it away from them. I believe that this century is going to be about biological discovery as we rediscover our only superpower - simply being in nature. I had colon cancer, almost died from malaria recently, and have been in dangerous situations with hippos, crocodiles, lions and elephants. Our innate wildness saved me. I see it in my children. I see it in all children. We must take their future seriously. We must be humble and listen carefully to the indigenous peoples still living in our planet's last wild places. We need to acknowledge that traditional knowledge passed between generations for thousands of years is the key to unlocking our true potential and surviving this century. We are these last wild places every one of us... https://lnkd.in/drWqe93Y

#DYK? Indigenous Peoples' territories encompass 28% of the globe and contain 11% of the world's forests. To increase awareness, August 9 commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3zvUTyf #IndigenousDay #IndigenousPeoplesDay

As Africa continues to develop, the iconic species and ecosystems it depends on must be protected. This means allowing development in the right places and through carefully designed ways to benefit both people and nature.

Towards the removal of sites in East Africa from the List of World Heritage in Danger

As a State, investment in the stewardship of natural resources is not only our kuleana and important for the prosperity of future generations, it is also critical to the safety and security of communities.