On Friday, the GARN Africa Hub held its first meeting for the African Indigenous Ecological Wisdom (AIEW) Book initiative. The session was a true reflection of our collaborative and community-centered approach, bringing together voices from across Africa to shape this important project.
The gathering introduced the AIEW Book – an initiative to document, preserve, and celebrate African indigenous ecological wisdom. The project is designed to be collective at its core, ensuring that diverse local perspectives guide its development and position African knowledge within the global Rights of Nature movement.
What was discussed? We exchanged experiences and insights, highlighting the richness of indigenous ecological practices. The discussions touched on the importance of customary governance systems, sacred natural sites, and defending the natural environment. We also reflected on the role of women in passing on indigenous knowledge, the cultural significance of sacred places and species, and the need to preserve wisdom that sustains ecological balance.
We further explored the scope of the book, the value of diverse perspectives, and its potential impact on advocacy, policy change, and representation at international platforms such as COP30.
What’s happening next? We will continue to share deeper insights from their regions and communities, enriching the book with grounded, lived experiences. The initiative remains open and community-led, ensuring that every contribution reflects Africa’s ecological diversity and wisdom.
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