“Are you guys still up for this?” was the question cautiously asked, “100%. We are 110, no, we are 200% committed…” announced coordinator Christo at the beginning of the last get together of the Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group held at Sewefontein Community Farm.
You do not need to look far these days to see mention of the words: “reconnecting with nature”. If it is not emblazoned on any number of ‘eco’-tourism websites or outdoor-based courses then it is certainly to be found in the scientific and popular literature which calls for new understandings of a conservation ethic. “Reconnecting” has seemingly become the mantra for overcoming humanity’s separation from nature. But there is relative silence on what ‘reconnecting’ actually means. Can you tell us? There might be some cash in it if you can…
Have you ever stopped to wonder about how much illicit poaching was involved during the construction of science’s ivory tower? Think about it. Who should ultimately own research and who should decide where and when it gets published? From who’s spring does the fountain of knowledge flow?
This Earth Day we remind ourselves of the awesome adventures of “The Question”: “What did nature do for you today?” EarthCollective’s eyes4earth.org initiative first asked this to the public four years ago today.
An experiential training workshop was run for members of the Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group between 4th-7th March. The purpose of the workshop was to give these young adults the opportunity learn more about ‘their’ nature… and to boost confidence in being able to share their existing passion and newfound knowledge with school children and community. The weekend was filled with a variety of practical nature-based learning activities. Again, this fun group showed they have something special about them because – for the third time in a row – the weather gods were not only kind…but turned on a show.
Well, theoretically, yes. We’re already six weeks into the 2011 International Year of Forests, for what’s it’s worth. We go from International Year of this to International Year of that but until we come to understand – and then act on – the drivers of human behaviour we are hardly going anywhere. According to some recent studies, maybe we would be better off proposing an International Year of Love (or should I say Luuurrrrve…?)
Seven days. Eleven people. Plenty of powerful stories. An intense and inspiring week of interviewing for research on meaningful nature experiences causes one to reflect on what is actually being perceived and going on behind the veil of visible reality.
A mini-reunion camping weekend for the proposed ‘Baviaanskloof Nature Awareness Group’ delivers a range of experiential learning experiences as well as chances to read and reflect on those uncanny ‘signs from nature.’
The local security guard at Playa Ostional (Costa Rica) gingerly walked out onto the beach and took a seat nearby us. Being the centre of one of ‘nature’s wonder’s’, we felt compelled to question the gentleman about everything we could in relation to Ostional’s fame for being one of the few locations in the world which is home to the periodic mass nesting of the Olive Ridley Turtle. Though it was not the information which we received which energized us back to ‘waking life’…
The Wildlands Studies –South Africa (WS-SA) course recently came to a close. As lead instructor for the six-week programme, it was an immense learning experience both for the participating U.S students as well as myself and fellow co-instructors. It drives one to further ask the question: how can sustainability education be designed in order to deepen understanding about one’s interactions with the natural environment as well as support growth and learning about oneself?
What is nature doing for you now?
Donations to eyes4earth can be made through The GivenGain Foundation:
