Be A Custodian Of The Planet

In 2023 I entered the African continent for the first time in my life. It was a wonderful and enriching experience, yet I couldn’t stop thinking about the influence of colonialism on the continent and its people. I wanted to know more and to put into question my Western point of view about life and nature as I aspire The Natural App to be sensitive to diverse cultures. Our Western capitalism clearly is a major pain point for our Nature and I’m keen on knowing more from how other cultures interact with Mother Hearth.

Right before flying back to Europe, I found this book “Return to Source. Unlock the Power of African-Centred Wellness” by Araba Ofori-Acquah.

In the first chapters, it gives the reader an idea about how the African population, on the continent and abroad, perceives Western culture and how they are affected by its supremacy. Along the rest of the book, it displays the three elements of African wellness: Music and Movement; Mother Earth; Magick. I really loved the book and it’s full of interesting insights.

There is a part in particular that I want to share with you as it’s particularly relevant to The Natural App.

It’s called “Be a Custodian of the Planet”. In it, Araba advocates for a different position towards Mother Earth: not the one currently dominant of saving the world, charged with self-righteousness and judgementalism, but one of simple act as custodian of the planet. She emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in environmental stewardship and highlights the necessity of recognizing our own privileges and using them to foster positive change. She also calls for personal growth through the unlearning of harmful attitudes such as hatred, discrimination, and prejudice. Araba focus on inclusivity within environmentalism, urging us to amplify the voices of minorities in this movement by supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. Araba encourages a non-judgmental approach toward those who may seem less engaged in climate action. It acknowledges that many individuals often lack the energy or emotional capacity to participate in environmental practices due to their daily struggles. This is not a matter of indifference; rather, it reflects a prioritization of immediate survival needs over environmental concerns.

I found it wonderful how Araba calls for empathy and understanding of diverse life experiences as essential components of effective environmentalism. Araba’s thoughts really encouraged me to approach respect for the Earth differently, aiming to incorporate this perspective into my project.

How can we, as individuals and communities, ensure that our environmental initiatives are inclusive and respectful of diverse cultural traditions? I’d love to hear your ideas!