Two Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa Local Knowledge, Local Action: Two Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa

Sustainable Development: a vision of development that seeks a balance among economic growth, environmental impacts, and social equity. Indigenous Technology: local knowledge and know-how

The Green Belt Movement Example 1: The Green Belt Movement GBM is a grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Kenya that focuses on environmental conservation, community development and capacity building.

The Green Belt Movement: Began in 1977 Founded by Prof. Wangari Maathai, 2004 Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize; first women from East and Central Africa to earn a Ph.D First Initiative: Environmental Conservation & Tree Planting

How the GBM Tree Planting Program Worked

Subsequent Green Belt Movement Activities: Tree planting on public lands Civic & Environmental Education Programs Pan African Training Workshops Green Belt Safaris Women for Change (Capacity Building)

Example 2: The San People, Local Knowledge, and Traditional Lands

The San People Geography History

Film: Regopstaan’s Dream: How the Last Surviving Bushmen Are Reclaiming Their Land What was the reason for the “clash” between the Kalahari Gemsbok park rangers and the Bushmen? According to the San, why did the rains go away? What local knowledge or indigenous technology do the San have? What is the traditional San’s hope, and what is the conflict with the national park managers?

? The state of affairs for San in the Kalahari-Gemsbok Park today: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi/ ?

“Bushmen Squeeze Money from a Humble Cactus” Hoodia Plant

The Present Troubles of the San in Botswana

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

An example of local knowledge: ‘The government has not done anything which proves it owns the land. We know every tree and water hole and corner of this land - everything has a name. We know this land as you know your children. We say, "This is my son and these are my grandchildren." That is how we know this place. The old people remain behind and we send our young people to court to fight for our right to live in the world.' - Nhari, a Bushman elder who defied eviction from Central Kalahari Game Reserve, August 2004. (from Survival International website)