UrbanFarm Africa’s Post

🌱 Empowering Communities: The Wisdom of Our Elders 🌍 In a world rapidly advancing with technology and innovation, we sometimes forget the incredible wealth of knowledge that lies within our elders. Recently, I had the privilege of spending time in various communities, educating them about the effects of climate change on their community gardens and how to build sustainability. Our elders, with their vast experience and deep connection to the land, are invaluable in this process. Their wisdom, coupled with the enthusiasm and energy of the younger generation, creates a powerful synergy. Together, we can address the challenges of climate change and ensure food security through community gardens. 🌿 Community Gardens: A Source of Nutrition and Unity Community gardens are more than just plots of land; they are hubs of nutrition, learning, and togetherness. By educating both young and old about sustainable practices, we are not only improving their immediate well-being but also securing a healthier future for generations to come. 📚 Lessons Learned and Shared During my time with these communities, I was amazed at the exchange of knowledge. While I shared insights on climate change and sustainable gardening practices, I was equally inspired by the traditional techniques and stories from the elders. This mutual learning experience underscored the importance of intergenerational dialogue. 🌍 Building a Sustainable Future Together We must not underestimate the power of our elders in this journey. Their role is crucial in educating young people and guiding them towards sustainable practices. By fostering this collaboration, we can create resilient communities capable of thriving despite the challenges posed by climate change. Let's continue to bridge the gap between generations and harness the collective power of our communities to build a sustainable future. #CommunityGardens #Sustainability #ClimateChange #EldersWisdom #YouthEmpowerment #IntergenerationalLearning #FoodSecurity

Promoting social integration and environmental sustainability simultaneously can be achieved through: Community Gardens and Green Spaces: Creating spaces that foster community interaction while enhancing urban biodiversity and air quality. Mixed-Use Development: Designing neighborhoods that combine residential, commercial, and recreational areas to reduce commute distances and strengthen local economies. Green Building Design: Implementing energy-efficient and sustainable building practices that prioritize occupant health and well-being while minimizing environmental impact. Education and Awareness Programs: Empowering individuals through educational initiatives about environmental stewardship and sustainable living. Support for Local Food Systems: Promoting local food production and distribution networks to enhance food security and support local farmers. By incorporating these strategies, communities can cultivate social cohesion and environmental stewardship in tandem, creating healthier and more resilient places to live. #FIU_CM #FIUCM #FIUMOSSCM #BCN4570 #Sustainability #ConstructionManagement #FIUMossschool #FIUsustainability

In a world grappling with the dual crises of economic disparity and environmental degradation, a recent survey by Earth4All and its partners has revealed a significant shift in public sentiment. Across 17 #G20 countries, a resounding 68% of respondents agree that prioritizing the #health and #wellbeing of people and nature should take precedence over profit and increasing wealth. This landmark finding aligns closely with the mission of OneNature, underscoring the growing global recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach to well-being that encompasses both humans, animals, and the #environment. #socialcohesion #connection #tax #conservation #wildlife #economy

The positive impact of trees on the environment and on human sustenance are very numerous. For a more healthy, conducive and sustainable environment, we need to preserve the trees around us and plant more trees. In this light, #SCAADinitiative is embarking on a tree planting project in some selected secondary schools. In addition to the numerous benefits of trees, this project aims to instill in the minds of our young ones the need to partner with and care for the environment for a sustainable tomorrow. Do well to support the #SHADEproject. Let's go tree planting! #TreePlanting #EnvironmentalJustice

While exploring design innovation for conservation, I came across this article which highlights the need for conservation models to be community-driven: bottom-up and grassroots, rather than top-down and centralized. What also resonates - with my own experience co-designing a service delivery model with farmers for climate change resilience - is that "there is more to this than creating economic incentives". I would also add to this that "there is more to this than awareness and education". Community programs that tap into intrinsic motivations, that connect to socio-cultural practices and norms and that empower community members to drive change and benefit the rest of the community - are the ones that can lead to long-term and sustainable change. A thorough understanding of local context, needs, behaviours, barriers and socio-cultural aspects is necessary, to guide the design of transformative community programs. What do you think are the right ingredients? I would love to hear about experiences and ideas on this topic.   #designresearch  #communityconservation  #HCD  #behaviourchange

PLANTING TREES One benefit of community youths planting trees is that it instills a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their #environment and community, #teaching them valuable lessons about sustainability, conservation, and the importance of giving back to their community. Additionally, it can also: 1. Provide an opportunity for physical activity and outdoor engagement; 2. Foster #teamwork and social connections among the youths; 3. Educate them about the importance of trees in combating climate change and supporting biodiversity; 4. Encourage intergenerational knowledge sharing and mentorship; 5. Develop their leadership and project management skills; 6. Enhance their sense of pride and self-worth; and, 7. Create a lasting positive impact on their community. Tree #planting can be a powerful tool for youth development and community engagement!

🌍 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐔𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🌍 As part of our climate work we are planning to dive into three fields of action for community foundations. For this, we’re looking for inspiring projects led or funded by community foundations—whether your own or one within your network. Here’s where we need your stories: 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 💡 - Is your foundation part of a local energy cooperative? - Have you invested in community energy schemes? - Share your experiences in driving local energy initiatives! 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 🍎 - Are there projects aimed at reducing food waste in your area? - Collaborations with local supermarkets or restaurants? - Efforts to raise awareness through school educational projects? - Let’s hear about your innovative approaches to tackling food waste! 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🌿 - What are your strategies for protecting nature and boosting biodiversity? - Initiatives like tiny forests, stream and river restoration, or other wildlife conservation efforts? - We want to celebrate your local nature and rewilding projects! ✨𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬✨ Drop your ideas in the comments, send us a message, or email us at kathrin@communityfoundations.eu. We look forward to hearing from you 💚

It’s a new year, and with it comes high energy and ambitious resolutions! This year, consider making a resolution that gives back to your local environment: register now for our FREE course to learn about planting a mini forest. Mini forests, also called micro or pocket forests, are dense plantings of native trees and shrubs based on the Miyawaki method. Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this method mimics natural forest regeneration processes. It involves planting a mix of native species in a compact area, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity. Miyawaki forests grow faster than traditional methods and are self-sustaining within 2-3 years. These vibrant ecosystems provide numerous benefits: they reduce air pollution, increase wildlife habitats, prevent flooding, mitigate urban heat, and offer tranquil green spaces for communities. Beyond environmental impacts, they promote mental well-being and community cohesion. Ready to make a difference? Join our FREE online course to learn how to plan, plant, and maintain your own mini forest! This comprehensive training curriculum covers: 🌳 Introduction to mini forests 🌳 Budgeting and fundraising 🌳 Site preparation and plant selection 🌳 Event day planning and safety 🌳 Maintenance and monitoring 🌳 Impact communication strategies Register now and start your journey to creating vibrant green spaces in your community! 🌱 https://buff.ly/3BEIu02 Alt text: Two young girls wearing blue shirts and green gloves standing at a mini forest site with shovels in their hands. There is a label at the bottom of the image that says: "Austin Park, Markham, ON."

The summer has just started, and heat waves continue to break records nationwide and impact our communities. While many people may not have heard about "tree equity," it is undisputable that trees make our lives better and healthier. Trees reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths and slow the effects of climate change. Unfortunately, in cities, there are fewer trees in front-line communities where most residents are people of color or with lower incomes. In our latest guest blog, HECHO's HCLC member Orlando Cazarez shares valuable insights on the importance of tree equity! #Treeequity #heatwave #extremeheat #Urbanheatislands Arizona Sustainability Alliance

Why farm in the city City farming offers numerous benefits, ranging from improved food security, environmental sustainability, and community engagement to economic development, education, and the revitalization of urban spaces. Its potential to transform cities into vibrant, self-sustaining food hubs should not be underestimated, as it aligns with the goal of building resilient, livable, and sustainable cities for the future. #urbanfarming #sustainability #foodsecurity #communityengagement #education #economicdevelopment #environmentalstewardship #resiliency #livability #sustainablecities