Tag: tanzania

By Naipanoi Onesmo Olengurumwa, 11, Tanzania

My father and my grandfather grew up in the middle of an ecological system living with animals and nature. Yes, we coexist with animals and nature. Let’s use this indigenous knowledge to protect the Serengeti/Loliondo and Ngorongoro ecosystem and all the lives on it. Yes, we are the best implementers of SDGs goal 15 and tribe of the soil.  

We have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with the environment. Traditionally we have developed a sustainable way of life that respects the balance of nature. This relationship positions us as crucial stakeholders in global efforts towards sustainable development, climate change adaptation strategies and guardians of life on earth. Yes, animals are part of our clans. For instance my father and grandfather are from the Irmakeseni Masai clan which also belongs to the community of zebras. Yes, we share common things, and they often come close to our homes and graze together with our cows. They run to our homes for refuge against predators. Please, for our survival as indigenous community attached to nature and for protection of ecology and ecosystem in Ngorongoro and Seregent/Loliondo Plains, don’t separate us.  

Our indigenous knowledge includes understanding seasonal migrations of wildlife and water  resources which protect the Serengeti ecosystem. We use our traditional rotational grazing styles to prevent overgrazing in any one area while promoting biodiversity by allowing  various plants to thrive and breeding of wildebeest. For instance, we have been using part of our village lands called osero with 1500 sqkm in Loliondo to conduct traditional rotational grazing. Sadly, due to on going landgrabing in our home, this land is nolonger part of our land villages. This practice supports not only livestock health but also wildlife conservation as it creates a balanced ecosystem where both domestic animals and wildlife species can coexist. Kindly, make use of our indigenous knowledge of nature management to save the Serengeti/Loliondo and Ngorongoro ecosystem, and avoid fortress conservation laws that evict us from our traditional land. We are attached to nature as indigenous conservators of nature and life on earth. Please respect this and use this knowledge to manage climate challenges in Ngorongoro.