African Biodiversity Network launches new website to raise voices from the ground
A coalition of over 35 African grassroots organisations, known as the African Biodiversity Network (ABN), has launched a new website to raise the voices of those working across the continent in the development sector. The website shares the work of partners across Africa who are working together to find local, African-led solutions to the challenges they face.
African Biodiversity Network launches new website to raise voices from the ground
A coalition of over 35 African grassroots organisations, known as the African Biodiversity Network (ABN), has launched a new website to raise the voices of those working across the continent in the development sector. The website shares the work of partners across Africa who are working together to find local, African-led solutions to the challenges they face.
The NGO’s who form the African Biodiversity Network are all working with local indigenous and rural communities to revive and protect cultural and biological diversity. They do this via a number of long-term processes including working with community Elders, reviving ecological (chemical free) farming practices and supporting dialogues with communities who have been fragmented by colonization and the pressures of globalization – which is oft-reinforced by the western development model. Together the ABN is working to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard amidst the increasing trend for landgrabbing, mechanised agriculture, and development models imposed upon the continent.
Anne Maina, Advocacy Officer for the network commented 'This website is a critical step towards African solutions being listened to, heeded and recognised internationally. We do not need or want false solutions to climate change and development - like GMOs, Biochar and Agrofuels - being pushed by industry and so-called philanthropy in Africa. The African Biodiversity Network brings together partners and allies from across the continent united by a common cause – to protect our biodiversity, preserve African culture and values, to secure African’s rights to their own land and seeds, and to listen to voices from the ground. We believe that the promotion of Agro-ecological alternatives can feed Africa and that we can carve our own path through "development", based on our own local needs and not those of the west.'
The website will be updated regularly with stories featuring ABN partners’ work on the ground, news of events and negotiations which ABN has organised or attended, publications and reports co-authored by the ABN and new multimedia featuring stories of change.
As part of the launch of the site the ABN have also released a new film – The Story of Sheka Forest: Wisdom from the Past, Resilience for the Future, made with partner Melca Ethiopia. The film highlights the complexities of forest governance, sharing an inspiring story of how indigenous clan leaders, local communities and the local government have all worked together, with the support of Melca Ethiopia, to protect and preserve the beautiful tropical Sheka Forest. View the film directly here: http://vimeo.com/19386136
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If you would like to find out more about any of the partner organisations or areas of work detailed on the website please contact Anne Maina in Kenya on +254 722 386 263/ [email][email protected] or Rowan Phillimore at UK partner organisation The Gaia Foundation on +44 207 428 0054/ [email][email protected]
Interviews can be arranged with ABN partner members on any of the issues referred to on the website. If you would like to interview Million Belay, Director of Melca Ethiopia who produced the new film 'The Sheka Forest Story' please contact Rowan to arrange.
Reports and Publications by the African Biodiversity Network can be accessed and viewed on the Resources page http://www.africanbiodiversity.org/content/abn_resources_archive
These include the latest report 'Biofuels: a Failure for Africa' released in December 2010.