By Steve Ephraem
A unique gathering organised by PELUM Zimbabwe in collaboration with EarthLore Foundation, and took place in Chimanimani has reminded people of an ancient truth that nature speaks to those who listen to it.
The dialogue helped communities to revive their deep connection with the land through reflection and shared wisdom.
The event can be categorized as a movement to bring back forgotten traditions. By training organizations in facilitation skills, the dialogue weaves together Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Holistic Land and Livestock Management (HLLM).
This approach doesn’t just teach techniques but helps communities reclaim their role as caretakers of the earth, restoring damaged landscapes and protecting indignous seeds for future generations.
On the third day of the training (July 9), the facilitator shared a powerful message.
“For centuries, the forest was our home. Our parents understood the songs of birds and the murmurs of rivers. But today, many of us have forgotten how to listen and have walked away from the very home that sustains us,” she said.
To reconnect, participants stepped into the forest for 45 minutes of quiet observation without phones, pens and note books to avoid distractions.
During the report back session, it became evident that reflecting helps people slow down and truly see what nature is telling them. These moments of quiet observation allow communities to rediscover lost knowledge which helps them to heal the land
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