by Ghaamid Abdulbasat Hatibu, Tanzania
In countries where major economic resources are dependent on agricultural activities, like in sub-Saharan Africa, there are either few or no alternative sources of income at all.
The type, nature, and interaction of humans with soil is a great determinant in understanding the future of our food. Soil is rich in organisms that help to grow our food.
My story elaborates on the scientific importance of soil as well as biodiversity protection and sustainable development. I’m using the tool of storytelling, communication, and awareness to build the capacities of youngsters and community members. I aim to bring a sense of activism and behavioral change to the citizens from local scale to global scale.
The youth groups I am managing and working with have been agents of change in raising awareness for environmental protection to fellow youngsters, and even younger ones in engaging them to plant trees, learn climate sciences, and sustainable lifestyles methods. We have been able to mobilize more than 2000 youngsters and we are looking forward to scaling up to create more influence as well as impact in conserving our environment.
Biography: Ghaamid Abdulbasat is a consultant, activist, and storyteller in the climate and biodiversity space as well as a researcher on ecohydrology. His Tanzanian Youth Biodiversity Network in Tanzania works in amplifying youth voices in biodiversity and environmental policies for informed decision-making. Also, he is the EARTHDAY.ORG Consultant Sub Saharan Africa Regional Co-Director leading the Citizen Science, Youth and consulting for the EARTHDAY.ORG funded Mahale Ecosystem Restoration project in Tanzania. His focus is on empowering communities to monitor threats to environmental and human health in their communities and building climate education capacity. He is a National Geographic Explorer implementing a citizen science project on solid waste pollution mapping in Dar Es Salaam by GIS and storytelling tools.
This video was submitted as part of the World Forestry Congress forest change-maker video competition. You can see all accepted entries here. Shortlisted finalists and winners will be announced later in February.
Featured image: Stephanie Malyon (CIAT)
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