Peer to Peer Learning Connections for Coordinators of On the Land Programs Serving Indigenous Youth
YOLO screenshot
YOLO
Coordinators have offered feedback that being the only ones doing this work in their communities can feel isolating. We continue to hear from practitioners on the ground that they are hungry for opportunities and are wanting to connect and learn from each other across communities. People want to share practical details about their experience building and running an on-the-land youth program - where others got their funding or received their training. Having spaces to share what’s working and not working, They want to share challenges and to learn from each other.
The YOLO network fulfills a need for resource sharing and communication. The YOLO website features a map of on the land programs for Indigenous youth programs across the country, along with contact information for fellow Coordinators, who can sign up to participate in monthly virtual coffee hours and webinars to connect with others doing similar work. Many connections have already grown out of these coffee hours, with participants sharing tips and funding resources with each other, planning land-based camps together, and talking about getting together for exchanges in the future.
For the success of this initiative, we have learned the following factors are important:
Creating opportunities for strong relationships to be built.
Developing communications materials to help potential participants understand the value of the network.
Dedicating a position to coordinating the network and “network weaving” - creating connections between members
Creating accessible and engaging meeting opportunities for network participants (virtual, as well as in person - the value of in person connection is hard to replace)
The following are key lessons learned through the YOLO network’s experiences of creating opportunities for peer to peer connection among those running on-the-land programs for Indigenous:
People want access to others doing similar work to them, and the collaborations and support that comes out of spaces for people to connect in unstructured or lightly structured ways is amazing.
Having “network weavers” in dedicated positions to hold space for people to connect is important - someone needs to hold the role of organizing, inviting, facilitating connections, etc.
Having a strong advisory group to guide the network, its development, and direction has been very important. We are working toward ensuring there is diverse geographic, demographic and skills-based representation and including seats for Elders and youth. Considering how the advisory group can guide us toward ensuring the network is Indigenous-led in the future and grounded in what communities need and want are top priorities for the YOLO network
4. Leveraging Expertise for Advocacy, Knowledge Sharing, and Technological Integration:
It is understood that effective conservation necessitates continuous knowledge exchange, unwavering policy advocacy, and the smart integration of modern technology.
Actionable Step: Actively utilize established platforms and networks to disseminate crucial information and influence policy. The role as Regional Vice Chair at IUCN CEESP, contributions to environmental law blogs, and appearances in environmental awareness videos are instrumental in this endeavour. Furthermore, focus will be placed on integrating
Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) to create advanced conservation strategies. AI can analyse vast datasets on ecological patterns, climate change impacts, and biodiversity trends, while TKS provides invaluable localized, nuanced understanding of ecosystems and sustainable resource management. This synergy can lead to more precise conservation interventions and predictive models.
Areas of Focus: Continue to lead international webinars and symposiums on critical environmental topics such as "Rights of Nature in the Anthropocene" and "Science and Environmental Law Interface." Dedication to advocating for environmental causes at international conferences and universities, fostering regional and global collaboration, is paramount.
In conclusion, by strategically intertwining environmental law and policy with the profound wisdom embedded in cultural practices and Traditional Knowledge Systems, and by judiciously integrating advanced technologies like drones for reforestation and AI for enhanced analysis, a more sustainable and equitable path to biodiversity conservation can be forged. This framework, passionately designed offers a powerful means to engage communities, influence policy, and ultimately secure a healthy planet for all future generations.
3. Integrating Cultural Practices and Festivals for Environmental Conservation
It is contended that Hinduism, with its diverse pantheon symbolizing aspects of a single reality ("Truth is One, the wise call It by many names"), inherently promotes reverence for nature.
It is contended that Hinduism, with its diverse pantheon symbolizing aspects of a single reality ("Truth is One, the wise call It by many names"), inherently promotes reverence for nature.
For Example:
Nature Worship: It is observed that nature worship is a fundamental part of human society, with divinity ascribed to various natural elements. This community-based practice is increasingly vital for effective nature and natural resource conservation.
Symbolism of Deities and Vahanas: The portrayal of Hindu deities with animal or bird "vahanas" (vehicles)—such as Ganesha with his rat (Mooshika), Shiva with the bull (Nandi), Durga with the lion or tiger, and Vishnu with Garuda—instills deep respect and protection for these animals. This cultural veneration fosters a natural inclination towards animal welfare and conservation.
Festival Connections: Many Hindu festivals incorporate elements that inherently promote environmental consciousness, ranging from the ceremonial use of specific plants to rituals honouring natural elements. Highlighting these connections strengthens the cultural impetus for conservation.
2. Cultivating "Grow Natives" through Cultural Practices and Innovative Technology
It is believed that the inherent harmony with nature, so central to Indian culture where mountains, rivers, trees, flowers, and animals hold sacred significance, can be powerfully harnessed. This deep reverence for nature is a potent force for promoting the cultivation and preservation of native plant varieties.
Actionable Step: Actively encourage and facilitate initiatives to "grow natives" by directly connecting them to deeply rooted cultural and religious practices. This can be significantly amplified through the strategic use of technology. For instance, drones can be employed to deploy seed bombs in challenging terrains like mountains, facilitating large-scale afforestation and restoration efforts in areas otherwise difficult to access.
For Example:
Sacred Plants: The immense cultural and religious significance of plants worshipped since the Vedic era is highlighted. The "Panchvati" – the combination of Banyan, Peepal, Fig, Bilva, and Amla trees – described in "The Ramayana," symbolizes health, medicinal value, and enhanced cognitive well-being. Other sacred trees such as Ashoka, Bael, Bamboo, Banana, Bhang, Coconut, Lotus, Mango, Neem, Red Sandalwood, and Tulsi are associated with deities and hold significant medicinal value, showcasing their multifaceted importance.
Deity Associations: It is emphasized how specific native plants are linked to various Hindu gods, goddesses, and planets, such as Tulsi with Vishnu and Krishna, Bilva with Shiva, and Lotus with Lakshmi and Saraswati. By promoting the planting and nurturing of these species through the lens of spiritual devotion, significant contributions to biodiversity can be made, complemented by technological solutions for wider reach.
Prophet/Holy Men Associations: Trees like the Banyan, Sala, Peepal, and Ber, which are revered due to their association with prophets and holy figures across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, are highlighted. Work in this area includes supporting the establishment and protection of groves featuring these trees, reinforcing both cultural heritage and biodiversity
Bridging Policy and Tradition through Partnerships
Working with traditional authorities creates a pathway for aligning customary practices with national forest policies. Partnerships with government, NGOs, and local councils help translate grassroots action into policy influence and unlock resources for scaling. Chiefs become powerful allies not only in enforcement but also in advocating for sustainable land use at district and national levels.
Inclusive Dialogue and Participatory Decision-Making
Restoration efforts are built on trust and local ownership. Chiefs facilitate inclusive dialogue, bringing together elders, women, youth, and farmers to discuss land use and conservation priorities. This participatory approach ensures that solutions reflect the community’s realities, increases buy-in, and strengthens collective action for protecting forests and degraded landscapes.
One of the most effective tools introduced is the development of community-based bylaws, led and endorsed by traditional leaders. These rules regulate tree cutting, grazing, and charcoal burning while promoting natural regeneration and reforestation. When integrated with traditional authority, these bylaws gain legitimacy, making enforcement more effective and aligning customary systems with environmental sustainability.
Traditional leaders play a central role in forest governance, using their authority to mobilize communities, enforce local bylaws, and protect communal natural resources. Their deep-rooted influence ensures that restoration efforts are respected, locally appropriate, and sustained over time. By recognizing chiefs as key custodians of land, the initiative bridges tradition with environmental management, creating a strong foundation for long-term forest and landscape restoration.
