INCREASE GUMBO
MIRROR REPORTER
CHIREDZI – Chiredzi is tomorrow hosting the inaugural Climate ArtVocacy Day which is part of the Joy and Wellbeing Project, an initiative aimed at restoring hope and promoting healing among communities affected by climate change and natural disasters.
Youth, environmental experts, traditional leaders and Government officials are expected to attend the commemoration which will concurrently with World Environment Day Commemorations.
The project is being implemented by Clima21st Zimbabwe and Lowveld Rural Development with funding from Urban Movement Innovation Fund (UMI Fund).
Clima21st Zimbabwe Co-Director Justus Salani confirmed the commemorations
to Masvingo Mirror. He said the programme was designed to place joy and wellbeing at the centre of climate action, an area often overlooked in climate
change interventions.
Salani added that the project seeks to address climate anxiety and grief through creative artistic expressions such as music, poetry, storytelling and cultural
performances.
“Climate change discussions often focus on the physical and economic impact of disasters, yet very little attention is given to the emotional and psychological effects on communities.
“Many people are living with climate anxiety, grief and uncertainty following recurring droughts, floods and other environmental challenges. Through this
initiative, we want to restore hope, promote healing and inspire communities to
take positive action,” said Salani.
He said the convening would use art as a powerful tool to communicate environmental messages while creating a platform for dialogue and community
engagement.
“Music, poetry and storytelling have the power to unite people and inspire
change. We want participants to learn about environmental challenges in an entertaining and engaging way while celebrating resilience, culture and community spirit.
“Communities in the Lowveld are among the most affected by climate change, yet they are rarely at the centre of climate conversations. We also want to amplify
the Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the Tsonga people, whose experiences and traditional knowledge have often been excluded from mainstream climate programmes,” he said.