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.