Insights from the School of Schools: Dr. Fassil Gebeyehu reflects on global collaboration
Dr. Fassil Gebeyehu, General Coordinator of the African Biodiversity Network, shares insights from his recent engagement at the School of Schools event hosted by Fundación Organizmo in Tenjo, Cundinamarca, Colombia. Supported by the Re:Arc Institute, this gathering brought together a diverse group of grantees to foster collaboration and catalyze positive social-ecological change.
The African Biodiversity Network (ABN) recently participated in the School of Schools event hosted by Fundación Organizmo in Tenjo, Cundinamarca, Colombia. Supported by the Re:Arc Institute, this event gathered grantees for an immersive 5-day meeting aimed at fostering a collaborative ecosystem.
The School of Schools event served as a platform where Re:Arc’s grantees from diverse backgrounds converged to engage in mutual learning, solution-sharing, and active discourse, all centered around catalyzing positive social-ecological change. Throughout the duration of the event, there was a deep sense of companionship and celebration, with a particular emphasis on recognizing and appreciating the impactful work undertaken by partner organizations within the Re:Arc network. This gathering provided a unique opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, address common challenges, and celebrate collective achievements.
At its core, the School of Schools embodies a vision of creating an ecosystem where partners complement each other’s strengths, foster innovation, and contribute to a more equitable and just future. Beyond the confines of the 5-day gathering, the event aimed to cultivate enduring collaborations and foster relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. Partners came together with a shared motivation to explore collaborative opportunities, drawing inspiration from their diverse methodologies and experiences, all united by a common agenda to create a better world.
Cross-cultural exchange, shared learning, and collective action
Organizmo’s serene natural surroundings was also welcoming where participants engaged in a series of enriching activities, convening at various sites within the premises. Among these was the House of Thought, a striking architectural marvel inspired by ceremonial houses and traditional worldviews of Colombian indigenous ethnic groups. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail using non-glued laminated beams in collaboration with mixed architecture, this sacred space provided an ideal setting for deep dialogue and contemplation on humanity’s intrinsic relationship with the natural world.
During this networking the event, Dr. Fassil shared insights and experiences of communities from Africa. Focusing on themes such as the protection of Sacred Natural Sites and Territories (SNS&Ts), practices of Earth Jurisprudence (EJ) in collaboration with the Gaia Foundation, and Community Ecological Governance, his contributions sparked significant inspiration and appreciation among fellow participants.
In addition, Dr. Fassil discussed areas of collaboration with Fundación Organizmo on various projects aimed at promoting sustainability and preserving cultural heritage. One such initiative for ABN is TERRITORIO ARTESANO, which serves as a conduit for connecting communities engaged in Traditional Andean Trades with experts specializing in arts, agriculture, and local culture. Through this program, Re:Arc partners receive comprehensive support aimed at enhancing their skills while fostering sustainability and cultural preservation.
Another noteworthy initiative facilitated by Fundación Organizmo is COMUNIDAD Y HABITAT, which focuses on fostering social and environmental regeneration through community empowerment projects. Here, Organizmo develops educational models centered around bio-construction and alternative technologies, promoting participatory dynamics and reinforcing cultural identity.
Aligned with ABN’s methodologies of Community Ecological Governance, Fundación Organizmo provides methodologies for the respectful interpretation of territory, bio-region, and culture. This approach aims to cultivate an understanding of local roots, knowledge, and resources, essential for the realization of visionary, sustainable, and regenerative initiatives.
Furthermore, Dr. Fassil’s participation in the Re:Arc Institute’s third symposium offered valuable insights into land rights issues from African communities’ perspectives. Drawing from experiences of ABN partners across Africa, Dr. Fassil highlighted challenges such as inequitable access to land, land grabbing, conflicts over land rights, insecure tenure, urbanization challenges, inappropriate land governance, and the impacts of climate change. ABN’s participation in the School of Schools’ event and its collaboration with Fundación Organizmo underscore the importance of cross-cultural exchange, shared learning, and collective action in addressing global environmental and social challenges. Through such collaborative efforts, ABN remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
Re:Arc is a financing partner of ABN since the last quarter of 2023 supporting the living of the ABN’s philosophy.