OP-ED | Cultivating climate resilience through cultural heritage and biodiversity, By Hadiza Nasiru

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Sixty-seven-year-old Goggo’s statement, “My God, I haven’t seen Bishiyan Rimi in a very long time,” holds profound implications for climate change and the endeavor to build climate resilience within the context of a tree planting initiative.

This statement encapsulates the convergence of ecological, cultural, and economic dimensions that are crucial for addressing climate challenges and fostering resilience within most communities in northern Nigeria.

In the heart of Dutse in Jigawa state lies Sakwaya, Goggo’s native community. Sakwaya is a vibrant community whose spirit is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage. Its fertile lands, which had once witnessed generations of toil and harvests, had more recently been devastated by floods, leading to the loss of lives, farmlands and properties as a direct impact of climate change. With every approaching rainy season, this community, like many others, struggles with anxiety about what is to come. Through the Bolah Girl Initiative, a vision of transforming the land and the aspirations of its resilient women like Goggo is realized.

Goggo’s role as a custodian of cultural history bears direct relevance to climate resilience. As an elderly member of the community, Goggo’s intimate knowledge of the landscape’s transformation embodies a repository of historical climate patterns, land use practices, and natural resource management strategies. Her recognition of tree species long absent from the ecosystem reflects an acute awareness of ecological shifts. This custodial role establishes a foundation for informed decision-making, enabling the community to draw upon traditional wisdom to adapt to changing climate conditions.

The community’s receptiveness to the tree planting initiative itself is a testament to the community’s proactive response to climate change. By selecting an endangered tree species, The Bola Girl Initiative addresses two interlinked objectives: biodiversity conservation and flood mitigation. The chosen species, once a staple of the environment, is reintroduced to restore ecological balance, enhance the landscape’s ability to absorb excess water and mitigate the impacts of flooding. This strategic alignment of ecological restoration with climate adaptation exemplifies an integrated approach to climate resilience.

Like many other women in the community, Goggo’s optimistic anticipation of the economic benefits of “Bishiyan Rimi” underscores a multifaceted approach to resilience. Economic viability from the mature trees not only incentivizes participation in the initiative but also aligns with sustainable development principles. This approach echoes the concept of “climate-smart agriculture,” where economic activities are harmonised with environmental protection. This integration of economic incentives with ecological restoration showcases how climate resilience strategies can be harnessed to foster livelihoods while simultaneously bolstering natural systems.

Telling stories like that of Goggo is essential for disseminating knowledge and promoting collective action. The story encapsulates the evolving relationship between humans and their environment, highlighting the repercussions of environmental change on cultural heritage and community well-being. By sharing this narrative, the community fosters awareness of the interconnectedness of ecological systems, cultural memory, and climate resilience. This awareness, in turn, encourages a proactive approach to climate adaptation, as the community recognizes that the preservation of cultural heritage is intertwined with safeguarding the environment.

From a broader point of view, Goggo’s statement serves as a microcosm of the global climate challenge. It showcases the intricate web of factors contributing to climate resilience, ranging from the intergenerational transfer of knowledge to the synergy between ecological restoration and economic prosperity. This narrative emphasizes the importance of recognizing climate resilience as a holistic endeavor that integrates scientific insights with cultural heritage, socioeconomic considerations, and community engagement.

In conclusion, Goggo’s quote resonates as a poignant reflection of climate resilience in action. It underscores the transformative potential of cultural heritage, biodiversity restoration, and economic incentives in addressing climate challenges. By delving into Goggo’s statement through an analytical lens, we unravel the intricate threads of climate resilience that interlace ecological systems, human experiences, and forward-looking strategies for a more resilient future.

Hadiza Nasiru is a climate change activist and founder of The Bola Girl Initiative