Embracing Ecological Intelligence: Transforming Learning for a Sustainable Future
By Storm Meintjes, Learning Experience Designer, and Vanessa von der Heyde, Co-director of the Sustainability Institute
Our connection to Nature is more fragile than ever before. Humans have over the course of a few hundred years systematically distanced themselves from Nature, especially in Western-rooted cultures that place a strong emphasis on reductionist thinking. The divide is so strongly cemented into these cultures that it is evident in the language. Even a seemingly minor detail, such as referring to an animal as an object, as “it,” or “something” instead of a sentient being, profoundly influences our perception of the natural world in relation to ourselves. The language we employ to describe the natural world essentially draws a boundary between humanity and Nature, leading us to perceive ourselves as distinct and often viewed as superior entities. This distancing from Nature desensitises us to her vulnerability, ultimately causing us to view Nature as expendable and “other.” This division between humans and Nature hinders our ability to empathise with the natural world, thereby diminishing our concern for her as well.
At the Sustainability Institute (SI), we believe that this disconnect is one of the primary driving forces behind the unsustainable state of the world today. However, we believe that we can start to bridge this divide by fostering ecological intelligence through the way that we learn. Ecological intelligence, a concept that encompasses deep knowledge of the natural world and an awareness of our interconnectedness with it, holds the key to addressing pressing global issues. In this article, we explore the essence of ecological intelligence and propose how we can integrate it into any learning experiences.
Ecological Intelligence in Learning Experiences
From an African perspective, ecological intelligence encompasses a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between human communities and Nature within the diverse landscapes of the African continent. It goes beyond conventional Western concepts of environmental awareness and sustainability, emphasising the wisdom passed down through generations in indigenous and or traditional African cultures. This perspective values traditional knowledge systems that have guided African societies in harmonious coexistence with their ecosystems for centuries. African cultures recognise the spirit within biodiversity, sacred sites and territories. They acknowledge the profound interconnectedness of all life forms, fostering a holistic approach to environmental stewardship that is rooted in cultural heritage and local wisdom.
Conventional, Western-rooted models of education tend to compartmentalise subjects, often failing to connect the dots between disciplines and the natural world. As we try to make sense of changing climates, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion in an increasingly polarised world, it’s clear we need to re-imagine our education systems to support the co-creation of a more regenerative future. Although this is a complex challenge in itself, as transformative and experiential learning specialists, we believe there are several ways we can integrate ecological intelligence into learning experiences.
Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic, famously said, ‘Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth.’ This profound wisdom can be applied to our case. If we truly love Nature, we must integrate it into our actions, and there are numerous avenues to do so. We’ve embraced this in four ways:
1.Place-based Learning: We embrace our position within the Lynedoch valley and Eco-Village by offering immersive on-site learning experiences. Place-based learning is an educational approach that centres on the local environment and community as a primary context for teaching and learning. It fosters ecological intelligence by immersing students in their immediate surroundings, encouraging them to explore and connect with the natural world, culture, and history of their region. Through hands-on experiences, students gain a deep understanding of local ecosystems, sustainability challenges, and the interplay between human activities and the environment. This approach not only cultivates a sense of stewardship for one’s surroundings but also instils a broader ecological perspective by recognising how local actions can have global implications. Ultimately, place-based learning empowers students to become environmentally conscious and responsible citizens who are attuned to their role in preserving the planet.
2.Indigenous & Local Knowledge: We act as a praxis hub for programmes such as Stellenbosch University’s Diploma in Sustainable Development, which have modules dedicated to indigenous knowledge and the importance of fostering respect for diverse cultural perspectives on the environment. Incorporating indigenous knowledge into the curriculum enhances ecological intelligence by introducing learners to centuries-old wisdom rooted in harmonious relationships with Nature. Indigenous cultures have deep, time-tested insights into ecosystems, sustainable practices, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. By integrating this knowledge into the learning process, learners gain a holistic understanding of the environment that extends beyond Western science and conventional environmental education. They learn about unique ecological perspectives, such as the importance of preserving biodiversity, the significance of sacred sites, and the role of traditional practices in Earth stewardship. This inclusion not only enriches learners’ ecological knowledge but also fosters respect for diverse cultural perspectives and a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
3. Experiential & Community-led Learning: Parallel to supporting place-based learning and Indigenous knowledge, we encourage hands-on, experiential learning that connects students directly with Nature. The SI offers a variety of outdoor classrooms and Nature-based activities to help learners develop a deep connection to the environment, regardless of their age or background. Dr Ruenda Loots, programme leader for the Diploma in Sustainable Development, incorporates Biomimicry and Permaculture principles into her lesson plans. In her words, she puts Nature ‘front and centre as a way to think about designing solutions.’ We also foster community engagement by involving students in local environmental projects and initiatives, where they can apply their knowledge and skills to real-world environmental challenges.
4. Regenerative Food Systems: Our on-site Green Cafe is a working example of regenerative food systems in action as we embrace a predominantly farm-to-fork approach by serving food grown in our gardens or ethically sourced from local farms. The farm-to-fork concept enhances ecological intelligence by reconnecting individuals with the source of their food and illuminating the environmental impact of the food supply chain. It encourages consumers to consider where their food comes from, how it’s produced, and the ecological consequences of various agricultural practices. By supporting local and sustainable food systems, individuals reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, minimise food waste, and often choose products grown with eco-friendly practices while supporting the local food economy of farmers and suppliers. This heightened awareness of the environmental implications of one’s dietary choices promotes a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between food, ecosystems, and sustainability, ultimately contributing to greater ecological intelligence.
Benefits, Challenges & Conclusion
In our view, ecological intelligence is an essential approach to managing the growing environmental crisis we face as a global collective. By moving from an I to We mindset where humans work with Nature instead of against her, we believe we can:
We acknowledge our fortunate position of working predominantly outside the formal education system, and we recognise the considerable challenges in systematically incorporating ecological intelligence into conventional education. Many educators understand the importance of integrating Nature into their curricula and subjects but encounter hurdles within the dominant, resilient system. As a response, we are observing a global surge of movements* seeking and advocating for more suitable educational approaches that can facilitate our shift from an extractive present to a regenerative future.
To conclude, as we work together to overcome these challenges and embrace more regenerative educational practices, we hold the promise of nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and responsible global citizens, poised to shape a more sustainable and harmonious future for us all.
*Global movements and networks such as Ecoversities and Learning Planet Alliance
Interested in learning more about how the Sustainability Institute works with Nature to design transformative learning experiences? Please visit our website or contact us at info@sustainabilityinstitute.net
