Nakivale Refugee Settlement: Cultivating Resilience through Regenerative Practices
Nakivale stands as a testament to the strength and ingenuity of refugees, showcasing how regenerative practices can transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable, or even regenerative, development.
Introduction to the Realms to Watch Program:
The ‘Realms to Watch’ program by Guardians of Earth is a ground-breaking initiative designed to support community-led regenerative projects delivering science based approaches integrated with local/traditional knowledge systems.
Nakivale Refugee Settlement Nature Realm in Uganda, is one of the seven exceptional Nature Realms chosen for this program, exemplifying the power of community-led conservation and restoration. You can learn more about the ‘Realms to Watch’ program in our original post.
Introduction to the Nakivale Realm
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda, surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and varied ecosystems, Nakivale is home to a diverse population of refugees from South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia. Amidst the challenges of refugee life, Plethora Social Initiative is cultivating land stewardship and seeding hope for the future.
Below Gloire Mudekuza, Founder of Plethora Social Initiative, shares the special connection the local community has with the land and life of Nakivale and the impact the ‘Realms to Watch’ program can help them deliver through their refugee-led programs.
What makes Nakivale special? What’s the community’s relationship with the land?
In the heart of Nakivale refugee settlement, nestled amidst the lush greenery and vibrant landscapes, lies a profound bond between the refugees and the land they now call home. For generations, families have sought refuge within Nakivale, fleeing conflict and persecution from their homelands. As they settled into their new surroundings, they found solace in the rich biodiversity that surrounded them. From the towering trees to the delicate wildflowers, every aspect of nature became intertwined with their daily lives.
Fatima, with her family, arrived at Nakivale after escaping the turmoil in their native country. As they set foot on the soil of the settlement, they felt a sense of belonging wash over them. Despite the challenges they faced, the land welcomed them with open arms, providing them with food and shelter.
For Fatima, the land of Nakivale was more than just a place to live — it was a source of healing and hope. She spent her days tending to the small garden behind their shelter, carefully nurturing the crops that would feed her family. With each seed she planted, she felt a connection to the land and the resilience of her people.
Nakivale refugee settlement was not just a refuge for humans — it was also a sanctuary for wildlife. Amidst the bustling activity of the settlement, a diverse array of creatures thrived in harmony with their human counterparts. From the majestic monkeys in nearby forests to the colourful birds that filled the skies, the biodiversity of Nakivale was a testament to the interconnectedness of all living beings.
As the years passed, the relationship between the refugees and the land deepened. They worked together to protect and preserve the natural beauty that surrounded them, recognizing the importance of conservation for future generations. Through community initiatives and environmental education programs, they strove to ensure that Nakivale remained a haven of biodiversity for years to come.
In the end, it was not just the land that sustained the refugees — it was their connection to it that gave them strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Together, they forged a bond that transcended borders and cultures, united in their shared love for the land they called home. And amidst the rolling hills of Nakivale, the story of their relationship with the land and its biodiversity continued to unfold, a testament to the enduring power of hope and humanity.
Plethora Social Initiative was founded in Nakivale in 2021 by a group of refugee youth from different nationalities, backgrounds, and cultures, though with a shared passion to tackle complex challenges. They strive to address these challenges by designing lasting solutions and a more sustainable future. Plethora is dedicated to developing the inner capacities of refugees by equipping the community with the skills and tools they need to foster positive change and sustain their livelihood. Plethora focuses on programs of regenerative agriculture, empowerment, entrepreneurship, promotion of environment and community development within the refugee and the host communities.
What do you plan to fund with investment in your Realm?
Investments into Nakivale’s Realm will fund on-ground, community-centred, refugee-led programs:
- Permaculture Education for Refugees
- Green Entrepreneurship Programs
- Nature Exploration, Documentation, and Storytelling
How will these projects benefit the land and community of the Realm?
These projects will significantly enhance the community’s awareness and engagement with their environment, improve the quality of life, and involve more refugees in regenerative efforts.
- Permaculture education provides refugees with sustainable agricultural practices that improve food security and environmental health. By learning techniques such as crop rotation, composting, and water management, community members can cultivate resilient food systems that reduce dependence on external aid. This education also fosters a deeper connection to the land and promotes ecological stewardship.
- Entrepreneurship programs empower refugees by providing them with the skills and resources needed to start their own businesses. These programs enhance economic resilience, reduce unemployment, and promote self-sufficiency within the settlement. By supporting small enterprises, the community can generate income, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
- Engaging in nature exploration and documentation allows refugees to connect with their environment and preserve their natural heritage. Nature storytelling fosters cultural exchange and community cohesion, creating a sense of identity and belonging. These activities also raise environmental awareness and inspire future generations to protect and cherish their surroundings.
In addition, the “Realms to Watch” program is also about aligning the incentives for capital and community to create a truly regenerative culture. The ‘Realms To Watch’ program’s innovative approach treats contributing communities as co-investors, with their own shares, so that they are motivated to enhance ecological value for everyone’s benefit. Additionally, the land itself is also treated as a co-investor, always holding 51% of the Realm’s shares. This symbolises the intrinsic value of the land and its crucial role in sustaining life and prosperity. The land, in effect, is an investor in us.
What’s your vision?
Ultimately, Plethora Social Initiative through their on-ground programs, and through Nakivale’s Realm, are creating a thriving, self-sustaining community that serves as a model for holistic and regenerative living within a refugee context.
You Can Get Involved:
Guardians of Earth is sharing this exclusive investment opportunity with our network of influential and values-driven impact investors. There are many ways that you too can be a part of this transformative movement to regenerate our planet and empower communities.
- Follow the Journey: Explore the remarkable stories of each Realm in our “Realms to Watch” series and witness the profound impact of community-led regenerative projects. Follow this blog, or visit our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram).
- Apply for the Next Round: The 7 Realms to Watch are the first of many to come. Are you a leader of a regenerative community that deserves to be in the next round?
- Stay Connected: Sign up for our Guardians of Earth (GoE) newsletter to receive the latest updates on the “Realms to Watch” program and other pioneering regenerative initiatives.
- Join the Community: Introduce yourself on the GoE Discord and actively contribute to the discussions that shape this journey.
- Contact Us Directly: Reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss an opportunity.
- Visit Our Website: Visit the Guardians of Earth (GoE) website to learn about the platform that makes this possible.
Act now to support community-led efforts that are revitalising our planet and its communities. Your involvement can drive significant change. Together, we can create a thriving future for all.
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