Green Economies

There is much talk these days of green economies, reducing our environmental footprint and sustainable livelihoods.

These are terms that describe doing things so that we keep surviving and thriving into the future without damaging the environment or using up resources. They recognise that everything in our environment is linked, that if we look after our environment then we, the wildlife and other people we share the planet with will all benefit, in the short and long term. Sustainability, green economies and reducing our environmental footprint are concepts that come from the African Union and United Nations – the highest levels of modern society. They are modern words that carry the same message as a lot of traditional African wisdom – that we must minimise the negative impact we have on the natural world.

Do you know any proverbs or traditions that guide us on how we should live with nature?

In parts of Uganda and Cameroon families have totems. A totem may be the elephant, leopard, wild cat, lion, gorilla. Totems watch out for the people and people look after their totems.

Traditionally, in Namibia a farmer is said to manage his land well, to be a good farmer, if wildlife is abundant on his land.

In the Gourma region of West Africa it is commonly accepted that if the elephants disappear, it means that the environment is no longer good for people.

Baka hunters in the Congo Basin say - “the animals that remain happy today will feed us tomorrow.”

Action sheet 1. Includes a selection of traditional African tales and proverbs, with ideas on using storytelling in schools.

The last section of this booklet shares examples of conservation organisations and communities working together to establish green, sustainable ways of earning a living - ways of earning a good living that supports conservation.

Explore the other PACE modules and you can discover ways to make your own work and lifestyle more sustainable – ideas for making money, to save money or simply solve every day environmental problems!