By Youssef Rochdane | Project Team
In the vibrant landscape of grassroots conservation, 31 leaders from 19 Global South countries came together as part of GDF’s Conservation and Communities Fellowship (CCF) programme. This fellowship is a key initiative in GDF’s broader effort towards conservation justice, aiming to address the imbalances in conservation financing between the Global North and South. Designed to enhance the fundraising skills, donor relationships, and impact measurement of its participants, the programme fosters a network of peer learning and mentoring. Additionally, it supports Global North donors in adopting more equitable philanthropic practices and offers resources for decolonial training to the next generation of conservation practitioners.
The Journey
The journey began on November 1, 2023, with the launch of the fellowship. Over the following months, the fellows engaged in over 30 online sessions, building a foundation of virtual connection. These 60+ hours of virtual interaction were essential, but they couldn't fully capture the transformative power of the in-person gathering that took place. It was very challenging to bring this group together in one location. Many fellows faced visa challenges; some had to travel to other countries to obtain their visas, while others spent up to four days between flights and layovers to reach Morocco. However, it all paid off when the fellows met face-to-face for the first time at the community exchange in the picturesque Demnat region of the Moroccan High Atlas on May 11, 2024. This date was also chosen to ensure the fellows could participate in the International Society for Ethnobiology’s 18th Congress, held in Marrakech from May 15 to 19, 2024.
Connecting in Demnat
The gathering took place at Espace Tamount, a community project dedicated to revitalising Amazigh traditions in crafts, architecture, food, and communal activities. The in-person meeting sparked a unique kind of alchemy, transforming the virtual connections into a vibrant community. We began by collectively designing group agreements and shared personal challenges in a session entitled "What We Are Carrying." This openness created a space where authenticity flourished, allowing the group to release their concerns and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
In the first sessions, the group explored power dynamics and honed their storytelling and listening skills, focusing on each fellow's purpose and life story. The group brainstormed a CCF Alumni Programme, resulting in several exciting proposals, including mentoring future cohorts, facilitating workshops, coordinating fundraising, providing mutual support for advocacy, and developing CCF resources for local community partners. An advisory council was formed among the fellows to guide the implementation of these ideas.
Engaging with Donors
On the second day, a session with four guests from philanthropic organisations facilitated an open dialogue between Global North funders and Global South grassroots actors. This conversation broke down assumptions and barriers, creating a space for generous and authentic exchange. The donors stayed for the remainder of the event, allowing both fellows and donors to deepen their conversations and understanding.
Exploring the High Atlas
The third day featured a field trip to the Iminifri Natural Bridge and meetings with the Tiwizi Women’s Cooperative and the Samili Agricultural Cooperative. This excursion was held alongside emerging ethnobiologists preparing for the 18th edition of the International Society for Ethnobiology (ISE) Congress in Marrakech. Both groups participated in the Congress, where the CCF fellows led sessions on Indigenous landscape governance, traditional knowledge protection, and decolonial conservation narratives, sparking powerful discussions.
Reflections and Future Directions
The in-person community exchange allowed participants to reconnect with the heart-centred essence of their work, equipping them to engage more effectively in the ISE Congress and return to their daily challenges with renewed strength and cohesion.
The CCF programme, through its blend of virtual and in-person engagement, has crafted a powerful community dedicated to equitable conservation and collective growth, promising a lasting impact on its fellows and their work.
By The Global Diversity Foundation | Project Team
By Simran Rawat | Communications Coordinator
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