We want to transform the narrative that ecosystems around the world are separate and that climate issues should be tackled separately. Our project expresses the interconnectedness of wetland ecosystems and culture, offers creative engagement and demonstrates the power of this form of engagement, and highlights the many youth voices forming a movement around wetlands, especially youth from Indigenous communities.

We will set up a social media campaign that follows the flightpath of a number of migratory birds who travel across East Africa (Uganda and Kenya) to the UK (including wheatears, whitethroats, warbler species). As the birds travel across the lands, young people will tell stories from their culture connected to wetlands or migratory birds. These stories may be a dance, a poem or an artwork. As the birds stop in the UK, all of the input will be collated to a heat map, which will show the locations of online activity, as demonstrated through the hashtag.

This content will be exhibited locally and internationally to celebrate wetlands (such as in galleries) and will be taken to local politicians to push for more legislation (such as at COP29). As a synthesis, we will also produce a research paper about the connection explored

Theme

Wetlands (Climate) While Using Blockchain

how our project will make a positive contribution

Using wetlands and migratory birds as a storytelling tool, we will contribute to more diverse narratives between countries of Africa and the UK in several ways. We will highlight underrepresented cultural stories of these countries, as they intersect with wetlands. The stories will be told from youth, particularly Indigenous youth; voices who are at the forefront of climate action but often not included in decision-making, including the question of who gets to share their story. Through exploration of migratory birds, we will demonstrate the interchange between the countries in terms of people, ideas, energy and resources, countering the narrative of flow as being one-directional and demonstrating the rich and varied history of exchange. Youth will become more aware of the cultural significance of wetlands in their own countries and beyond.

Millions of migratory birds fly between the UK and East Africa each year, touching down on wetlands, which are key habitats for wildlife, important sources of water, climate coolers, have a direct cultural significance and more. Wetlands and migratory birds have played a significant role in the development of diverse and interconnected cultures. However, both are currently underrepresented in policy dialogues and popular cultural narratives; something our project will change.

Audience:

The project focuses on youth, specifically Indigenous youth (18-35) in East Africa (Uganda and Kenya) and the UK, particularly wetland communities with migratory birds who are culturally significant, including Lake Victoria in East Africa and corresponding locations in the UK. Through social media platforms popular with youth, such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, we aim for 1,000 online engagements. By using different platforms, we can share varied forms of content. The content will also be exhibited locally and taken to international decision-making spaces, where we aim for at least 250 face-to-face engagements with public, decision-makers, youth and activists.

Please watch our video for COP 26

https://youtu.be/Ub7KoPbEat4?si=DSY7IBUSSs7elVVL

Project timeline and outcomes

This project should have the potential for scale to be further developed and shared with a broader audience, particularly through digital means, and have an impact on the group’s communities