An Urgent Call to Protect Africa & Our Planet
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An Urgent Call to Protect Our Planet and Our Future
The world is at a critical crossroads. Each day, we witness the relentless march of climate change, shrinking the habitats of countless species, accelerating the disappearance of coral reefs, and threatening the very ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. The stakes are especially high in Africa, where 17 of the 20 most climate-vulnerable countries are located. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, these nations face the most severe consequences—extreme heat, devastating droughts, famine, supercharged storms, flooding, water-borne illnesses, vanishing biodiversity, and more.
These crises are not abstract. They are already affecting millions of lives, uprooting communities, and pushing ecosystems to the brink. Imagine a world where our children never know the vibrant coral reefs, where forests that once teemed with life are barren, and where climate disasters displace entire communities. This is the future we face unless we act—together.
Why Africa Matters to All of Us
Africa is often called the "cradle of humanity," a continent of unparalleled beauty, rich cultural heritage, and extraordinary biodiversity. But today, it stands on the frontlines of the global climate crisis. The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. Africa's response to this crisis will shape the continent's future and have profound implications for the entire world.
Africa holds the key to many pioneering solutions the world desperately needs. Much of the continent can bypass some of the worst aspects of fossil-fuel dependence and instead accelerate renewables. Africa is the home of myriad Indigenous traditions that have lived in balance with the Earth since time immemorial, and that could provide desperately needed insight and education for much of the modern world. Additionally, different locales, countries, and regions have myriad assets to leverage – from conservation excellence to renewable energy, from regenerative agriculture to possibilities of sustainable mining, from ecotourism to the blue economy – and more.
The time to act is now, and your support is crucial. We invite you to join us in this critical battle to achieve net zero emissions, preserve biodiversity, and ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to low-carbon economies – to move beyond just surviving to a future of thriving in harmony with nature.
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Celebrating Success: Uplift Zimbabwe 2023
In October 2023, we witnessed the incredible impact of our efforts at our Zimbabwe Uplift conference in Harare. This groundbreaking event brought together diverse stakeholders from around the globe to drive human- and planetary-centric transformation. The conference was more than just a gathering; it was a catalyst for meaningful change. Significant achievements included the development of transformational strategies by Zimbabwe’s government, the City of Harare's plans to expand numerous green initiatives, and the formation of new and strengthened alliances between individuals, organizations, and communities internationally. This success story from Zimbabwe has fueled our momentum as we look ahead to our next steps in co-creating a regenerative future for Africa and the world.
Our Initiative: Co-Creating a Regenerative Africa
In response to the urgent challenges of these times, we have launched the Co-Creating a Regenerative Africa Initiative—a six-part effort designed to catalyze or deepen transformative change across the continent and the world. Our initiative is not just about addressing the symptoms of the climate crisis; it's about tackling its root causes and empowering communities to build a sustainable, regenerative, and just future.
Here’s how we’re making it happen:
In-Person Conference (August 28-30, 2024, Gaborone, Botswana):
Our theme is "Whole System Mindset & Heartset Transformation: Insights & Interventions for Sustainable Development." We’ll center the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) throughout, spotlight successful efforts and promising possibilities for regeneration and justice, and direct energy and resources to scaling and accelerating transformations.
Virtual Conference (August 29-30, 2024):
Participate in the in-person conference described above from anywhere in the world with the world's #1-rated event app — and access session recordings for up to a year after the conference.
Pre-Conference Webinars:
Leading up to the main conference, we are hosting a series of webinars that delve into the most pressing issues of our time—climate change, catastrophic biodiversity loss, and the just transition to low-carbon economies.
Worldwide Call for Articles:
We are not just telling the story of tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity, and embodying justice; we are creating a platform for others to share theirs. Two of the world's most renowned publishers and writers associations, African Publishers Network (APNET) and the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA), are partnering with us to call on thought leaders, activists, scholars, and anyone with a passion for the planet to contribute their insights. The best articles will be featured in an online anthology, amplifying voices that are often unheard.
AI-Powered Networking:
Change doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why we’re leveraging Brella, the world’s top event networking app, to use AI-powered matchmaking to connect people who share common goals and aspirations. This is more than just networking—it’s about building lasting alliances that can drive systemic change.
Post-Conference Collaborations:
The end of the conference is just the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that the conversations and connections made during the event lead to real, tangible outcomes. Using cutting-edge technology, we’ll facilitate ongoing collaborations that turn ideas into action and ensure sustained impact.
Why We Need Your Support
This initiative is ambitious, and it’s fueled by the urgency of the moment. But we can’t do it alone. To bring this vision to life, we need to raise $25,000 beyond our current budget. Your support will directly contribute to:
● Scholarships: Many potential attendees, especially young leaders and grassroots organizers, lack the resources to attend our events. Your donation will help provide scholarships and travel grants to ensure their voices are included.
● Youth Engagement: The future belongs to the youth, and we are committed to lifting up young leaders across Africa. Your support will help us expand our outreach and engage more young people in this critical conversation.
● Language Translation: Africa is a continent of many languages. We are currently translating all submissions for our Call for Articles into five high-demand languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, and Portuguese). We need more translators. Additionally, we want to expand to many more Indigenous languages beyond Kiswahili.
● Building the Regenerative Africa Library: Knowledge is power, and we want to ensure that the insights and strategies shared throughout our initiative are accessible to all. We are creating an online library as a resource hub for ongoing education and action.
● Enhancing Post-Conference Collaboration: The work doesn’t end when the conference does. We need the best tools and facilitators to keep the momentum going. Your support will help us sustain these critical collaborations.
The Power of Your Contribution: $25,000 Towards a Sustainable Future.
Every dollar you contribute is a step towards a regenerative future for Africa and the world. Whether it's $10 or $1,000, your donation will directly impact this initiative's success. But we also need your voice. By sharing our campaign with your network, we can reach more people who care about the future of our planet.
Our crowdfunding campaign launches on August 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM PDT. Early contributions are crucial. If we receive a surge of donations within the first two hours, our campaign could be boosted on the platform, reaching millions more people.
Learn More and Get Involved
For more information on how you can support our efforts and be part of this transformative journey, please visit our website at regenerativeafrica2030 There, you'll find detailed insights into our initiatives, ways to contribute, and resources to help you stay informed and engaged. Join us in making a difference today.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This is more than just a six-part program—it's a movement. A movement that seeks to create a future where Africa leads the way in sustainable development, communities thrive in harmony with nature, and equity and justice are at the core of every decision.
We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can co-create a future that is not just sustainable, but regenerative. A future where people and the planet flourish together.
Thank you for standing with us, for Africa, and for the future we all share.
Organizer
Lawrence Ellis
Organizer
San Francisco, CA