In March 2011 a conference of African Christian and Muslim leaders was held in Nairobi, Kenya. Convened by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), the aim of the gathering was to discuss how religious communities in Africa can address environmental and climate concerns. Hearing of the large and influential Hindu community in East Africa, ARC extended an invitation to the Hindu Council of Africa. A representative of the Bhumi Project was also invited. The meeting proved very successful, with delegates learning of the many environmental projects the Hindu Council have undertaken. Both ARC and the Bhumi Project were impressed and keen to work further with the community.
In the months that followed the Bhumi Project and the Hindu Council discussed options for working together. On the suggestion of ARC, and inline with other faith communities ARC is working with in Africa, it was decided that the Hindu Council would draw up a long-term plan for environmental action. A small team was established in Nairobi comprising of young Hindus already working in the environmental field. Using the 9 Year Plan developed by the Bhumi Project in 2009, this African team is adapting the Plan to incorporate African needs, interests and concerns.
In early December the Bhumi Project flew to Nairobi to meet with the Bhumi Africa team and review the first draft of their 9 Year Plan.
Gopal Patel, Project Manager for the Bhumi Project, noted “This is great work. What is very impressive is that they are looking closely into the environmental concerns for Africa and how the Hindu community can help address them. They are not just working for their own Hindu communities, but the the wider African communities. An example to be celebrated and shared with others.”
Anita Hirani, part of the Bhumi Africa team commented “For many years Hindus in Africa have been working to address environmental concerns. This is a great opportunity for us to work collectively and be connected to a growing international Hindu environmental movement.”
The Bhumi Africa 9 Year Plan will now be further developed in consultation with a wider range of African Hindu leaders. It will be launched in mid-2012 along with the long-term environmental plans for other faith groups in Africa.
Gopal Patel (left), with Anita Hirani and Deepali Gohil of the Bhumi Africa team.
