Conservation Narratives Reimagined: Harnessing Digital Storytelling for Environmental Protection
Channel: MSU Digital Humanities
Date: 2024-03-13

Conservation Narratives Reimagined: Harnessing Digital Storytelling for Environmental Protection in the Global South
Olarotimi Ogungbemi | University of Texas at San Antonio, USA

The expansive and continually advancing digital domain unfurls a rich, varied tapestry of tools and platforms that breathe life into storytelling, making narratives more relatable and impactful. In regions of the Global South, notably Africa, the story is layered with intricate ties between environmental issues and the historical as well as sociopolitical fabrics that shape the landscape. Here, digital storytelling morphs into a powerful instrument for environmental advocacy and education, resonating with the collective consciousness of communities.

In this paper, I delve deeper into the notion of Conservation Storytelling, envisioning it as a vibrant conduit through which communities can navigate, understand, and engage with narratives of environmental protection that are finely attuned to the African milieu. By embarking on a journey through various digital storytelling initiatives that have sprouted across the continent, my aim is to unearth the potency of these narratives in catalyzing community engagement, influencing policy advocacy, and fueling educational endeavors devoted to nurturing a culture of environmental protection and sustainability.

Drawing from a palette of case studies scattered across the African continent, we aim to illustrate how digital narratives can be meticulously crafted to echo the ethos of local communities, mirror indigenous knowledge, and challenge the tapestry of historical and contemporary environmental injustices that have left indelible marks on the land and its people. Further, my exploration extends into the potential of the digital realm as a fertile ground for cross-cultural dialogue. Here, the digital sphere morphs into an inclusive platform where a medley of voices from diverse cultural backgrounds can converge, contributing to a richer, multi-dimensional comprehension of environmental challenges and prospective solutions.

Through the lens of Conservation Storytelling, this exposition aspires to navigate towards a more engaged, informed, and action-oriented discourse on environmental protection in the Global South.

For more information about the symposium visit: https://msuglobaldh.org