This event is jointly organized by the Center for Humanities of Nature at the Natural History Museum Berlin, the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) and Survival International.
German and European governments and companies shape efforts to conserve “nature” on Indigenous people’s lands by funneling billions through large conservation organisations for projects in the Global South. These conservation groups promote the creation of protected areas, advise governments, control funds and sometimes even manage vast areas that are home to thousands of people. With the money and their expertise, conservationists also bring specific ideas of nature, which can be traced back to colonial times.
Indigenous peoples around the world have long resisted a colonial model of conservation. They challenge European ideas about "nature” as they fight the illegal displacement from their lands for protected areas. The event puts one of these iconic regions in the spotlight – the Serengeti ecosystem and Maasailand – to unravel ideas of nature, conservation and humans. This makes it possible to leave a narrow view of nature as an object of scientific studies, exhibitions, TV documentaries and recreation, and to give space to a more complex perspective.
Event information
- Topic: Nature Conservation in the Global South
- Speakers: With Joseph Moses Oleshangay, a human rights lawyer and Maasai leader, Sokoita Ngoitoi, a activist for Maasai rights and social scientist from Loliondo, and Neema Seneto Seki, another strong voice for the Maasai, working to protect their rights and cultural heritage.
- Registration necessary (eventbride)
- Admission: starts 6.30 pm
- The event will be held in English.