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What a year: see what hope for creation looks like

Our latest Annual Review is hot off the press! Woven through its pages are people loving God, each other and the wider creation with their hearts and minds, restoring and protecting species and habitats, and sparking others with the knowledge to do likewise in classrooms, communities, churches and international fora. We’ve got diverse examples of environmental education on one spread; a highlight from each A Rocha Organization on another. You want to hear about forests? Our marine work? Engagement with churches? We’ve covered that too. There’s even a spread on our family-wide strategy, if that grabs you. Travel the world through these pages and be encouraged with us, and be inspired to get involved in caring for your own particular place, wherever it may be.

Top Story 2 - Ghana

Lending our voices to protect Ghana’s forest reserves

L.I. 2462 is a law passed by the Ghana government which grants mining rights within the critical ecosystems of forest reserves. A Rocha Ghana and partners pulled out all the stops for a recent two-day campaign, dubbed ‘DO GHANA GOOD 2.0’. The aim was to educate the public about the implications of L.I. 2462 and encourage signing a petition calling for the revoking of these controversial regulations.

Volunteers explained the dangers of mining in forest reserves, such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity and negative impacts on local communities, and emphasised the importance of preserving these natural resources for future generations. Grace Sogbey, Communications Officer at A Rocha Ghana, commented: ‘The enthusiastic response we received is a testament to the growing awareness among Ghanaians about the importance of protecting our environment. We believe that by uniting our voices, we can influence policy changes that will safeguard our natural heritage.’

By the end of the two-day engagement, nearly 1,000 signatures had been collected to complement an active online petition platform with over 7,000 signatures from citizens calling on President John Mahama to revoke L.I. 2462. The signatures will be presented in a formal petition aimed at urging the government to reconsider its stance on mining activities in forest reserves.

It is A Rocha Ghana’s stance that until L.I. 2462 is revoked, no forest reserve in Ghana is safe, making it imperative for all Ghanaians to join the campaign. One small act can have a big impact. More info and photos are on Facebook.

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Carbon Fasting and Kingdom Living: A Lenten Movement in Korea

Creation care begins with changes in our own life. The season of Lent – an opportunity to remember the suffering of Christ and reflect on the meaning of Lent – is a fitting time to challenge ourselves with lifestyle changes that align with our transformed identity as Christ’s children. It is also an opportunity to clarify that the gospel extends beyond our own lives to our neighbours and the created world.

Lenten Carbon Fasting invites Christians to reflect and repent, engage in spiritual practices (carbon fasting) and reclaim their true identity as creation’s stewards. It helps believers understand that Christ’s suffering and resurrection are for human salvation and for the restoration of God’s kingdom. It also focuses on recognizing increased suffering caused by the climate crisis, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, and encourages practical actions to address climate inequality.

In Korea, to help people engage in a Lenten Carbon Fast, The Bright Foundation made available video materials, reflections and practical guides that aligned with this year’s Lent book, the Korean translation of Dave Bookless’s Planetwise. Video interviews with Dave and others – an atmospheric scientist, a seminary professor, nonprofit organization leaders and a zero-waste activist – provide insights on various topics. Daily reflection and practice guides are included, with quotes from the book to encourage deeper meditation and practical carbon fasting challenges each week.

92 churches participated! The Korean media joined in, with newspaper interviews and campaign materials broadcast during Lent on CTS (Christian Television System). Donations from participating churches went to the Goodwill Store initiative, which helps individuals with developmental disabilities find welfare and stable employment. Carbon Fasting participants were also encouraged to donate items to the Goodwill Stores, reflecting on their consumption habits and embracing a life of sharing and moderation. We continue to pray with these Christians in Korea for good fruit of reconciliation and restoration.

Jee-hye Jeong, The Bright Foundation