Top-story_singapore

A Rocha in Singapore gains momentum with ‘Missional Discipleship and Sustainability’ conference

On 11 May A Rocha held a ‘Missional Discipleship and Sustainability’ conference as part of the work towards officially launching in Singapore. A Rocha’s presence in Singapore has grown out of the very first Friends of A Rocha group, set up 12 years ago by Mel Ong  (pictured here on the right, with Prarthi Selveindran), who opened the conference by sharing some of the history. 

The conference was a collaboration between A Rocha International (whose board of trustees were in Singapore for their annual in-person meeting), the Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST: bgst.edu.sg); the Fellowship of Evangelical Students (FES: fellowship.sg); Creation Care Singapore (CCSG: creationcare.sg); and the hosts, Katong Presbyterian Church (KPC: kpchurch.org.sg). 

Some 200 people gathered from a range of contexts, from business to science to church ministry. Two-thirds of attendees had not been to a creation care conference before. The expressed hope was that the different aspects of our community and lives would become increasingly integrated so that we might become more whole, with God in every part of our lives.  

Sessions ranged from theology (Dr Hilary Marlow and Rev Dr Dave Bookless), to a panel discussion on finance and investment, an overview of the state of the climate (Dr Rodel Lasco) and contemplative prayer, along with a number of other local and international contributions.  

It was a rich day. As one person eloquently expressed it, ‘[I learned that] creation care requires all hands on deck – not just the ‘science people’ but also the lawyers, policymakers, marketers, designers… even simply advocates, to work together to care for His creation… Comforted yet armed with knowledge and sweet fellowship, this conference has definitely enabled me to live life for Christ in this seemingly contemporary but definitely redemptive manner – to care for his creation, to enable it to flourish and be a witness for Christ’s original redeeming act in this way.’ 

Picnics en el Arroyo

Nurturing nature and community in every language

The choir of God’s creation resounds with every language from every people. In our day, though, disparities in wealth, education, ethnicity and other factors hinder certain people’s access to God’s creation. In the United States, many Hispanic/Latino families lack access to recreational facilities like parks and trails. In fact, only 1 in 3 Latinos live within walking distance of a park, according to UT Health San Antonio, and ‘only 19% of Latino children have access to recreational green spaces close to their neighbourhoods, compared to 62% of their white peers’. Time in nature benefits physical and mental health, as well as spiritual wellbeing. When the connection between people and the rest of creation is broken, both human and non-human creatures suffer.  

Seeking to address this problem in Central Texas, A Rocha USA’s Conservation Project Director, Verónica Godoy, found multiple groups offering environmental education programmes for children, but few that served families together. Hispanic families are often tight knit, and everyone deserves safe and fun access to nature, from children, to parents, to teenagers, to toddlers. To reach underserved Hispanic families with language barriers, Picnics en el Arroyo was born. 

A Rocha USA’s monthly Picnics en el Arroyo bring Spanish-speaking families to state parks and private green spaces with access to creeks, springs or rivers. At each picnic, they explore the watershed and its biodiversity through recreational and educational activities. After nearly two years of picnics, families have explored Austin’s wild spaces through numerous hikes and learned to identify local birds, mammals and insects. They have pressed flowers to make crafts and made seed balls to plant native wildflowers. They have made art about the endangered Yellow-cheeked Warbler and played under Texas’ grand oak trees. They have looked up to behold grand geological features and crouched down to observe aquatic macroinvertebrates.  

‘Un dia al aire libre’ (a day outdoors) is full of laughter, curiosity, exercise and play. One participant of Picnics en el Arroyo expressed her enthusiasm: ‘I love to share time with my family and other families. Sometimes I don’t feel like going out, but Picnics at the Arroyo motivates me and helps me have special moments with my family.’ Others have celebrated discovering new species and exploring new places. Some families return picnic after picnic, allowing us to see them grow a deep love for God’s creation in their local environment.  

After the first few Picnics en el Arroyo in 2022, Verónica reflected, ‘We expect that Picnics en el Arroyo will continue to connect families with creeks and parks in Austin, enable them to spend more time outdoors, and empower them to make decisions that will contribute to the health of the local ecosystems and the community.’ Now, after hosting 16 picnics in 11 parks with 397 participants, we are seeing this vision come to life. 

Friends-Taiwan_mc

The growing garden of A Rocha’s Friends

When A Rocha was founded in 1983, it was rare if not unheard of to come across others actively involved in conservation from Christian conviction. These days, there are individuals, groups and organizations across the globe who share our commitment to serve, study and protect species and habitats in God’s name. Some join the A Rocha Worldwide Family, and others become members of the Friends of A Rocha Network.

Here is a brief introduction to six of the newest members:

  • Brazil: FEPAS, a social work federation of over 400 churches in Brazil, offers support to dozens of projects across the country. FEPAS continues using the Environmental Education manual it co-published with A Rocha Brazil in 2015. Every project federated in FEPAS has a commitment to teach these materials every two to three years, to reach new cohorts of children and young people in their constituency.
  • Brazil: Project The Way is raising the quality of life of vulnerable children and youth in many ways, including setting up urban vegetable gardens with stingless bee hives in some of the most destitute neighbourhoods of São Paulo.
  • Cameroon: African Alliance for Developmental Action (AADA) has carried out conservation education, monitoring mangrove forests, bush meat and non-timber forest product trade. Currently it’s focusing on combating the illegal hardwood trade through environmental crime training sessions for magistrates, government workers and community leaders, the promotion of non-timber forest products and the collection of tree samples to improve product traceability and indirectly help with environmental crime prosecutions.
  • Rwanda: Global Initiative for Environment and Reconciliation (GER) believes that building peace cannot be achieved without also taking care of the environment. They have carried out a review of traditional knowledge associated with conservation and hosted an international event on connecting community seeds, culture and nature. Currently, GER is collaborating in programmes in agroecology, biodiversity conservation for community resilience, healing and peace, gender and climate, and safe foods and diverse diets.
  • Sri Lanka: Kaveri Kala Manram (KKM) is a community empowerment organization actively involved in protecting and promoting traditional arts and culture, and using these to foster creation care and social and environmental justice in the community, in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Taiwan: City to City has held preaching camps focused on creation care, and recently translated into Mandarin and published A Place at the Table, with plans currently underway to translate Kingfisher’s Fire. They hope to bring creation care theology into the core of their ‘Gospel. City. Movement.’ strategy to influence mainstream Taiwanese church culture.
ASSETS1_mc

The forest that educates its children

A Rocha Kenya has distributed another round of secondary school bursaries, in this case for Mekatilili Wa Menza Secondary School in Kilifi County.  Funds are generated from the Arabuko Sokoke Schools and Ecotourism Scheme (Assets), in particular a rather magical guided boardwalk tour through the mangroves at the Mida Creek.

You can see the joy it has brought the beneficiaries on their faces! Selected for their academic prowess, commitment to education and good character, this scholarship programme has given them the opportunity to gain life-changing academic qualifications.

In addition to the scholarship, Assets engages the community and schools in conservation. The environmental club in this school has been so diligent with their tree planting and tree nursery. Mr Mwarabu, who teaches Agricultural Studies in the school, extends his heartfelt regards to the efforts that A Rocha Kenya puts into the tree nursery at Kuvuka, where they were able to grow 1,000 seedlings and 750 of the trees have survived.

During the dry seasons, the school buys water from the motorbike riders just to make sure that the trees are watered and were well taken care of, and now the great green ambiance is a sight to esteem.

Big-Green-Give_mc

Double your impact with the Big Give Green Match Fund

Good news! This year, you can help support the protection of threatened African forests through A Rocha’s locally led conservation initiatives. Together with you, we can help protect 260,000 ha of forest across Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. This also means 5,000 people from local communities will be supported through sustainable livelihoods, and over 150 threatened species and their habitats will be protected!

All this is possible thanks to A Rocha International’s participation in the Big Give Green Match Fund 2024, taking place from noon (BST) 18-25 April. During the campaign week, your donations made via the Big Give website will be doubled*. Watch our video to find out how your support can make a difference to the people and wildlife that call these forests ‘home’.

One donation, twice the impact. 

* Please note only donations made through our campaign page on the Big Give website between 18-25 April are eligible to be doubled (while match funds last). The donate button will appear on the campaign page when the Green Match Fund launches. 

India-Farming_mc

Farming for people and planet in India

Switching to organic farming can feel risky for independent farmers in India. Lower yields than normal can be expected for the first two to three years, but ultimately, adopting sustainable practices cultivates healthier soil, cleaner ecosystems and more nutrient-dense harvests: a win-win for people and planet! 

A Rocha India is equipping farmers in the Bannerghatta-Hosur region to make a bold transition to organic farming. Beginning with a thorough survey of farming communities in the region, they take care to understand the needs of the community. They then offer educational workshops and share information about government aid, which can ease the transition. A Rocha aims to impart sound ecological knowledge to these farmers about their environment, as well as learn from the wealth of their indigenous, traditional knowledge and help propagate it on a community level.  

The project has seen some ups and downs since it began in 2022: one year, a delayed onset of monsoons meant that the area was still receiving heavy rainfall during harvest season, which is typically dry. The next year, there were poor weather conditions at the planting stage. Farmers are highly vulnerable to a changing climate and unpredictable weather, which can ruin some or all of a harvest. To mitigate these risks, A Rocha distributes climate and pest-resistant seeds and provides organic manure to get farmers started.  

It takes time for the full ecological and health benefits of organic farming to be realized, which is why A Rocha is building long-term relationships with select farms. We are also creating a sustainable demand and supply chain for the crop. This has been a great opportunity for A Rocha to involve volunteers and other stakeholders from the neighbouring metropolitan city of Bangalore. It has encouraged them to learn more about this environmentally sustainable way of farming and spread the message! 

Organic farming isn’t just about human health: it’s a conservation practice, as well. Commercial farming, predominately a monoculture practice, wreaks havoc on our soil and habitats, eliminating the biodiversity that local species need to thrive. By going organic, we are not only protecting our soil and water; we are also creating spaces where native plants and animals can flourish. This is especially important in the partner farms around Bannerghatta National Park and the North Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Organic farming means sustainable livelihoods for the people, as well as healthy habitats for elephants, hares, deer and leopards who live there, too.  

Globally, these projects contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals for Zero Hunger and Life on Land. Learn more about the Global Goals at sdgs.un.org/goals

Beekeeping_mc

Beyond honey: beekeeping’s impact on biodiversity and livelihoods

It is estimated that about one-third of the food we eat relies on bee pollination. As bees visit flowers in search of nectar and pollen, they transfer pollen between plants, enabling plants to reproduce and produce fruits and seeds. This vital ecological service not only supports biodiversity but also sustains food production for humans and wildlife.  

Beekeeping — the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made beehives — offers significant benefits, including promoting pollinator health and biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods. A Rocha organizations around the world have undertaken beekeeping projects aimed at promoting sustainable practices, supporting communities and conserving natural habitats. 

A Rocha Kenya recently implemented a sustainable beekeeping project within the Dakatcha Nature Reserve and with its neighbouring communities. The project focused on introducing beekeeping practices to local farmers while conducting environmental education on pollinators in Dakatcha schools. Students from 10 schools participated in environmental education sessions, cultivating pollinator-friendly gardens to support bee populations. Additionally, 15 farmers received training in beekeeping techniques and were provided with beehives, contributing to both conservation and economic empowerment in the region.  

A Rocha South Africa commenced a beekeeping project emphasizing community livelihoods and conservation. By training and supporting community beekeepers, the project aims to create sustainable incomes while fostering environmental stewardship. This approach not only benefits bee populations and pollination but also strengthens relationships between communities and nature reserves, promoting conservation in environmentally sensitive areas. 

Additionally, In Ghana, beekeeping empowers communities economically and promotes pollination. In Switzerland, beekeeping contributes to dry meadow conservation, safeguarding biodiversity. A Rocha UK educates through pollinator-focused programmes at the Wolf Fields urban community reserve, while A Rocha Czech provides essential habitat for bees with ‘insect hotels’ (right) and A Rocha Lebanon are building rammed-earth hives and recycling beeswax.  

These beekeeping projects highlight the vital role of bees in biodiversity conservation globally. It’s not just about honey; it’s about preserving ecosystems, fostering sustainable livelihoods and ensuring a sweet future for both nature and communities.  

MAWOD_mc

‘Making a World of Difference’ at COP28

There were many ‘firsts’ at the recent UN Climate Conference, COP28. It was the first time that the burning of fossil fuels was officially acknowledged as the key cause and driver of climate change. There was a new Health Day and a sustainable fashion show. We especially applauded the first ever Faith Pavilion, which mobilised people of faith to ‘catalyse more ambitious, effective, holistic and just climate action.’  

Towards the end of the conference, Renew Our World and A Rocha International’s Head of Theology, Dave Bookless, launched their short book, Making a World of Difference, at the event ‘Religious Resistance to Climate Action’ in the Faith Pavilion. This is by no means the first faith-based book on caring for the planet, but despite decades of campaigning, many faith communities remain resistant to climate action. This little book was especially designed to equip global church leaders to respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis. In Dave’s words, ‘If you study God’s word and love your neighbour you’ll want to “Make a World of Difference” for Jesus’ sake. This book tells you why, shows you how and gives you hope.’  

As the only global Christian organization working specifically in biodiversity conservation, A Rocha offered a unique perspective, both in and outside of the Faith Pavilion. A Rocha Ghana’s National Director, Seth Appiah-Kubi spoke at the event, ‘Faith and Nature: Partners in Landscape Restoration and Nature-based Solutions’. Alongside a fantastic panel, Seth described how A Rocha Ghana collaborates with local communities around forests and savannahs to mitigate climate change, restore biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods. Daryl Bosu, also from A Rocha Ghana, championed nature-based solutions in an event hosted by the IUCN; later, he showcased an initiative to protect shea parklands across West Africa at the Pavilion of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet. 

We leave COP28 encouraged and hopeful that Christians will rise to the challenge of tackling climate change while halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Read Making a World of Difference below to learn how and why you should take action to care for God’s creation. 

Vincent_mc

From Pulpit to Plowshare

While studying for a degree in Agribusiness Management, Vincent discovered a passion for discipleship and ministry and assumed he would be leaving agriculture behind. He writes, ‘I thought ministry was only about the pulpit.’  

His younger self would have been surprised to discover he now leads A Rocha Kenya’s Farming God’s Way programme. This agricultural approach focuses on increased food production for humans as well as the well-being of the whole ecosystem. The soil is undisturbed (zero tillage), its surface is covered with dead leaves and other biodegrading matter (mulching) and a diversity of species is encouraged through crop rotation. Farming God’s Way takes its inspiration from biblical principles. Those teaching it in Africa say the greatest cause of hunger is waiting for the rains to come before planting. Farming God’s Way takes into account the many rhythms God wove into creation – day and night, seasons and lifespans: everything done in its proper time.  

Working with churches, Vincent and his team teach Farming God’s Way to empower community members, often living in conditions of real hardship, to be able to obtain better productivity from their farms, and in so doing to respect and care for the rest of God’s creation around them. 

Over time, Vincent says, ‘I have come to see ministry differently. A Rocha Kenya’s mission statement captures in lucid terms what I’m being shaped to walk – “People transformed; nature conserved.”’ 

EcoNZ_St-peters_mc

Growing Together

St Peter’s Anglican Church in Gonville Whanganui, Aotearoa New Zealand, is creating space in their front garden for a whole lot of connecting and growing. St Peter’s Garden is more than just a garden – it is a space where the community can connect, make friends, grow vegetables and play chess! Reverends Luca and Sam Tovey Duckworth say, ‘The community garden is a great place of intersection for people who wouldn’t normally make a Sunday gathering. It’s been cool seeing people take ownership and start to have their own ideas about what can happen in this space.’ 

St Peter’s is just one of the many churches engaged in A Rocha Aotearoa NZ’s burgeoning Eco Church Programme. Church communities across Aotearoa NZ are taking a more active role in caring for God’s creation. Collectively their actions are resulting in a measurable reduction in waste, carbon, pollution and energy use, leading to more sustainable ways of living that restore and enhance the natural world while connecting people to the Creator.

Find out more about Eco Church in Aotearoa NZ here.