Mupo - Eco-mapping in Venda | African Biodiversity Network

Mupo - Eco-mapping in Venda

An Eco-mapping workshop was held in Venda in 2009. Elders from all across the globe came together to share their wisdom and learn the eco-mapping process with the Venda people.

Photos by Will Baxter.

The Venda people live closely with the land in the Limpopo province of the North East of South Africa	The area is under threat from tourism, mining and land-grabbing.	Eco-mapping began in Venda in 2009, and is a tool to reconnect communities to the order of their territory.
The process draws out the ecological knowledge of the elders to build a common understanding.	Members of the Altai people in Russia were part of the eco-mapping gathering in Venda.	Large maps were produced by the people of Venda that displayed their surroundings.
The youth were also involved and encouraged to value their indigenous knowledge.	The maps were celebrated by the community as they felt proud of their land and culture.	The Mupo Foundation, as well as hosting the eco-mapping workshop, facilitate Cultural Biodiversity celebrations.