The Naramat Indigenous Women Arboretum became a powerful space of celebration, learning, and connection as Indigenous women gathered for a dynamic linking and learning session focused on climate adaptation and resilience. The gathering highlighted the leadership of Indigenous women who continue to drive climate solutions from the ground up, grounded in deep cultural knowledge and lived experience.
Throughout the day, participants demonstrated and exchanged Indigenous knowledge systems that have sustained communities for generations. Practices such as goat intestine reading, traditional fire-making techniques, and rope forecasting were shared as vital tools used by the Samburu community to interpret environmental signals and prepare for seasonal changes. These practices reflect not only cultural heritage, but also practical, time-tested systems of resilience in the face of a changing climate.
The session also showcased a wide range of nature-based solutions rooted in Indigenous innovation. Women presented traditional foods and preservation methods that strengthen food security, shared knowledge on medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation, and demonstrated sustainable livelihood practices, including gum arabic harvesting and value addition, as well as beekeeping. Each activity underscored the deep connection between culture, environment, and sustainable living.
Beyond the exchange of knowledge, the gathering was marked by a strong spirit of solidarity, intergenerational learning, and collective empowerment. The Arboretum continues to serve as a living learning center where youth learn from elders, communities share wisdom, and Indigenous knowledge is preserved, practiced, and passed on. It remains a vital space where tradition and innovation meet, shaping pathways toward stronger climate resilience led by Indigenous women.