Tourism matrix: Story telling for Nature Conservation

21 Jun, 2020 - 00:06 0 Views
Tourism matrix: Story telling for Nature Conservation The Big Five — elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, lion and leopard

The Sunday News

Phineas Chauke

STORY-TELLING is an old-age instrument for both conservation of nature and preservation of culture. In the past our elders used stories to educate both children and adults on how to go about their lives in ways which were not harmful to the natural environment and did not violate cultural values. These stories were simple compared to modern techniques but they were packed with insights and meanings which were religiously observed by society.

The success of story-telling in promoting conservation in the past is evidenced by the way the natural environment flourished back then in contrast with the situation obtaining now. In the past, environmental stewardship was everybody’s responsibility and story-telling was a vital means of conscientising members of society. It would probably help if modern society would stop viewing nature conservation as the preserve of professionals but a collective responsibility. It is, perhaps, necessary for the present generation to adopt this ancient wisdom (story-telling) in the quest to save the planet. There is a need for the development of stories that our generation can identify with, which can transform minds and behaviours for conservation. Such stories should educate, entertain and inspire people.

Below is one short story meant to enlighten people about nature and inspire readers to be pro-conservation. The story was written by a Bulawayo girl Charmaine Jean Poorey.

Master of Rolling:
It’s that time of the year where I have to find the mother to bear me children.

Will she be attracted to me? Will I be good enough for her? If I fail I’ll continue doing my lifetime job on this earth.

I smell something, let me rush before they beat me to it.

Hours later . . .

I think this is the biggest dung ball I’ve ever made!

I’ll have to be strong to roll this one!

After the dung beetle rolled the heaviest dung which is 1 000 times the weight of its body mass he was able to locate the tunnel where his potential mate was. I must say she was pretty impressed by the huge dung ball he presented to her.

Dung Beetle Awareness
This is important for everyone to know. Some may think it’s just a bug but they contribute to our ecosystem. They help with waste removal, disease control, bury seeds as they roll the dung and increase the organic matter content of soil by burying dung. That same dung ball you see them rolling can contain eggs inside, it is a breeding chamber.

Amazing right!!

So please make sure not to ignorantly harm them.

Together we can conserve nature.

Co-authored by Phineas Chauke a tourism consultant marketer and tour guide (+263776058523, [email protected] and Charmaine Jean Poorey a learner safari guide and nature enthusiast (+263776058523, [email protected])

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