Adama N, DIARRA
Maire de la Commune Rurale de Kourouma 
Mali

How nature is defined and perceived (from the African or Malian context, which I know better):

Nature is perceived and defined regarding rural or remote spaces far from cities and consumer societies. So, it refers to physical things like trees, rivers animals, beauty etc. and it refers also to spiritual and metaphysical things. For example, communication with ancestors is usually organized in a nature setting.

In this context, it is challenging for urban dwellers and consumer societies with their lifestyles to behave in harmony with nature for the following reasons:

1. Urbanization seems to be the opposite of nature regarding housing projects, waste generation, power generation, transport and so on.
2. Many actors are addressing environmental issues, but the policies and programs are dominated by a rural environment, agriculture, mining, and tourism focus.
3. Urban dwellers and citizens in consumer societies are not informed enough about and aware of nature issues.

In consumer societies, nature could be completely ignored by companies and consumers and even public policies, given the fact that profits and needs became priority while welfare and future generations’ lives are at high risk.

For example, in 2006, Bamako, the capital city of Mali, was estimated to be the fastest growing city in Africa and the sixth fastest in the world. Consequently, the city is not well organized to manage waste generation. Housing, transport projects and mainly wood fueling led to major destruction of forest and savanna.

Now for the way forward, in order to advance the understanding of the concept of « Harmony with nature » a couple of points should be considered:

1. It is important to use at an equal level in public discourses and policies the concepts of « Nature » and environment.
2. Relevant information and education programs on nature issues should be promoted in urban settings and consumer societies – for sure citizens would be more interested to learn from nature, then will gradually experience the lifestyle « Harmony with Nature »
3. There is a big need to promote the concept of green growth that should be supported by appropriate institutional, tax, and financial incentives in order to encourage urban dwellers and citizens in consumer societies to be more involved in living in harmony with nature.

HOW IS THE COVID -19 VIRUS AFFECTING MAN’S RELATIONSHIP TO NATURE?

Solitude in nature beauty and grandeur is the cradle of thoughts and aspirations which are not only good for the individual, but which society can ill do without.

HOW SHOULD AND CAN THE CURRENT PANDEMIC BE USED TO GENERATE A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANKIND AND NATURE?

1. The pandemic has shown that we can produce and use less carbon by not travelling all the time and for any reason. Tele conferences and other tele meetings took over. This will be or should be the trend for a long time since travelling and accommodation for meetings are quite expensive.
2. Closing of borders due to the pandemic, led to stopping of the illegal wildlife trade.
3. People who have lost their employment in cities are returning to their rural homes, then increasing the pressure on natural resources. (Actually, illegal mining for gold and precious stones in Africa is on the rise.) Since the pandemic had an impact on the economy, gold became a king of “refuge value.”

HOW TO GENERATE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE

1. Humankind will be or should be wiser regarding the way to behave or interact with animals, since some experts found that 60% of new infectious diseases now generate in animals.

We should manage public awareness on these issues.

• We must build more resilient systems, putting environmental preservation and restoration at the center of COVID 19 recovery. This can be done following a survey conducted by activists and relevant organizations dealing with nature issues.