CLIMATE JUSTICE ADVOCACY
PASTORALISTS AWAKE; A COMMON VOICE AND AGENDA
Previously, SASAL used the universal language of music to raise awareness about climate justice with the song ‘Tonin’go’. This year, SASAL is taking its advocacy to new heights with a powerful new anthem: ‘Esipata Oloing’ange’ by Leshao Leshao. This song is not just an artistic creation—it is a rallying cry for reparations and justice for the communities who have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, despite contributing the least to the crisis.
The song highlights the direct connection between pastoralist communities and the environment they depend on for survival. For Indigenous peoples like the Maasai, their way of life is intricately tied to the land, and the destruction of that land—through deforestation, droughts, and environmental degradation—threatens not just their livelihoods, but their very existence. The lyrics of Esipata Oloing’ange vividly depict the reality faced by these communities and call on world leaders to listen, understand, and act. Through the advocacy and the power of music, SASAL will continue to spotlight the urgent need for global action to address the devastating impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities.
The song Premiers on this Year’s COP29 held at Baku, Azerbaijan.
CLIMATE JUSTICE ADVOCACY SONG – ESIPATA OLOING’ANGE
By Leshao Leshao
In the heart of the Maasai community, a powerful melody is resonating with a message of hope and urgency. SASAL launched an innovative campaign called “Pastoralist Awake.” At the center of this campaign is the song Toning’o, sung in the Maasai language, which aims to raise awareness and advocate for climate justice.
Toning’o, which means “Listen” in Maasai, is more than just a song; it’s a rallying cry for action and awareness. The song conveys the critical message of climate change and its impact on the pastoralist way of life. By using the Maasai language, SASAL ensures that the message is deeply rooted in the community’s culture and easily understood by its people.
Music has always been a powerful tool for social change. Toning’o leverages this power, connecting emotionally with listeners and making the message of climate justice more impactful. By using a culturally significant medium, SASAL effectively bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern climate science.
The success of “Pastoralist Awake” relies on collective effort. Whether you are a member of the Maasai community or an ally from afar, your support can make a difference. Share the song, participate in discussions, and advocate for policies that protect our planet and its people.
Climate Justice Advocacy song- TONING’O .
This song is a collaboration of three artist from the Maasai community namely; Ram c, Pillaz pillonje and Dj Queen
-Weekly Talk Show ; SASAL Takes Climate Justice to the Airwaves on Mayian FM 100.7
SASAL’s “Pastoralists Awake” campaign for climate justice is reaching new heights by harnessing the power of radio to raise awareness and drive change within the Maasai community. Recognizing the profound impact of climate change on the lives of pastoralists, SASAL embarked on a campaign drive at a local radio station Mayian FM 100.7’s weekly shows, bringing critical conversations about climate justice directly to the airwaves.
Why Radio?
Radio remains one of the most effective ways to reach rural and remote communities, ensuring that vital information and advocacy efforts penetrate even the most isolated areas. By partnering with Mayian FM 100.7, SASAL is tapping into a trusted and widely listened-to platform that resonates deeply with the Maasai people.
Since the launch of the radio campaign, there has been a noticeable increase in community engagement and awareness about climate issues. Many listeners have reported adopting new sustainable practices and participating in local initiatives aimed at improving environmental resilience. The platform has also provided an invaluable space for the Maasai community to voice their concerns and advocate for policies that protect their way of life.
SASAL’s collaboration with Mayian FM 100.7 exemplifies the power of communication and community engagement in advocating for climate justice. By taking the “Pastoralists Awake” campaign to the airwaves, SASAL is ensuring that the voices of the Maasai people are heard and their stories are shared. Together, we can work towards a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Climate Justice Supercup
In an inspiring blend of sports and advocacy, SASAL has taken its “Pastoralists Awake” campaign for climate justice to new heights by organizing a local football tournament. This innovative event aimed to raise awareness about climate change and advocate for climate justice within the Maasai community and beyond.
Football, with its universal appeal and ability to unite people, proved to be the perfect platform for this crucial cause. SASAL harnessed the energy and excitement of the game to engage the community, educate participants, and inspire collective action for a sustainable future.
The football tournament successfully attracted a diverse audience, including passionate football fans, community leaders, and climate advocates. By combining the thrill of the game with the urgent message of climate justice, SASAL effectively raised awareness and inspired action within the Maasai community.
THE LAUNCH OF ‘THE PASTORALIST AWAKE
;A Common Voice and Agenda’
CAMPAIGN
SASAL has been working around the clock on our advocacy campaign, the goal being, to create awareness on climate justice among the pastoral communities beginning with the Maasai community that we are currently serving/working with.
Our advocacy campaign stems from the lack of awareness we noticed within our target communities creating a huge gap for action. How are a people supposed to act without understanding the problem itself yet they are so deep in it?
That saw the birth & official launch of our campaign dubbed “Pastoralist Awake; a Common Voice & Agenda”, aiming to create awareness & unite the pastoralists communities, starting with the Maasai in one common agenda towards climate justice.
We understand the power of collective efforts & movements in pushing for agendas & resisting injustices & this is exactly what we aim to create. A movement of pastoralists that is fully aware & hence capable of acting. The campaign was officially launched on the 19th of April 2024 by the deputy governor of Kajiado County and is in partnership with the Narok, Kajiado economic bloc.
THE PASTORALISTS AGENDA
A COMMON VOICE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
The Pastoralists Position & Demands
It is highly acknowledged that climate change is aglobal phenomenon that has continued to punish humanity for her deeds. However, climate change
has emerged and evolved to become a major threat to livelihood and human life in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya (ASAL). The ASAL regions are characterized with a background of extreme climatic conditions that have already exerted devastating effects to the environment and livelihoods of the communities within these regions. Moreover, the communities in the ASALs are often faced with the challenges of scarce resources in the setting of political and economic marginalization (1,2). Due to exacerbated climate change effects, the communities’continuity in the ASALs is at a breaking point as they can no longer endure the most extreme of these effects presented to them as a double-edged sword.Presently, the ASALs of Kenya experiences a two-fold worse drought and flood situation in a sequential occurrence compared to previous years.
Currently, the country is facing heavy rains due to the progress of El Niño and Positive Indian Ocean Dipole events in the region. So far, the ASAL has again been hit by severe continuous floods leading to loss of human lives, displacement loss of livestock and livelihood.
The Maa Economic Bloc in Kenya consisting of counties home to the indigenous Maasai community namely; Kajiado, Narok and Samburu counties was recently established (2023) to promote unity of the Maasai community across all counties in Kenya. The bloc will promote a more unified approach towards matters of common interest including the promotion & preservation of culture as well as joint voice in seeking reparation & restitution for the historical injustices meted towards these communities. Spring of the Arid and Semi-arid Lands (SASAL) in association with the MAA economic Bloc in Kenya, acknowledges the importance of the loss and damage fund and its progress since the groundbreaking agreement at COP27. SASAL presents the pastoralists voice from this bloc that aims to contribute towards the actualization and operationalization of the loss and damage fund in order to benefit such vulnerable and marginalized communities at the grassroot level. Through rigorous consultations with key leaders & departments from the 3 counties constituting the bloc, the following demands & inputs were put forward for COP28.
- Operationalize Now
- Accessibility
- Awareness and Transparency
- Financial Instruments
Click beolw for more…
GENDER EQUALITY, ADVOCACY & CLIMATE EDUCATION
WORKSHOPS & TRAINING
Through training and capacity-building workshops SASAL promotes the knowledge of the climate in schools and the community. We particularly focus on school-going children and women as they are vulnerable and disproportionately affected. Also, through our advocacy chapter, Fridays for Future Kajiado (affiliated with Fridays For Future international), we train women and girls most affected by the climate crisis and are victims of gender-based violence on advocacy, lead them in peaceful marches, connect them to local leaders to table their pleas as well as providing them space and psychosocial support to enable healing.
