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Visual Harvest of 1sr EFH Inception Workshop. March 19-22, 2024 Namunyak Conservancy, Samburu, Kenya

In March 2024 I had the priviledge to go to Kenya to facilitate the 1st Ecosystems, Finance & Health Inception Workshop with SenseTribe team. Called by James Hassell and Joseph Kamau , we hosted a gathering of around 50 multidisciplinary scientists, development practitioners, finance specialists from across continents, along with staff from the locally-managed Sarara Nature Conservancy in Northern Kenya, to explore the feasibility of building an investment case for the co-management of public health and ecosystems in Africa.

The local community of Samburu and the Sarara staff participanted in the event and played a very important role during this gathering. They contributed with their modern innovative thinking and the their ancient culture and wisdom from their beloved elders.

1st Ecosystems, Finance & Health Inception Workshop with SenseTribe team

What is health conversation

Participants had a very nurishing conversation about Human Health where they approached the topic from a very systemic and multidisciplinar point of view.  They related human health with animal health, agriculture, ecosystems health, and climate change...

The land… magnificent nature

I am used to working in event venues where there are walls, shops close by, and office materials. This time was different… veeeery different, I had to adapt to a new environment. Look who was hiding behind the bush while we were preparing the space!

Co-design of a Future Vision

“The co-design of an inspiring Future Vision was THE most important drawing in this gathering. Participants were highly engaged and wanted to take it home after the event”

Drawing a community's vision of the future is something very special, almost magical in my experience. Is a bit like making a magic potion… a spell to make thigs happen. It includes information from our collective senses, minds, hearts and souls regarding how we would like the future to unfold.

When a group co-creates a vision and puts it on paper, the sense of community is strengthened, inspiration takes off, and the level of commitment increases. Sudently there is a clear direction to take action towards. It’s no wonder that this drawing was the most requested to take home at the end of the event by participants.

Making visible brilliant ideas to explain reality

I also was called to support one of the case study groups by visualising a new framework to explain "High Evapotranspiration" and how it relates to climate change. The team was thrilled to have me there and draw what they had in mind. After they shared this new model with the rest of participants and it was very well received.

Find what matters and make it last

After the event, a lot of information was gathered: a new and wider definition of human health considering ecosystems and all beings health, an opening speech by the parliamentarian Hon. Pauline Lenguris member of the Kenyan Government’s Parliamentary Committee on Health, a vibrant vision of the future, the principles of collaboration, specific interventions, a one-year action plan... All of it, a great foundation for EFH community to start moving ahead. What a great and intense work we developed!

I am used to big venues with walls to draw on, shops close by buy last minute things… This time was vert very different and I had to adapt to a really wild and natural environment. I displayed my drawings on the floor holded by stones, they mixed with soil and instead of “dirty”, I ended seing them as more beautiful.

Sarara staff couldn't have been more welcoming and supportive, not only helping with every little or big thing but also treating us like family.

Facilitation Superpowers Team

María Llorente and her care for the whole, Sonia Fevre and her sharpness, Michelle Mashonganyika and her groundness… We went through easy moments but also dealed with chaos and confusion. Together we learned how to dance with emergence, adapt to change, . Our openness to share comforts and discomforts, and commitment to a purpose greater than ourselves led us to a profound sense of trust and joy.

Having a common language of Art of Hosting at our base made collaboration possible, it was like speaking the same language.

Working hand in hand with a client who has embraced the unknown and set aside at times what they expected to get from the process to see what emerged from the group was fantastic. Seeing how sometimes taking a step back as a group and reflecting brought us closer together rather than pushing us apart.

I only can say thank you for this unbelievable experience, thank you to everyone who has been part of this, I enjoyed so much meeting you! Smithsonian Institution and thank to this beautiful land that hosted us.

Looking forward the work that the EFH community is moving ahead doing.