Day #8: Nature Connections
2

For

2023 Billion Acts Earth Day Countdown

Global

Apr. 06, 2023

The Act is virtual

About this Act

Welcome to day #8 of the 2023 Billion Acts Earth Day Countdown! You can visit the main campaign page here! Let us know how you joined today's call-to-action by clicking on "Make an Impact" on the right side of the screen. We also welcome you to add your own Earth month events and calls-to-action to the campaign page as well. We're on a mission to reach 1,000 acts by April 22nd!

You can also follow along with our campaign on our Facebook group. We will be reaching out each day with messages from our incredible Nobel Peace Laureates and youth-leaders working to build a healthier environment for us all.

Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum has worked tirelessly over several decades to secure basic rights for the Mayan people, as well as protection of their land and cultures. During Guatemala's civil war, her family was active in nonviolent demonstrations to protect the Mayan people from military oppression. During this time, Rigoberta also drew international attention with her book "I, Rigoberta" which detailed the horrors occurring in Guatemala and led to her recognition as a world leader for indigenous rights. Her initiatives on behalf of indigenous communities and women peacebuilders continue to this day.

Today, Rigoberta remains a voice for countless causes such as indigenous rights and environmental protection. The inspiration that she shares often holds a common theme - the respect for land and life. Her speeches are embedded with advice on how to gain strength and inspiration from one’s environment - whether that be natural landscapes, local community members, or simple everyday gifts. Rigoberta herself spends much time beside the mountains and waterways of her Mayan homelands. She tells youth of the importance of giving gratitude for the Earth.

Rigoberta’s simple advice to spent time in natural spaces holds immeasurable benefits for those who listen. Among the many researched benefits, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Time spent in natural spaces also shows a correlation with attitudes and behaviors around environmental responsibility.

Many of these lessons shared by Rigoberta hold parallels around the world - lessons that are especially endangered in fellow indigenous communities. Globally, diverse indigenous cultures and communities face grave dangers to their traditions and lands. Threats to indigenous communities and their practices can have long-lasting consequences for the survival of the communities themselves - as well as for their vital ecological and cultural knowledge.

Inspiration:

Click the link on the right side of the page to hear more from Dr. Rigoberta Menchu.
Learn from the "Women, Land and Peace" video series by the Nobel Women's Initiative.

Education:

Action:

Let us know how you are taking action today! Let us know under "Share and Earn Peace Points".

Get outside and connect with Your Surroundings. Spending meaningful time interacting with the ecosystems around you offers immeasurable benefits for your well-being. Set some time aside today to go for a hike, visit a park, garden, or simply sit outside for a bit! Share a picture from your "outing" to share on here or tag us on social media @billionacts!

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