Wilyhard Shishikaye, Zero Waste Project Coordinator and Mariam Shadrack, a Zero Waste Community Mobilization Officer were thrilled to attend the “Composting for Our Future” workshops in Durban – South Africa organised by Ground Work and supported by UMI Fund from 7th of July to 14th of July 2024 at Blue Waters Hotel and Durban Botanic Gardens venues.
Nipe Fagio is part of the incredible UMI lifecycle family, and this was an incredible opportunity to participate in knowledge exchange and mainstream Zero Waste Future and Climate Change mitigations. This workshop was a cornerstone for zero-waste implementers, environmental enthusiasts, and professionals alike, uniting the global community in a shared mission to promote zero-waste practices.
Nipe Fagio’s team was excited to engage in this knowledge exchange focusing on the critical role of composting in organic waste management. One of the workshop’s highlights was a presentation with Shibu Nair, the Regional Organics Campaigner for GAIA Asia Pacific. Shibu Nair is renowned for his expertise in organic waste management, and his session provided invaluable insights into the world of composting.
The sharing and learning session with Rannie Winona Lebria and Raphaelo James Villavicencio from the Mother Earth Foundation in the Philippines offered a glimpse into innovative composting techniques and community-driven environmental solutions. Their approaches accentuate the importance of grassroots involvement and the potential for scalable, community-centric composting programs.
Tamylnn Fleetwood from UFC and Thulani Nkomo provided hands-on guidance on perfecting the compost recipe. Their session emphasized the science behind composting and the critical factors that influence the quality and effectiveness of the compost produced. Nathalie Teixera from Convert the Dirt took the participants on a fascinating journey below the soil, exploring microbial ecosystems. Her presentation highlighted the complex and vital role that microbes play in soil health and composting, offering participants a new perspective on the interconnectedness of our environmental systems.
The workshops also featured two insightful sessions with GAYO (Green Africa Youth Organization – Ghana) and our story Nipe Fagio (Tanzania). These sessions provided an opportunity for cross-continental collaboration, allowing us to learn from the experiences and successes of our peers in Africa. Paul Jones from LUMEC shared his expertise on the financial models that support organic waste diversion. His session shed light on the economic aspects of waste management, demonstrating how sustainable practices can be both environmentally and financially viable.
Day 3 of the workshop was dedicated to visiting local composting sites and permaculture gardens. These visits provided a tangible connection to the theoretical knowledge shared in the previous sessions, allowing participants to see successful composting operations in action. The final day of the workshop focused on inclusivity and zero-waste practices by working with waste pickers. We learned from SWACH and Hasiru Dala about their impactful work in integrating waste pickers into solid waste management systems and improving their livelihoods. These sessions highlighted the importance of social equity in achieving sustainable waste management solutions.
The “Composting for Our Future” workshops have reinforced our commitment to composting and the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. As we reflect on the insights gained from the workshops, the knowledge and skills shared in these sessions are not just tools but catalysts for change that empower individuals to make a significant impact on the environment. We must continue to embrace collaboration, as it amplifies our voices and enhances our ability to effect positive change. Together, we can build a future where composting is not only a practice but a movement that inspires others to join us in nurturing our planet.
