Don advocates use of digital storytelling to create awareness for environmental protection

A fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) and an Urban Bird Project Scholar, Dr. Olarotimi Daniel Ogungbemi, has called for the use of digital storytelling to promote the protection of the environment.

Ogungbemi stated this when he delivered a paper titled “Conservation Narratives Reimagined: Harnessing Digital Storytelling for Environmental Protection in the Global South,” during a session held at the Global Digital Humanities Symposium 2024.

The presentation shed light on the innovative convergence of digital media and environmental advocacy, particularly amidst the backdrop of escalating environmental concerns in the Global South.

He noted that, “As we grapple with the escalating challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity decline, the fusion of technology, storytelling, and community engagement emerges as a beacon of hope, not only promising to heighten awareness but also to mobilise a global movement toward environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

Ogungbemi expounded on how Africa’s varied ecological and cultural landscapes offer a fertile ground for digital narratives that merge indigenous knowledge with contemporary conservation requirements.

He also harped on the urgency of utilising digital platforms to amplify the stories and voices of individuals at the forefront of environmental challenges.

“By combining traditional wisdom with digital advancements, these narratives possess the ability to resonate more profoundly, prompting a more compelling call to action and nurturing a worldwide community of advocates,” he said.

At the core of Dr. Ogungbemi’s discussion is the concept that storytelling serves not only as a means of communication but also a transformative tool for instigating change.

Through in-depth case studies, such as the grassroots conservation endeavours at Lake Ol’ Bolossat and the cultural conservation practices of the Lozi and Kikuyu communities, he illustrated how storytelling surpasses mere narration, functioning as a catalyst for environmental consciousness and mobilisation.

“These narratives go beyond conveying information; they elicit empathy, promote comprehension, and encourage stewardship, offering a potent counter to the often abstract and distant discourse surrounding environmental issues,” he added.

Additionally, Ogungbemi delved into the mechanics of digital storytelling, unveiling its potential to engage audiences through various platforms and forms of media.

He said:” By harnessing the interactive and immersive capabilities of digital media, these narratives can attain unparalleled reach and influence, bridging disconnected communities and catalysing a collective response to environmental crises.”

Ogungbemi also tackled the crucial role of community involvement in digital storytelling.

His research advocates for a participatory approach, where stories are not only narrated about communities but collaboratively shared with them, guaranteeing that their experiences, obstacles, and triumphs are faithfully portrayed.

“This inclusivity not only enriches the narrative tapestry but also empowers communities, enabling them to embrace their stories and the ensuing conservation efforts,” he said.

He also underscored the educational significance of digital storytelling in closing knowledge disparities and cultivating an enlightened populace.

He also disclosed that “by integrating educational material with captivating narratives, these digital stories can function as powerful instruments for environmental education, sensitising audiences to the complexities of conservation matters and inspiring informed, sustainable actions.”