By Femi Atoyebi
During a captivating session held at the Global Digital Humanities Symposium 2024, Dr. Olarotimi Ogungbemi delivered a groundbreaking paper titled “Conservation Narratives Reimagined: Harnessing Digital Storytelling for Environmental Protection in the Global South.”
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.
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.
The urgency of utilising digital platforms to amplify the stories and voices of individuals at the forefront of environmental challenges was emphasised in his presentation.
He stated that 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.
At the core of Dr. Ogungbemi’s discussion is the concept that storytelling serves not only as a means of communication but as a transformative tool for instigating change.
Through in-depth case studies, such as the grassroots conservation endeavors 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 mobilization.
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.Additionally, Dr. Ogungbemi delved into the mechanics of digital storytelling, unveiling its potential to engage audiences through various platforms and forms of media.
By harnessing the interactive and immersive capabilities of digital media, these narratives can attain unparalleled reach and influence, bridging disconnected communities and catalyzing a collective response to environmental crises.Dr. 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.
He said, “This inclusivity not only enriches the narrative tapestry but also empowers communities, enabling them to embrace their stories and the ensuing conservation efforts.
“Moreover, this presentation underscored the educational significance of digital storytelling in closing knowledge disparities and cultivating an enlightened populace. By integrating educational material with captivating narratives, these digital stories can function as powerful instruments for environmental education, sensitizing audiences to the complexities of conservation matters and inspiring informed, sustainable actions.”
In conclusion, Dr. Olarotimi Ogungbemi’s presentation at the Global Digital Humanities Symposium 2024 underscores the pivotal role of digital storytelling in the realm of environmental conservation.
“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 mobilize a global movement toward environmental stewardship and sustainability,” he concluded.