Unity, Harmony, and Ancestral Wisdom: A Journey to Benin

Earlier this year, I had the profound honor of traveling to Benin, West Africa, to attend the University of Nature symposium hosted by GRABE-Benin ONG—an extraordinary organization led by Prince Apolinaire Oussou Lio. What unfolded was far more than a conference. It was a deep remembering, a spiritual homecoming, and a glimpse into what it means to live in harmony with land, culture, and community.

Convened by GRABE-Benin and brought together by Rutendo Ngara, co-founder of Earthrise Collective, our small international delegation joined traditional leaders, scholars, and advocates from across the globe. The event opened with a sacred prayer led by His Majesty Zangnigan, King Houekpetodji of Ké, and Cacique Ninawa of the Huni Kui people of Brazil, setting the tone for a gathering rooted in reverence and unity.

The theme—Spirituality and Environmental Protection—guided conversations across ancestral knowledge, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and indigenous land rights. Workshops in agroecology, youth entrepreneurship, and river restoration offered hands-on ways to engage with these ideas. What stood out most was the holistic nature of it all—where music, ritual, farming, and community leadership were part of one living system.

At the heart of this work is GRABE-Benin, a grassroots organization dedicated to conserving biodiversity, protecting sacred sites, empowering youth, and honoring traditional knowledge. Under Prince Apolinaire’s visionary leadership, they are restoring forests, safeguarding seeds, and reviving ancestral practices that support both people and planet. His Tree-Life program exemplifies a grounded, bioregional model—where modern challenges are met with ancient wisdom and collective care.

During Voudon Days, we were welcomed into communities with song, food, and dance—expressions of love for life, spirit, and Earth. These often-misunderstood ceremonies revealed a powerful truth: that joy, reverence, and connection are essential to resilience. Dance, in this context, is not performance—it’s prayer, memory, and movement between worlds.

As I left Benin, I carried more than memories—I carried a renewed commitment to honor and uplift models of regeneration that are deeply rooted in local knowledge and cultural identity. GRABE-Benin is not just a project—it is a living movement of hope, healing, and unity.

To learn more or support their work, visit www.grabebenin.org.