Why Turkana?
Returning to Our Roots
It seems we are drawn back to Turkana, a place where we trace our lineage, a calling that feels almost instinctual, a beckoning of sorts. Yet, this calling extends beyond our personal ties. As we delve deeper into our collective past as a species, we find threads of connection that bind us all to the East African region, the cradle of mankind, where science and history intertwine to narrate the earliest chapters of human evolution.
Through the lens of modern science, we find resonant narratives that connect us all to this region. The remnants of the earliest stone tools, the whispers of our ancient forebears captured in the archaeological treasures found in the terrains of eastern Africa, all point towards a common heritage, a shared journey.
Turkana: The Birthplace of Mankind
Turkana has long held the mantle as the “cradle of mankind”, a region steeped in history, bearing witness to the evolutionary journey of humanity. Its expansive landscapes, home to Lake Turkana, the world's largest desert lake, have harboured numerous archaeological discoveries that offer valuable insights into human evolution. It is here in the Turkana basin where paleoanthropology takes center stage, unraveling the mysteries of human origins, a saga documented meticulously through research initiatives like the Koobi Fora Research Project.
Navigating Contemporary Challenges
The Turkana region, however, is not just a repository of historical treasures. It is a living, breathing system that faces current challenges that test the resilience and resourcefulness of the Turkana community. Recurrent droughts have scarred this land and profoundly affected the pastoralists' way of life, forcing the community to adopt adaptive strategies to ensure their livelihood and well-being.
Despite these adversities, the Turkana community stands steadfast, crafting new narratives of survival, embodying resilience, and nurturing hopes for a prosperous future. Their endeavours mirror a longstanding tradition of co-existing harmoniously with the environment, a testament to humanity's innate ability to adapt and thrive amidst challenges.
A future-oriented path to healing and growth
Here, in Turkana, lies an opportunity for healing and growth, a chance to forge a future that is in harmony with the Earth's nurturing energies. In this historic place, the cradle of humanity, we envision a future that embraces sustainable practices and fosters a symbiotic relationship with nature, one of prosperity and harmony.
As we stand on this fertile ground, we are called upon to initiate a profound journey of healing, a voyage that seeks to nurture the earth and ourselves, cultivating communities that are steeped in prosperity and harmony, reflecting the true potential of humanity as the custodians of our common heritage EARTH.