Paper short abstract:

Based on co-ecologies, the paper presents collective narratives about co-dependency on the mangroves of children from a fishermen community in Karachi, Pakistan. The research used public art for narrative building which was curated using participatory approach and converted into a resource book.

Paper long abstract:

Working around the idea of co-ecologies, a research and engagement exercise was recently undertaken by myself with indigenous fishermen children on the peninsula off the coast of Karachi. The project aimed to create collective narratives about co-dependency on the mangroves that surround the peninsula, and use the power of art to inspire young minds to appreciate and protect their unique coastal associations. The project questioned conventional research methods using public art and narrative building exercises which were curated using participatory methods and were based on collective decisions and ritualistic actions. The focus of public art activity was on co-designing and ‘can do spirit’ and told a story about nature, humans and home. The emphasis was also on creating new spatial narratives that accommodated interrelations between humans and non-humans, using methods which were novel, bottom up and connected to the locale rather than being pre-determined. Furthermore, historical narratives, personal reflections and discussion-based methods were used to structure student participation to create a sense of awareness and think about the role of humans as part of the larger ecology.

The results were converted into a resource book for primary school teachers. This publication brings together the learnings from the engagement and is meant to serve as a platform for building ideas around art and engagement-based pedagogies. This can help adults inculcate a sense of responsiveness in children towards nature and thus rethink the idea of development.