Rachel Mash

“We are not mourners at the deathbed of the Earth, we are midwives at the birth of the New Creation.” The newly formed Women’s Faith and Climate Network (2024) met for three days just as war broke out in the Middle East. From different countries, contexts and faiths we gathered with one shared conviction—that networks of women of faith may hold a key role in scaling up climate action. We met during a sacred season – celebrating Lent, Ramadan, Purim and Holi. One of the largest, yet often hidden, ways to scale up climate action lies within the vast networks of women of faith. For example: the Anglican Mothers’ Union has over 4 million members in 83 countries; there are 600,000 Catholic Sisters worldwide; the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has 6 million women; and the Self Employed Women’s Association (a secular network with strong spiritual roots) has 3.8 million members in India and beyond.Action is already happening. The Laudato Si Movement has trained 20,000 ‘animators’ worldwide. The Mothers’ Union has started a programme called Eco Champs in five African countries and has a vision to expand to five more countries in 2026. The Self Employed Women’s Association has launched the “Clean Skies Campaign.” The Tzu Chi foundation is drilling wells for clean water,and training in conservation agriculture. This conference marked the first formal meeting of the newly formed Network and provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, deepen relationships, and develop practical collaborations. We began the meeting with an inspiring message from Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and one of the “Elders.” “We must allow ourselves to practice broken-heartedness – together. A broken heart is not a weak heart, it is an open heart. Grief shared in community can become a source of courage.” During the gathering, Mme Meisie Lerutla, President of the Provincial Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, shared the MU model of Eco-Champions. The MU passed a resolution that each Diocese should appoint an Eco-champ to mobilise MU branches in their Diocese for environmental action. The results in the last two years since the initial training have been remarkable. Clean-ups, training in Farming God’s Way, tree growing, water saving and environmental education – the champions have been working hard. The dream is to roll out the vision in five new countries at a gathering in May and to share the concept of MU Eco-Champs at the Worldwide Celebration of the Mothers’ Union in November. We were also able to meet with Naomi Herbert – head of MU Global Strategic Partnerships to discuss the program Another Anglican representative was Siva Sunia from Tonga, who spoke about the Pacific concept of the “weaving of the ecological mat.” Drawing on traditional imagery, she described how caring for creation requires the careful weaving together of relationships—between people, cultures, faith traditions and the natural world—so that the mat of life remains strong for future generations. The youth of the Anglican Diocese of Tonga are part of the Safe and Resilient Church campaign, working with Anglican parishes to assess vulnerabilities – from food and water security to shelter and disaster preparedness. Youth led the work: collecting data, mapping low-lying areas and preparing action plans. The programme has strengthened church buildings to be used as cyclone shelters, created evacuation routes, and supported alternative livelihoods such as sustainable farming. It is practical climate action – rooted in faith, community and resilience. The spiritual dimension of the gathering was also significant. We shared iftar together, celebrated Purim (the Jewish celebration of Esther) and joined in a dawn Lenten service. Reflecting on Romans 8:22 Rev Rachel said, “Creation is groaning in childbirth.” She continued, “We are not mourners at the deathbed of the Earth; we are midwives of the new Creation.” We also reflected on the message of Esther 4:14:“Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” Official Photo Credit -Wilton Park With great appreciation to Alison Hlliard, Jean Duff, Project Dandelion and all those who worked so hard and donated their time and finances to make this possible!

Lent is traditionally a time when we abstain from items such as alcohol or chocolates. This year we invite you to abstain from things which harm the planet  – and to be part of renewing the Earth “Restoration 202fix!”

UN Environment Assembly – Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters, bringing together all 193 UN Member States. Held every two years, UNEA sets priorities for global environmental policy and advances the development of international environmental law. It provides leadership, fosters political commitment, and catalyzes intergovernmental action on pressing environmental challenges. UNEA also serves as the governing body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Each session of UNEA brings negotiators, ministers, experts, and observers to Nairobi to review progress on existing resolutions and negotiate new ones. A key part of UNEA’s structure includes the Major Groups and Stakeholders, which represent civil society. These include women’s groups, youth and children, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, farmers, the scientific community, local authorities and cities, and the business sector. We came together for a  two day forum to discuss the important resolutions  to be discussed and how civil society can influence the policy makers. Resolutions under discussion include: We give thanks that the Anglican Communion is part of this vibrant group of passionate representatives of civil society who believe in working together to find sustainable solutions for a resilient planet!.   The Faith communities form a subgroup of the NGO major group and during UNEA had several side events and a discussion on the way forward. #UNEA7 #GMGSF

We call the oceans the “lungs of the Earth” because of phytoplankton—tiny, microscopic plants that drift near the ocean’s surface. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, producing over half of the world’s oxygen supply. As they grow, they draw carbon from the atmosphere, and when they die or are eaten, much of this carbon sinks to the deep ocean for long-term storage. Today, phytoplankton are increasingly at risk from plastic pollution. Microplastics block sunlight, reducing their ability to photosynthesise, while chemicals leaching from plastics impair their growth and reproduction. Because phytoplankton are the base of the marine food web and essential for global oxygen production, plastic pollution threatens both ocean health and climate regulation. Anglican representatives are attending UNEA-7, the UN Environment Assembly—the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental issues. UNEA addresses pollution, biodiversity, chemicals, oceans, climate, and more, bringing together all 193 UN Member States to set global environmental policy. One of the major challenges is that UNEA decisions are made by consensus, meaning all countries must agree. This often leads to slow progress and watered-down resolutions when even one or two states block ambition. Two important resolutions have been passed that affect ocean health. One concerns protecting the ocean from  sargassum seaweed blooms which are  Sargassum seaweed blooms are massive mats of floating brown algae that wash ashore, disrupting ecosystems, harming tourism and fisheries, releasing toxins, and signalling changing ocean conditions driven by climate and nutrient pollution. The other second resolution refers to improving the climate resilience of coral reefs. Very sadly a resolution regarding protecting the deep seabed  from deep sea  mining was weakened to such a point that the country of Vanuatu that brought the resolution withdrew it. In 2022, UNEP passed a landmark resolution to develop a global, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, aiming to do three things: Negotiations for this treaty—conducted through the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)—have been ongoing for several years. The main stumbling block is the proposed production cap, which faces strong resistance from petro-states and their allies who view plastics as an economic buffer against declining fuel demand due to electric vehicles. I was invited to a closed meeting with African plastic negotiators, organised by WWF, and gained key insights: countries are sharply divided between those favouring “business as usual” (reducing the treaty to waste management only) and the high-ambition countries pushing for production limits. The talks are now at an impasse, and a new INC chair will be elected in early 2026. Please pray for a breakthrough and the right leadership. There are, however, signs of hope. Civil society is energised through campaigns like Break Free From Plastic (https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/ Do sign up and lend your voice! UNEP has also launched the Global Plastics Hub, a groundbreaking platform offering data, knowledge, and stories from around the world. You can register to access resources and share your own experiences—faith-based materials would be a wonderful addition. At the “Gala of Hope,” celebrating the UN World Restoration Flagship Awards, UN Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh announced the award to the Reef Builder Project, explaining that shellfish act like the kidneys of the ocean—filtering and cleaning pollution. This inspiring Australian initiative—led by The Nature Conservancy with government and Indigenous partners—restores native oyster and mussel reefs, boosting biodiversity, supporting jobs, and strengthening coastal resilience. It shows that large-scale marine restoration is possible. Change is possible. Let us protect the oceans—the lungs of the Earth.     Photo: Rev Rachel Mash with Lewis Pugh, UN Patron of the Oceans.

At the UN Environmental Assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya the South African spekboom plant was announced as a global eco-system restoration winner! It’s called Spekboom (Afrikaans for “bacon tree”) because its fleshy, water-filled leaves are plump (“spek” meaning fat/bacon), edible, and tart, making it a favorite food for elephants and livestock, and even a salad addition for humans. One of South Africa’s most biodiverse yet neglected ecosystems is the native subtropical thicket. Thicket Restoration in South Africa unites over 60 initiatives across the country’s Eastern Cape by building on best practices, connecting the public and private sectors to bolster restoration. Made through Portulacaria afra (spekboom) planting, this restoration flagship aims at a transformational rehabilitation of 800,000 ha by 2030. Restoring thicket makes the soil more resilient, stores carbon and serves as fodder storage for large livestock and other large mammals during droughts, a high priority for a region that experienced its worst drought in 100 years in 2023 and 2024. For many years across the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, Dioceses have been planting the spekboom known as the miracle plant. Bishops give cuttings to confirmation candidates and it is handed out at Conferences and other events Known as the miracle plant it has many benefits! #1 It Helps to Fight Climate Change and Air Pollution This plant helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by acting like a carbon sponge, improving the quality of air we breathe. More specifically, spekboom can absorb between four to ten tonnes of carbon per hectare. #2 This Proudly South African Plant is Easy to Grow It is also one of the easiest plants to grow because it doesn’t need formal planting. Simply break a piece off and stick it in the ground in an area that gets lots of sun. Spekboom also responds well to pruning and grows densely, making it an excellent, hardy hedge. In late winter and spring, this plant flowers bloom in beautiful pink. The flowers are rich in nectar, bringing beautiful birds to your garden. #3 It is Water-wise and Super Resilient The low-maintenance plant can survive on as little as 250 – 350mm of water per year! Spekboom has a photosynthetic mechanism which allows it to adapt to all weather conditions so it can survive extreme conditions – from drought to frost. It is also an excellent soil binding plant that prevents soil erosion. #4 SpekboomCan Live Up to 200 Years Old! This plant propagates easily. A broken branch tossed onto the ground by a grazing elephant will grow roots and create a whole new plant. It can sprout up to five metres tall. It also stimulates biodiversity, enabling other plants to grow and live in its mini biome. #5 It is High in Basic Nutrients This plant is edible and high in nutrients, especially Vitamin C, and a perfect addition to a salad. It also has medicinal qualities- Sucking a leaf to quench thirst, treat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke. Crushed leaves can be used  to provide relief for blisters. Chewing leaves can treat a sore throat and mouth infections. Juiced leaves are used as an antiseptic and to soothe skin ailments such as pimples, rashes, insect stings and sunburn. So let us keep on growing and sharing spekboom and help to heal the #lungsoftheearth!

“Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet” An inspiring Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue took place at the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Nairobi, bringing together around 60 participants from diverse countries and faith traditions. The session opened with a warm welcome from Aneta Loj of the Brahma Kumaris. Elena Cedillo from the Lutheran World Federation introduced the Talanoa process—a traditional Pacific Islands approach to inclusive, transparent, and participatory dialogue built on storytelling, relationship-building, and shared understanding. Talanoa has been used at several COP climate conferences, and this marked the first time an Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue was held at UNEP. David Munene of CYNESA then offered insights into the UNEA process and shared guidance on effective participation. Participants later divided into groups aligned with UNEA themes to reflect on “Faiths and the UNEA Structure”, exploring three guiding questions: Where are we now? A key observation was that UNEA negotiations are often shaped by “movers” and “blockers”—including petro-states and countries with competing priorities that hinder certain environmental resolutions. Faith communities, however, can engage meaningfully through the Major Groups, including NGOs, Women, Children and Youth, Science, and Farmers. Their unique contributions include: Where do we want to be by UNEA 8? How do we get there? Strengthen communication among faith groups, beginning with the WhatsApp platform. Increase awareness of online opportunities for engagement, learning, and capacity-building. Walk together in unity—collaborating, supporting one another, and amplifying our shared moral voice for the planet