From Benin to the World: Expanding the Earth Elders Council of 52

In January, The Earth Elders’ Convenor, Mindahi Bastida, travelled to Benin to meet Prince Apollinaire. The Prince is a respected traditional leader and bridge-builder who has dedicated more than two decades to advancing ecological regeneration, ancestral governance, and community resilience across West Africa. As founder of GRABE Benin, he has championed agroforestry, agroecology, and the conservation of mangroves and coastal ecosystems. His work reflects many of The Earth Elders’ Mandates, including the protection of biocultural territories, intercultural dialogue, and the establishment of his own Centre of Ancestral Wisdom—an emerging House of Original Thought rooted in African knowledge systems.

Mindahi Bastida, Convenor of The Earth Elders, joins hands with Elder Rutendo Ngara and Prince Apollinaire in Benin, symbolising a growing alliance of ancestral leadership working together to protect biocultural territories and regenerate the Earth. Photo by Fraser Morton

A recent gathering in Benin brought together delegates, traditional authorities, and community leaders in a powerful process of learning, dialogue, and celebration. African participants first convened to share their progress and vision while visiting communities connected to Prince Apollinaire’s work. These visits offered a direct experience of locally rooted solutions and the deep relationship between land, culture, and community wellbeing.

The gathering focused on the development of a “University of Nature,” a Centre of Ancestral Wisdom. The Benin model, developed over more than 20 years, represents one of the most advanced examples of place-based education grounded in ancestral wisdom. The long-term vision is to establish a higher education institution for the people of Benin, particularly those connected to the Kingdom of Tonalú, where learning will be guided by ecological knowledge, cultural continuity, and service to future generations.

Portrait of a man in traditional attire in Benin, reflecting the rich cultural traditions and heritage of the region. Photo by Fraser Morton

Mindahi Bastida walks alongside traditional dancers during a cultural celebration in Benin, reflecting the deep connections between culture, community, and care for the Earth. Photo by Fraser Morton

The time together was also marked by celebration and cultural exchange, including Vodun festivities that brought together many communities from across the region. Meetings with traditional leaders and kings provided insight into how ancestral governance continues alongside modern nation-states.

Prince Apollinaire serves as a key bridge between these systems, representing a kingdom of approximately eight million people across Benin and neighbouring Nigeria. His humility, moral authority, and deep commitment to his people were evident throughout.

Mindahi Bastida and Elder Rutendo Ngara take part in a ceremonial moment of reflection in Ouidah, where the history of the transatlantic slave trade continues to call for remembrance, healing, and regeneration. Photo by Fraser Morton

Mindahi Bastida spends time in quiet communion with the living landscapes of Benin—listening to the wisdom carried in its forests, waters, and ancestral lands. Photo by Fraser Morton

The journey also included reflection on the history of the transatlantic slave trade in Ouidah, reinforcing the importance of memory, healing, and regeneration. During this time, Prince Apollinaire was formally invited to join The Earth Elders Council of 52. As one of the first leaders welcomed into this next phase of global expansion, his acceptance represents an important step in strengthening ancestral leadership and advancing the regeneration of biocultural territories worldwide. We are deeply honoured to walk this path together.

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The protection of biocultural territories and the wisdom of Original Peoples remain central to the work of The Earth Elders.

Through initiatives like The Earth Shield, The Earth Elders are working to safeguard the lands, ecosystems, and knowledge systems that sustain life on our planet.

Explore how The Earth Elders are helping protect the Earth and support the guardians of these territories.

Learn About the Earth Shield