When the Birds Resist: The Asfour Initiative and the Work of Collective Resistance in Co-Creation Within Community Knowledge Epistemologies and Decolonial Ocean Governance from Sinai حين تقاوم العصافير: مبادرة عصفور ودورها في العمل الجماعي والإبداع التشاركي داخل المعرفة المجتمعية وأساليب الإدارة البحرية اللامركزية في سيناء
Year: 2026
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: This chapter recounts the story of Dana Ahmed, a powerful and inspiring voice in youth Ocean justice. By sharing her narrative, we aim to amplify the voices of those often unheard, giving voice to the voiceless. Dana’s story is deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological heritage of her homeland, Egypt, and reflects the profound connection between people, nature, and justice. The ancient Egyptians believed that animals and nature were not merely guardians of the physical world but reflections of life itself, embodying balance, rhythm, and belonging to the Land. Migratory birds, descending upon the Nile in dense flocks that seemed to blot out the sun, symbolised eternal renewal and the harmony of creation. These birds were more than messengers; they were keepers of balance, guiding people to live in unity with the Land and water. For the ancient Egyptians, the Nile, the Sea, and the Land were not resources—they were home. This sacred bond between people and the natural world was central to ancient Egyptian spirituality. Birds, in particular, symbolised guardianship and justice: the vulture, with her protective wings, represented motherhood and continuity, while the falcon became the emblem of Maat, the god of justice and divine balance. These symbols were not mere mythology but living philosophies that guided the stewardship of the natural world. Even in times of foreign conquest, the people of Egypt, inspired by the guardianship of their Lands and skies, resisted colonization, affirming that the true spirit of Egypt could never be captured. The Land, the Sky, and the Sea were not just places—they were home, imbued with memory, identity, and justice.
Source: Springer eBooks
Authors: D. Ahmed, M. Tugend, M. P. Poto
Institution: University of Glasgow
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7167330053