Of all the many reasons for supporting The Oasis our
heirloom and native seed saving program is one of the best. We are
adopting a similar model in Indonesia to that of Navdanya which we call
The Divinity Group.
Navdanya means “nine seeds” (symbolizing protection of biological and
cultural diversity) and also the “new gift” (for seed as commons, based
on the right to save and share seeds. In today’s context of biological
and ecological destruction, seed savers are the true givers of seed.
This gift or “dana” of Navadhanyas (nine seeds) is the ultimate gift –
it is a gift of life, of heritage and continuity. Conserving seed is
conserving biodiversity, conserving knowledge of the seed and its
utilization, conserving culture, conserving sustainability.
Navdanya is a network of seed keepers and organic producers spread across 18 states in India.
Navdanya has helped set up 122 community seed banks across the
country, trained over 5,00,000 farmers in seed sovereignty, food
sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture over the past two decades, and
helped setup the largest direct marketing, fair trade organic network in
the country.
Navdanya has also set up a learning center, Bija Vidyapeeth (School
of the Seed / Earth University) on its biodiversity conservation and
organic farm in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, North India.
Navdanya is actively involved in the rejuvenation of indigenous
knowledge and culture. It has created awareness on the hazards of
genetic engineering, defended people’s knowledge from biopiracy and food
rights in the face of globalization and climate change.
Navdanya is a women-centered movement for the protection of biological and cultural diversity.
Our own interest in supporting women as reflected in The Divinity Group
established here in Indonesia has led us to the decision to adopt this
very effective means of giving back to the people and the eco-system of
Indonesia.
It is our intention to educate and inspire the children of Indonesia
to embrace organic permaculture farming methods that preserve and
restore the soil, air and water resources by actively teaching and
supporting the rejuvenation of indigenous knowledge and culture.