Nurturing Impulses for Living Ecosystems
The word NILE in our name “Nile Journeys” stands for Nurturing Impulses for Living Ecosystems. It reflects the regenerative drive that comes from the land. We honor ancestral wisdom, respect nature, and connect with the land, water, and all living and non-living beings.
By regenerative impulses, we mean the natural urge found in ecosystems and cultures to renew, heal, and evolve. These impulses involve more than just reacting; they represent a living tendency toward greater health, diversity, and harmony in relationships.
We hold spaces for those regenerative impulses in nature, communities and practice. Together, the name Nile Journeys embodies this commitment: to care for, to learn, and to co-create with life’s vital regenerative flow.
Our vision
A Nile ecosystem, that nurtures life-affirming actions
Our Mission
The NILE Journeys nurtures life-affirming actions in the Nile bio-region, through participatory and experiential learning spaces rooted in indigenous knowledge and regenerative practices, for the inhabitants of the region and beyond.
It seeks to illuminate multiple stories of the ecosystem, welcoming all stories, especially those untold or unattended, and gaining multiple perspectives.
Our Approach – From Division to Connection
At Nile Journeys, we believe that regeneration begins with the way we see the world. Much of today’s ecological, social, and cultural crises arise from a worldview of separation: separation between people and nature, between communities, and even within ourselves. Our work is about shifting this worldview toward one of connection, where life is understood as interdependent and whole.
To guide this process, we draw on Theory U methodology for systemic interventions. This approach invites us to slow down, sense deeply, and act from a future that wants to emerge, rather than from the patterns of the past. It allows communities to move beyond surface-level fixes and co-create solutions that are rooted in awareness, trust, and shared purpose.
Our analysis is also informed by the iceberg model of systems thinking. Like an iceberg, most of what drives ecological and social challenges lies beneath the surface. We look not only at events and structures, but also at the deeper patterns, mental models, and worldviews that sustain them. By addressing these hidden layers, our work engages with the root causes of disconnection.
This is the foundation of the Nile Journeys Theory of Change: to enable a transition from division to connection — across ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Every program, from land regeneration to cultural revival, is designed to help communities embody this shift, creating fertile ground for life to thrive.
Practice & Guiding Principles
To achieve the shared vision of nurturing life affirming actions, there are some guiding principles that the Nile Journeys adheres to. These practices are rooted in the ingenious knowledge and African wisdom and they are carefully curated to be inline with the aim of Nile journeys to create a safe space for dialogue, foster a culture of peace, enhance connectivity between citizens of the basin and nurture life affirming practices. The Nile Journey works to implement these guiding principles in the day to day operation of the organization as well as its broader functioning to embrace and embody the values.
The Nile Journeys believes these guiding principles will help in fostering the bold dream that the Nile journey carries. The Nile Journey hopes to be a living example of the life in these principles, paving the way for others to adopt these principles as well.
Being with the land
We treat land with respect, we regenerate and care for nature and honor all forms of life.
We contribute to enhance Life on Land and Life below Water. We are conscious of our impact and act responsibly.
Witnessing the subtle
We take the time to slow down and allow ourselves to hear the voices and signals of all life force and information of any corner of the system from the edge to the centre however small or big they may be.
Cultivating deep trust
Our human soil is rich in stories and experiences. To keep it alive and supportive for all, trust is the nurturing conditions that we strive to foster at all times. We therefore give rise to environments where peace and fair practices flourish for all.
Illuminating multiple stories
We welcome all stories that shape the history and heritage of a land, a person a community or an entire ecosystem. This allows us to gain multiple perspectives, to what we might not be aware of.
Listening Loudly
We listen with an open mind and heart. We allow ourselves to engage in authentic relationships with each other and our surrounding. We are present to what is and approach each other and life with curiosity and humbleness.
Connecting trans-locally
By weaving across existing and perceived boundaries we strengthen our shared resilience and enable new narratives to emerge and new stories to be lived. We reconnect with each other and come into our shared humanity.
Celebrating diversity
We see the beauty and wisdom in all different forms of life and invite the uniqueness of each one to cross pollinate the others. We embrace the concept of Ubuntu: the belief in a deep universal bond of sharing that connects all beings.
Transition collectively
We believe that the challenges we face can only be met with joint efforts. In order to transition together we enable each other to be present, hold space for healing to emerge, welcoming the not knowing and tap into our collective wisdom.
Our Values
At Nile Journeys, our values arise from a deep recognition that ecological and social renewal are inseparable. We live in a time where landscapes are degraded, communities divided, and ancestral wisdom often forgotten. Our values guide us to walk differently: to honor the land as a living being, to nurture relationships of care and reciprocity, and to ensure that regeneration includes both people and ecosystems.
They root us in African elements by leaning on language, while opening space for dialogue, creativity, and collective action. Each value is both a compass and a practice, helping us remember who we are, how we belong, and what it means to co-create a future where life flourishes.
Eskesta | እስክስታ
Agilitiy: We navigate complexity by staying present, listening deeply, sensing the flow, and therefore adapting swiftly to what is emerging.
Siro
Rootedness: We honour the sacredness of life by connecting with the land, nature and our ancestors, and embracing indigenous wisdom
Ubuntu
Interdependence: We recognise our systemic connections and interrelations with all aspects of life, as essential elements of our ongoing learning and co-creation.
Nnalubaale
Integrity & authenticity: We live within us and on our collective journey what we want to manifest in the world, by embodying trust, honesty and openness, while engaging truthfully and genuinely.
Ankh
Peace: We practice active hope, compassion and conflict transcendence to invite balance and abundance.
Mallenito
Diversity: We celebrate and embrace our different ways of being by striving to create supportive bridges across perceived boundaries.
El Mogren
Companionship: We tend to the quality of our relationships with curiosity, love and kindness, honouring the gift of each person.
Mogumu
Mindfulness : We stay present by practising patience, openness and establish deep connections, allowing us to sense what is to become