African Eco-Philosophy as a Viable Paradigm for Environmental Media Activism in the Twenty-First Century

The resurgence of scholarly interests in the environment focusing on the emergence of environmental media activism since the beginning of the twenty-first century rekindled the hope that positive policies would be embraced by national governments towards the alleviation of environmental degradation and injustices in the world. However, while there has been more visibility as regards the efforts put in by the West, very little has been featured in scholarly and political debates around African eco-philosophical thoughts. There are many environmental activists utilizing both the legacy and digital media to enhance personified expressions of the ideological substructures as derived from their understanding of nature, the environment, and human relationships with nature. Despite the use of protests, legislation, and media activism, the political will to complement these efforts through actionable plans remains insufficient. This study thus focuses on recentring African Eco-Philosophy as a sustainable paradigm that is anchored on apposite ontological and ethical foundations by exploring the principles of Symbolism, Causality, Relationship, Belongingness, Harmony and Cosmological Balance, Solidarity, and Respect for nature. It thus provides a critical perspective that proposes holistic and sustainable environmental interventions towards taking more proactive messaging in the digital media in the advocacy for environmental justice.