Island creativity for culture and climate resilience
The Comoros Islands, nestled in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique, are celebrated for their rich cultural traditions, Swahili-Arabic influences, and biodiverse marine ecosystems. Yet as a small island developing state (SIDS), the Comoros face significant ecological challenges — rising sea levels, overfishing, deforestation, and waste pollution. In response, artists and cultural practitioners are embracing sustainability in the arts, blending traditional heritage with eco-innovation. Through music, crafts, recycled art, and festivals, Comorian creativity is becoming a powerful ally in the fight for environmental resilience.
Comorian culture has long embodied ecological awareness and resourcefulness:
Weaving & basketry: Women artisans create mats, hats, and baskets from palm leaves, coconut fibers, and reeds — renewable materials suited to island life.
Ceremonial dress & textiles: Traditional garments often use natural fabrics and plant-based dyes, reflecting ecological adaptation.
Music & dance: Ngoma drums and twarab music celebrate community ties and often reference the ocean, agriculture, and seasonal rhythms.
Oral storytelling: Folktales and proverbs connect human life to nature, reinforcing respect for land, sea, and climate.
These ancestral practices offer a foundation for today’s sustainability-driven creative sector.
Plastic waste and ocean debris are major issues on the islands. Local artists and youth collectives are turning discarded bottles, fishing nets, and scrap materials into sculptures, jewelry, and public art — raising awareness of marine conservation while offering alternative livelihoods.
Comorian designers are experimenting with upcycled fabrics, plant-based dyes, and traditional weaving techniques to create eco-fashion that celebrates island identity while promoting sustainable production.
Musicians use Afro-Comorian rhythms and poetry to spread awareness about ocean protection, reforestation, and climate resilience. Songs performed at community gatherings or festivals carry messages that resonate across generations.
Events such as Mwali music festivals and heritage celebrations increasingly feature eco-art exhibitions, recycled costumes, and performances with climate themes. These platforms position sustainability not only as an ecological goal but also as a cultural expression.
Women’s cooperatives producing baskets and mats from palm and coconut leaves, creating both eco-products and sustainable incomes.
Youth eco-art groups in Moroni turning waste into installations and public sculptures.
Comorian poets and musicians integrating themes of migration, climate change, and marine life into their lyrics.
Community NGOs working with artists to link reforestation and marine protection with cultural identity.
Despite progress, eco-art in Comoros faces obstacles:
Limited waste management infrastructure, which makes recycling difficult.
Economic fragility, where artists often lack funding and access to sustainable materials.
Climate vulnerability, with rising seas and extreme weather threatening both communities and cultural spaces.
Small-scale cultural markets, restricting artists’ ability to scale eco-innovations.
The potential of sustainability arts in Comoros is significant:
Eco-tourism: Integrating eco-art and crafts into tourism experiences can strengthen both cultural identity and green livelihoods.
Youth engagement: Art workshops in schools can foster climate awareness and creative entrepreneurship.
Regional collaboration: Linking Comorian artists with networks in Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritiuscould amplify visibility and impact.
Global reach: By showcasing Comorian eco-art at international SIDS and climate events, the islands can gain recognition as a hub of cultural resilience.
In the Comoros, sustainability in the arts is not just an aesthetic trend — it is a pathway to survival and identity. From recycled ocean-plastic jewelry to palm-leaf basketry and music that sings of climate resilience, Comorian artists are showing that creativity can be both cultural pride and ecological action. As the islands navigate the challenges of the 21st century, their arts are proving to be vital tools for awareness, empowerment, and hope.