As pastoralists inhabiting the vast savannahs of Africa, Maasai have long understood the importance of having a balanced eco-system. Their entire livelihood is based on the herds of cattle that they follow on the great plains where many other species of animal—from the elephant and giraffe to the wildebeast--thrive. The Maasai have long held that no part of nature should be disturbed unless it relates directly to their survival as a community. They do not kill for pleasure and understand the importance of every tree, plant, animal and bird in the great scheme of things. Each Maasai has an animal associated with it, for example the Hyena or a Giraffe. A Maasai is attached to that animal throughout life, belonging to the same clan, like sisters and brothers. They recognize that each animal has a purpose and is a partner in balancing the eco-system. 

The Maasai say that an old man called Mbatiany, who lived nearly 300 years ago, could see the future. He told the people a powerful story about the sun and the earth. He said that a time could come when the sun would appear nearer to the Earth and that only those who were close to nature would have the possibility of surviving.

Samwel Nangiria, a Tanzanian Masai activist who has spent time in jail for defending his people and their environment, says the following :

“We Maasai believe that everything --animals, trees, water and mountains—thateverything is a living spirit. We are not allowed to cut trees.

How much value does a tree have for us, for our survival you might ask ? Well, the forest is not just a group of trees, it is a sacred shelter for the canopy that is made by God not only for us but for others, as well. Valuable insects live inside the trees. It you kill one tree you cause suffering for millions of beings. Destroying any part of nature causes suffering. The value attached to resources is to use them only when they are really needed. We don’t cut trees, but we can shake a tree and its leaves will fall out and in this way, we can use the tree’s gifts to feed our cows and goats.” 

Maasai know that wildlife are a big part of our natural heritage. We name our children after wild animals. And just as animals have clans, we have our own clans and they  are connected to animal spirits. For one clan it will be the hiena for another the elephant and so on. All the animals are part of our community. If you look at nature, you will see that all the animals live together. They hunt when they are hungry. But when they are not, you will find a lion resting next to a wildebeast. This is how nature shows generosity.

The land and its resources represent the love that God has for us. We are the caretakers of this gift. We tell our children when they are growing up to always love and respect nature. We are always told never to destroy anything that has a reason for existing and in fact, everything has a reason for being here. No, don’t even kill an ant. There is a purpose for it, and one day you will be eaten by ants, anyway.