Grace Nono, a renowned musician, ethnomusicologist, and student of the sacred, brings an arsenal of spiritual and cultural tools to the forefront of peatland conservation. Born and raised in Agusan, Philippines, Nono grew up in a wetland ecosystem crucial to the health of the environment. This landscape, home to the Manobo indigenous group, has long provided sustenance and sanctuary. After years of traveling and pursuing her passions in music and academia, Nono has returned to Agusan, carrying with her a deep connection to the land and its cultural heritage.
This year, she embarked on a Climate Action Artist residency in Greifswald, Germany, a program that pairs artists with environmental research organizations. This residency, which aligns perfectly with Nono’s passions for the arts and ecology, has allowed her to delve into the world of peatlands and their vital role in mitigating climate change.
Peatlands, formed by the accumulation of dead vegetation, are carbon-rich ecosystems that play a critical role in regulating climate. However, they are being destroyed at an alarming rate worldwide, often drained and burned for agricultural and developmental purposes. Nono’s experience with the peatlands in Agusan and her research in Greifswald have led her to connect the destruction of these ecosystems with the devastating floods experienced in Metro Manila. She recognizes the short-sightedness of such practices, highlighting the long-term consequences of land reclamation and wetland drainage.
In Greifswald, Nono is collaborating with the Succow Foundation and the Greifswald Mire Centre on peatland rewetting efforts. She is actively involved in research, immersing herself in the peatlands through sensory experiences, collecting soil samples, and studying the unique properties of these ecosystems. This immersive approach allows her to connect with the land on a visceral level, inspiring her artistic creations.
Nono’s artistic project, a collaborative effort involving music, film, and text, aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge and scientific understanding of peatland preservation. Jan Tasci, a director at Cultural Vistas, believes that Nono’s work has the potential to enhance global understanding of peatland conservation, amplify Indigenous voices in environmental discourse, and contribute to the broader dialogue on climate solutions.
Nono’s journey into peatland conservation is deeply intertwined with her lifelong exploration of Indigenous cultures and traditions. Her music, a contemporary reimagining of indigenous songs, chants, and prayers, has earned her critical acclaim and a place among World Music legends. Her work goes beyond entertainment, serving as a powerful advocacy for reclaiming ancestral voices and preserving cultural memory.
Through her extensive research, Nono has delved into the world of babaylan, native ritualists, and cultural bearers across the Philippines, documenting their oral traditions and preserving knowledge that would otherwise be lost. Her book, *Babaylan Sing Back: Philippine Shamans and Voice, Gender, and Place*, is a culmination of her decades of fieldwork, providing a nuanced and enlightening account of the babaylan’s roles and experiences in contemporary society.
Nono’s work embodies a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and the interconnectedness of human and environmental health. She believes that listening to the earth’s needs and recognizing the wisdom of our elders is essential for building a sustainable future. By bringing her unique blend of artistry and Indigenous knowledge to the forefront of peatland conservation, Nono inspires others to embrace a more holistic and compassionate approach to environmental stewardship.
