Tapestry of Proverbs
The Tapiz de Refranes (Tapestry of Proverbs) project, which originated in the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves, is based on the conviction that oral tradition can be an excellent resource for drawing on the accumulated wisdom of rural, fishing or indigenous communities, where proverbs, riddles, couplets, romances, nursery rhymes, songs, recipes, spells and other forms of oral tradition can be collected for safekeeping and preservation. These are teachings that show respect for the natural environment and caution on the part of the populations regarding their future.
Although some of these proverbs can be traced back to classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, and to civilisations such as Sumeria, ancient China and Egypt, the 21st century, with its speed, images, hyper-consumption, misinformation and post-truth, puts the survival of this wealth of wisdom at risk. we believe it must be preserved, like seeds, works of art, early manuscripts or evidence of humanity’s first steps on the planet.
In short, the aim is to compile as varied a sample as possible of sayings and proverbs, in all the languages spoken in the world’s Biosphere Reserves, containing advice and statements of an eco-social nature; that is, referring to the proposed conceptual triad: the existence of biophysical limits, eco-dependence (for sustainability) and interdependence (for better coexistence). (See Pablo Meira’s speech at the University of Veracruz, May 2025)
Thus, this symbolic tapestry—woven with words, sayings and memories—aspires to become a repository of wisdom shared between cultures, territories and generations. A mirror in which each Biosphere Reserve can recognise itself and project itself to the world.
Project objectives
Collect and preserve proverbs, riddles, songs, verses, recipes, and spells.
Rescue teachings that express respect for nature and prudence for the future.
Protect this intangible heritage from the threats of the 21st century: speed, hyper-consumption, misinformation, and post-truth.
Compile a multilingual sample of proverbs with eco-social content, based on three themes:
Biophysical limits: nothing is unlimited; nature sets its cycles.
Eco-dependence: human life depends on the biosphere.
Interdependence: social coexistence is essential for sustainability.
How to participate?
We invite you to contribute to the creation of the Tapestry of Proverbs:
- Collect proverbs from your Biosphere Reserve that talk about natural limits, eco-dependence or interdependence.
- Fill in a form for each proverb in your language and in Spanish.
- Record a video reciting the proverb (with image permissions).
- Share your suggestions so that we can agree on a common message for World Biosphere Reserve Day (3 November).
The result aims to be a symbolic tapestry, woven with words and memories, a repository of wisdom shared between cultures, territories and generations.
Tapestry of Proverbs
