WWF Youth community: learning to live and act sustainably for nature

Two-thirds of Madagascar's population are under 25 (64%) and almost half under 15 (47%), according to figures reported by UNFPA. This extremely young population holds the promise of development for the country. A leader of change, it is constantly taking innovative initiatives that will benefit future generations - a process that should continue over the years, taking into account all aspects favourable to the country's sustainable development.

WWF Madagascar is focusing in particular on young people and the great potential they represent, through a strategy of engagement and mobilization centered on the conservation of Madagascar's natural capital. WWF Madagascar has been working with young people for over 30 years. Its main objectives are to :

• Inform, educate and raise awareness of Madagascar's unique biodiversity
• Support the empowerment of youth to become active and committed leaders of change
• Valuing the participation, listening and engagement of young people in sustainable conservation initiatives
• Promote opportunities for young people to innovate, collaborate and engage as important players in the sustainable management of natural resources.

 

To implement its youth engagement strategy, WWF Madagascar has developed various initiatives. These include the WWF Youth Community. Supported by WWF Switzerland, the main focus of the program is to empower young people to live, act sustainably, build and lead like-minded communities where they live. The first phase was implemented in the Mahafaly land and seascape, in the Atsimo Andrefana region. A first workshop was held from April 27 to 30, 2023 at Etoile de Mer, Toliara, and brought together 10 youths selected from over 100 applicants and several associations from the Atsimo Andrefana region. A trainer from the Youth Community in Switzerland, accompanied by the person in charge of mobilizing and engaging young people at WWF Madagascar, came to train these young people. Topics covered included the concept of transformation, cultural and systemic change, decision-making power, the principle of stewardship, education as an infallible tool, discovering and making good use of one's own talents, and group action.

This gathering was organized in a context where young people are increasingly concerned about the state of the planet and its people. Indeed, the consequences of climate change are becoming more obvious by the day: the disappearance of numerous species, increasing plastic pollution in the oceans, melting glaciers, to name but a few. The participants in this workshop were trained to take concrete action in favor of nature: they were able to develop their understanding of current environmental issues and the actions they need to take to tackle them. They learned how to work as a team, and how to create and strengthen a community of young people using their respective talents and skills. "I learned two things: firstly, that the pressure on natural resources is actually the main source of livelihood for many communities. Eradicating bad practices will have no impact without alternative solutions for those who depend on them; and secondly, that there are no right or wrong answers, but that it's all about compromise," shared Florence, a student in marine biodiversity management, at the end of the workshop.

 

In summary, this Youth Community workshop was a real success, enabling motivated and committed young people to benefit from training, enabling them to act for the well-being of nature, and consequently of the Malagasy people. Their commitment and determination will be a source of inspiration for many other youth sharing the same vision and aspiration, as Florence testifies: "It's the value and trust given to young people in the preservation of our natural heritage that motivated me to get involved."