Transcript WAY FORWARD AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE YOUTH

2014 Inter-Parliamentary
Hearing on Exemplary Forest
Policies in Africa
Reflection from Youth Group Participants
Caroline Kosilei [YVE Kenya]
Issa Isihaka [ESAYCCA, Tanzania]
Carol Mungo [YVE Kenya]
Dorothy Tembo [CEPA, Malawi]
Chris Ouma [KYF, Kenya]
Conservation
[Forest/Environment]
Human
Security [Secure Future]
“Certain desires seem universal
– young men and women
everywhere want to be SAFE,
educated and respected”
Rationale
Young People
Number
[Bulge]
Energy
[Skills]
Agriculture
[attractive]
Conservation
Human Security
Strong
policies &
political
goodwill
As young people,
…but to
grow with
the trees
[for a
better
future]
..not just to
plant trees
What can we do as young people?

Identification and creation of database for youth environmental
groups & networks etc. (work in process) for wider inputs on
policies.

Information dissemination - act as communication link to other
young people/community to disseminate information gathered
especially exemplary policies within the region.

Program integration and Implementation - we commit to
‘translate’ the comprehensive policies in a more youth-friendly
manner by tapping various talents [amongst young people] to
further spread the information.

Advocacy and activism

Innovation and research - use innovation centers to encourage
more young people to sustainably engage in forest management
How can we be accountable?

Mobilization and Organization

By keeping up the online discussion on forest policies
#forestsforpeople, whereby we can keep the information/share
what is happening within the region.

By reaching out to well known and respected media personalities
that will continue to tap young people into integrated forest
management issues & influence policies.

By identifying young environmental professionals/experts and
create implementation models of these policies on the
ground/community level.
What is our ASK to the delegates?

Intense and comprehensive trainings/capacity building among
youths

Organize exchange programs for young people among countries
with exemplary policies (i.e. Rwanda)

Create more opportunities for the youth in implementation of
these policies, think of young people as a key stakeholder.

Let organized youth be custodians of these forest resources by
acting as sustainability watch groups

Offer technical/financial/emotional support to young people in
their initiatives.
What is our ASK to the delegates?

Creating policies that promote values [BCC] – ensure that conservation
is integrated into community and national programs especially economic
empowerment [placing emphasis on economic benefits of forests]

Making visions of our policies have vision to foster a generation of
environmentally conscious citizens, capable of positive action.

Create policies to support education [e.g. on climate change] for
sustainable development – this should include curriculum development

Policies to ensure inceptives to innovative ideas [generated by young
people] in enhancing conservation
“Society is defined not
by what it CREATES,
but what it refuses to
DESTROY”
Thank You