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Giving youth a voice – the NZ Youth Environment Forum
Participants of the forum take part in community projects
that address waste management, water quality and
climate change.
Youth have both special concerns and responsibilities in relation to the environment. A number of environmental risks and hazards disproportionately affect young people as they have to live for an extended period with the environment bequeathed to them by earlier generations.
Because they have a strong awareness of the issues and a greater stake in long term sustainability, it is understandable that many young people feel compelled to engage in new forms of action and activism that will generate effective responses to environmental challenges.
The New Zealand Youth Environment Forum was established to develop and provide an opportunity for young Kiwis to be involved in environmental issues, to learn about management and decision-making, and to provide fresh ideas.
The forum is hosted by the Ministry in partnership with the Sir Peter Blake Trust, and nominations for delegates are put forward by the local community to regional councils.
As the forum kicks off for the fifth time, around 45 young Kiwis aged15 to 18 years will spend a week in Wellington from 27 April. They will participate in community projects as well as voicing their opinion on environmental issues and learning first hand about environmental management.
Joseph Roberts, a southland delegate at both the 2006 and 2007 forums has helped organise this year’s Youth Environment Forum. He says the forum is important because it, “allows the youth in attendance to voice their opinions to an adult audience who genuinely care about and take on board what youth are suggesting”. He says one of the greatest obstacles for youth is that they are not being involved in decisions that affect their future.
Many young people feel
compelled to engage in new
forms of action to address
environmental challenges.
Over the past four years, the forum has seen some special people, with enthusiasm and a desire to work on a range of environmental issues. Previous delegates have been involved in environmental projects within their communities, and some have even been Green Ribbon Award winners. These outstanding young individuals have shown that one person can make a difference.
The Youth Environment Forum provides the chance to discover young people in New Zealand who want to make that personal commitment to improving our environment. Nominations are made through regional councils and this year they close on 26 March.
The success of previous forums is highlighted by Roberts’ statement about his experiences with them: “In attending the last two forums I have met many great people and made amazing friends. I have learnt more about the environment, and my understanding of why it is so important to each and every one of us. Along with the lessons on the environment, I also learnt many great communication skills and team work skills as well as being more motivated to find successes in everything I do”.
For more information contact Nadine Koszler, email nadine.koszler@mfe.govt.nz or phone (04) 439 7559.
