An apt topic resonating with the promise that today’s youth hold for a better tomorrow!

On the personal front, I have been an environmental activist and keen participant in eco-conservation activities since early childhood, as also striving to spread awareness in the community. I have initiated, worked and participated in many events, activities and projects that I have been sharing on this forum. Some of the relevant reports can be accessed below.

My participation in ‘Fridays for Future’ Movement in Austria

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=46627

My recent Eco Project with reusable cloth bags

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=46406

Series of 5 Reports on my World Environment Day Activities

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=44981

My poem and drawing on the Topic 'Go Green'

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=43175

My participation in ‘Trust for Sustainable Living’ Schools Debates and Awards

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=43103  

‘Living Green’ Awareness Event organized by me for young children

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=43079

Series of 6 reports on my World Environment Day Activities

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=43052 

What can youth do for the environment?

This is a question that is often asked.

I say that 'ICE' is what we can do for the environment…

'I' for Innovate, Initiate and Inspire

'C' for Cooperate, Communicate and Collaborate

'E' for Educate, Endeavor and Enterprise

In order to go ahead in a positive way towards the conservation of our natural environment, likeminded innovative eco enthusiasts must join hands towards the benefit of the environment, ourselves and our planet. To this end, in addition to individual efforts it is very important for all stakeholders to collaborate to collectively redolve environmental issues. So, besides mentioning my own action, through this report I want to introduce fellow members to a youth oriented environmental alliance in Europe.

Researching for the monthly theme report topic introduced me to an exciting opportunity as I found out about YEE a collaboration of youth oriented environmental groups in Europe. I have promptly sent a request to join the local organization in Austria, ÖNJ – Die Österreichische Naturschutzjugend (German words that mean-The Austrian nature conservation youth), and I await their response.

About YEE

‘Youth and Environment Europe’ (YEE) is a wonderful initiative to bring together many European youth organizations that deal with studying nature and actively engage in environmental protection. With enthusiastic participation from member organizations from 26 countries, all have but one goal- protecting the environment. The main focus is to encourage youth to be involved in environmental protection, through a platform that offers collaboration and exchange of ideas.

Activities are organised and carried out by young people under the age of 30. YEE sets up and actively encourages action to increases understanding, knowledge and appreciation of nature. The organisation has already succeeded in raising awareness of environmental problems among young people in Europe.

Aim

YEE's aim is to promote the commitment of youth to the principles of environmental conservation so that young people’s voluntary actions can be stimulated and molded to ensure protection and rational use of the Earth’s resources. They strongly believe that environmental problems have no borders. This creates the opportunity to act together in order to address these problems in local communities through joint activities. However, YEE also takes an international stance where they intend to raise public awareness about environmental problems.

Mission

YEE has taken a leadership role for a specific mission. They plan to unite as many environmental youth non-profit organisations in Europe as they can in order to create a system that enhances international cooperation, increases knowledgeable sources about nature, raises awareness of environmental problems thereby strengthening participation of youth in environmental decision-making.

Main activities

• Supporting the work of member organisations
• Promoting the widest possible exchange of information, ideas and experience among members
• Organizing European/local projects including awareness events, educational campaigns, training courses, youth exchanges etc.
• Arranging publications and working groups
• Introducing a variety of projects to the participating youth for imparting reliable knowledge and hands on experience.

A great example is the ‘Take A Green Stand’ Campaign, which is the final stage of the bigger ‘Active Youth - Better Environment’ Project. The project included workshops and training courses that focused on presenting international climate change frameworks to young people; as well as encouraged young people to participate more by presenting tools on how they can implement these frameworks on a local level and still have a global effect.

YEE has received support from significant worldwide organisations that deal with environment conservation, including European Environmental Bureau, European Youth Forum and UNEP.  

I am keeping an eye on the YEE website to explore participation opportunities.

References

https://yeenet.eu

My drawing 'Go Green'