VCA May Meetup 2024
VCA hosted an event in the Netherlands called the May Meetup 2024, where (Indigenous) youth and representatives from all VCA countries gathered to share their experiences about the climate solutions they are working on in their own countries.
WHAT WAS IT ABOUT?
The young attendees shared the challenges they face due to the climate crisis, particularly water-related issues like droughts and floods, to a panel of key Dutch stakeholders. They discussed the Nature-based Solutions being implemented to tackle these challenges in their home countries. They also had the opportunity to tell potential donors what they need to scale up their activities so that more people can become climate resilient.
WHAT WE LEARNED
- It’s clear that youth across these countries experience similar problems and are eager to share their innovative ideas; for example alternative water storage solutions, planting bamboo for the restoration of rivers and prevention of floods.
- Youth from around the world are eager to connect much more strategically to build on each other’s efforts and to ensure proper representation of Southern Youth in the North. They want to work towards a Global Youth Space to secure their rights and future.
- We also learned that youth care about traditional methods of protecting nature and recognize the need to learn from past generations. Looking back also allows us to look forward.
- The youth wants to be included in the places where decisions about their future are being made.
This meetup gave the VCA-network valuable insights into how we can support and amplify the voices and the ideas of the youth. Check out the aftermovie.
