KUCHING: Seventeen local youths went through the Sarawak Youth Green Leaders Workshop on biodiversity policy, systems thinking, indigenous persons and local communities, governmental roles, and guidance on running effective environmental education programmes here on May 20 and 21.
The programme also included a question-and-answer session with field experts and professionals on environmental conservation and involved a wide range of people from different fields such as students, artists, researchers, accountants, lecturers, start-ups and social enterprises, and wildlife enforcers.
The youths found the workshop useful as it imparted skills and knowledge to become effective leaders and contributors to the conservation of nature.
“I find the programme very informative and meaningful as it provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the status of Sarawak’s biodiversity, how different topics such as plastic pollution, wildlife trade, climate change, and habitat loss are all inter-related, and how different policies come into place,” said participant Edwin Lin.
Another youth, Karmilah Abdullah said: “As a participant I had the opportunity to engage with like-minded young people, gain valuable knowledge and understand where I can contribute on pressing environmental issues.
“The workshop provided an immersive experience that not only deepened my understanding of environmental challenges but also inspired me to take action towards a sustainable future.”
Jenny Ngeian Machau shared Karmilah’s views: “It was exciting to see youth from different background gathered to see how we can help to conserve the environment.
“I hope to see more conservation events for youth in future to empower them to become conservation stewards and leaders in their own communities.”
The programme was organised by Sarawak Eco Warriors and Plants for Plastic, and is supported by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Swinburne Sarawak Green Club, Global Youth Biodiversity Network South East Asia, The European Union, Asean Centre for Biodiversity, and CCK Consolidated Holdings Berhad.
