On Earth Day 2023, Ireland's first Children and Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss has published its final report.
It calls for greater respect for the rights of nature and for biodiversity to be at the centre of decision-making. And one of the key messages is that we must treat the Earth like a member of the family or a friend.
The Assembly also calls for children and young people to be included in how we respond to biodiversity loss.
You can download the full report here!
Over 500 children and young people aged 7 to 17 from across Ireland applied to be part of the assembly, of which 35 were selected representing a diverse cross-section of society. The Assembly met over two weekends in October 2022 in the beautiful settings of Glencree, County Wicklow and Killarney National Park in Kerry.
You can hear from the them in Eleanor Mannion's report above.
The Assembly produced 6 Key Messages
- We must treat the Earth like a member of the family or a friend.
- Future generations must live in a world where there isn't a biodiversity crisis and where children don't have to take action because of the incapability of past generations.
- Every decision must take biodiversity into account.
- Children and young people must be included in decisions being made about biodiversity.
- Biodiversity protection must be a shared responsibility and a global, collaborative effort.
- We must consume resources in a sustainable, moderate way that neither diminishes the environment/biodiversity or our rights, wellbeing and livelihoods.
And there were 58 calls to action, which are detailed on pages 31–38 of the Final Report.
Let's hear from some of the contributors below...
Oisín, age 13, Co. Galway (Assembly member)
What was it like being in the Assembly?
I found the assembly both enjoyable and educational. I enjoyed making new friends and learning about the biodiversity loss crisis. I remember learning a lot about biodiversity, the threats to it and how we can help combat it on both weekends in Enniskerry and Killarney.
Which call to action is most important to you, and why?
I think all of our calls to action are important but I think the most important ones for me were all the ones related to education as I feel this is our best hope in stopping biodiversity loss.
Thinking about your experience in the Assembly and your calls to action about biodiversity loss, what is your key message to people in Ireland and across the world?
My key message to everyone in Ireland is to play your part. I hope that everyone will take inspiration from our calls to action and contribute to combating this crisis.
Olwyn, age 14, County Wicklow (Assembly member)
What was it like being in the Assembly?
I enjoyed meeting new friends and connecting with like minded people my own age. I learned a lot! I enjoyed discussing important topics.
Which call to action is most important to you, and why?
Number 39! I want to plant native trees each year, and tie it in with the number of births. That way we will have a forest for 2023, 2024, etc. This will give everyone a forest to explore near them. The impact will be immediate but it will build our futures.
FAO Teachers!
Although the Assembly has concluded, this is not the end of our journey. The Assembly's legacy is now being developed through a follow-on project called Teaching Resources for Youth-informed Biodiversity Education (TRYBE) led by University College Cork, which addresses some of the Assembly’s calls to action around education and raising awareness.
To learn more go to the offical website!
