In this sixth episode of the  #WorldForestVoices podcast, we bring your attention to youth in the forest and land-use sector. Youth are very instrumental in building green, healthy, and resilient futures.

Over the recent past, young people have continued to air their voices on the need to foster intergenerational collaborations, build their capacity and strengthen their position in contributing to creating a sustainable future.

Most recently, youth at the 7th Mediterranean Week released a statement conceived through a dialogue on the main challenges and recommendations highlighted by young people in the region, who also shared their initiatives, work, and research. The XV World Forestry Congress also adopted the Work with Us – Youth Call for Action which highlights key areas to leverage the potential of youth and enhance their contribution to building a sustainable future with forests.

In this podcast, we host Erica Di Girolami who discusses the “Work with Us – Youth Call to Action” and Lucia Rivera who delves into the Mediterranean youth statement.  Erica is the Focal Point for the UNFF-MGCY, and Lucia is a consultant for the Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism (FLRM) and the Silva Mediterranean Secretariat at FAO.

They share their journey into forestry, their current work, and their connection to nature/the environment. Then they provide us a brief overview of the recent youth calls to work with the youth for a sustainable future in the forest and land-use sector and why it is important for other stakeholders to heed the voice of youth and adopt the call.

Lastly, they share with us their hopes for the future regarding uplifting the status of youth in contributing to building a green healthy, and resilient future with forests and nature.

Listen and enjoy the voices of people and forests! Catch up with previous episodes here.