Workshop enlightens youth on protection of ecological resources
Special training on the importance of protecting ecological (land and ocean based) resources to sustain not only this generation, but also that of the future generations as well has enlightened youths of Somosomo, Taveuni.
This training was conducted for 15 youths from the village by the Alliance for Future GenerationsFiji (AFG) recently. AFG executive member Sivendra Michael said the main objective of the awareness session was to share the work of AFG to promote the voice and meaningful participation of young people in sustainable development efforts.
“The session is also aimed at increasing awareness of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for the young people of Taveuni,” he said.
“They will be able to understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and drive local actions/or initiatives that will contribute to the implementation of the SDGs.”
This is not the first time these youths have received trainings like this.
Mr Michael said there had been previous workshops conducted by other organisations, but this was the first one in which they had the opportunity to join a nationwide youth network.
“AFG-Fiji, will continue to work with the Shark Youth Club to build capacity and create awareness/ and understanding of what the SDGs mean for them, their family and communities and work to support their locally driven actions and initiatives,” he said. Mr Michael added that their network wanted to incorporate people of all backgrounds, not just those from the urban areas.
“The network intends to work with those from the rural areas, outer islands and in the remote areas - to support initiatives and projects towards sustainable development, improving the standards of lives, while also addressing the many social, economic and ecological issues that we face today.” The AGF-Fiji session focused on SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 14 on Life below Water [Oceans]. “The communities in Somosomo, Taveuni - as shared by the participants identify their own villages as those vulnerable to climate induced disasters and continue to be affected by marine pollution that affects their sources of livelihood.”