In August, a delegation of 22 young scientists and environmental advocates (half online, half on-site) from the YESS network participated in the tenth plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) to take part in the global conversation on biodiversity and ecosystem protection.
The IPBES Plenary attracted scientists, experts and policymakers from across the globe to address pressing issues related to biodiversity and with a special focus on the recently-launched alien invasive species assessment. For the fifth year in a row, the YESS network, under the umbrella of ESP, sent passionate young representatives from various corners of the world to ensure that the concerns of young generations are heard and questions of intergenerational justice are considered in the discussions at IPBES.
The young delegates were not only present as observers but actively engaged in the decision-making process alongside youth organizations like GYBN, The Youth Land Trust Reserva and national youth delegates. Also, they shared research findings, and met authors of the ongoing “Transformative Change Assessment” and discussed the role of the fellowship program with IPBES MEPs such as Catherine Febria. Jointly all called for more ambitious action in the race to protect Earth’s ecosystems and underlined the urgency of tackling biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental degradation.
These young advocates are not only making their voices heard within the conference but are also utilizing social media and digital platforms to amplify their messages. One of the youth delegates, Laura Quintero Uribe from Colombia, expressed her enthusiasm for being part of this Plenary. “We, as young people, have a genuine stake in the future of our planet,” she stated. “Our generation will be affected by the decisions made here at IPBES. We’re here to ensure that our voice is heard, and our commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation is recognized”.
As the work of IPBES continues, youth delegates serve as a reminder that young voices are vital in shaping global environmental policy and that the fight for biodiversity preservation is a shared responsibility among generations. Their energy and commitment are showing participants the need to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard the planet’s ecosystems.
Text: Ina Sieber
Read more about the YESS network here.
Read about the ESP delegation at IPBES10 here.
