"The active engagement of youth in sustainable development efforts is central to achieving sustainable, inclusive and stable societies by 2030." UN DESA Policy Brief No. 149.
WHAT
Youth represent the largest demographic and are the future custodians of the ocean, yet are rarely acknowledged as stakeholders in marine planning. Young people not only have a social right to participate but there are benefits to society when engaged. For example, knowledge is created that is accessible to youth, and therefore to society overall, youth become more skilled and prepared to be involved members of the community and provide a source of different viewpoints contributing to increased innovation, originality and problem-solving. Additionally, investing in youth is key to ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the ocean.
WHY
Despite young people increasingly expressing their interest in environmental problems, engaging young people in decision-making is a significant challenge. Resource intensity, a lack of ocean literacy and experience in policy, and the dominance of top-down governance structures are just a few of the barriers that young people face in decision-making spaces. Youth Voices for Nature is a project aiming to address these challenges and raise the voices of youth to participate in marine planning. The project is a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and NatureScot, with fieldwork being conducted in the Orkney Islands, the case study for this project.
HOW
For young people to be empowered in marine planning, clear and consistent strategies need to be developed for young people to take part in decision-making. Young people also need to feel knowledgeable and interested in the marine environment in order to want to take part. This project aims to work with youth groups and communities to explore how this could be achieved, and devise innovative solutions to mitigate barriers. For example, it will explore the role of arts-based methodologies and digital tools that could empower youth and raise their voices to policymakers.
ABOUT JULIA STEEL
I'm Julia, a marine social scientist passionate about issues related to inclusion in the pursuit of a sustainable ocean! I have a background in ecology and environmental sciences (BSc) and marine science and policy (MSc) from The University of Edinburgh. I am now working as a PhD student on the Youth Voices for Nature project. My passion for youth activism began during the Friday Strikes for Climate in Edinburgh, where I felt first-hand the injustice against future generations who are unable to meaningfully challenge the behaviours of current leaders and avoid the consequences of their decisions. I believe that empowering youth in the development of marine planning is essential for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the ocean for future generations.
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