Youth action towards sustainable management of forest ecosystems - Youth Dialogue of the 8th Mediterranean Forest Week
4 November 2024
17.00-18.30 CET
Hybrid: Recinte Modernista Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain (EFIMED) and zoom
Calling all young professionals, students, activists, and researchers in the Mediterranean forest sector!
You are invited to the upcoming youth dialogue on Forest Restoration and Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems of the 8th Mediterranean Forest Week (MFW). The session aims to highlight the expertise and knowledge of young professionals through a panel presentation to showcase their work, projects, research and leadership in key areas of the forest sector, with a focus on restoration initiatives across the Mediterranean.
The forest sector plays a pivotal role in providing socio-economic opportunities for youth, however, young people often face unique struggles and barriers that hinder their effective participation and contribution, and that slow down their entry into the labour market. Through group discussions, participants will focus on four critical themes with the goal to further identify pathways for enhanced youth engagement and empowerment.
This youth dialogue is the third youth assembly of the Youth Roadmap on Forestry 2024. It builds on the Mediterranean Youth Statement 2022 and on the World Forestry Congress call for action 2022.
Join us to strengthen connections among young experts and create meaningful dialogues with seasoned professionals. Your voice and vision will contribute to actionable strategies that reflect the commitment and innovation of youth in sustainable forest management and restoration. The outcomes of this discussion will be key for the Youth Roadmap on Forestry 2024.
This session is organized by the Mediterranean Youth Taskforce, supported by the Silva Mediterranea Secretariat of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and in collaboration with the International Forestry Students' Association (IFSA), the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), the World Food Forum, and COFO 27 Youth Taskforce. It brings together a dynamic network of young professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable forestry.
Discussions will be in English, with French interpretation provided to ensure inclusive participation.
Agenda
|
17:00 – 17:04 |
Overview of the session |
Lucia Rivera – Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism consultant- Forestry Division - FAO- Moderator |
|
17:05 –17:09 |
Welcoming remarks |
Alessandra Sensi - Head of Sector - Environment, Green and Blue Economy at Union for the Mediterranean |
|
17:10 – 17:13 |
Ice breaking session |
Hiba Mohammad -MYTF and Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy - Moderator |
|
17:14 – 17:49 |
Presentations from young professionals in the forest sector |
Entrepreneurship: discussing how young entrepreneurs are creating economic opportunities within forest ecosystems. Speaker: Burcu Berk - CREAF and FORESTORA
Research and applied sciences: exploring cutting-edge research by youth in forest restoration and sustainability. Speaker: Edoardo Esposito - Istituto Oikos
Communication: showcasing innovative communication strategies to raise awareness on forestry issues and engage communities. Speaker: Leila Rossa Mouawad - FCNMedNe and American University of Beirut
Rural action: discussing youth-driven initiatives in rural communities to bridge the rural-urban gap and preserve local forest knowledge. Speaker: Florence Lacrosse - NaturDive
Practitioner and project implementation: insights from hands-on youth practitioners actively working on forest restoration projects in the Mediterranean. Speaker: Edoardo Nevola - World Wide Fund for Nature |
|
17:50 –17:56 |
Q&A session with young professionals |
|
|
17:57 –18:15 |
Discussion groups: identifying challenges and exploring solutions |
Group 1: Youth employment and entrepreneurship in forestry Group 2: Capacity building and skills development for youth in restoration Group 3: Access to resources and funding for youth-led projects Group 4: Policy and advocacy for youth Engagement in forestry and restoration |
|
18:15 –18:23 |
Reporting back and open discussion |
|
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18:24 –18:26 |
Next steps and follow-up actions: Youth Roadmap on Forestry |
Victoria Valenzi, COFO 27 Youth Task Force Lead and MEV-CAM coordinator - Forestry Division - FAO |
|
18:27 –18:30 |
Closing remarks |
Ana Aviles Ramirez, Youth Education Specialist – Office of Youth and Women - FAO |
Kindly share the registration link and invitation widely with your networks: tinyurl.com/8MFWYD
For more information: Youth Dialogue - 8th Mediterranean Forest Week