What do you do when a global pandemic requires you to rethink your typical training program?  How do you reach and train hundreds of youth around the world on how to get politically active for nature and biodiversity? 

Answer: STANDUP4NATURE!

Over a 2-week period in June 2020, a virtual global training program designed for youth and youth workers was designed by a team of youth from the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), the Global Youth Action Team (GYAT) for Biodiversity Protection, as well as staff from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).   Over 200 participants registered and took part in a series of online workshops that covered a range of topics form the Convention on Biological Diversity and the development of a post-2020 Framework, opportunities and methods for influencing policy, communications and education techniques and community building.

The aim of the training was to create an interconnected global community, to network, to learn from each other, and to create stronger advocates for nature and biodiversity. Participants became aware the urgency and opportunities that we are currently facing: global policies and treaties being negotiated. They gained new skills and knowledge and equally as important, the motivation, inspiration and determination to “stand up for nature” from the local to the global level.  But more than that, they were tasked with preparing and implementing “follow up” trainings in their home countries as well as political engagement activities to help push for stronger protection of nature and biodiversity at the national to global level.

Out of the virtual event, a truly global and well connected community of youth and adults has arisen of motivated and active youth who are also now connected to other organizations and political processes.

Jay, a Colombian participant reflected, “My biggest take-aways…how big this movement is going to be! With more than 100 of us, if all of us train more people, it has the potential to be huge and that is really exciting. Another was just how much of a community we'll be able to build together within this training. Lastly, how much we can learn from each other as well."

For others interested in the process, results and concept, please contact Nathan Spees nathan.spees@wwf.at  or Alison Flaherty flaherty.alisonm@gmail.com