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Young Leaders From 25 Countries Launch the Youth Forum for People and Wildlife

Marketwired

TORONTO, ON --(Marketwired - March 02, 2016) - On World Wildlife Day, March 3 2016, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) will be announcing that 34 extraordinary young leaders in conservation and animal welfare from around the world have been selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 candidates as delegates to the first global Youth Forum for People and Wildlife.

The 34 delegates, aged 18-25 years old, will come together in South Africa in September to explore complex wildlife issues, share their diversity of experience and participate in professional development workshops. They will convene directly before the Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES -- the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Portions of the event will be streamed live for the online community, who will be invited to participate virtually in the gathering.

In addition, the delegates will become ambassadors and mentors to an online community, which anyone can join by going to www.ifaw.org/youthforum.

The Youth Forum for People and Wildlife is both an online community and in-person conference for young leaders to learn, share and connect with people around the world as they explore animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and global commercial trade issues.

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"In keeping with World Wildlife Day theme: 'The future of wildlife is in our hands,' we are proud to announce the selection of this impressive group of young people," said Azzedine Downes, president and CEO of IFAW. "In addition to their expertise and drive, the delegates represent 25 different nationalities from 12 geographic regions. They come from rural villages, from major cities and everywhere in between, and they bring with them a diversity of experience as scientists, community organizers, students of policy and international law, and more."

IFAW Canada has selected Connel Bradwell of Vancouver Island as a delegate to the Youth Forum. "I'm so excited to be joining the youth forum as it's a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills that I can use to help wildlife in my local community," he said. Connel helps deliver free wildlife education programs around Vancouver Island, and has worked in the field to protect the highly endangered orcas off the British Columbia coast. He has high hopes for the next generation of environmental champions. "I want to continue to grow free wildlife education programs in my communities and to campaign for more opportunities for all young people to connect with wildlife and the environment."

"Young people truly hold the future of our world in their hands," said Nancy Barr, Director of the Youth Forum for IFAW. "What they need are spaces in which they can connect, across countries and cultures to learn from experts, share their experiences, and build skills. The Youth Forum for People and Wildlife aims to launch a global community of youth where ideas can grow, partnerships form and professional networks develop to empower the leaders of tomorrow."

Online community members can:

  • Explore virtual exhibits showcasing Forum Delegates, partners and issues

  • Network with students and young professionals involved in conservation, animal welfare and building sustainable communities around the world

  • Participate in topical groups and scheduled chats with delegates and experts

  • Tune in LIVE to the Forum in South Africa this September -- interact with delegate sessions, ask questions, hear speakers, and view presentations

IFAW is grateful for the support of many other organizations that helped make this conference possible, including Jane Goodall Institute, CITES, South African Government Ministry of Environment, and US Fish and Wildlife Service.

"We are delighted to see this group of young and talented conservationists get together just before CITES CoP17 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The survival of the world's wildlife relies upon the actions of every generation. These youngsters are clearly taking their responsibility seriously, which is great to see," said Secretary General of CITES, Mr. John E. Scanlon. "CITES warmly welcomes this wonderful initiative and we will all benefit from the enthusiasm and many views that will be generated at this first Youth Forum for People and Wildlife," added Scanlon.

"The Department of Environmental Affairs is confident that the Youth Forum will assist in building conservation leaders who will ensure that wildlife and communities are able to continue to exist side-by-side through sustainable development and the strong partnerships and bonds that we hope will be forged during the Forum," said the South African Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs. Edna Molewa.

"The youth of today face so many challenges. Thanks to the mantra of limitless economic development at all cost (and the growth of human populations) we have destroyed huge areas of the natural world, leading to climate change and loss of biodiversity. It is no wonder that so many young people are losing hope -- we must prevent this. For 25 years, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots members in 140 countries have been working on projects of their choosing to make the world a better place. Once they have the knowledge, once they are empowered, they take action to make the world a better place. I know that these and other young leaders, who participate in person, through social media and the Web, will leave this Youth Forum for People and Wildlife inspired, and ready to take even greater action."

Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE
Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

"For these dedicated and inspiring young conservationists, we hope the Youth Forum will be an important, perhaps defining moment in their lives. The training that is provided and the personal connections that are forged may shape not only careers, but also future conservation efforts," said U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe.

To learn more about the Youth Forum for People and Wildlife and to join the online community go to: www.ifaw.org/youthforum.

#youth4wildlife

EDITORS: High resolution images available at www.ifawimages.com

About IFAW

Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Photos are available at www.ifawimages.com

About World Wildlife Day:
 http://www.un.org/en/events/wildlifeday/
images: https://t.co/zYdkE2J6jw
#WorldWildlifeDay2016.
#InOurHands #WWD2016