WILD

Voices of Young Leaders at WILD9 Send a World-Wide Message on the Importance of Inter-generational Connections for Success in Wilderness protection and Climate Change

Over 70 youth and young professionals are actively participating in WILD9, the 9th World Wilderness Congress this week. These young leaders were welcomed by world-wide leaders to present, discuss and share and learn about wilderness conservation. Young delegates traveled from Malaysia, Canada, Europe, Russia, Argentina, Venezuela, the US and throughout Mexico to participate in WILD9.

Prior to the Congress, youth and young professional delegates participated in a Media Training Day, which featured presentations on writing for new media, photo-journalism using multi-media to convey a conservation message and new communications tools such as blogging, twitter and video. Several young delegates ventured into the wilderness of Sian Ka’an, lead by Outward Bound, Mexico from 1-4 November, learning about the ecosystems of the Yucatan and participating in growth and leadership training in the traditional Outward Bound style.

During the Congress, young delegates used new communication tools to engage in citizen journalism and learn from conservation leaders. Some youth interviewed key conservationists such as Amory Lovins and Rick Asselta, coordinator for the Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots program. Several young delegates engaged in the resolutions process, writing resolutions to influence change on topics and in areas in which they work.

“WILD9 has been so amazing for me so far and I’m extremely grateful that I’m able to be here participating and meeting so many inspiring people,” comments Emilene Ostlind of Wyoming.

The young leaders also sent a world-wide message for the protection of wild-nature by organizing a group photo forming the word “WILD” during an outing to the Mayan ruins at Uxmal, to serve as a powerful communications image to raise awareness of the outcomes of WILD9 and for wild-nature everywhere.

For many of these young leaders, WILD9 serves as a critical starting point for future work in the field. The connections they’ve made and peer networks established will support their engagement internationally for years to come.

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