Supporting Youth engagement

The last few years, a lot of efforts have been made to give a voice to the Youth in the UNESCO MAB programme. At the international scale, two MAB Youth forums have been organized. The discussions led to transformations in the governance of the MAB programme, where the Youth has now an important role to play and responsibilities at all levels. They are also engaged in Biosphere Reserves actions and projects, especially within their own Biosphere Reserve and linked to the Biosphere Reserve residents. They have now the means and power to make their voice heard internationally and in debating arenas about biodiversity conservation, climate change and sustainablity.

MAB France and the French Biosphere Reserves have been working on taking into account the Youth opinions in the governance of the regions and within the French MAB network for several years now. Several Youth forums have been organized in Luberon-Lure, the Cévennes, Marais Audomarois and Martinique Biosphere Reserves, and in the future candidate Biosphere Reserve: Brière. Co'MAB, a youth association and member of the MAB France comitee, also helps to support and facilitate participative workshops targeting young adults. 

For more information about the role of the Youth in Biosphere Reserves and the MAB programme:

A video: Quelle organisation des jeunes dans les Réserves de biosphère et le MAB?

A website: MAB Youth