Bridging Continents: Youth Leadership in Forest Conservation from the Mediterranean to Latin America
The Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF), in collaboration with the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN) and the Latin America Model Forest Network (RLABM), is organizing a webinar on the importance of youth leadership in forest conservation.
This event will highlight inspiring stories and experiences from across the Mediterranean and Latin America, showcasing how young leaders are making a difference in the protection and restoration of forest landscapes.
Date: May 5th, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM CEST / UTC−5 / UTC+7
Event Overview
Youth are at the forefront of global efforts to restore and protect forests. Their energy, creativity, and commitment are crucial in addressing challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. The Mediterranean and Latin America are both home to diverse forest ecosystems facing similar threats, including wildfires, land-use changes, and climate change. However, they also share a wealth of knowledge, traditional practices, and innovative solutions in sustainable forest management. Marking the collaboration between the Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF) and the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN), this event, with the support of the Latin American Model Forest Network (RLABM), aims to foster cross-regional collaboration by sharing best practices, challenges, and opportunities in forest conservation and restoration. It will provide a platform for young leaders, including women, activists, and professionals, to exchange ideas, strengthen networks across regions, and contribute to global forestry discussions.
Key Topics and Speakers
The webinar will feature a diverse range of expert speakers from both the Mediterranean and Latin America, who will share their insights on key topics such as youth leadership, women in forestry, and the role of Model Forest Networks in supporting youth-led initiatives. Satia Ras, the Coordinator of the Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF), will discuss youth leadership in forestry. Leila Rossa Mouawad, a Researcher at the Nature Conservation Center of the American University of Beirut, will explore women’s leadership in forestry. Lazhari Chater, the Technical Assistant at the Mediterranean Model Forest Network Secretariat (MMFN), will present on MMFN’s commitment to engaging youth in forestry. Natalia Ruiz Guevara, the Vice President of the Latin American Model Forest Network (RLABM), will address youth-led engagement in forest governance and economic sustainability.
Interactive Participation
The webinar will also feature breakout group discussions, guided by expert facilitators, to encourage active youth participation. These sessions will focus on two key topics: What role can youth play in forest restoration? and How can youth raise awareness and influence policy? Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss solutions, and contribute to a joint statement between the Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF) and the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN). This statement will be presented during the International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Global Forum in Kemptville, Canada, in 2025.
In addition to the breakout groups, youth participants can engage by completing the "Youth Perspectives on Forest Restoration and Advocacy" survey. This survey is open to the public, not just webinar attendees. Your contributions will be invaluable in shaping the youth-led vision for sustainable forest management.
Registration
Please make sure to register for the webinar as soon as possible to guarantee your participation. There is no specific deadline, but registration must be completed before the event to access the webinar.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation on youth leadership in forest conservation.