Charity aim to engage more young people with nature
Butterfly Conservation recently announced it was launching its first-ever Youth Panel with the aim of encouraging more youngsters to start to engage with nature.
The charity says the groundbreaking initiative is bringing together ten youngsters from all corners of the UK to help shape the future of butterfly and moth conservation.
The panel aims to break down barriers for young people to allow them to engage with nature and wildlife – and make butterfly and moth conservation more accessible.
With less than 1% of Butterfly Conservation’s current supporters and volunteers under 25, the panel is on a mission to inspire and engage the next generation of nature enthusiasts.
The charity declared a ‘butterfly emergency’ earlier this year following publication of its annual national survey which showed the lowest ever year for butterflies spotted.
‘We are seeing the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss at a scary rate right now, and we know that the next generation, today’s young people, will be hugely affected by this,’ explains Kate Merry, Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation.
‘That’s why we’re thrilled to have appointed our first-ever Youth Panel, and to give young voices a platform in the world of conservation.’
‘Their passion for nature is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the positive, fresh ideas they’ll bring to the table, not just for us but for the wider conservation community as well.’
Bringing together young people with a united love for the environment
The Butterfly Conservation’s inaugural Youth Panel is being funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It aims to bring together young people from various backgrounds with a united love of butterflies, moths and the environment.
‘As a panel, we represent diverse backgrounds and experiences, which fuels our passion for equal and inclusive access to nature,’ explains Şeniz Mustafa, Butterfly Conservation Youth Panel Member.
‘We view each decision we make through an intersectional lens. This means considering all the different identities and backgrounds of young people so that everyone can benefit and feel included.’
The charity says the panel will represent young voices at environmental events, create engaging content for social media, run workshops on youth inclusion in conservation and develop new ways to involve young people in Butterfly Conservation’s work.