Youth Manifesto

PRIORITIES - EDUCATION 1. Outdated curriculum change - Proactive in terms of being scientific and policy oriented 2. Green skills and green job importance, awareness 3. An interdisciplinary approach which includes understanding nature, different aspects of the environment and the governance of natural resources in the education system so that students are environmentally, politically and socially aware. 4. Sensitization of environmental problems, ethics not only to students but to parents as well. 5. Inculcating behavioral changes and moving away from a mindset focused on ‘profit’, ‘fame’ and ‘wealth’ with emphasis on preserving and maintaining our ecosystem services. PRIORITIES - ECONOMY 1. Capitalism and consumerism with emphasizes on development and overexploitation by looking to green index, circular economy, product life cycle and look beyond just production by industries and developmental organizations 2. Bridge gap between research and implementation of results 3. Poverty and unemployment - fair economy through education and awareness at even grassroot levels, economic development not as successful as economic growth 4. Environmental and human injustice - green economy, nature based solution and employment for rural and indigenous (NTFPs), rural economy boost, provide alternate livelihoods along with their existing one, through EIA (which has transparency) it needs creating awareness among people for participation and consultation 5. Honesty and green washing (on paper and on ground) tends to be there just for there just as a word and questions the idea of sustainability - important for it to become action. PRIORITIES - Protected Areas 1. Laws to ensure public consultation processes before establishment of PAs and MPAs to change the perception that animals are limited to PAs and ensuring that the areas continue to remain effective in tackling the core problems. 2. Wrong idea of Human - Wildlife Conflict as agricultural and plantations expand. More animal movement study needs before establishing PAs and MPAs. 3. Need to study matrix environments in detail - like tea and coffee plantations near forests. Increased funds for scientific study that will enable co-existence and maintain habitat connectivity. The results of the study needs to accessible to all. 4. There needs to be clarity with regard to the objective of why PAs and MPAs have been established and from what are we protecting them. This needs to be conveyed to the public. 5. Policies and laws on freshwater and wetlands not been prioritized and needs to be included. Marine environments to a large extent. COLLECTIVE PRIORITIES 1. Change the existing outdated curriculum 2. Give importance to green skills, green job 3. An interdisciplinary approach to environment and governance 4. Sensitization of environmental problems 5. Inculcating behavioral change 6. Capitalism and consumerism 7. Bridging gap between research and field action implementation 8. Poverty and unemployment 9. Environment and human injustice 10. Honesty and prevent greenwashing 11. Laws for public consultation and participation 12. Wrong notion and idea and of human-wildlife conflict 13. Clarity about PAs and MAPs 14. Need to prioritize policies on freshwater and wetlands VALUES LEARNED IN THE PREPARATION OF MAIFESTO Breakout 1 - eco-tourism/more sustainable tourism, being a part of nature, state of balance between humans and nature, transformative education, human-wildlife coexistence, sustainable living, equity, more interaction with nature, less greed, respect, justice, education, inclusiveness, strict laws and policies, equity Breakout 2 - connecting with nature, minimalism, balance in the system, sustainability, co-existence (respect), equity, equality, spirituality, aesthetics, peace, honesty, love, need for nature, respect, simple living and high thinking, transparency and accountability Breakout 3 - Challenging the notion of unbridled growth, Sustainable development and sustainable living, Living everyday with a sense of contentment and gratitude, Non exploitation of resources, compassion, empathy, justice and equity, self awareness, minimum monetary requirements, gratitude, fascination, respect, self-awareness, compassion, sustainable development, sustainable living, education, justice Living in Harmony: Vision Statements Breakout 1 - We envision a future where people understand the value of biodiversity and thrive in nature while the access and benefits are shared and ensuring a sustainable and equitable lifestyle through mutual respect. Being part of nature is about the state of balance between humans and nature through transformative education that enable us to understand on how to live in harmony with nature. Breakout 2- Spirituality means going within to develop an inner conscience that make us understand the importance of live and let others live and to respect co-existence and develop tolerance for other species which guides us to follow the path of living in harmony with nature. It would ensure maintaining a balance in nature, protecting nature for its own sake which gives us a sense of equity and equality. In short, living in harmony is being minimalist is about balance in the ecosystem, ensuring sustainability and co-existence. Breakout 3 - Living in harmony with nature would be realizing that we are a part of it and live with a sense of contentment, humility, respect, empathy, fascination and compassion towards all non-human lifeforms. It involves knowing our needs and desires and meeting them through sustainable living, justice and equity for all communities such that everyone has their minimal monetary needs met. This can be met through institutions that assess our ecological and economic impact through systematic study and appropriate law and policies. COLLECTIVE STATEMENT Living in harmony with nature is where we coexist and respect nature while ensuring equitable sharing of its benefits. It involves living with a sense of compassion, humility, empathy and harmony. We envision a future where people understand the value of biodiversity at species, genetic and ecosystem level. It involves knowing our needs, desires and meeting them through sustainable living, justice, equity and equality for all communities such that everyone has their minimal monetary needs met. Transformative education can be an important tool for reconnecting with nature and ensuring behavioral shifts to recognize its values needed for a better future. Role of stakeholders: We can achieve the vision with proper governance and measures taken by organizations governments, and duties of citizens Including local participatory direct democracy system and processes for decentralization of power in terms of political sphere we need to recognize and include indigenous and local communities in the current governance structure as they have largely been left out. Inclusion and effective participation of Youth in decision making processes by building capacities.