You are a young farmer, or you know a young farmer facing the challenge to work with or within a protected area or National Park? Then we need your voice!
My name is Steffi Burger, I am 25 years old and I work as Policy and Communications assistant for the Europarc Federation, based in Regensburg in Germany and I want to reach out to rural youth across Europe to help with two projects that need your input.
The EUROPARC Federationis the largest network of protected natural areas and Natura 2000 sites in Europe; committed to providing platforms for exchange, building bridges and supporting positive dialogue between farmers, rural communities and protected areas across Europe.
Young Farmers & Protected Areas: Working allied for the sustainable future of rural communities
We believe, while agriculture and nature conservation are often perceived to be in opposition, they are in fact complementary. To spread and support this message we will run a workshop dedicated to showcasing best practices of cooperation between “Young Farmers and Protected Areas” during our Annual Conference 2018 in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland this September. This workshop will address protected area practitioners, land owners, farmers as well as any other stakeholders working with protected sites. It will provide the opportunity to discuss experiences of “best practice” where young farmers and protected areas have found common solutions bringing together farming needs with biodiversity conservation. However, to get a broad picture and map out the diverse challenges involved when working to cooperate, any experiences you might have are welcome – from experiences of frustration to experiences of rewarding partnership building.
If reading this, you can relate with your personal experience, then I would love to hear from you – to share your story with our European network!
Youth Manifesto workshops in Scotland & Finland
As part of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 activities, another exciting new project is being launched, gathering 30 young people from across Europe to give their thoughts and ideas about how our national parks and protected areas are managed. A Youth Manifesto will be created outlining ways in which protected areas, environmental organisations and rural communities can meaningfully engage young people in their activities to safeguard the future stewardship of our natural heritage and to retain young people living, learning and working in the rural environment and communities.
Successful applicants to the project will be invited to attend two workshops, one in the Cairngorms and the other in Finland. They will also be invited to attend the launch of the final Youth Manifesto at the EUROPARC Conference which is being held 18-21 September 2018 in Aviemore.
How to apply? Just get in touch with me via email:s.burger@europarc.org
Besides, feel free to check out the EUROPARC Conference 2018 Youth Programme