Empowering Tomorrow: Youth, Biodiversity, and the Call to Action
Empowering Tomorrow: Youth, Biodiversity, and the Call to Action
Once upon a time—not long ago—the global community woke up to a shared realization: our planet’s incredible variety of life was vanishing. Forests were shrinking, coral reefs were bleaching, and species that once roamed freely now faced extinction. In response, the world came together in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to adopt the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)—a landmark agreement aimed at protecting the rich tapestry of life on Earth.
From this agreement, the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) was born. It became more than a date—it became a movement. A yearly reminder that we must not only appreciate the natural world but also take bold steps to protect it.
Fast forward to May 23, 2025, in the warm, bustling town of Buea, Cameroon, the spirit of this global day came alive in a vibrant gathering at the ASTI Library Hall, University of Buea. Spearheaded by the Community-Based Climate Association (COBCA), the event echoed this year’s theme: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
But this wasn’t just another commemoration. It was a rallying cry for youth-led innovation. AWEC (Association for Women Empowerment Cameroon) joined hands with key partners—ESSA, AWEC, MINEPDED, VoNaT, and BRIGES—to explore seven powerful pillars of action under the theme. The day was filled with energy, insight, and hope.
Imagine sitting in a room where a representative from MINEPDED is breaking down Cameroon’s policy framework on biodiversity. Or hearing from the CEO of BRIGES, who captivated the audience with ocean conservation strategies—challenging youth to think beyond the shorelines.
The storytelling continued with the CEO of VoNaT, who reminded everyone that environmental activism doesn’t start with age, experience, or funding—it starts with passion. A passionate voice that pushes boundaries and demands a better future. That passion echoed when a lecturer in environmental science at UB presented youth-driven solutions in renewable energy and waste management—real stories, real projects, real change.
Then came the call to action: a representative from the delegation of MINEPDED extended an open invitation for collaboration. “Don’t wait to be invited into the room,” they said. “Come in. Speak up. Build.”
The event concluded with an engaging quiz from the Ministry of Environment and an introduction to AWEC, where young women were encouraged to find their voice in the climate and biodiversity space.
At AWEC, we believe that empowering women is key to achieving environmental justice. When women lead, communities thrive, and nature flourishes. This year’s celebration wasn’t just about awareness—it was about awakening. About sowing the seeds of leadership, creativity, and resilience in young people—especially young women.
So, as the world reflects on World Biodiversity Day, we at AWEC invite you to join the story. Whether you’re a student, activist, scientist, or dreamer, your ideas and energy are the heartbeat of this movement.
Let’s not just live in harmony with nature. Let’s build it together.
#WorldBiodiversityDay#YouthEngagement#AWECVoices#BiodiversityMatters#WomenInClimate#SustainableDevelopment
