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Investing in the Next Generation of Environmental Change Agents

Through VFFF’s multiple engagement points with young people, we regularly hear of how eager young people are to take action to care for Australia’s precious environment, but often lack the resources and encouragement to do so.

That’s why it was rewarding to hear a participant from Earthwatch Australia’s inaugural Agents of Change for the Environment (ACE) program reflect at the conclusion of their recent immersive 5-day expedition in Port Stephens, “I’ve learnt just how realistic it is to implement a change I want to see in the community.”

A grant of $1,120,000 over three years is providing Earthwatch Australia support to design and implement the ACE program and empower young people in targeted regional communities to pursue their passion for the environment. Through building participants’ knowledge and encouraging them to undertake on-the-ground citizen science and environmental action projects in their own communities, Earthwatch is developing a network of environmental change agents across regional NSW and Queensland.

The first cohort’s expedition in Port Stephens provided participants with the opportunity to attend workshops by Dr Scott Wilson, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Institute to learn about their work, as well as undertake a range of citizen science activities – including completing a ClimateWatch survey; supporting local researchers to set traps and spotlight for gliders and koalas; collecting microplastics and macroplastics from beaches to contribute to the research efforts of Ausmap and Tangaroa Blue. Just as importantly, participants had the opportunity to build networks with other like-minded young people as they head back to their community to explore their own local environmental action project.

Following the expedition, the cohort continues to be supported for a further 10 weeks with online sessions from the experts at Earthwatch, including webinars, live chats and tailored mentoring to help progress local action projects. Ensuring participants stay connected with the Earthwatch team, their peers and mentors, will ensure this group of passionate young people are set up for success.

The ACE program is heading to Jervis Bay and the Daintree later this year and we can’t wait to hear about the experiences of these next cohorts.

Next year in addition to rolling out the full program in other regional communities, the Earthwatch team will be expanding the online component of the program and widening access to more young people from regional communities. VFFF is excited to see more young people access the resources and encouragement they need to take action and care for the environment.