Meet the next generation of green leaders

Last week, the three-day Tunza North American (Tunzana) Youth Network Conference (July 23-25) gave seventeen North American teens a chance to show they care about the planet.

Amongst the event’s various hip hop performances, eco-friendly dance floor and dinner aboard a hybrid ferry, young environmental leaders from the United States and Canada showcased their environmental work on a regional and international platform, while also connecting them to UNEP and the global Tunza Network.

The event itself was organized by UNEP’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA) and was hosted at the University of California at Berkeley.

Started in 2003, Tunza (meaning “to treat with care” in Swahili) is made up of networks of young environmentalists from across the world and is part of UNEP’s long-term strategy for engaging young people in environmental activities.

The project is designed to foster a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens and help channel their enthusiasm into positive action – even at the very highest level.

CODE Green

One of the weekend’s events included a presentation by Bonnie Nixon, founder of the CODE Green Agency, on how young people can work with governments and corporations on green issues.

“Engaging young people is crucial to tackling some of today’s most pressing environmental issues, not only in our region but around the world. This conference represents a major step in solidifying UNEP RONA’s youth outreach work,” said Amy Fraenkel, Director of UNEP RONA.

The conference was facilitated by Darian Rodriguez Heyman, current chair of the UN’s Green Tech Summit. Representing UNEP RONA was Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox, the person responsible for bringing the Tunzana Network to fruition.

In addition to developing a strategy for the Network’s activities in the coming two years, some of the conference’s main highlights included:

• A presentation by 350.org co-founder May Boeve on ‘Using Social Networks to Organize Grassroots Campaigns’
• A campus tour around UC Berkeley that showcased sustainable initiatives, as well as some of the school’s major student-run environmental groups
• A two-hour trip aboard the Hornblower Hybrid ferry, the United States’ first hybrid ferry, which uses energy from solar, wind, grid electric, and Tier 2 diesel generators to power the vessel

“It’s important to participate in conferences like this because when you engage in a group you feel like part of a family, a network of others who have the same passion and vision for a better world,” said Marisol Becerra, one of Tunzana’s youth network advisors.

The University of California at Berkeley served not only as a picturesque venue, but also as an example of an institution that employs progressive environmental and conservation initiatives.

After the weekend’s inspiring talks, trips and tours, as well as some invaluable networking, it’s hoped that Tunzana’s young members will return hope, ready to take action on the environment in their schools and communities.

For more information, visit www.unep.org/Tunza.