Alexandra Foidl of Roots & Shoots Austria writes about their team’s representation at the YEEC 2022:

The R&S team from Austria recently participated in the Youth Environmental Education Congress 2022 (YEEC) in Prague, Czech Republic. YEEC was a side event of the 11^th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), with the purpose of bringing together active youth from around the world to inspire and support each other by learning from each other’s work. YEEC participants aimed to present ideas and concerns about environmental education to the educators and key stakeholders of the WEEC.

Our team was invited to present at a workshop about using art as a tool for environmental education. We presented the “Moss Graffiti” project to demonstrate the importance of urban green spaces, highlighting the awareness element and the effects of soil sealing on urban microclimates. We also hosted an information booth where we explained the work of the Jane Goodall Institute and how to join the Roots & Shoots global community. The booth did a seed paper demonstration to attract attention.

All these activities were focused on the mission of delivering a message at the WEEC, together with a panel discussion, where representatives of the young participants had the chance to present their ideas, needs and concerns regarding environmental education, to the educators and key actors, present at the World Environmental Education Congress.

This was an amazing opportunity for the Roots & Shoots Team Austria, to present their projects, inspire and get inspired, getting acquainted with other motivated active youths. We are very proud of our R&S members and are sure they will continue having a key role in society.”