Event Overview
This thought-provoking panel discussion convened experts, youth leaders, and environmental advocates to explore the critical interconnections between forestry, agriculture, and global environmental frameworks, including the three Rio Conventions. The session highlighted the biodiversity conservation efforts on the Mongolian Plateau, as well as the potential of agroecology to restore soil health and combat land degradation. Participants collaborated to identify actionable pathways for bridging sectoral and generational gaps to achieve a sustainable future.
Host: EPDA Cameroon
Panelists:
Moderator: Hemanshu
- Prof. Suo Cheng Dong (Academician, China)
- Neekita Urang (Climate Advocate, India)
- Ajuna Tadeo (Youth Leader, Uganda)
Discussion Highlights
- Desertification: Combating and Green Development Practices in Northwest China and the Mongolian Plateau:
Prof. Suo Cheng Dong shared innovative strategies and practices that blend scientific insights with traditional ecological knowledge to combat desertification and foster sustainable development. - Bridging Forestry and Agriculture gap:
Neekita Urang emphasized the need for integrated policies that align agricultural productivity with forest conservation, addressing trade-offs and creating synergies between the two sectors. - Youth and Community as Catalysts for Change:
Neekita Urang and Ajuna Tadeo discussed how youth-led initiatives and local community engagement are critical for driving sustainable practices and innovative solutions. - Intergenerational Collaboration:
A lively and participatory intergenerational discourse explored the role of experienced leaders in mentoring young activists, fostering knowledge exchange, and ensuring continuity in sustainable land management efforts.
Objectives Achieved
- Synergy Identification: Emphasized the critical need to align forestry, agriculture, and environmental policies for sustainable, integrated solutions.
- Enhancing Cooperation: Highlighted the value of inter-sectoral collaboration and innovative financing to address sustainability challenges.
- Youth Empowerment: Amplified youth voices, showcasing their initiatives as key drivers of change while emphasizing the need for platforms that foster capacity building and resource mobilization.
Key Takeaways
- Integrated Strategies: Sustainable land management requires holistic approaches that address climate, biodiversity, and land restoration objectives collectively.
- Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging diverse stakeholders, particularly youth and local communities, ensures long-term effectiveness and ownership of sustainable practices.
- Technology and Financing: Leveraging technology and innovative financing mechanisms can scale integrated solutions to address environmental challenges effectively.
Conclusion
The session concluded with a reflective question from the moderator:
“How can generations collaborate to deliver sustainable solutions for land, climate, and biodiversity?”
This interactive discussion bridged generational knowledge gaps, fostering a dialogue that blended traditional wisdom with contemporary innovation, paving the way for sustainable environmental stewardship.
Acknowledgments
EPDA thanks the organizers, panelists, and participants for their invaluable contributions to this critical discussion. The outcomes of this event will inspire future actions and collaborations toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
