CATIE Hosts the First Meeting of the Latin American Youth Network of Model Forests

• Event brings together young people aiming to establish a strong network that contributes to the sustainable development of landscapes in Latin America.
  

The CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) campus is the setting for the First Meeting of the Latin American Youth Network of Model Forests, titled "Sowing Connections: Uniting Youth for the Sustainability of Landscapes in the Model Forests of Latin America," taking place from October 6 to 12.

This event brings together representatives from 16 Model Forests in the region, with the aim of promoting territorial sustainability through effective communication and collaboration among youth from different countries.

Fernando Carrera, researcher in CATIE's Climate Action Unit and General Manager of the Latin American Model Forest Network, highlighted the importance of this network, which is part of a global platform with a presence on all continents. According to Carrera, "A Model Forest is not just a forest; it is a territory with various land uses and values, where stakeholders from different sectors come together in dialogue tables for territorial management and governance."

This first youth meeting seeks to establish a strong network that contributes to the sustainable development of landscapes in Latin America. For Carrera, the expectation is clear: "We want the youth to develop a strategic plan with a long-term vision, to know exactly where they want to be in five years, and to take on leadership roles in their territories."

Voices Building the Future

One of the most valuable aspects of the meeting is the wealth of testimonies and experiences shared by participants, reflecting the diversity of the territories they represent.

Marlon Alexander Patiño Hernández, from the Risaralda Model Forest in Colombia, explained how they work in their territory to strengthen governance through dialogue between key actors such as coffee producers, environmental authorities, and civil society organizations. "Our goal is to replicate the experience of the forest school network, promoting environmental education to raise awareness among future generations," he said.

From Peru, Lucero de Jesús Chulluncuy Julcarima, from the Pichanaki Model Forest, shared her enthusiasm for being part of this network: "My expectations are that we can put into practice in our territories everything we discuss in this meeting. This is a crucial space to strengthen the role of youth in sustainability."

Andrea Belén Toro Viteri, from the Chocó Andino Model Forest in Ecuador, emphasized the importance of building strong foundations for generational transitions that will ensure the continuity of efforts to protect their territories. "We are united by the protection of this beautiful bioregion, and we want to ensure that future generations continue this conservation work."

Finally, José Albornoz, from the Tucumán Model Forest in Argentina, highlighted the value of collaborative work at a continental level: "This event allows us to foster closer collaboration among the youth of Latin America, uniting efforts to face environmental challenges."

A Space for Growth and Projection

The meeting began with remarks by Luis Pocasangre, Director General of CATIE, who welcomed the participants and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity to share with other cultures and realities; he also inspired them to continue working towards the sustainable development of their territories.

Following his remarks, one of the first activities took place in front of the Henry Wallace Building, where each person introduced themselves, emphasizing the goal of creating networks. The agenda for this meeting will extend throughout the week with meetings and analysis sessions, as well as field trips inside and outside CATIE.

The meeting not only aims to foster the creation of the network but also to empower the young participants to take on leadership roles in the sustainable management of their territories. At the end of the event, the youth are expected to have a clear strategic plan that will guide their actions in the coming years and help them build a strong and lasting collaborative network.

As the host of this meeting, CATIE reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and the training of young leaders who can tackle the climate and territorial challenges ahead.