Trias celebrates International Youth Day
This is a day aimed at raising awareness of the intergenerational barriers experienced by young people and to take action to ensure that they are not left behind.
In the following article, our colleagues from Trias South America tell us more about the work that they do in their region and its unique context.
Young people in the Amazon rainforest of South America
Young people, whether they reside in cities or in the Amazon, are a fundamental part of sustainable development and guaranteeing a just and supportive world. At Trias, we celebrate this day by highlighting the story of young people in the Amazon rainforest of South America. In the current programme, Trias South America will intervene with approximately 680 young people, aged between 15 and 25, focusing on indigenous (Kichwa and Txai) and young women from Brazil, Ecuador and Peru.
Every year the Amazon rainforest increases its deforestation rates affecting the local biodiversity ecosystem and this, among other reasons, has motivated the migration of young people. However, there are those who stay in the Amazon because of the value they place on nature, their families, their food, and even because they find opportunities to sustain their lives there.
Thus, our strategy is based on giving young people the tools to be the protagonists in the fight against global warming and in the coexistence with their community. We do this by strengthening youth networks for climate protection, and advocacy in organisations and the governmental sphere.
Additionally, and no less importantly, we facilitate learning about sustainable production techniques that allow them to innovate and start environmentally friendly businesses.
Testimonials
Rober Hernan Alvarado Tapuy (photo on the right, © Trias Ecuador), 26 years old, is the son of a member of the Wiñak organization. Wiñak has given him the opportunity to train and is his main source of employment. Rober was first trained for the inspection of organic certification and then became a field technician. Next, he became an operator in the processing plant, and he then grew into a new role and is now in charge of the purchase and collection of guayusa.
Natielly Aruá (photo above, © Aline Fidelix, Trilhas Comunicação), 14 years old, is the daughter of one of the members of Coopirb, a partner of Unicafes Rondônia, which is an MBO that Trias works with. The organization helped in the commercialization process and access to public markets for Coopirb’s production. Natielly’s family was awarded regionally for the sustainable production of coffee and participated in the support and technical follow-up programs offered with the support of Trias.
This Friday, we invite you to dedicate your time to a better life for young people all over the planet and to ensure the continuity of these populations in our Amazon rainforest in the face of climate challenges. We highlight the importance of Fridays For Future, but also for the present of South American youth in the Amazon regions.
For more information about our work in South America, please contact the regional team via Trias Andes (triasandes@trias.ngo) and Trias Brazil (triasbrasil@trias.ngo).
