Registration now open for the East Atlantic Flyway Youth Forum 2024

The East Atlantic Flyway Youth Forum is establishing itself as an annual activity to connect young conservationists and activists from along the flyway and to help them develop a useful skillset for their ongoing involvement in flyway conservation. Taking place online on 14 and 15 September, the 2024 forum will be a general introduction to participatory science, also referred to as citizen science. The event is jointly organised by the Wadden Sea Flyway Initiative of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, Migratory Birds for People, and Youth Engaged in Wetlands.

The conservation of migratory birds and coastal wetlands requires close collaboration with a multitude of different stakeholders. The term ‘citizen science’ is used for projects with public engagement in activities that generate knowledge for a better understanding of conservation issues and to develop strategies to address them. The participatory approach itself has a high potential to increase the public’s awareness for conservation issues.

Participants of the Forum will learn about the general principles of citizen science as well as specific considerations that should be given to the needs and wishes of the target groups. This is an essential step for the development and implementation of citizen science projects. Ongoing projects at the local and global level will be introduced to inspire active participation in projects and even initiating upscaling of projects at the local level. 

The forum reaches out to young people aged 18-30 from coastal countries along the East Atlantic Flyway interested in flyway conservation. Applications can be submitted until 15 August 2024. If necessary, priority will be given to applicants who have some experiences in the specific aspects of flyway conservation (research, management, communication, education, etc.) or have participated in previous years.