Young climate activists lead the way in climate action

Over 30 young climate activists, aged 13 to 16 years, gathered in Bakuriani on 20-28 June to work with environmental experts and discuss the strides they can make in raising public awareness about issues surrounding climate change.

The Green Camp 'Climate Ambassadors' brought together youngsters from twelve Georgian municipalities (Akhmeta, Gardabani, Gori, Gurjaani, Khobi, Kobuleti, Lagodekhi, Senaki, Sighnaghi, Tbilisi, Telavi and Zugdidi) offering them an inspiring and informative pastime full of interactive activities, discussions, role-plays and hiking.

The Green Camp was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Environmental Information and Education Centre (EIEC) of Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. UNDP and EIEC invited prominent environmental experts to lead in educational activities and the National Environment Agency assisted to arrange a hiking tour to the locations of geological hazards.

This educational initiative draws on the resources provided by the Green Climate Fund and the governments of Georgia, Sweden and Switzerland. It is part of an awareness-raising effort supported by this nationwide programme to better inform Georgians about the impacts of climate change, protect communities from climate-induced disasters and inspire national and local climate actions.

Many of the Green Camp participants have been already involved in the programme activities, including school contests, youth campaigning and climate volunteering.

UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia Nick Beresford, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Solomon Pavliashvili and EIEC Director Tamar Aladashvili addressed young climate ambassadors at the Camp opening and encouraged them to continue their education and activism for a sustainable and climate-smart future.