While young people are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, they also hold a significant ability and capacity as drivers of change. This project was developed with lessons learned from over 7 years of grassroot engagements with youth and aims to strengthen the capacity and representation of youth for nature conservation in Sarawak.

With the support of the YELL 2023 Seed Grant, we hope to create a system that enables young people and youth to develop a sense of connection towards nature, enhance skillsets to champion nature conservation, and create avenues for meaningful contribution and representation.

1. To organise five nature education workshops for at least 150 youth from secondary schools and youth groups to learn about nature through in-class sessions and visitations to green spaces. These visitations include national parks, wildlife rehabilitation centres, conservation sites, and protected areas.
2. Youth mentorship sessions where 6 youth will be engaged for a 10-week attachment. During this attachment, youth will be exposed to working with different environmental-related organisations and have the opportunity to enhance their leadership and decision-making skills.
3. A consultation with at least 100 youth to understand the connectedness of young people with nature and their perceptions of the environment.
4. At least one pilot project will be conducted based on the responses and recommendations from the youth consultations.
 

Ping! We’ve got an update.

Over the last year, Sarawak Eco Warriors have been hard at work conducting a plethora of programs that look to build and catalyse opportunities for young people to get involved in sustainable conservation and biodiversity initiatives. So far, they have managed to host two foundational programs;


Explore the Wild Side with Tunku Putra HELP School’s Nature Education Workshop! 
SEW gathered 27 participants who were immersed in the work of conservation sites, wildlife rehabilitation centres, and protected areas in and around Kuching. This May, students from Tunku Putra HELP School in Kuching took part in an exciting two-day adventure during the school’s Gala Event 2024—a journey that brought learning to life in the most thrilling way!

The workshop kicked off with engaging activities on biodiversity, food webs, and ecosystem services. Through lively talks and interactive games, 27 students aged 11 to 17 explored the incredible connections that make our planet thrive.

Classroom doors were then opened to the great outdoors! Students ventured to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature. The day included:

This unforgettable workshop combined education and adventure, inspiring the next generation to connect with nature and protect our planet. – because learning is better when it’s wild! 

Participant 1:
“I enjoyed the talk about different rainforests, and it made me more aware of how unique Borneo’s rainforest is. I’ve also learned many values like teamwork and communication. I’m feeling grateful to be born in such a unique state of Sarawak.”
(Anonymous, 17 years old, female) 

Participant 2:
“I learned some knowledge about orangutans, like they are incredibly strong and can easily break a coconut. I feel more connected to nature because we don’t normally have opportunities  for a trip like this.”
(Anonymous, 15 years old, male) 

Empowering Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders: Sarawak Young Green Leaders Workshop 
The Sarawak Young Green Leaders (SYGL) Workshop by SEW is a dynamic initiative designed to ignite youth awareness and appreciation for local biodiversity while fostering the importance of leadership and active participation in environmental conservation.

Over an action-packed 2 days and 1 night, the workshop brought together local young leaders for transformative capacity-building training. With a clear goal to address the brain drain in the environmental sector, SYGL champions sustainable projects that benefit the environment and open doors to new job opportunities for young people in Kuching and Sarawak. YELL was grateful to be invited to have a first-hand glimpse of the work SEW does for the young people in their community.

A Holistic Approach to Training 
The workshop’s itinerary blended:

This comprehensive approach equipped participants with tools to navigate and overcome the unique challenges they face as youth leaders. We actively observed and engaged with participants throughout the two days to collect immediate feedback. 

The outcome? A resounding success, marked by empowered participants and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship.

Are you ready to lead the change? Stay tuned for more initiatives that bring young voices to the forefront of conservation! 

 

Founded in 2017, Sarawak Eco Warriors (SEW), is an environmental-based organisation that aims to create opportunities for people to learn about and lead nature conservation. Focusing on biodiversity, waste management, and youth empowerment, SEW tackles environmental challenges through educational programs, community clean-ups, tree-planting projects, and youth workshops. Collaborating with NGOs, universities, and local communities, SEW empowers young people as environmental stewards and actively seeks volunteers and partners to join their fight for a sustainable future.