Youth for environment: Innovative social media channel on environmental issues
Objectives
The project aims to increase the voice and action of young people on environmental issues, and generate positive changes in governmental and business environmental policies for a more sustainable way of life through two strategic solutions: 1) To support young people develop a social media channel with a variety of innovative tools to communicate environmental issues in an accurate and compelling way; 2) Partnership building and networking between the social media channel of youths and other stakeholders, such as policy-makers, journalists, researchers, activists, and the business sectors.
Background
Vietnam – a developing country in Asia – is currently facing many environmental challenges such as soil pollution, forest resources degradation, biodiversity loss, water pollution, air pollution, and solid waste management. Meanwhile, Vietnam also has a significant shortage in timely, accurate and multidimensional environmental data and information conveyance. As such, there is a disconnection between environmental facts and the distribution of this information to the public resulting in a lack of efficiency in educating communities and relevant organizations how to best preserve their surroundings and keep the population safe. On the ground research, initiatives and actions related to environmental issues may have already been produced and distributed online, however this information requires systematic screening in order to be communicated to communities.
Many Vietnamese youths have not yet participated in the discussion surrounding environmental challenges. Some youth groups have been actively encouraging their communities to join the fight to save the environment, however, they are yet to gather momentum amongst their peers let alone other parties. Through their ability using technology and their young creative minds, a dialogue via a social media channel would be an excellent way to make a connection between young people and communities, policymakers and businesses. This will also help those young activists who are rurally situated to be part of the environmental sustainability community, without being left out due to their lack of proximity to gatherings. This is especially key, as those in rural areas can face the hardest challenges in terms of environmental degradation, so having their voice heard is of utmost importance.
With this considered, it is clear that there is a great need for a project to support young people to develop a social media channel to report on environmental issues in an accurate and compelling way; and enhance partnerships and networking between young people and other stakeholders
For Vietnamese Stature Foundation (VSF) is in a great position to effectively connect between young environmental activists and stakeholders. The VSF recently created the project named “Strengthening capacity and network for university students”– DynaGen Initiative. Furthermore VSF is a member of the National Coordination Body of Vietnam Business for Environment (VB4E) – a platform to expand business participation in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Vietnam.
Target
- Youths, and communities who have been affected or are at risk of being affected by environmental issues;
- Reporters, journalists and mass media agencies;
- Enterprises;
- Policy makers and executives;
- Researchers and social activists
Outputs
Outputs: The social media channel attracts 200 young participants and reaches 3,000 people/ post on average; Stakeholders such as businesses, policy-makers, researchers and activists have open and direct discussions with the “Voice of Youths” team; 10 media agencies become our partners.
Outcomes: Youths become agents of change in raising awareness of communities and stakeholders, as well as in taking actions to solve environmental challenges; Stakeholders have concrete actions and long-term commitments in solving environmental issues.
Partner
- Asia – Pacific Media Grants 2020
- Earth Journalism Network
- International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)
- Vietnam Business for Environment (VB4E)
- Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank (BAC A BANK)
Contact information
Ms. Tran Hong Diep – Deputy Director
For Vietnamese Stature Foundation (VSF)
Email: dieptran@vitamvocviet.vn
Tel: (+84) 24 3823 8008
Website: http://vitamvocviet.vn/