WCS 3-Sentence Science

Youth Shall Inherit the Biosphere Reserve

October 31, 2019

CREDIT: WCS GUATEMALA PROGRAM

Each year, Wildlife Conservation Society scientists publish more than 300 peer-reviewed studies and papers. “WCS 3-Sentence Science” is a regular tip-sheet — in bite sized helpings — of some of this published work.

Here we present work by the WCS Guatemala Program to encourage greater participation by young people in protecting nature.

1. Researchers held a workshop for youth living in the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Uaxactun, Guatemala to better understand their perspectives and the nature of their connection to local forests and the community as a whole.
2. The workshop revealed strong connections between village youth, their community, and their forest, but also their limited knowledge of community projects and processes.
3. The workshop became the catalyst for participating youth to approach community leaders to request a greater voice and engagement in community decision making and management.

Study and Journal: “Youth, forests and community in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Petén, Guatemala” from World Development Perspectives
WCS Co-Author(s): Julian Zetina (Lead), WCS Guatemala Program ; Roan McNab, WCS Guatemala Program

For more information, contact: Stephen Sautner, 718–220–3682, ssautner@wcs.org.