The EUTT Delegation Kicks off Climate Month

10.07.2020

Throughout the month of July the EU Delegation, in collaboration with the UN Trinidad and Tobago, IAMovement and the Cropper Foundation, is hosting a series of (virtual) activities and dialogues, in order to contribute to mapping a sustainable path forward for the Trinidad and Tobago post-COVID 19.

Throughout the month of July the EU Delegation, in collaboration with the UN Trinidad and Tobago and two noted environmental NGOs - IAMovement and the Cropper Foundation -  is hosting a series of (virtual) activities and dialogues, in order to contribute to mapping a sustainable path forward for the Trinidad and Tobago post-COVID 19. 

 Specifically, these activities are designed to:

  • Reinforce the belief that sustainable development and economic prosperity are not antithetical.
  • Connect with a diverse section of stakeholders (youths, CSOs/NGOs, business and labour, educational institutions, international organizations) to reflect on global problems and identify solutions, and also,
  • Help to reinforce the importance collective action to tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as the climate crisis and environmental degradation. 

The activity is also being implemented in the context of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN@75). The EU is committed to implementing a series of dialogues and consultations in partnership with the international organization as part of the observance.  The GCCA+ projects in Trinidad and Tobago will be highlighted and also the new the EU strategy on Biodiversity, in the context of the EU Green Deal.

The first event, a Watch Party and Community Discussion entitled, Islands of Hope –Protecting and Restoring Our World for Future Generations centred around the screening of two films – Kokota – Islet of Hope – a film  supported by GCCA+ and ‘Metiver’ in Paramin – a film developed by the IAMovement.  Both films effectively highlighted how community effort and simple actions could be used to overcome years of environmental neglect and destruction. 

The dialogue that followed featured key experts, Councillor Kwesi Des Vignes, Secretary for Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment of the Tobago House of Assembly and Ms Vandana Mangroo, social entrepreneur and founder of Hello Green Products.

On the heels of this event came the launch of the Youth Mentorship Programme, with twenty-four budding climate and environmental activists from four Secondary schools – St Joseph Convent, San Fernando, Naparima College, Hillview College and Queens Royal College.  The young people will spend three weeks in dialogue with each other, their teachers and specially selected mentors and develop projects, utilizing the creative arts, to showcase their ideas for a sustainable way forward for Trinidad and Tobago.

Throughout July, the Delegation’s website and social media will be used to advance conversations around climate change and the environment, and highlight the progress of the students, culminating in a final high-level dialogue on July 30th.

 


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