The 2014 ‘Youth in Landscapes‘ program, part of the Global Landscape Forum (GLF), aimed to give over 200 youth a platform to express their thoughts and ideas on landscape issues and have these ideas represented equally with other stakeholder groups at the 2014 GLF. A 9-month evaluation report provides extensive and in-depth insight into the dynamics of the event and the experiences, learning and interactions of the 2014 young participants at the youth program and wider GLF 2014.
HOW we assessed 2014 ‘Youth in Landscapes program
The methodology undertaken for this evaluation process involved a quantitative and qualitative survey as well as qualitative interviews. Generally, the survey explored how participants felt about their participation, the skills they learned and their ability to apply them in their studies, work or life in general; the value of their interactions with fellow conference attendees and their reflections almost a year after the conference had taken place.
Most of the quantitative questions were followed with a more in-depth question or request for further details in order to enhance understanding of their choices and answers reflecting their experiences. In this report, these qualitative data were presented where applicable/relevant, in order to further explain and consolidate the findings. A total of 22 people started the survey, out of which 13 respondents completed all answers. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with 4 participants in order to gain in-depth and contextual insight into the personal and experiential aspects of these participants’ engagement at the YIL and the wider GLF 2014.
Empowering the youth during and after the program!
The findings highlight the importance and effectiveness of this youth program for enhancing young people’s understanding of the landscapes approach and its inter-linkages with the wider climate change and sustainability themes. The blended-learning methodologies of the Masterclasses (webinars, blogs, and onsite sessions) proved to be particularly important for promoting youth skills in networking at international events, facilitating discussions and confidently articulating personal perspectives, and pitching key ideas for advancing further inspiration and collaboration.
Numerous participants also expressed interest and willingness to be involved with short and medium-term projects beyond the event for community enhancement and partnerships on landscapes issues. Hence, the 2014 ‘Youth in Landscapes’ program has proved to be highly effective in empowering young people to contribute to, as well as to lead change in their communities, and in their personal and professional spheres within the landscapes and sustainability worldview. To sum it up with a participant’s quote: ‘It was one of the best programs I have ever been (involved in), inclusive for youth…It was great to be in the same room with such personalities and leaders and be able to talk to them and learn from them.‘
Read the full 2014 Youth in Landscapes evaluation report.
