Day 1 of the Youth in Landscapes initiative’s workshop, Global Landscapes Forum, Paris
It’s official – the 2015 Youth in Landscapes Initiative has begun! 50 young innovators are working together to solve rights and tenure, finance, landscape restoration, education and water management challenges developed with our partner organisations.
From 1-4 December, our workshop is designed to guide these 50 young people to be the collaborative, compassionate and courageous leaders that landscapes do need and will need far into the future.
The first day of the workshop was dedicated to building the right team spirit among the 50 participants to ensure fruitful collective action during the week. We have realized with years that “fun” and time to get to know each other and to bond as human beings is necessary to creating the right environment for building a common vision, making a difference and coordinating our efforts effectively.
The 50 young innovators started with determining their team agreement: a series of values and principles that would guide the way they will want to work together. They then embarked on a “scavenger hunt”: each group of 10 had to reach several locations in Paris, in a limited time, where an organizing team member was waiting for them, to take a picture with the banner #ThinkLandscape. The team which had reached the most location was the winner. A great way to spread the #ThinkLandscape attitude throughout Paris while building up the team spirits!
In the afternoon, the participants were given the opportunity to meet the mentors of each of the 5 challenges. Indeed while the 50 participants are split into specific challenges, many of them have multi-disciplinary backgrounds and interest in several of the challenges. This session was a chance for them to discuss and learn more about different aspects of landscapes issues and mentors’ expertise.
The room is warmed up. The team is ready for the learning and practicing phase of the workshop!
Find out more about our unique workshop design.
