E-discussion summary: The Young Can Do! Let’s Protect Forests with Our Hands

An e-discussion on ‘The Young Can Do! Let’s Protect Forests with Our Hands’ ran in the APMN discussion list from 29 April to 27 May 2009, attracting 30 contributions. The e-discussion was initiated in response to a news post on a sustainability website in Japan listed on 22 April 2009. Contributions came from a diverse spectrum of participants including academicians, development practitioners, researchers, and students, and encompassed shared experiences, detailed plans, best practices, and specifi c case studies on conservation, development, and disasters. Issues covered included the relationship between development and conservation; tensions between land use for residence/livelihoods and by protected areas; and the engagement of youth in development/conservation processes. Case studies of young people catalysing change were also shared. Above all, discussants were very optimistic about the inclusion of youth in conservation and development efforts.