Training and Empowering young conservationists - comments on work plan for new ngo collaboration

[Ellie B]

Hello everyone,

Happy new year! I hope it's gone well for you all so far. 

I've been subscribed to this working group for a while now but so far haven't had a chance to contribute to the discussions much, though I have been following the conversations with interest.

I work at the Zoological Society of London on a variety of programmes, one of which involves devising a strategy for ‘Training and Empowering’ youth in conservation as a part of a new collaboration between ZSL and six other conservation NGOs. We are planning to launch the work programme in mid-2013. I would love the chance to get your thoughts on where you all think the gaps are in conservation training for young people (e.g.project management, marketing, protected area management) and how best we could empower young conservationists (and other young people) to influence policy discussions etc. If you'd be interested in participating in a skype chat on this please let me know. I'll then send out a doodle poll to arrange the meeting. 

Sorry I can't make the working group meeting this weekend - I'm coordinating some training sessions in London. I look forward to seeing the minutes though and am happy to help out if possible. 

Best wishes,

Ellie