Natural Heritage - Number 18
The Journal of the Natural Heritage Trust
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia
Department of the Environment and Heritage, Summer 2004
ISSN 1440-7256
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About this document
The focus of this issue of Natural Heritage is children and youth involved in environmental projects: highlighting and celebrating their on-ground work and achievements; and their dedication and enthusiasm to learn more about - and help conserve - Australia's diverse environment.
Australia's youth take part in many of the projects funded under the Australian Government's $2.7 billion Natural Heritage Trust and other natural resource management projects. Their involvement in these projects contributes greatly towards environmental recovery and research, and improving sustainable agriculture in their region.
From a wildlife survey project during the final leg of the Windeward Bound circumnavigation around the Australian coastline, to one community's efforts to help clean up their local lagoon, or landholders in a small New South Wales town implementing sustainable farming practices, today's youth are actively involved in issues that concern their environment.
This issue of Natural Heritage highlights some of these individual projects, as well as two major educational programs - the Hands on for Habitat Awards and the Sustainable Schools program - which enable school children to learn more about Australia's environment and provide them with the resources to help improve their schoolyard.
While the bulk of the projects in this issue of Natural Heritage highlight the work of today's youth who are directly involved in environmental projects, there are a few projects featured where youth take part in projects indirectly through their parents' direct involvement.
For example, the farmers of Dorrigo have supported the Trust's Property Management Planning (PMP) program, which enabled them to adopt improved property plans and achieve some real lasting outcomes. Although it is the landholders who participate, their children often learn the skills involved with developing sustainable farm management practices.
The involvement of Australia's young people in environmental learning is a vital part of ensuring a sustainable future for Australia. Through participation in a wide range of activities and experiences, children learn new skills and knowledge and develop newfound wonder and respect for our natural environment.
Ultimately, such activities can lead to changed behaviour in support of the environment, and help young people make better, more informed decisions about the way they live their lives. As is the case with the Dorrigo PMP program, the skills that can be shared and passed on from one generation to another are invaluable and this is evident in the results the farmers are producing.
Youth involvement in environmental projects can also have significant effects on the rest of the community. As children learn and adopt bestpractice environmental behaviour at their schools, they bring home new information and awareness - often motivating whole families to make changes. Today's youth are to be commended for their wonderful efforts and active interest in our environment - they really are the next generation caring for our future.
Dr David Kemp
Australian Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Warren Truss
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
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