YouthCOP Cymru – ‘Together for Tomorrow’ an event from Size of Wales
Exploring the critical role of Indigenous Peoples, such as the Guarani, as leaders in tropical forest stewardship and conservation, how we as nations can collaborate, and what actions we can take in the fight against climate change and deforestation.
ProVeg joined Size of Wales for their YouthCOP Cymru event in November at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff. The event provided a fantastic platform for young people to learn about climate change, equipping participants with skills like negotiating, problem-solving, and understanding other cultures.
Size of Wales is an organisation working with indigenous and local people worldwide to grow trees and protect at least 2 million hectares of tropical forests – an area the size of Wales.
120 pupils aged 9 to 14 from schools across South Wales joined for the event, taking part in interactive workshops and discussions, and exploring how Wales can take meaningful action to support climate justice and biodiversity across the globe.
Martin Skingley, ProVeg’s Education Manager, was part of a panel at the event: “It was a privilege to sit on the ‘Take a seat at the table’ panel with such diverse and impactful individuals, including Wales’ Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies. The panel explored the topic ‘How can we work together to end deforestation by 2030?’ The pupils had the opportunity to share their deforestation-free school meal adaptations that I supported them with during the workshops, and posed questions that generated discussion around the impact of food and positive steps towards a more sustainable future.”
Following a video message from the Guarani Indigenous Peoples in Brazil, who attended COP30 in Belém, the pupils examined the connection between the Guarani Indigenous People of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, soy, and their school meals. They considered the benefits of sourcing and growing local food, boosting plants on plates, eating less and better meat, and being a global leader on sustainable food.
On Wales’ promising conversations around sustainable food, Polly Higginson, ProVeg UK’s Programme Coordinator for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, said, “It is amazing to have worked alongside The Size of Wales and be part of their YouthCOP to teach young people about the global impact of their food choices and where their food comes from. We hope to be able to continue our work in Wales and support pupils, schools and councils to serve more plant-rich food that is vital for the health of the planet.”
Find out more about the crucial work of Size of Wales here, and for any schools in Wales that would like to work with us to explore more healthy and sustainable options for school menus – take a look at our School Plates programme.
