Young people have a remarkable capacity to drive change. They bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy to societal challenges. They play a crucial role in protecting and preserving the natural world.
On this occasion of International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12, we will be focusing on how technology and social media can help the youth bring about a sustainable ecosystem.
Young people are increasingly recognized as key actors in biodiversity conservation due to their innovative approaches and active involvement in environmental movements. With the advent of technology, social media can be seen as a tool to educate, inspire, motivate, and facilitate communities.
Realising the potential of involving the youth in countering the negative effects of industrialised food systems, the North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS) is training young people hailing from different parts of Khasi and Jaintia Hills on how to use the power of social media to bring about change.
“Yes, we are the present and the future. As a responsible youth, we must preserve and preserve the indigenous way of life, particularly our food system, because as we know – much of it is lost in this world of fast food,” said one of the trainees at NESFAS.
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He also emphasised the need to use social media as a platform to effect change. “We can show to the world the indigenous wonders and ingenuity of a small state like Meghalaya,” he added.
In an interview with Naphi Nongsiej from NESFAS, mobile phones, the internet, and social media are some of the modern tools that are synonymous with the youth. It isn’t a bad thing after all; as youth can effect change with the help of these modern tools.
“As you know, we at NESFAS, are putting in all efforts to promote eating foods that are grown locally and are in season, which supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances. And we also understood the crucial role that the youth can play in this regard,” Nongsiej said.
This is but a small step, she said, adding that through training and exercises like these, “we hope to bring out the unknown and unheard stories and practices of our people.”
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Over the years, NESFAS has been working closely with the communities to promote traditional cooking methods and local food cultures, aiming to preserve and celebrate diverse culinary heritages.
It advocates for sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment, biodiversity, and animal welfare. This includes supporting organic farming and reducing food waste.
