connect2earth

This initiative uses new digital technologies to create a way for young people to express and share their ideas and connect with environmentalists as well as with their peers in a new way. The interactive connect2earth website is also available as a mobile version; the goal is to provide to a greater number of people this place to "say what you think and you can add your voice to existing debates on the environment. You can upload your films, images, or words, you can comment on other people entries, you can vote for what catches your eyes. Most of all, you can learn, connect and share....Together we want to connect people like you, people who believe we can make a difference, because together we are a force to foster a more sustainable future."

Those who join the free initiative can connect with like-minded activists from around the world and environmental experts to discuss specific topics such as renewable energy, the species extinction crisis, climate change, and sustainable living. Specifically, WWF and IUCN experts present an overview of a theme chosen for its relevance in the global conservation and economic agenda. Videos, images, and podcasts are designed to enable participants to quickly understand the issues at stake. Questions are provided to stimulate thinking and discussion. Community members can debate by posting text, images, audio, video, and then may follow the discussion live as it plays out on the web or on their mobile phone. connect2earth community members, together with a jury of green experts, then choose a winning contribution, giving that person an opportunity to take even more action.

Specifically, through these contests, connect2earth affords the community and its concerns more visibility on a worldwide level. Every 6 months, one community member will be selected from the top 10 contributors to the site to represent the connect2change community alongside the WWF or IUCN delegation. For instance, one competition brought a member of the community to the World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and gave her the opportunity to speak her mind in front of world leaders. The winner of another contest will be part of an official delegation to the United Nations climate negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark, in late 2009. Other contests will provide hands-on experience in a real on-the-ground conservation project somewhere in the world.

Environment.

The website drew 3 million visitors from 190 countries in its first year.

"connect2earth is a great way for young people to engage with environmentalists, but also for us to learn from young people. They are the future of our planet and they need a voice in the global debate - in both the corridors of power and on the ground," says Julia Marton-Lefèvre, IUCN Director General.