YOUTH VIDEO CONTEST

The future of species, ecosystems and human well-being depend on the next generation stepping up and creating proactive solutions to the biodiversity challenge. It is critical that we engage young people in decision-making and implementation of conservation initiatives.  The consequences of these efforts will shape their futures and the world they inherit.

The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) provided a forum for young people to share their actions, perspectives, and passion for biodiversity through new media channels by hosting a video contest, Voices and Visions from the Next Generation of Conservationists, as part of the 9th National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment: Biodiversity in a Rapidly Changing World December 8-10, 2008 in Washington, DC.  The conference aimed to develop a new conservation strategy for the 21st century. There were over 1,000 participants from the scientific, government, business, academic, and environmental and health communities to attend the conference.

We invited persons ages 12 to 25 (individuals or groups of up to 5) to submit a short video (up to 5 minutes) focusing on how today’s youth are and will be addressing the challenges that threaten biodiversity. This contest is now closed.  See the Winners.

The winning videos were showcased at the Voices and Visions from the Next Generation of Conservationists reception and award ceremony at the conference on December 9, 2008, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.  Winning videos were projected on the main screens as well as individual laptop computers throughout the reception room.   Winners received one complimentary registration to the conference, a pass to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and select winners will have their video displayed during the 2009 DC Environmental Film Festival.  Honorable mentions have their videos posted on the NCSE website as recognition of their achievement.

We hope that the videos will serve as a catalyst for promoting dialogue among high school and university students attending the conference during the youth-oriented session, as well as cross-generational learning with government, faculty, business and non-profit staff in attendance.

 Click the link to the left to download a flyer 
 to share with interested youth!!