FCD Environmental Youth Group signs declaration with partner group in Guatemala

Youths who live along the border communities in Belize and Guatemala got together earlier this month for a bi-national youth exchange. The two-day event was held in Peten, Guatemala where the youth programme reviewed their work plans and signed a declaration that outlines the community work they hope to do along the border. With help from our correspondent Aurelio Sho, reporter Andrea Polanco has put together a story to share what happened between the two environmental groups. Here’s more.

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

The Friends for Conservation and Development Youth Group travelled to Guatemala earlier this month for a Bi-National Youth Exchange.  They signed an important document with their counterparts which will guide them to strengthen their environmental work in both countries.

Ricky Cunil, Acting President, FCD Environmental Youth Group

Ricky Cunil

“The declaration is important because we are highlighting the problems affecting our environment, as well as reaffirming and committing ourselves to protect the environment; carry out more clean up campaigns; more educational campaigns so that the people know that pollution is something that affects us across the border. It is also to make recommendations to our local governments to take action.”

Cindy Sagastume is a university student and also a member of the Todos por Mundo Verde youth group in Guatemala. She says she got involved because she wants to see both countries work together to preserve the natural resources that they benefit from.

Cindy Sagastume

Cindy Sagastume, Representative, Todos por Mundo Verde Youth Group

“All of us have a common goal – which is the natural environment, primarily the things that unify us like the Mopan River and the Chiquibul. Both of our countries are dependent on these resources.”

The project is funded with support from the Canada Fund for local initiatives and brings together youth from Belize and Guatemala.

Esther Sanchez Sho, Programme Director, FCD

Esther Sanchez Sho

“We are here to bring both groups together; our FCD Environmental Youth Group and the environmental group in Melchor Todos por Mundo Verde which is compromised from communities around those areas. So, they are here today to look at what has been accomplished in their communities in terms of their conservation actions but more importantly they have presented a declaration which has come from them as a bi-national youth group working together. The group here in Guatemala is a rather new youth group and the one in Belize is also being strengthened. I think for both groups they are working on their organization capacities; on their leadership. So, I think with that then they are better positioned to continue the work in their communities. Overall, I think they are very much committed to taking action and making a difference in their communities and I think that was manifested in the declaration as well.  So, I think for them the work will continue and for us as FCD it is also important for us to provide that support that they will need to continue on with their effort.”

Andrea Polanco Reporting for News Five.