A Child Shall
Lead Them 

A critical but discerning assessment would indicate that our society is largely overconsuming.
Tobago even as a small island developing state in the Caribbean, though miniscule in population size in comparison to some other regional neighbours, contributes in some shape or form to this. 
We are effectively demanding too much from our planet and having an unsustainable ecological footprint. One challenge that we face is not just protection and conservation of forests and other sensitive ecosystems, but rather having the will and a system where justice is served against those that perpetrate harmful or detrimental acts in or around the natural environment.  

A typical example of this would be at the foothills of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago.
As is customary in any society there is a need for refuse, whether building material, garbage or even plastics specifically to be disposed of. Having a grasp of the 'underground' but yet glaringly obvious network of wrong doing,illegal dumping and other heinous acts of environmental sins continue to plague our society, and is part of a larger issue. The obvious 'go to' in such a situation would be to blame the legal framework or 'powers that be', when really and truly there are systems and legislation in place for such acts to be dealt with accordingly.

The real challenge is enforcement, and bringing our protective services and perhaps even those that are charged with the responsibility of being gatekeepers for environmental conservation up to speed on how to catch and prosecute effectively the miscreants that exist in our space. In reality this is but an elusive goal, but even a child as early as in the primary school system can become a change marker that leads the charge for the next generation. 

Again, while our education system boasts of wonderful literature pertaining to papa bois, and other fictitious characters that are described as  'those that live with nature or in nature' or even in papa bois' case 'a protector of the forest', can we now utilize such literature and gusto that our teachers and said education system encourages,to redirect the course of our history as it relates to the natural environment? This is a big 'if', and a waiting game.. an unkind game that time, climate change and the continued destruction of our world as we know it will face before the next generation can even spring forth from their embryonic stages of development.

Education and its framework.
Here in Tobago, the emphasis on education rests heavily on the ability for a child,and by extension their families to seek betterment, or a climb up the perpetual economic ladder. In so doing, the values that are instilled in children surround a need for material possessions, consumerism and doing things 'in big', as a valiant and perverse showpiece of dollar value in a home, a vehicle, or even many other consumerism based, ego-driven possessions. Flexing of muscles of spending power is not prohibited in any shape or form, but the effort to reign supreme in one's own kingdom, should also take into account the need for the very food that we eat, where it comes from, and the environment to which provides for the basic needs of our very existence as human beings.

An education system which boasts of being a blend of that which is handed down from the colonial past, and several culturally submerged norms and principles, gives a clear indication that now in our changing world, there is a need for revamping and aggressive insertion of principles that engender a sense of pride and protection for the environment.

In biblical terminologies, "The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them", and we can see how even from the earliest understanding of literature, that children play a key and pivotal role in leadership. Education should now doubly emphasize the need to deeply embed in the minds of the youngsters this drive, passion, need to protect, conserve and preserve.

Utilizing Existing Structures:
A good start would be to tap into the Police Youth Clubs, Agriculture and Environmental Science Clubs at the schools, which already have a head start in creating community based initiatives where children feel that they are a part of or belong to something. Further to the expected cultural extravaganza including harvests, community projects such as rehabilitation of physical spaces and keeping good hope alive for gathering areas for young people to showcase their talents, it is imperative for such groups to take their roles and responsibilities very seriously as agents for change in our society. Creation of food banks teaching the value of financial literacy through crop cultivation on a small scale, and encouraging trade negotiations between various groups can go a long way in inspiring and pointing children in the direction of sustainable livelihood practices.

Just as mentioned earlier the dollar value is always emphasized in our society, so if children from an early age can appreciate that there is money to be made and based on their 'green thumb' exploits , and economic upliftment through a traditionally sidelined profession. In today’s world, agricultural practitioners and the like are seen as part of this movement to combat climate change, poverty and hunger. This aligns smoothly and quite intricately with the sustainable development goals, and the SDG agenda.

If children can see the value of their contributions in whatever small or seemingly insignificant way, and match this with dollar value and the ability to thrive on a business level, you can now boast of a society that encourages, assists and guides young people in the direction of sustainability and appreciation for the natural environment that exists all around them. 

Youth, Climate Climate Action and Forum Development:
As the impacts of climate change intensify with each passing year, more young people globally have joined the movement for positive change. By leading out in discussions around climate change, they are also spreading awareness and motivating others to take action. Tobago now has an opportunity through the said police youth clubs, school based groups and other community interest groups to forge forward with forums that encourage young people to use their skills, talents and oratory prowess
(as done in the Youth Assembly Legislature sessions). Such empowering forums enable young voices to be heard on what they believe can benefit Tobago and by extension give them the opportunity to connect with regional counterparts who are like minded. Organizations such as UNESCO and UNICEF as well as UNDP, all stand resolutely to support whether it may be  financially or otherwise to such initiatives and forums geared towards youth involvement in climate action and environmental awareness. 

Why youth empowerment and leadership is important to any developing society:
Youth development is a process that prepares a young person to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood and achieve his or her full potential. This is promoted through activities and experiences that help youth develop social, ethical, emotional, physical, and cognitive competencies. Youth leadership is part of the youth development process and supports the young person in developing  the ability to analyze his or her own strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and abilities to carry them out.

This includes the ability to establish support networks in order to fully participate in community life and effect positive social change. This sort of framework also assists with developing the ability to guide or direct others on a course of action, influence the opinions and behaviors of others, and serve as a role model.

What better cause than the environment to create role models and heroes? Our young people can now take up the mantle of those that have gone before us to champion efforts that may seem minimal from the face of it, but in the long term, be a shining beacon of hope for those that exist on this island and by extension our twin island republic. 

This is indeed a wonderful opportunity for even your friendly environmental standard bearer, Environment Tobago, to invite you to get involved, get active and together serve the environment, as it seeks to serve us in like manner once protected and looked after.

Your membership, your contributions and your continued support is always welcomed as we continue to navigate through the affairs of our island, our nation, our region and our world as we know it.  Young people, words are not enough. Without action ,a climate catastrophe is coming for all of us.