Young people have an intrinsic desire to protect what they’re a part of.
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) is working to engage youth and educate residents to become stewards of change through its Life in a Living Laboratory campaign.
The Noosa Shire is one of five UNESCO biosphere reserve sites in Australia, a place where conservation, sustainable development and learning are at the heart.
In the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, we’re leading innovation, tackling challenges, and finding solutions for the future. Here, research happens in real environments opening opportunities for young people to take positive action and apply interests.
As part of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve is part of a global network sharing knowledge and seeking solutions to similar challenges, with youth paramount to the answers.
“We want to amplify young voices with opportunities to contribute their views on the world and find ways to participate in the Foundation’s work and across the Noosa Biosphere Reserve,” said Garry Hamilton, NBRF program manager.
This year, the Foundation welcomed 15 year old Jarrah Small as the youth advocate to its board. Jarrah attends monthly board meetings providing the NBRF opportunity to learn directly from youth in the Noosa Biosphere.
Jarrah says living in a biosphere reserve offers added opportunities to young people.
“There are so many incredible organisations, businesses, scientists and fellow conservationists to learn from and actively participate with, which have all contributed in some way to my conservation work,” said Jarrah.
Across the Noosa Shire, Noosa and District Landcare offer an accredited and paid traineeship, perfect for young people to commence a career in conservation. Organisations such as Plastic Free Noosa and Surfrider Sunshine Coast invite volunteers for beach clean-ups and sustainable events where you’ll not only be part of the solution but also meet like-minded people.
NBRF enable education and engagement opportunities by partnering with community stakeholders. Through its MOU with UniSC, NBRF supports the Green Ambassadors program and is co-funding three PhD research projects.
Through seed funding from the NBRF, the Noosa Environmental Education Hub is now successfully working with schools across the Shire and has developed the Noosa Youth Advocacy Group for young people to explore interests and provide career pathways.
Noosa Environmental Education Hub – engaging schools
Noosa EEHub actively works within schools to engender the ideology that we are all custodians of place under a shared history.
Noosa EEHub co-founder, Dalia Mikhail says using real life examples to teach essential curriculum has made a positive difference to student interest and understanding of our local environs.
“Schools can participate in active learning within the Noosa Biosphere through projects like Bushfires in the Biosphere and monitoring of the Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration project.”
Noosa EEHub is currently working with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation to produce a Noosa Biosphere education resource that will be available to all schools. The curriculum-aligned resource package will provide an overview of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, including local ecosystems and Kabi Kabi knowledge for use by teachers.
Noosa Youth Advocacy Group – empowering young voices
The Noosa Youth Advocacy Group (NYAG) is an initiative of the Noosa EEHub and is a space to share ideas and to connect with local environmental groups for work experience and career pathways.
The group recently held the 2024 Youth Climate Conference on Reconciliation Day, 27 May, as part of a month-long Youth Art Exhibition. The group are actively working on new opportunities including a textile art event, and potentially a youth radio program with Noosa FM for young people to learn broadcasting and connect with peers on matters important to them outside of social media. The NYAG meets on the last Wednesday of every month and invites school environment leaders and young people with shared interests to get involved.
Noosa Biosphere Awards – celebrating achievements
The NBRF’s annual Noosa Biosphere Awards provide a platform to celebrate achievements and give much deserved recognition to those having a positive impact in our Shire. There are six categories for entry recognising social impact, conservation, environmental stewardship, business and innovation.
The Young Environmental Steward Award recognises the outstanding contribution to the environment by an individual aged between 10 and 30 years. Nominate someone or submit an entry before the closing date of 8 September.
For more information about ways to get involved in our Noosa Biosphere, visit noosabiosphere.org.au or email secretariat@noosabiosphere.org.au
Young voices of the Noosa Biosphere
Jarrah Small, 15
Youth conservationist, Noosa Biosphere Awards – Young Eco Leader 2022 Winner
What are you currently involved in?
I recently presented to Dr Jane Goodall in Sydney about my conservation work here in Noosa. I am busy rescuing injured wildlife, removing fishing line and tackle and pollution from their homes, and speaking at events educating and inspiring others to take care of our environment.
Why is conservation important to you?
Ecosystems and wildlife can’t protect themselves. It’s up to us to be their voice, to take action, to educate the next generations and inspire them to do the same.
What does living in a biosphere mean to you?
Noosa is a place where we have greater opportunities to create a community where humans can coexist with our natural world without dominating it and destroying it.
Taylor Ladd-Hudson, 15
Ocean conservationist, Noosa Biosphere Awards – Young Eco Leader 2023 Winner
What are you currently up to?
I’m currently working with kids across the coast talking to schools about the importance of sharks in our ocean ecosystems. I’m regularly diving alongside the critically endangered grey nurse shark taking photos of their unique spots and working with scientists to help establish a possible population number along the east coast. I’m talking to State and local decision-makers about alternatives available now to trial and replace the outdated shark control program.
Why does this matter, now?
I never intended on becoming a conservationist at such a young age. It was necessary because I needed to protect what I love because it could easily disappear in my lifetime. We need a healthy ocean and a healthy ocean includes sharks!
Why is it important to empower young voices?
I believe kids are the game changers to ocean conservation. I have discovered kids are well-educated about environmental problems so it’s important we empower young voices and let them know they can make a difference, big or small.
Jade Leaman, 18
Sustainable Fashion student
What are you currently up to?
I am a year 12 student working on completing my last few exams. I’m working on a few designs/creative projects and the NYAG, and looking forward to pursuing fashion design studies next year.
What’s important to you?
Sustainability is the future of fashion. The fashion industry must be taking steps to reduce overconsumption and waste. Doing this can be as simple as choosing to upcycle a garment, supporting local designers, or buying second-hand.
Why does it matter, now?
I think if not now, then when? If we want to see change and create change, then why wait for other people?
What opportunities has living in Noosa provided?
NYAG is an amazing group to be involved in it. It provided me with many opportunities within fashion, and allowed me to showcase my first collection “FLORA”.
Jolie May, 19
Marine Science student
What’s your special area of interest?
I’m super interested in how science and research can be translated and shown to the public, whether that’s through art, documentaries, speeches, articles! I’m passionate about the ocean, after moving from Noosa to Tasmania and now Fiji, this passion has only grown.
What are you currently up to?
I am studying my marine science degree at University of the South Pacific in Fiji for a semester undertaking an internship with a coral gardening organisation. After this, I have 1 year left of my Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic science in Hobart.
What opportunities did living in Noosa provide?
I am so lucky to have grown up in Noosa. Exploring beautiful ecosystems from the beaches, national park, the river and everglades since I was little has shaped me into the person I am and my love for the environment. Some of my first interactions with conservation and advocacy were through the Noosa Youth Advocacy Group. It was here I had the opportunity to gain work experience with the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association on the Noosa Oyster Restoration project and was then part of the Oyster Gardener documentary (available on ABC iView).
Why is it important to empower young voices?
Young people bring fresh perspectives and a strong sense of urgency to pressing issues. We’re passionate about saving the beautiful places we’ve grown up in.
