New Brunswick Youth Accord on Biodiversity is released

Fredericton –  The  New Brunswick Youth Biodiversity Accord has received eight endorsements from provincial youth groups and seven citizen-based groups from around the province. The Accord is a collective youth statement directed at the leaders of our province and the general public and is a call to action on biodiversity.

According to the youth accord, “the youth of New Brunswick are extremely concerned about current issues threatening biodiversity in our province. We strongly believe that immediate action is necessary.”

“The youth accord is a message to our province that youth really care about biodiversity and that more action and protection needs to be taken,” said Christina Vietinghoff, a high school student from Fredericton.

Lia Chiasson, a member of EcoAction in Sackville said that, “we need to increase awareness to elevate social concern to see a change in New Brunswick’s approach to matters pertaining to biodiversity.”

“This Accord on Biodiversity is an opportunity for both youth and adults in New Brunswick to take action to help conserve and promote biodiversity,” said Vietinghoff. The Youth Accord on Biodiversity aims to promote the positive work being done as well as address many issues of concern for youth. “The Youth Accord will be a means of bridging the gap of the work being done on biodiversity between all generations,” continued Vietinghoff.

The accord was drafted by two representatives of Eco-Action from Mount Alison University and from the Fredericton High School Environmental Club.  This accord comes during the UN International year of biodiversity.

The full text of the accord and more information can be found at youth.nben.ca.