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Collaborative Workshop with Voyage and the Zoological Society of London
Inspiring Youth Voices: A Collaborative Workshop with Voyage and ZSL
Voyage recently partnered with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to deliver a workshop designed to amplify youth voices and explore the connections between career aspirations and nature. This initiative was part of ZSL’s broader mission to inspire the next generation of wildlife conservationists while fostering advocacy for nature among diverse communities.
The workshop was held as a focus group, facilitated by members of the ZSL Youth Advisory Board and supported by ZSL staff. Targeted at young people aged 16 to 25 from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income households, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities, the session aimed to ensure these voices are heard in the conservation sector—a space that has long lacked diversity.
Engaging Conversations About Careers and Nature
Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on their career aspirations and their feelings about nature. The two-hour session offered a platform for participants to share their experiences and perspectives while learning more about opportunities in the conservation sector.
One key goal of the workshop was to identify barriers that young people face in accessing careers connected to nature and to explore how these challenges might be addressed. The discussions, guided by Youth Advisory Board members, provided valuable insights into how young people perceive their opportunities and connections to the natural world.
Why This Matters
ZSL and Voyage share a vision of a world where wildlife thrives, but this depends on nurturing a diverse and inclusive generation of conservation advocates. By involving young people from different backgrounds in conversations, this initiative highlights the importance of broadening the scope of who gets to participate in conservation work. For many participants, this was an opportunity to learn about career options they had never previously considered and to connect with peers who share similar aspirations.