Recognition of National MaB Youth Focal Points

The Secretariat of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme recently announced the formal recognition of the appointment of Naíde Silva as the National MaB Youth Focal Point and Valter Afonso as the National MaB Youth Deputy Focal Point for Portugal.

In the words of Anabela Trindade, President of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MaB) National Committee, this designation «not only represents an appreciation of the work carried out by young people within the MaB Program, but also encourages the active participation of new generations in promoting sustainable development, conserving biodiversity, and strengthening education, research, and network cooperation.»

Naíde Silva and Valter Afonso have been working hard to set up the Youth Network of Portuguese Biosphere Reserves, together with 13 other representatives from these territories. The network was launched at the 1st Youth Forum of the Portuguese Biosphere Reserves, held in May at the Graciosa Biosphere Reserve.