Why do we need to spark conversations with cultural communities traditionally excluded from conservation discussion? Simple, says student leader Yoko Lu: it’s how lasting change is created. Yoko spoke with us between classes to share her vision for how to balance nature and people – and why young people are best positioned to make her vision a reality.
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Why does nature matter to you?
Nature matters to me because we are part of nature. Because we are a part of nature, we have to appreciate it and try to improve the health of nature. Nature and humans are intertwined. And for high school students, it’s really important to show why nature matters, and we should all use our passion and knowledge to empower the next generation to help nature in new ways.
You’ve worked to engage new Canadians and different cultural communities in conservation. Why?
When I left China, I was 6 years old. It’s much better now, but (to find people who understand and appreciate nature) it really depends on their education and what they are passionate about. Now in Canada, I live in a city where I’m surrounded by Chinese people and, from my perspective, in Chinese culture, not many people associate with nature. I find that East Asians are far away from a mindset of thinking about nature. I only got into volunteering in nature in grade 12 because an organization came to my school and introduced this volunteer position to us, so it was my first experience. As a result, I studied environmental science in university and I was surrounded by people who studied nature, which was different. My passion was born and I wanted to help spark it in other communities who aren’t connected to nature.
What was it about nature that inspired you to go from loving nature to taking action?
My classmate told me about a volunteer opportunity at a local regional park. And I loved it. Then after that, I was thinking more about nature and wildlife. The more I learned about wildlife, the more I wanted to help. It started with a club at my school and then I was involved in a local student led Non-Profit Organization. Then I joined the board of an environmental organization. The more I got involved, the more chances I had to lead. Volunteering is a good first step. it. If students have an idea for change they want to see, they can start with small steps and, with each step, think about how they can do more.
Why do you think nature and the environment doesn’t always resonate as strongly with some cultural communities?
Where I lived (in Vancouver), over 95% (of my peers) were Chinese, so it was a different environment. I think it really think loving nature depends on where you grow up, and what opportunities are around you. As an immigrant student, your interests really depend on the people around you, our families. If they’re not interested, nor are you. But when I was exposed to nature, I loved it. I think it would be useful if local organizations did more outreach in schools, because that creates awareness about nature that might not have existed before.
We know that the environment can divide nationally and provincially. From what you’ve seen, can nature unite at a local level and is that, maybe, where meaningful solutions need to start? Or do local solutions, often imbedded in regionalism, lack the type of context needed to lead toward big change?
You can’t run until you learn how to walk. And you can’t effectively advocate for big changes around the world until you’ve learned to do it at a smaller level. In Metro Vancouver these days, there are plenty of municipalities debating climate change policies. They all know that it won’t make big changes to people’s environment. But many are moving forward because ultimately, that’s how they can enact change.
What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you knew at 15?
You’re going to have disappointments, but you also have lots and lots of time to figure things out!
What do you think?
Yoko is a passionate young leader who has made a difference while developing her skills and advancing her career opportunities.
• How can we find volunteer opportunities earlier? Can it also help us gain job experience for the careers we want to pursue while doing good?
• How can we all help be better nature educators?
• Do we need to do a better job of bringing more cultures into the conservation conversation?
• What steps can we all take to engage the unengaged – whether it’s ourselves or someone we know – in community conversations, like fostering better stewardship?
• Do young leaders have a greater ability to bridge divides – cultural or otherwise – than adults?
Over to you.