27/02/2024
Young people from the Scheldt Youth Parliament gathered in Zeeland, Netherlands, for two very motivating days (25 and 26 January 2024) focused on the subject of "Rights of the Scheldt."
The event primarily took place at the HZ University of Applied Sciences in Middelburg, situated near the water along the city canal and the larger canal between Middelburg and Vlissingen, providing an ideal opportunity to explore the Scheldt.
On the first day, coinciding with the 33.3-year anniversary of water management at HZ, young people from SYP, along with other students, teachers, and associations, participated in several workshops. These included a "deep mapping" workshop for the Scheldt, discussions on "Rights of Nature or Rights for Nature?", considerations about future generations and delta waters, and reflections on expanding practical work and strengthening impact, as well as strategies for engaging both young and older people in participation.
On the second day, participants enjoyed a speech titled "Water Doesn’t Stop at Borders" by Eva den Boer, Deputy Mayor of Nath Sea and advocate for Youth & Water towards the UN 2023 Water Conference, followed by a workshop on plastic pollution.
SYP also took part to an exciting beach clean-up, led by Jan, one of SYP's youth members, under the bright sunshine. During lunch and dinner, brainstorming sessions on the functioning of SYP took place near the Scheldt. This provided an opportunity to connect with the Green Office of HZ, which works tirelessly every day on the preservation and management of the Scheldt basin area. Efforts are underway to secure funding for collaboration between HZ and SYP.
Are you between 16 and 27 years old ? Do you live in the Scheldt Basin area ? Do you want to be part of SYP ? Interesting to participate to futher youth exchanges ? 😊
Please contact Laurence : [email protected]
Agence de L'eau Artois Picardie GoodPlanet Belgium HZ University of Applied Sciences ERASMUS+ Projects HZ Green Office CBK Zeeland Ambassade van de Noordzee