Youth Resiliency and Biodiversity

Abstract

Perceived risks due to various disasters are now a reality as more and more physical impacts of disturbance have been experienced by the different sectors of society across the regions. Children are and remain to be the most vulnerable sector during natural disasters. The study highlights the impact of the project EarthWarriors for Biodiversity: An Interactive Learning Program for the Youth undertaken among grade school students of Los Banos National High School and Tuntungin-Putho Integrated National High School last 18 June 2019 at Mount Makiling ASEAN Heritage Park. Using the Kirkpatrick model, the project was evaluated on four levels of learning, namely; reaction, learning, behaviour, and result. Based on a survey and focus group discussions conducted, the students realized their potential as caretakers of the Earth. Biodiversity becomes a very concrete concept in relation to climate change and environmental issues. Increasing their awareness regarding biodiversity effects attitudinal and behavioural changes that enable them to be responsible stewards of the Earth. Engaging them to take on a more proactive role in protecting the environment by utilizing their social capital turns their vulnerability into resiliency. It capacitates them to empower other youth to become active environmental agents and partners in conserving biodiversity and protecting the Earth.