Youth Think Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway

Theme: Youth! Let’s save the Flyway with your innovation!

Posters in Burmese, Filipino, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Mongolian

Deadline: 17th November 2021 (23:59 KST)


Brief introduction

The Youth Think Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway is continuing the vision from the 2020 Flyway Youth Forum to achieve the goal: “Youth along the EAA Flyway are actively participating in the conservation of wetlands and migratory waterbirds at different levels, from policy and decision-making to grassroots and local community, making positive changes in their local to global communities.”

The Competition aims to motivate young people in the EAA Flyway who are keen to contribute to conservation for migratory waterbirds and their habitats to actively engage in the conservation of wetlands and migratory waterbirds in different aspects and levels. Teams will be awarded financially to start up the winning projects, with coaching from experienced mentors. At the same time, we hope to equip and strengthen the skills of youth in conservation.

The objectives of YouthThink Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway are:

  1. INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTATION – The Think Tank Competition will motivate young people in the EAA Flyway who are keen to contribute to conservation for migratory waterbirds and their habitats to actively engage in conservation of wetlands and migratory waterbirds in different aspects and levels, and to motivate innovative ideas for conservation.
  1. CAPACITY BUILDING – The Think Tank Competition will include training workshops on topics useful to young conservationists. By equipping youth with knowledge and skills to engage in conservation on migratory watebirds and wetlands, we also hope to build confidence and network among young people on operating a project for conservation of migratory waterbirds and wetlands in our Flyway.

Programme

Part 1. Youth Think Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway

Application period: 17th September to November 22nd , 2021

Application link: https://flywaythinktank.awardsplatform.com/

Application eligibility :

  • Aged 18-29(under 30 on the date of application)
  • Nationality of applicants within EAA Flyway range countries is priority. However, we welcome team members to team up with youth from other Flyways, but cannot be more than half of the number of all team members.
  • Applicant can apply as individual or in team (encouraged to form a team, max. 5)
  • All team members must be early-career conservationists with no more than five years of work experience in the conservation sector. University students are eligible.
  • The proposed project needs to focus on migratory waterbirds in EAA Flyway (i.e. implementation of projects within EAA Flyway countries).
  • The proposed project has to be new work, not part of existing or for continuing past projects or studies.

Before you apply, please read the Competition’s guidelines and rules [here]. 

Competition focus 

  • Science : study or monitoring a-on migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats, including study if indigenious conservation methods
  • Society: work on engaging local communities in conservation or site management, such as applying community-based convervation methods
  • Education and awarness-raising: Products and programme for local communities or general pubic, campaign to raise awareness, advocacy, story-telling etc.

Target Audience

Young conservationists, green youth groups, local and international NGOs young staffs, university students, etc.

Submission Materials 

Phase 1 : Proposal submit via the online platform

3 minutes video pitch

Phase 2: 5 Finalist project final reports

Project Video

Open-Online presentation

Prizes

Phase 1 awards:

  • USD 3000 for implementation to finalist projects
  • Mentorship

Phase 2 awards

  • Overall champion nominated as EAAFP youth ambassador
  • Opportunity to participate in international events (subject to COVID restriction)

How to apply

Proposal writing

  • Before the proposal writing, please read the Competition Guidelines and Rules (link of the pdf) to understand the rules, eligibility, format and timeline
  • Applications must be written in English
  • Submission of the proposal should be by the (lead) applicant via the online platform at here, a registration account should be created.
  • You can log in multiple times to the registered account to amend the application before the deadline. Once the deadline is passed, the applicants cannot amend it except upon request.

Video pitch

  • 3 mins video to describe your project idea, which includes
  1. Self/Team introduction
  2. Introduction of project background
  3. Conservation challenge
  4. Objectives
  5. Methodology
  6. Expected results
  • Language: English
  • The video has to be uploaded to Youtube or Vimeo, the link needs to be placed in the application form

<The judging criteria>

The proposals would be selected by judging panel base on the following five criteria:

  • Practicality and feasibility – if the project is implementable within the competition period
  • Impact – The applicant has to explain and demonstrate how the project would bring positive impact to tackle certain environmental problems.
  • Scientific accuracy – we require accurate understanding and information on migratory waterbirds, wetlands and subject of the proposed project.
  • Scalability and replicability – the idea’s potential to be scaled up and replicated, be it at site, regional, national, or global level
  • Degree of Innovation – we encourage new ideas, for doing scientific studies, solving social issues related to the environment, and technology and skill for CEPA

<Announcement of Top 5 finalists in Phase I >

On 23rd December 2021, The results of the “Youth Think Tank Competition for EAA Flyway” Phase I was announced. Five finalist teams of youth from China, the Philippines and Indonesia, who challenge themselves to take action in the conservation of wetlands and migratory waterbirds in East Asian-Australasian Flyway, were selected. Check [here] to see the finalist teams! We also express our gratitude to the Judges for the judging processes.

Part 2: Capacity building for youth – Training Workshops

Topics:

  • 1st workshop: Understanding global agenda for environment and how youth are engaged – Include training on project planning and proposal writing (Nov 2021)
  • 2ndworkshop: Practical implementation initiatives, Local community engagement, – Include training on project management and fund-raising (May, 2022)
  • 3rdworkshop: Communication (story-telling and scientific communication) and project evaluation, impact measurement (August, 2022)

 

1st workshop

Understanding global agenda for environment and how youth are engaged – Include training on project planning and proposal writing (Nov 2021)

 

Date: 6th -7th November 2021 (Saturday and Sunday)

Part 1. webinar  “Understand global agenda for environment and how youth are engaged”

  • Date and time: 6th Nov (1.5 hours)
  • Quota: 100

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsf-qqrT4vHdNjwwCvLYfuF274M_gcunEA

Deadlines of registration: 2 Nov, 2021 (23:59 KST)Details and eligibility: https://www.eaaflyway.net/think-tank-competition-1st-workshop/

Target Audience

  • Young conservationists, green youth groups, local and international NGOs young staffs, university students, etc.

Note

  • Attending 2/3 or 3 workshops will recive certificates
  • Finalist project teams from Think Tank Competition Part 1 need to attend all 3 workshops

Details and eligibility: https://www.eaaflyway.net/think-tank-competition-1st-workshop/

Playback of the workshop: https://www.eaaflyway.net/eaaf-youth-think-tank-1st-workshop/

 

 

 

2nd workshop (May 2022)

Engaging Local Communities in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands
Includes training on Engaging local communities 

Date: 28 – 29 May 2022 (Saturday and Sunday)

Part 1. Webinar  “Introduction of concept of Nature-based solutions and engaging local community in conservation”

  • Date and time: 28 May 2022 3-4pm KST.
  • Quota: 50
  • Registration: link
  • Registration Deadline: 13 May 2022 (23:59 KST)

Part 2. In-depth Workshop
“Engaging Local Communities”

  • Date and time: 28-29 May 5-7pm KST.
  • Quota: 30
  • Registration: link
  • Registration Deadline: 13 May 2022 (23:59 KST)

Target Audience

  • Young conservationists, green youth groups, local and international NGOs young staffs, university students, etc.

Note

  • We are using Zoom for the webinars and workshop. Please download the Zoom App (https://zoom.us/download) prior to the workshop.
  • Successful applicants to the In-depth workshop will receive a separate email for the Zoom link and workshop rundown.
  • It is a series of four workshops, only those who attend at least two In-depth workshops of the Youth Think Tank Competition Programme will receive a certificate of participation.

Details and eligibility:

  • Aged 18-29(under 30 on the date of application)
  • Applicants with a nationality from EAA Flyway countries will be given priority to join
  • Applicants to the EAAFP Youth Think Tank Competition will be given priority to join

For more: https://www.eaaflyway.net/think-tank-competition-2nd-workshop/

Playback of the workshop: https://www.eaaflyway.net/eaaf-youth-think-tank-2nd-workshop/

 

3rd workshop (August 2022)

Project Management

Date: 6 – 7 August 2022 (Saturday and Sunday)

In-depth Workshop Day 1 “Local Framework on Project Plan and Fundraising”

  • Date and time: 6 Aug 2022 (3-5pm KST)

In-depth Workshop Day 2 “Project Evaluation and Impact Measurement”

  • Date and time: 7 August 2022 (3-5pm KST)

Registrations:

  • Quota: 30
  • Registration: link
  • Registration Deadline: 13 May 2022 (23:59 KST)

Target Audience

  • Young conservationists, green youth groups, local and international NGOs young staffs, university students, etc.

Note

  • We are using Zoom for the webinars and workshop. Please download the Zoom App (https://zoom.us/download) prior to the workshop.
  • Successful applicants to the In-depth workshop will receive a separate email for the Zoom link and workshop rundown.
  • It is a series of four workshops, only those who attend at least two In-depth workshops of the Youth Think Tank Competition Programme will receive a certificate of participation.

Details and eligibility:

  • Aged 18-29(under 30 on the date of application)
  • Applicants with a nationality from EAA Flyway countries will be given priority to join
  • Applicants to the EAAFP Youth Think Tank Competition will be given priority to join

For more: https://www.eaaflyway.net/think-tank-competition-3rd-workshop/

Playback of the workshop: https://www.eaaflyway.net/eaaf-youth-think-tank-3rd-workshop/

 

4th workshop (September 2022)

Conservation Communication and Storytelling

Date: 17 – 18 September 2022 (Saturday and Sunday)

Part 1. Webinar “Understanding the importance of Conservation Communication and Storytelling”

  • Date and time: 17 September 2022 3-4pm KST.
  • Registration: link
  • Registration Deadline: 11 September 2022 (23:59 KST)

 

Part 2. In-depth Workshop
“Engaging Local Communities”

  • Date and time:
    • Day 1: 17 September 5 – 7pm KST
    • Day 2: 18 September 3 – 5pm KST
  • Quota: 30
  • Registration: link
  • Registration Deadline: 11 September 2022 (23:59 KST)

Target Audience

  • Young conservationists, green youth groups, local and international NGOs young staffs, university students, etc.

Note

  • We are using Zoom for the webinars and workshop. Please download the Zoom App (https://zoom.us/download) prior to the workshop.
  • Successful applicants to the In-depth workshop will receive a separate email for the Zoom link and workshop rundown.
  • It is a series of four workshops, only those who attend at least two In-depth workshops of the Youth Think Tank Competition Programme will receive a certificate of participation.

Details and eligibility:

  • Aged 18-29(under 30 on the date of application)
  • Applicants with a nationality from EAA Flyway countries will be given priority to join
  • Applicants to the EAAFP Youth Think Tank Competition will be given priority to join

For more: https://www.eaaflyway.net/think-tank-competition-4th-workshop/

Playback of the workshop: Coming Soon

 

Closing Ceremony (October)

After a wonderful 2-year-long journey, the Youth Think Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway is coming to an end.
Register to learn what the 5 selected teams have accomplished, find out who the winner is and join in the celebrations!

                  • Date and time: 22 October 2022 3-4:30pm KST.
                  • Tool: Zoom
                  • Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oceuppzksE9LHNSozuIANvpv9OdUUeQXp

<Project Teams>

1. Project Lupad (The Philippines)
2. Seabirds of Tubbataha (The Philippines)
3. New Approach of Environment Education in Dongting Lake (China)
4. Project Dining Wetland for Humans and Birds (China)
5. Rediscover Kei Island Waterbirds (Indonesia)

For more: https://www.eaaflyway.net/think-tank-competition-closing/


<Overall Timeline>


<Advisors>

Mark Edison Raquino

Global Youth Biodiversity Network

– South East  Asian

Suh Seung Oh

Ramsar Regional Center -East Asia

Tomoko Ichikawa

Ministry Of Environment Japan

Yamme Leung

World Wide Fund – Hongkong

 

Casey Burns

EAAFP CEPA Working Group

Gab Mejia

Youth Engaged in Wetland

Josefa Cariño Tauli

Global Youth Biodiversity Network

 

<Judges>

Mika Tan

Coordinator

ASEAN Youth Biodiversity Programme (AYBP) at the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Beom-Sik Yoo

Senior Advisor for Asia and Oceania of The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands

Ramsar

Spike Millington

Vice President, International Programs

International Crane Foundation

Chris Rostron

International Engagement Manager

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

Anastasia Cronin

Director, Youth Leadership

National Geographic

Casey Burns

Chair

EAAFP CEPA Working Group

 

<Mentors>

Ding Li Yong

Flyway Coordinator

BirdLife International (Asia Division)

Terry Townshend

Advisor

Paulson Institute

Sayam U. Chowdhury

Assistant Coordinator

EAAFP Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force

Micha Jackson

Postdoctoral Research Fellow 

The University of Queensland

Vivian Fu

Communication Officer

EAAFP Secretariat

 

 

<Youth Organizing Team>

Ho Bun Yu

WWF- HK

Jord Gadingan

Sa Ngalan ng Lawa

Thura Htike

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

Frances Alvares

Designer

 

 

 

 

 

 

<Core Organizing Team from EAAFP Secretariat>

Vivian Fu

Communication Officer

EAAFP Secretariat

Sinwoo Won

Communication Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat

Yoonjae Bae

External Relations and
Foundation  Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat

Yoomi Sim

Communication Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat

 
<Past Core Organizing Team Members from EAAFP Secretariat>
Yoonkyoung Lee

External Relations Manager

EAAFP Secretariat

Yuji Lim

Administration and Finance Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat

Yeonju Park

External Relations and
Foundation  Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat

Hyoin Kim

Communication Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat

Sewon Lim

Communication Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat

Yunjoo Cho

External Relations Assistant

EAAFP Secretariat


<Supporting organizations>


<Contact>

For inquiries, please contact flywayyouthforum@gmail.com