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November 17, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


International youth have environmental vision for the next 500 years

On November 14, delegates of the Five Hundred More Youth Congress released their vision for the future. Approximately 200 youth voted in support of:

- formation of a national network of secondary students and student councils to increase environmental awareness;

- strengthening and broadening the Endangered Species Act;

- reduction of harmful emissions contributing to climate change;

- stronger protection for endangered and threatened species, such as the Pine Marten;

- development of a nation wide network of protected areas in addition to the present national parks system.

The Five Hundred More Youth Congress was a crowning event of Newfoundland and Labrador's Cabot 500 Anniversary Celebrations. Youth delegates from Newfoundland and Labrador, the rest of Canada and the

world gathered at Gros Morne National Park and Corner Brook to discuss critical environmental and economic issues.

"Our youth are our future and their voice should be heard," said Five Hundred More event manager Sonya Abbott.

"Today's youth are very well informed and are extremely conscientious when it comes to our ecological future," Abbott said. "This week at Gros Morne National Park, it was apparent that they have much to say."

"It is not only what we are going to say, but it is what we are going to do," said Amelia Clarke, Head of the Sierra Youth Coalition and keynote speaker of the congress.

The congress asserted that the conference resolutions will only be realized through youth initiative. This closing communique, which was created by Five Hundred More Youth, is the first of many actions to follow.

"The energy, enthusiasm, and determination that I feel as a result of this gathering is proof that we can make a difference," said Phillip Pothen, a Five Hundred More youth delegate from Baie Verte. "When we united with the Provincial Student Leadership delegation at Herdman Collegiate in Corner Brook this past weekend, the explosion of energy and tremendous outpouring of spirit showed that youth from all over the world can work together and create the future they desire."

Congress findings will be published by the Cabot 500 office and will be distributed to every level of government to inform them that youth have a commitment to their beliefs and their goals will be followed through with action.

Contact: Sonya Abbott, Event Manager of The Five Hundred More Youth Congress, (709) 729-1997.

1997 11 17 3:40 p.m.

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