Environmental Citizenship Training: An Opportunity for Youth Facing Socio-ecological Conflicts in Mexico

Alan Valdes, EcoMaxei (Mexico)

The Environmental Citizenship Training (ECA) is a youth-led initiative that strengthened environmental citizenship among six generations of young people affected by socio-ecological conflicts in Mexico. Through participatory methods, over 150 youth built capacities to exercise access rights under the Escazú Agreement, addressing environmental violence, extractive pressures, and institutional gaps. Each participant developed a Citizen Participation Plan and engaged in practical exercises such as environmental complaints and access-to-information requests. The training combined conflict-sensitive tools and civic action planning, while promoting gender justice, emotional resilience, and intergenerational collaboration. A youth practice community emerged, fostering ongoing exchanges between generations and amplifying collective advocacy. Outcomes included expanded access to rights manuals, strengthened local leadership, and youth representation in Escazú processes. This presentation will share lessons learned and experiences from young people that have become practitioners for environmental peacebuilding.

This presentation is part of a proposed panel on "Youth Catalyzing Youth: Youth-Led Spaces for Environmental Peacebuilding."