By Erin Martin
A Celebration of Youth and Opportunity
On 20 June, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) took part in the Garden Route Youth Entrepreneurship Expo, an event that brought together young minds, innovators, and organisations committed to creating lasting impact. Representing GCBR were Leila Moosajee and Erin Martin, alongside three dedicated members of the MAB Youth forum. Their mission was simple yet powerful: to connect with youth, inspire sustainable thinking, and highlight exciting opportunities within the biosphere reserve network.
Networking and Collaboration
The Expo officially opened on 19 June with a networking session and shared lunch. This informal kick-off gave participants the chance to meet, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations before the main program began. Organisations from across the Garden Route region gathered to support youth development, entrepreneurship, and educational access, setting the tone for an inspiring day ahead.
Engaging with the Future
On the second day, various organisations took center stage at the main expo event, including the GCBR team. Their exhibit focused on raising awareness about the role and vision of the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, introducing young attendees to the MAB Youth initiative, and showcasing the Friends of the Biosphere program. These programs aim to foster environmental awareness, community involvement, and leadership among young people living in the biosphere reserve.
The GCBR representatives spent the day engaging with curious and ambitious youth, discussing ways to get involved in conservation, education, and sustainable development. By highlighting real-life examples of youth-driven projects and opportunities within the biosphere, they helped participants see how their passions and ideas could contribute to a healthier planet.
An Expo that Inspires Action
The Garden Route Youth Entrepreneurship Expo serves as a stepping stone for future changemakers. Young people were encouraged to explore different career paths, connect with mentors, discover how to become an entrepreneur and take environmental responsibility. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity, ambition, and a shared desire to build a better future.
For GCBR, being part of this event was a valuable opportunity to listen to our youth, share knowledge, and plant the seeds of long-term engagement. The presence of MAB Youth members also demonstrated the importance of peer-to-peer connection and leadership among the next generation of environmental stewards.
Looking Ahead
Events like the Garden Route Youth Entrepreneurship Expo are vital in building bridges between young people and the organisations working to create sustainable change. Through its active participation, GCBR emphasised its commitment to education, empowerment, and the belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the change-makers of today.