Inspiring the next generation of women in conservation

Jasmin and Paris in the Arts workshop. Image: National Library of New Zealand/Mark Beatty.

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In celebration of International Women’s Day and to mark 100 years of Forest & Bird, a Women in Conservation event was held in March at the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga O Aotearoa, with a series of talks, panel discussions, in-person workshops and digital webinars.

The aim was to inspire the next generation of women conservation leaders to use their voices and take collective action to help the environment. We attended the event along with other secondary school and university students aged 14–24 years, teachers, and members of the public.

At the heart of the event was a panel discussion featuring leaders engaged in conservation work today. These inspiring individuals were Stephanie Rowe (deputy-director general of the Department of Conservation), Amanda Black (director of BioProtection Aotearoa), Trish Kirkland-Smith (head of nature solutions & partnerships at Fonterra), and Nicola Toki (chief executive of Forest & Bird). 

Inspirational speakers and panellists, including Lynn Freeman (convenor), Stephanie Rowe, Trish Kirkland-Smith, Nicola Toki and Amanda Black. Image: National Library of New Zealand/Mark Beatty.

They shared with attendees their experiences, insights, and strategies for overcoming challenges while advocating for environmental preservation. They highlighted the significance of authenticity (being yourself), continuous learning, acknowledging mistakes, and being open to feedback as crucial components of leadership development. 

Self-belief

When asked their greatest challenge in the workplace, self-doubt was the most common answer. Due to our self-imposed perfectionism, women consistently hesitate to take on opportunities unless they are completely confident that they can achieve the task. 

It serves as a clear reminder for women that we must back ourselves. The panellists stressed the true path to success is through self-belief. 

They encouraged us to trust our own instincts and not be bothered by external opinions. One day they all hoped they would be called a “great leader”, rather than a “great woman leader”.

The insights shared by the panellists inspired us to advocate for gender equality and environmental stewardship. They serve as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of women in conservation and the ongoing need for inclusive leadership in safeguarding our planet for future generations. 

Renewed purpose

Dr Kareen Schnabel led a NIWA science workshop. Image: National Library of New Zealand/Mark Beatty.

The day also included the chance for students to attend an in-person workshop led by experts in their respective environmental fields: Science (Dr Kareen Schnabel, NIWA), Arts (nature artist Margaret Tolland), Advocacy (Jessica Lamb and Ash Muralidhar, Forest & Bird Youth), and Design (design expert Tanya Marriott, Massey University). 

We chose the arts workshop and found ourselves designing our own New Zealand birds using natural materials. Soothing strains of music and laughter filled the air, fostering an atmosphere of relaxation and inspiration.

We had such a wonderful day sharing experiences and meaningful connections. It left us uplifted and energised by the beauty of nature and the power of community. We heard others talking about a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. 

The combination of insightful discussions and practical workshops underscored the importance of collective action in safeguarding our planet. By empowering women in conservation and fostering inclusive leadership, we can strive towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all of us.

Apryl Morden talking about the contribution of female artists to conservation. Image: National Library of New Zealand/Mark Beatty.

Watch some of the speakers on YouTube(external link).

Empowerment starts in early learning

Environmental education helps tamariki, kaiako, and communities to grow their understanding, skills, and motivation to work together to develop solutions, act as kaitiaki (guardians) and advocate for a healthy environment and society. As understanding grows, individuals and communities are empowered to make decisions that are relevant to them. 

The aims of environmental education are to develop tamariki:

• relationships and connection to the environment and awareness of related issues 
• knowledge and understanding of the environment   
• appreciation of the impact of people on the environment and their responsibilities as kaitiaki (guardians) 
• attitudes and values that reflect feelings of concern for the environment 
• skills needed to identify, investigate, and problem-solve associated with environmental issues 
• sense of responsibility through participation and action as individuals, or members of groups, whānau, or iwi, in addressing environmental issues. 

The concept of sustainability is reflected in the Māori notions of hauora (total wellbeing and balance with nature) and rāhui tapu (conservation).  

Tāhūrangi(external link) has resources to support the integration of environmental education for sustainability across the curriculum, and to strengthen the focus on hauora and wellbeing within the framework of Te Whāriki.

Environmental education resources

Forest and Bird Youth(external link) is a nationwide network of young people (aged 14–25) who are protecting and restoring Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife and wild places.

In 1929, Forest & Bird commissioned Lily Daff to paint 52 watercolour paintings of New Zealand birds in their native habitats.

Kiwi Conservation Club (external link)has online resources, a printed magazine, events and more. 

Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa | National Library(external link) has place-based learning resources useful for exploring environmental education, including Tuia Mātauranga. 

The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education(external link) has teaching resources, inspiring stories, professional learning, and a huge database of environmental education providers around the country. Filter by education level, context and region to find material that is curated and updated by experienced educators.  

Department of Conservation education resources(external link) – DOC has a huge range of excellent teaching resources about plants, animals, nature connection, habitats, biodiversity and advice about taking action.  

NIWA(external link) – Engage with online resources and games focused on climate, weather, air and water quality.  

Paris and Jasmin with their completed artworks. Image: Caroline Wood, Forest & Bird.

Art and Design:

Kids Greening Taupō(external link) have a collection of nature connection art activities 

Read this NZAEE story about community street art(external link) led by ākonga in Ōtautahi

Gender Equity:

Going with the Flow: menstruation and rainbow inclusive practices in the outdoors(external link), from Education Outdoors NZ  

Empowered Learners:

Sustainability Education for secondary students and teachers(external link): this guide includes case studies, templates and ideas for action projects aligned with NCEA Level 2 and 3.  

Book: Fierce Hope – Youth Activism in Aotearoa(external link) by Karen Nairn, Judith Sligo, Carisa R. Showden, Kyle R. Matthews and Joanna Kidman  

Research: Nurturing Secondary Students’ Hope and Agency(external link) by Sally Birdsall & Chris Eames