The Hoopoe Summit: Day 8

On the very last day of the Hoopoe Summit the main event was the presentation of the declaration. The morning was free, so the participants could go to the lake to take a dip, play games, or just rest after a very intense week. In the afternoon everyone came back to prepare the “Storchenschmiede” (our accommodation, in English “stork forgery”) for the presentation.

The presentation was attended by Austrian member of parliament Markus Koza from the green party, Dr Robert Nehfort, head of the competence centre of education for sustainable development at the PH Burgenland, and Sebastian Petrei, vice-chairman of Junos Burgenland, the regional branch of the Austrian liberal party’s (Neos) youth group. The finished Hoopoe Declaration (you can find it here) was read aloud by the five country group leaders and then handed over to the guests. The presentation was followed by a discussion among the three guests who were joined by Julia Balasch, representative for the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) Austria, who were in charge of writing the declaration. Knut Wimberger and Gudrun Bruckner, main organizer of the event, were moderators. The Hoopoe declaration was well received, with Markus Koza emphasising the importance of tackling climate change apathy and generating access to sustainable jobs. Dr Nehfort explained how reconnecting to nature was also a big part of his work at university, where he works on outdoor education programmes for teachers.

The three guests are now going to spread the word about the amazing project of the Hoopoe Summits and the demands outlined in the declaration. Mr Koza for example promised to talk to the Austrian minster of climate about it. Additionally, the groups from Germany, Spain, Lithuania, and Georgia will present the paper to decision-makers in their own countries upon returning home in order to make our voices heard.

Before that can happen though, it was time for celebration, as we enjoyed our last night together and sang, danced and stargazed at the campfire late into the night, before it was time to say goodbye on Sunday morning. At the end we can say that the Hoopoe Summit was a great success and a very valuable experience for all participants. We can’t wait for the next one!