Salata Scholar Seminar | Neringa Tumenaite & Rafael Monge

Join us for an evening full of stimulating conversations and the opportunity to network with fellow academics and climate enthusiasts. Our two speakers of the 4th Salata Scholar Seminar Series will offer a dual perspective on youth engagement and forest monitoring and conservation in climate action. 
Topic 1: The role of Substantive Youth Participation and Representation in Advancing Climate Change Policies. 

Speaker: Neringa Tumenaite, Ph.D. Candidate, SOAS University of London, Fulbright Schuman Fellow at FXB Center for Health & Human Rights, Harvard University

Talk Summary:
Youth voices are rising, demanding action on climate change. This presentation examines the vital role young people play in advancing climate justice. Neringa Tumenaite, a Ph.D. candidate and experienced youth advocate, will share insights from her research conducted in Egypt, Morocco, and at COP28 and COP29. Her talk delves into:
- The contributions of the youth sector to the climate justice agenda
- The quality of youth participation in shaping EU climate and youth policies
- Challenges faced by young climate activists, including knowledge gaps, funding limitations, and shrinking civic spaces

Topic 2: Data-driven lessons from accessing international forest carbon funding for Costa Rica and Côte d'Ivoire.

Speaker: Rafael Monge, Mid-Career Master's in Public Administration student, Harvard Kennedy School, Former Director of the National Center of Geoenvironmental Information of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica

Talk Summary:
Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, while biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions represent cost-effective mechanisms to tackle the climate crisis. Rafael Monge will showcase how effective governance and technology can enhance forest conservation efforts. Drawing from his experience leading Costa Rica's National Land Use, Land Cover and Ecosystems Monitoring System (SIMOCUTE), he will present case studies from Costa Rica and Ivory Coast. His talk will explore:
- The development of Costa Rica’s comprehensive land use monitoring system 
- The use of machine learning and satellite imagery for improved forest monitoring and accessing international carbon funding under UNFCCC’s REDD+
- Policy recommendations for effective global forest conservation

Light refreshments will be served.

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