In Conversation with Doris Vertegaal | Young Environment Ambassador and Clim-Eat Colleague
As we were becoming aquatinted with our new team members from Clim-Eat, the 'think and do tank' for food and climate that NFP recently began hosting, we were pleasantly surprised to hear that one of our new Clim-Eat colleagues Doris Vertegaal, had recently been recognised for her work in raising awareness of food security and climate issues, by becoming one of the inaugural winners of the BESTSELLER Foundation’s Young Environment Ambassador’s Award.
It seemed like an opportune moment therefore, to sit down with Doris to learn about her back story, and what she's most looking forward to in her new role. Doris is also currently studying towards her Master's in Climate Studies at Wageningen University and Research. However, it was during her time in her previous position at CCAFS (CGIAR's Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security Research Programme), that the first seeds of Doris' interest in the interconnection between food systems and climate, were initially sown.
Putting the Word out to the Youth
Doris soon became active in awareness raising initiatives and activities, particularly amongst young people during her time at CCAFS. “My work involved leading on a range of events including a workshop at the Youth for Climate Adaptation Conference in my home city of Groningen. I also became involved in the #Act4Food #Act4Change pledge, which included working on a pre COP26 event that brought together a broad range of experts including many young speakers, to discuss climate change in food systems and how young people can actively engage in this topic."
Being Bold and Taking the First Important Steps
Doris fully recognises the uniqueness and importance of the 2030 agenda, whilst at the same time feeling cautious on whether we are on track for the SDG goals to be reached. In sharing her insights, Doris pointed to several steps that could be taken to help keep us on course. "The SDG's are very unique in the history of international agreements, including the specific goals for food and climate. However we're not there yet, countries will need to step up on their agreements, work together, whilst being bold and unafraid to take the first important steps. I also feel we need a rethink around different systems and how we do things, which is part of the reason I'm excited to be involved with Clim-Eat and it's innovative vision in bridging the gap between science and policy".
Partnerships Key to Bringing Innovative Ideas to Fruition
Doris also believes in the inclusion of multiple stakeholders not least those working on the ground, to successfully leverage impact, best serve those we aim to support, whilst simultaneously tackling key food systems challenges affected by climate change. "There are many great and innovative ideas out there but these require partnerships and outreach, this reaffirms the reason the work of organisations such as Clim-Eat and NFP will be crucial in the coming years in bringing together and brokering knowledge and expertise.
During Doris' presentation at an event last week, jointly hosted by NFP, Clim-East and AICCRA (Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa), which focussed on the efforts since the landmark Climate Adaptation Summit, whilst also emphasising the importance of shifting the narrative and raising ambitions in the lead up to COP27, she emphasised the needs to be a shift away from youth inclusion as being a tick box exercise, and moving towards youth appreciation. Insights and observations such as these leave us in very little doubt we'll be hearing much more about Doris's endeavours in the not too distant future. In the meantime we wish Doris the very best in her new role at Clim-Eat, as well as with the remaining part of her studies.
