Alongside our survey, we set out to explore the drivers behind youth engagement in ocean decision-making. During our research question development and reading, it became clear that the rationales for engaging youth in ocean decision-making are under-recognised and not often foregrounded. As highlighted in Julia's recent paper (link below), there is a need for researchers and youth workers to articulate why they are engaging with young people in the first instance. It is important to understand the value that bringing youth into work brings, beyond moral obligations. Research shows that young people bring unique lived experiences, creativity, and innovation. As young people ourselves, we feel that youth engagement would be more empowering if those inviting us understood the benefits of engaging us in their work. 

Our survey aimed to explore what drives youth interest and engagement in ocean decision-making. Based on a series of workshop discussions to develop our research questions, we were particularly interested in exploring place-based factors and how these shape ocean connection amongst young people.

Exploring our Lived Experiences & Vision Setting

The first stage of this co-research project involved reaching out to young people to gather co-researchers for the project. This involved site visits in Scotland and South Africa for on-the-ground insights, particularly understanding young people's needs and experiences of engagement in each setting, and networking across a variety of platforms (Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook community groups). Trust is an often-overlooked yet crucial element in engaging with young people. I realised this quite rapidly, and found that when I could talk to young people for longer periods of time and get to know them on a personal level they were interested in taking part.