Bermuda High School student Tanyalyn Bailey, 16, gives her perspective on the BZS Youth Conference.

“For as long as I can remember, I have always loved the environment and always wanted to make a difference.

The 2002 Youth Conference has taken me one step further to completing my dream. This was my second time attending the conference and I still have much to learn about Bermuda1s environment and how I, as a youth, can improve it.

Over the years, I have developed a curiosity about environments of other countries and the methods the people, especially the young, were using to conserve it. This was another reason I enjoyed this year's conference.

Attending the conference were a few interesting youth delegates from India. They taught us how young people were powerful and could make great changes when united. Along with these encouraging words of advice came the inspiring, heart-warming stories of their accomplishments in their home towns.

I found it amazing how these youngsters had helped their country so much at their young ages. In their environmental group (Panchavati Green Movement), the majority of them were between the ages of ten and 13. They have made such great achievements, such as banning polythene-bags and firecrackers. I was really fortunate to meet other youths with the same interests as me.

Every day we had different activities to fulfil. Our days were busy but worth it. We met many interesting people who are already working hard on Bermuda1s environment, many of them for almost their whole lives. They taught us what they do and what their visions are for the future, helping to encourage us to complete our goals.

On the last day, we were all able to present the ideas we came up with during the three days. These were tasks we could do ourselves instead of passing it on for others to do. They were small but important jobs, such as making posters.

From this conference, I had gained not only knowledge of the environment around me, but the feeling that I am not alone on this Island, and in this world, as an individual who wants to make a difference.

I ended the conference feeling motivated and filled ideas for projects I felt I could take on. Young people from all over the Island have begun to carry out their ideas on improving Bermuda.

I feel my most important project is to create awareness. I feel the biggest problem of trying to improve the environment is getting the people to realise that our biodiversity is under threat. I am glad to be taking part in making my home where all species can live together in harmony.”