Field trip - Pollinators watch!

• Understand the ecosystem: Gain insights into how sustainable agriculture practices impact the ecosystem and where pollinators fit into this process.
• Identify challenges and benefits: Learn about the challenges of sustainable agriculture and its benefits for the environment.
• Foster awareness and advocacy: Develop the ability to communicate findings on how local farms contribute to environmental sustainability and share them with others.

• Plan a visit to a local farm or garden that uses sustainable practices. Make sure the farm is known for protecting the environment and pollinators.

• During the trip, observe how the farm operates, paying special attention to any efforts made to protect pollinators such as bees, butterflies, or other insects.

• Talk to the farmers or guides. Ask them questions about the challenges they face and how they work to ensure the health of pollinators.

• Take notes or photos of the pollinators and the farm's practices. Try to capture how the farm helps the ecosystem, and how the pollinators contribute to the plants growing there.

• After the trip, make a short video (or write a summary) explaining what you learned about pollinators and sustainable farming. Focus on how the farm helps protect pollinators and why that matters.

• Share your video with your group or on social media to raise awareness about the importance of protecting pollinators.

After the trip, reflect on this questions:

1. What did you learn about pollinators on the farm? How are they important to the farm's success and the environment?

2. What challenges did the farm face in protecting pollinators? How do they overcome these challenges?

3. How can you apply what you learned to your daily life? What small actions can you take to help protect pollinators?

4. Why is it important to share what you’ve learned about pollinators with others? How can you inspire your community to take action?

5. How has this experience changed your understanding of sustainable farming and its relationship with pollinators? What did you find most surprising or interesting?

The Youth and United Nations Global Alliance (YUNGA) is a partnership between United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, and other entities aimed at developing initiatives, resources, and opportunities for children and young people to learn, engage, and make a difference. YUNGA acts as a gateway, allowing young people to become aware and involved in the activities of the United Nations.

The Pollinators Challenge Badge helps educate young people about the crucial role pollinators play in food systems and the environment. The badge offers various activities that raise awareness and encourage behavioural change towards protecting pollinators. To learn more about this badge and how to earn it please visit https://www.fao.org/yunga/resources/challenge-badges/en/