Earth Tribe Implementation

Scouts: On a Mission to Save the Planet

Join a global family united by a shared passion for preserving our beautiful planet. Together, our mission is to protect nature and ensure a healthy Earth for generations to come.

What is the Earth Tribe?

The Earth Tribe is about youth-led problem-solving and action on environmental and sustainability issues. It's an ambitious initiative that empowers Scouts to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, eco-friendly living, and sustainable development. The word "tribe" was chosen because it represents the earliest form of human organization ever found, and members belonging to the same tribe always support each other, learn together, and survive together.

Geographic and cultural differences bring unique challenges to environmental stewardship. That's why Earth Tribe offers a tailored approach to fit the needs of your local context. Among the educational challenges NSOs can integrate into their Youth Programmes are Champions for Nature, Scouts Go Solar, and Plastic Tide Turners.

Ultimately, the choice of challenges and how they are implemented can align with the environmental priorities of your country. Your role? To ignite the eco-hero within each Scout and amplify their impact!

Navigating the Learning Paths

With the support of Adult Leaders, the Earth Tribe initiative will guide young people on an educational journey to develop their awareness, as well as the competencies and leadership skills necessary to create positive change for our environment.

Like all WOSM initiatives, the Earth Tribe has a variety of learning paths that young people can take. They can explore one or all - it’s up to them to try as many challenges as they like.

There are four Earth Tribe learning paths:

1. Better Choices

Better Choices is about making better consumption choices to increase sustainability and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Scouts will:

Recognize the impact of their choices on their immediate environment
Develop ideas for creating a sustainable community through mindful consumption patterns

2. Nature and Biodiversity

Nature and Biodiversity is about ecosystems, our connection and dependency on nature, and how we can find ways to protect it sustainably.

Scouts will:

Explore the interdependence between humans and nature
Understand how ecosystems support life and provide essential resources
Develop their own ideas on how to balance various demands towards nature

3. Clean Energy

Clean Energy is about exploring ways to use energy sustainably and take action to help reduce climate change.

Scouts will:

Reflect on their individual impact on climate change
Explore sustainable energy alternatives to mitigate the harmful effects of traditional energy sources

4. Healthy Planet

Healthy Planet is about understanding the impacts of pollution and identifying ways to reduce waste and improve waste management.

Scouts will:

Learn about the impact of pollution on the planet
Work with their community to reduce waste
Implement effective waste management practices

Who can take part in the Earth Tribe?

It’s open for all! The Earth Tribe is a global community of young people and adults (ages 7 and above) willing to preserve and protect our planet.

What will young people learn along the way?

In each learning path, Scouts will have the opportunity to achieve specific learning objectives tailored to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) involved, as well as the topic of the challenge. While developing their skills, they can actively create a positive impact aligned with the global sustainability agenda.

You can access the learning objectives in this implementation manual.

How can young people embark on this journey?

To enable young people to begin this journey, National Scout Organizations can incorporate a challenge or the entire suite of Earth Tribe challenges as part of their national offer. NSOs will also need to incorporate their learning objectives and adapt them in the best way to fit their national guidelines.

Once the initiative is launched and NSOs have all elements in place, Adult Leaders at the grassroots level can introduce the initiative and challenges to young people.

To become members of the Earth Tribe, young people will need to follow the established process with the support of their Adult Leader.