Spaces for young people where they can discuss environmental issues

Image: El Comercio

JapiAwer is an open space -cafes, ‘coworking’ places or houses- where people can share experiences and knowledge on issues related to the environment. Its creators are: Maria Jose Ayala, Javier Davalos Gonzalez, Pablo Ramirez and Veronica Vasquez.

With its slogan “The best ideas with a drink in hand,” JapiAwer establishes a pleasant time after office hours to discuss about sustainable ventures, recycling, green building, climate change, responsible food, etc.

Cristian Lopez, representative of Ecuador for CLIC (a youth movement against climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean), believes that youth citizenship seeks to consume options based in better environmental practices.

There is interest at the local level of the impacts that occur daily, “is no longer just about the concern for the Amazon, the Galapagos or moors,” says Lopez.

CLIC, along with other groups such as the Ecological Club of the Salesian University, the Environmental Club Uisek and Kituelectivo has organized mobilizations: marches, bike tours or barters, to raise public awareness. Also, with the support of the Ministry of Environment of the Municipality of Quito, it has conducted national conventions, where ideas are collected and articulated in the regional context of Latin America and the Caribbean. These are later presented at international conferences such as COY (Conference for Youth) of the United Nations.

Source: http://www.elcomercio.com/tendencias/japiawer-medioambiente-emprendimientos-cambioclimatico-quito.html