Guest letter from the editor

Megan Lafferty (Photo by Victoria Snelgrove)

In good hands

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when thinking about the biodiversity and climate crises facing our planet. However, over the past year, I have had the opportunity to spend time with a group of people who give me great hope and inspiration: other young Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) staff. This conversation began in April 2021, when many of us attended the International Union for Conservation of Nature “One Nature, One Future” Global Youth Summit. This virtual event was just one example of how young people’s voices and ideas are being increasingly recognized as critical in developing strategies and solutions. Youth are the engines of change.

Throughout the year, I continued meeting with my young colleagues and discussing our role in the organization, both now and into the future. This opportunity to connect with other young NCC leaders (18–35 years) opened my eyes to the incredible asset that NCC has in this group, which makes up more than 40 per cent of the organization. Young people challenge our current ways of thinking and act with the future in mind. When given the opportunity and resources, our young staff can drive innovation and lead positive change. NCC’s success in achieving our ambitious goals for the future ultimately depends on the next generation of decision-makers, and I am excited to see how the organization will invest in them.

In this issue’s feature story, you’ll read about just a few of the young and inspiring colleagues who I have the privilege to work with. And you’ll find out why young conservationists are crucial in the execution of our organization’s ambitious goals for the future.

Though my own time as a young professional is nearing its close, I am confident that we are in good hands. As you read through this issue, I hope that you agree.

Yours in nature,

Megan Lafferty, Manager of land protection measures, NCC