Hosted by Blue Marine Foundation and Mark Ruskell MSP, Future Seas: Young People’s Perspectives brought together parliamentarians, conservationists and young ocean advocates following the launch of the Scottish Government’s consultation on protections for marine protected areas and Priority Marine Feature sites. More than 100 young people from across Scotland contributed artwork, postcards and personal messages expressing what Scotland’s seas mean to them and why stronger protection matters. Their creativity and passion helped bring youth voices into the heart of parliamentary discussions on the future of Scotland’s marine environment.
Guests heard from Mark Ruskell MSP (MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife), Gillian Martin (Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs), wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan and young ocean scientist Lorna Farquhar, who highlighted the importance of protecting Scotland’s seas for future generations.
The event attracted an impressive turn out from Ministers and Members of Scottish Parliament of all political parties, who openly and warmly engaged with the younger audience, enjoyed their artwork and listened attentively to their passionate descriptions of why the sea and marine life is important to them and their concern about the threats facing Scotland’s seas.
By making direct connections between decision-makers and young people, the reception demonstrated the vital role future generations can play in shaping a healthier future for Scotland’s seas and reinforced support for ambitious action to protect and restore Scotland’s marine environment to support wildlife, people’s livelihoods and the next generation.
