Generation Climate
Participatory Video on child-led disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation: Film screening followed by Q&A
3.30-5.00pm, Monday 14th December, 2009, Copenhagen
Children in the Philippines are already facing the impact of climate change through recurring typhoons causing devastating floods and landslides. But beyond climate victims, children are taking action to ensure their safety and that of their communities, offering practical solutions and calling for greater commitments from their leaders to ensure their safety.
Two films (below) resulting from a Participatory Video project with children in the Philippines will be screened during the Film Festival at the Development and Climate Days being held during the UN Climate Conference, COP15.
Frances Seballos, IDS and Tamara Plush will be running a Q&A session on the Participatory Video methodology for working with children on climate change adaptation.
The Pock-marked Face of Barangay Caga-ut
In the Cagaut Barangay (Salcedo municipality in Eastern Samar), children were successful in mobilising their community leaders to engage in tree planting and challenge the malpractices of the chromite mining industry which was increasing disaster risks during the occurrence of heavy rains. In response to the children's call for action, the local barangay council agreed to put out an ordinance prohibiting mining excavation near the river's vicinity as well as stipulating that mining companies must cover up unutilised mining pits and engage in reforestation of extraction areas.
Barobo, The sinking Barangay
In Barobo Barangauy (Llorente municipality in Eastern Samar), children recall the February 17th 2008 flood disaster that caused many to lose their homes and livelihoods and closed down their school for weeks. In their video, children outline the key factors which are making their community vulnerable to floods, including: illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming practices and sand quarrying. They are also aware that their community is vulnerable due to its location on a valley next to a river. They challenged their local authorities to address these harmful practices and succeeded in mobilising their community in a tree planting campaign.
