Olivia QingYang CHENG

My name is Olivia Cheng. I’m 16 years old from Canada, and I'm incredibly grateful and empowered to bring conservation efforts to youth and youth to the conservation space. This cause is extremely important to me because the power of conservation has changed the well-being of my neighbourhood. What was once a pop-can–cluttered, foul-smelling creek has been transformed with science and love into a biodiverse trail that unites community members and animals for evening walks. This change happened during the pandemic. Once lockdowns ended, it offered people a space to overcome feelings of isolation by reconnecting with nature. For me, biodiversity conservation is deeply meaningful because it not only restored the habitat but also helped heal the hearts of my community. At the World Conservation Congress, I’m hoping to bond over other people’s conservation stories, support various initiatives, and voice the power of youth engagement. Alongside my conservation work, I use visual art to spark dialogue about human relationships and social change. I'd love to collaborate with different organizations, contributing my artwork to support and amplify various missions.