Meet our youth advisor | Alexandros Kassapis: A young voice for biodiversity

Alexandros Kassapis is the Biodiversity Project Lead and Environmental Law Project Assistant at Youth and Environment Europe (YEE). He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Warwick (UK) and a Master of Law and Sustainability from Utrecht University (NL). Passionate about climate justice, intersectionality, and biodiversity conservation, Alex integrates these themes into his work with youth, hoping to empower young people to engage with environmental activism.

 You were recently appointed as the advisor for the EESC's own-initiative opinion A comprehensive strategy for biodiversity at COP16: bringing all sectors together for a common goal. Why is this subject important to you and what initiatives are you currently working on in this area?

Biodiversity is essential for sustaining life on Earth, and COP16 presents a critical opportunity to align global efforts for its conservation. At the same time, biodiversity is a deeply personal issue for me, particularly after witnessing first-hand the impacts of multiple forest fires in the suburbs of Athens, where I grew up. The biodiversity crisis threatens young people as well as future generations, as we risk inheriting a planet whose boundaries have been heavily jeopardised. While science urges action, profit-driven priorities still dominate the political scene. Through my work at Youth and Environment Europe, I advocate for vital environmental protection initiatives like the Nature Restoration Law and the protection of large carnivores, while pushing for funding to safeguard key ecosystems, from Europe’s wetlands to local rivers like Kifissos, and advocating for the recognition of young people as a key stakeholder in achieving sustainability.

Why do you think it was particularly important for this opinion and the EESC to have a youth representative involved?

It was especially important to involve youth in this opinion because this isn't just about youth representation—it’s about securing a liveable future. Many young people today experience eco-anxiety, facing the emotional burden of watching the planet's boundaries pushed to dangerous limits. We aren't just advocating for policies, but for the right to inherit a world where we can thrive. Involving young people ensures that decisions reflect the urgency we feel to protect biodiversity for ourselves and future generations, as we will inherit the long-term consequences of today’s decisions.

Did you feel that your contribution was well received during the opinion drafting process and which elements in particular were taken onboard?

I’m grateful that my contributions were warmly welcomed during the drafting process. The team was receptive to my suggestions, and I was pleased to see key concepts integrated into the Opinion draft. Some examples are the increase of funding for civil society and youth organisations involved in biodiversity advocacy, protecting environmental defenders, strengthening environmental democracy (Aarhus rights), and promoting lifelong environmental education. I also emphasised the importance of recognizing Global South vulnerabilities, the responsibility of the Global North towards the latter, and, above all, the critical intergenerational dimension of biodiversity conservation. Lastly, I drew attention to the paramount importance of meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes, from policy development to implementation and monitoring. I am very pleased to say that the need to consider youth voices is clearly articulated throughout the Opinion.

How has your participation contributed to your work and the work of Youth and Environment Europe (YEE)?

My participation has significantly enriched my work at YEE by deepening my understanding of biodiversity issues and enhancing our advocacy efforts. The opportunity to meet policy makers and stakeholders in the process of drafting the Opinion has also been invaluable in expanding my network and offering me valuable knowledge insights. The experience as an advisor has allowed me to incorporate these key insights into our initiatives, empowering youth voices in policy discussions and fostering collaborative projects that align with our mission to promote environmental justice and sustainability. These are benefits not only enjoyed by myself and the YEE team, but also by the whole network of youth civil society organisations who are engaged with biodiversity. Truly an invaluable experience!