Idea
Driving Sustainable Development with Digital Innovation
30 July 2024
As a young person from a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, Dominica, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with striving for sustainable development. Our islands are often the first to feel the impacts of climate change, making sustainable development not just a priority but a necessity. The urgency to protect our environment while fostering economic growth is a pressing concern. This is where digital platforms come into play, offering innovative solutions to bridge the gap between awareness and action. Through my work with WePlanet Inc., a non-profit social enterprise based in Dominica, I have seen how digital tools can drive sustainable development and engage communities in meaningful ways.
Hailing from the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, my upbringing fostered a profound connection to and respect for the environment. The devastation wrought by Category 5 Hurricane Maria in 2017 served as a catalyst, igniting my passion for environmental stewardship, climate activism and being a part of the solution to achieving the SDGs. Amidst the post-Maria discourse on climate change in Dominica, I observed a gap between rhetoric and action. While conversations, conferences, and research proliferated, tangible efforts on the ground remained scarce. Recognizing the urgency for practical initiatives over abstract discussions, I resolved to translate my concerns into concrete action. Drawing from an idea conceived during my adolescence, I envisioned a mobile application to promote climate action amongst individuals. In 2022, this vision came to life with the creation of WePlanet Inc. (https://weplanetinc.org/), a non-profit social enterprise based in Dominica, where we aim to foster eco-consciousness through innovative incentive-based solutions. Our journey has been driven by a commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, and we've found that digital platforms are powerful tools in this mission.
The Role of Digital Tools in Sustainable Development
Through my experiences I’ve learnt that digital technology has transformed how we interact, learn, and work, offering new ways to tackle global challenges. At WePlanet, we leverage these tools to promote sustainable practices and increase awareness about climate action. One of our most impactful initiatives is the WePlanet App- , designed to incentivise eco-friendly behaviours among users. Our mobile application's people-centric approach was derived from asking ourselves 2 key questions what do people want the most and where are they the most?; that is incentives and their mobile devices. This app rewards individuals for actions like recycling, shopping with their reusable bags and purchasing eco-friendly products. Points earned can be redeemed for rewards, creating a tangible incentive for positive environmental actions.
This approach aligns with the principles of gamification, where game-like elements are used to engage and motivate people. By integrating these principles into our mobile application, we make sustainable living accessible and rewarding. It's a practical example of how digital tools can support the broader goals of sustainable development by encouraging everyday actions that collectively make a significant impact.
The Youth Perspective: Shaping a Sustainable Future
As young people from SIDS, our perspectives are invaluable in shaping sustainable development strategies. We bring a sense of urgency, innovation, and resilience to the table. Our experiences with the direct impacts of climate change give us a unique understanding of the need for immediate action. At WePlanet, we've found that our youth-led approach resonates well with our audience, particularly other young people who are often the most active users of digital platforms.
Our work also emphasizes the importance of local context in global issues. SIDS have unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to sustainability. For instance, our reliance on tourism makes environmental stewardship critical, as a healthy ecosystem is directly tied to our economic well-being. By highlighting these connections through our digital initiatives, we can advocate for policies and practices that benefit both the environment and our communities. Digital platforms provide us the youth with the tools to amplify our voices and drive change on a global scale.
My experience with WePlanet Inc. has shown me the immense potential of digital platforms in driving sustainable development. They offer innovative ways to engage people, educate communities, and foster a global movement toward sustainability. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, we have an unprecedented opportunity to use these tools for good. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.
On this International Youth Day, I celebrate the incredible potential of young people to shape a sustainable future. As digital natives, today's youth are uniquely positioned to leverage technology for positive change, so let this International Youth Day be a call to action for youth everywhere to harness the power of digital technology to advocate for a more sustainable future!
