Question of:
EcoMobility, is it truly valuable for the future generation?
Preamble
We, the representatives of the future generation have been consulted on how
EcoMobility in the 21st century should look like. Having been part of the discussions
of the world-first EcoMobility World Festival 2013 taking place in Suwon, South
Korea from 1~30 September for a month organized by UN-habitat, ICLEI and Suwon
city, we have reached common understanding that EcoMobility has to integrate acts
that are environmentally-friendly.
Indeed, the demand for transport already outstrips supply in much of the world. For a
long amount of time, it has been shown that as people’s basic mobility needs are met,
motorized transport challenges to decision makers in many urban areas today,
where the negative aspects of traffic are the main cause of local air pollution, traffic
accidents and other environmental problems.
Culturally, the organic relationship between the environment and human is being
extremely important in our world. Thus, we understand the Eco-mobility should play
a role in alleviate the negative aspect by seeking to address amenity, social inclusion
and accessibility among the future generation. As in this context, EcoMobility festival
is well positioned to change the world transportation paradigm starting in Suwon,
Republic of Korea to the world.
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The world is certainly poised for development and it should capitalize on the
opportunities presented by Ecomobility in terms of developing sustainable transport
systems based on the Eco-mobility principles and the values.
The long-time benefit of creating non-motorized transportation systems that are
firmly grounded on the sustainability will satisfy present and future generation needs
greater than any short term gains. In addition there are many global practices that
can be adapted to suit in different contexts.
In the status-quo, for Ecomobility to be adopted, the priority for the more number
of future generation and all the people is to be aware of its term, values and reasons.
Reflect the voices from future generation as an important stakeholder of Eco-Mobility,
Definition
“EcoMobility refers to travel through integrated, socially inclusive, and
environmentally friendly options, including and combining walking, cycling,
wheeling, public transport and car-sharing.”
Unlike the previous environment-centered systems such as Green Vehicle,
EcoMobility is an organic system that includes the needs and benefits of both
the environment and the human beings.
EcoMobility is not a choice but a necessary step that should be taken by both
older and future generations, which with the development of appropriate
recognition and infrastructure, will provide everyone, including social
minorities, with safer and faster lives, thus, improving the overall human
welfare.
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Rationale
The concept of EcoMobility should be pursued for the benefits of the
community as well as for the future generation:
EcoMobility has many benefits which can be linked directly to the community
and most significant are the effects it will have on the future generations,
There is the direct relationship between the fundamental human rights of
movement and expression with EcoMobility,
We need to look into sustainable sources of energy as a planet and
EcoMobility offers the exact solution through the modes of transport that is
proposed,
Modes of transport promoting EcoMobility also ensure safety and the risks
involved are a bare minimal and it also encourages people to do more
exercises which in turn prevent disease,
Adjustments that come about as a result of EcoMobility promote security and
well being of the members of the community,
EcoMobility greatly improves the aesthetic value of a city as a result of
elimination of the motor vehicles and the reduction of congestion.
Principles
Accountability of Institutions
Recognizing what the society has given, institutions should demonstrate their
accountabilities by rehabilitating the infrastructure of the community they belong to.
Participation of Young People
The youth is an abstract group that will be present in all generations, therefore
their involvement and inducement to EcoMobility brings about its sustainability and
diversity.
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Global Responsibility
Creation of global platforms to create awareness and the involvement of the
United Nations and other major international organizations in embracing EcoMobility
will provide a platform whereby the member states have a responsibility towards the
establishment and protection of EcoMobility principles.
Evidence Based Implementation
It is important that we further the research into this topic and form an ‘Eco-Tank’
for this information to assist the proper propagation by financiers as well as provide
insight to other cities seeking to adopt the EcoMobility initiative.
Proposals
In light of the view above, we propose the EcoMobility Youth Advisory
Board that is regionally representative, fully resourced to be responsible for
the following:
1. Large-Scale Youth Education and Opinion Gathering
Increase youth participation and gather youth opinions.
Use standardized surveys across school systems regarding youth local
environment, school travel patterns, perceived needs of youth, perceived
barriers to youth EcoMobility, and how youth feel they can contribute to
sustainable transportation.
Develop values and skills for lifelong environmental stewardship.
2. Youth-centered Infrastructure Analysis
On the municipal scale, identify, map, and evaluate sidewalks, bicycle
routes, and path to and from school.
Involve Youth panels in this process since youth know their local
environment best.
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Give consideration to perceived safety of neighborhoods and the built
environment regarding crime prevention through environmental design.
3. Establishment of EcoMobility technological hubs
Harness youth creativity and innovative capacity through the establishment
of EcoMobility technological hubs.
4. EcoMobility Youth regional forums and conferences
Organize and take part in EcoMobility Youth regional forums and
conferences.
5. Establishment of EcoMobility ‘Eco-Tank’
A youth think-thank for EcoMobility
6. Lobbying Governments, parliaments, and relevant stakeholders
Advocate governments to support EcoMobility, Parliaments to pass
EcoMobility legislations, and non-governmental organizations to adopt
EcoMobility practices.
In conclusion, we want to reiterate how we, the people, are hungry for actions,
and more hungry for inclusion at all levels in EcoMobility discourses.
We demand full implementation of above recommendations as the
representatives of the Future Generations.
We have the urgency to see full realization of EcoMobility practices in our
generations!!!
3 September 2013
International Youth Council(IYC) and Korean Youth Working Group
