YOALIN wins climate competition

“Mobility is the biggest issue when it comes to sustainability in tourism”, explains Beth Thoren, Director of Environmental Action EMEA at the Patagonia company and jury member for the Spotlight Award. “We believe that people’s mindsets need to change in order to make a difference. We need people to convince other people, to convince politicians.” This is how she explained the choice of YOALIN as the winner of the competition. Clima Now is a young foundation that mobilises capital, people and ideas to counteract the climate crisis. With the “Spotlight” competition, which this year focused on sustainable tourism, it aims to get people to take action and implement ideas.

At the “Pitch Night” in Zurich at the end of October 2024, seven selected initiatives took to the stage – in the spotlight. The two Yoalin “Ambassadors” Isabella and Louise impressed the international jury with their presentation and were awarded first prize. The “Horizon Programme” is also supporting further implementation.

Since 2018, YOALIN has been giving away up to 150 Interrail passes to young people aged between 18 and 27, allowing them to explore the Alps in a climate-friendly way using public transport. The participants form a constantly growing community that shares tips and ideas for sustainable travelling and is committed to sustainable lifestyles. The CIPRA team and former Yoalin travellers – the “Ambassadors” – also bring their ideas for more sustainable tourism to the attention of political actors. CIPRA and the CIPRA Youth Advisory Council have so far implemented the project with financial support from ministries in the Alpine countries.

Further information: www.yoalin.org (en), https://spotlight.climanow.ch (en)