Chanyo, or "Yo" for short, is almost always at the heart of the Environment Network Manawatū's activities. From stream clean-ups and sorting bottle tops for recycling to hosting Repair Cafés and community garden working bees, as well as leading school bokashi composting classes, her commitment shines through.
Earlier this year, Yo dedicated eight weeks as an intern with ENM as part of her studies for a Master of Sustainable Development Goals at Massey University, a unique programme in Australasia. This master's degree focuses on the theory and practice of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), tackling some of the most urgent challenges facing humanity and the planet: sustainability.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, outlines a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, both now and in the future. At its core are the 17 SDGs, which serve as an urgent call to action for all countries—both developed and developing—to form a global partnership. These goals acknowledge that ending poverty and other forms of deprivation must be linked with strategies to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and stimulate economic growth, all while addressing climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Originally from Thailand, Yo has travelled and worked around the globe, including on rail networks in Australia and New Zealand's North and South Islands.
When she’s not busy volunteering for ENM, her passions include tramping, propagating houseplants, and adoring cats.
Full of energy, enthusiasm, and competence, Yo is a tremendous asset to any project or event and is truly making a positive impact on the world—one action at a time.
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