A graduate of the Sirius Environmental Leadership Programme was recently invited to a book launch at the House of Lords.

Sixteen year old Christopher Au, a graduate of the 2009 programme run by the Wilderness Foundation UK in conjunction with grant-giving trust the Tellus Mater Foundation, joined WFUK staff member Richard Corby at the launch of “The Wealth of Nature” – the latest volume of the Cemex published Conservation Book Series.

Chris had the opportunity to meet and mix with members of both the House of Commons and Lords, as well as engage in conversation with senior staff and directors of Cemex.   The event was hosted by Baroness Gibson of Market Rasen OBE and the guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Neville Ash, IUCN Head of Ecosystem Management.

The Sirius Programme works with young people who are passionate about the environment, helping to enhance a new generation of inspired young leaders and advocates in this field. The scholarships include a leadership and advocacy workshop, experiential learning about the environment on a five-day trail in Scotland, and inclusion in the annual Wilderness Conference for trails alumni on the students’ return.

Chris has remained closely involved with the Foundation since returning from Scotland and is a very active member of our Youth Board.   We’re delighted to have Chris as an Ambassador not only for the Foundation, but also for the cause of wilderness preservation.

Chris says:

It was a great evening.   I really enjoyed the chance to talk about my experiences of wilderness and what a great opportunity Sirius gave me.  I very much appreciated the chance to learn from some of the current leaders shaping environmental policy too.”

At the end of the evening Chris was presented with a copy of “The Wealth of Nature” by Cemex staff member Paula Goodall.