News / climate action
‘Birdgirl’ Mya-Rose joins National Geographic’s Young Explorers
A Bristol-based ornithologist and climate activist who managed to become the youngest person to see half the world’s bird species has joined National Geographic’s prestigious Young Explorers squad.
Mya-Rose Shanti Craig grew up in Compton Martin in Chew Valley, just outside Bristol.
Her journey into activism began at a young age, when she started a Birdgirl blog at age 11, to campaign for equal access to nature.
is needed now More than ever
At 14, the British-Bangladeshi activist launched the charity Black2Nature, focusing on engaging visible minority ethnic communities with nature.
And at age 17, Mya-Rose became the youngest person to see half the world’s bird species, receiving an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Bristol in recognition of her pioneering campaigning work.
Mya-Rose is now 20, and has already authored two books: We Have a Dream, which highlights 30 young global environmentalists of colour, and Birdgirl, in which she shares the positive connection between her mother’s mental illness and finding joy through birdwatching.
The climate activist shows no signs of slowing down and, informed by a life-long love of birds and the fight against racism, Craig continues to speak on panels and at protests with changemakers like Emma Watson, Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafza.
Mya-Rose now joins 14 inspirational change-makers globally. Young Explorers are selected for their “exceptional courage, leadership and impact-driven solutions”.
Ranging between the age of 18 and 25, the diverse cohort represents 13 countries. In addition to their funding, Young Explorers receive skill building, leadership development training, and networking opportunities to connect and collaborate with their peers.
Mya-Rose continues to stop climate change and biodiversity loss, most recently at the Big One protest in London, and fights for the prioritisation of the human rights of indigenous peoples as a Survival International Ambassador.
Main photo: National Geographic
Read next:
- ‘Birdgirl’ Mya-Rose becomes youngest Briton to receive honorary doctorate
- In photos: Greta Thunberg visits Bristol
- Climate action in Bristol is ‘exclusionary’
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