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At 18 years old, spent 2 months in the slums of Jaipur, India, an experience which propelled her to question what a successful life really means, the meaning she wanted her future to have, and the imprint she wanted to leave behind. These questions never ceased, and they continued to inform the trajectory of her life. Now a podcast host, and engaged content creator, Victoria will return to India after 7 years to undertake a bold and meaningful project with fellow climate change advocate . Digital content creator and writer of “Guide du Jeune Engagé” (Young Activists' Guide), Johan uses his platform to share funny and educative videos about environmental issues and hopeful climate news. At 24 years old, both have dedicated their lives to environmental activism. Together, they’re heading to Shimla, Northeast India, with a specific goal: To shoot a film raising awareness about water stresses. 

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, can be found in the foothills of the Himalayas. Climate change and land use change have led to an extreme rise in temperatures and irregular rainfall, affecting the city’s water supply. On the ground, water scarcity means a lack of water to drink, eat, wash or feed crops, everything that is needed to live.

Through their film, Johan and Victoria are hoping to alert the public about the urgent situation of water scarcity. However, despite the somber situation, they believe we need joy to transform the world. That is why their other objective is to learn about concrete and sustainable actions locals have undertaken to adapt, and to immerse themselves in another way of living. They are hoping to learn from those without the same privileges as them, people who are building the world of tomorrow and proving that there is hope.

8,379 km separates Paris, France, from Shimla, India. The pair will travel the whole journey by train, stopping in Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman, spending a month in each country to learn about environment challenges there and engage in local initiatives. As pathfinders of the initiative, they are getting involved with UNESCO Green Citizens projects along the way: Young Reporters for the Environment, Boosting Climate Change Resilience in Gokova Bay Marine Protected Area, and Phool, and perhaps casting light on some new insights.

Want to find citizen-led environmental projects near you? 

Discover UNESCO Green Citizens 

Currently, 2-3 billion people worldwide experience water shortages, and this is predicted to reach 50% of the population by 2050. To prevent this from worsening, acting together to share water equitably and manage it sustainably is essential. Now is the time to understand, take action, and learn from communities who have already been adapting to environmental challenges on the frontlines.