Sustainability
Rachel Smith’s Got Everyone Talking About Sustainability
Rachel Smith doesn’t sit still: She’s part of DEFA’s Energy Policy team. She’s out in the field with Manx Wildlife Trust. She’s Biosphere Isle of Man’s Youth Representative. She’s leading forums, building networks, and creating space for the next generation of nature-lovers. And now, she’s one of this year’s Gef 30 Under 30 Sustainability winners, supported by UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man.
Rachel represents a new kind of changemaker. Less ego, more ecosystem. Someone who sees a gap and quietly builds the bridge.
Starting out and finding her path
Rachel’s journey began with a placement year at Manx Wildlife Trust during her degree in Ecology and Conservation. ‘The experience opened my eyes to the importance of local action and community-driven change, especially when being led by a motivated and passionate leader,’ she says. ‘That experience has shaped my journey ever since.’
Noticing a low level of engagement from other young people in conservation, Rachel applied to be a youth representative with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. The role inspired her to build the Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Network, a space for likeminded young people to come together, share ideas and improve the island. Along the way she connected with youth networks across Europe and North America, bringing a global perspective to the local scene.
Juggling roles with passion and purpose
Rachel balances her role in DEFA’s Energy Policy Team with volunteering as a field assistant for Manx Wildlife Trust and her work as a Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Representative. ‘My work is extremely varied,’ she explains. ‘Since January I have organised meetings with people across the construction industry, government departments and training providers. I have learnt so much about how our Government protocols work and continue to push collaboration at the heart of everything I do.’
Her volunteering has shown her how much support exists for young people wanting to make a difference. ‘I have mentors and role models from all over the world,’ Rachel adds. ‘People skills are vital. In all areas of my work and volunteering, being able to communicate has been the most important thing in getting here.’
Overcoming challenges and building a legacy
Building the youth representative role from scratch was one of Rachel’s biggest challenges. ‘It required a lot of initiative and time, but I now feel confident that I am leaving a clear role behind me. Future youth reps have a way to gather thoughts from passionate young people through the Biosphere Isle of Man youth network, which didn’t exist before.’
Rachel also helped form two biosphere youth networks including the UK/Ireland/Isle of Man Biosphere Reserves Youth Network. She chaired their first youth forum and presented their goals to the UK MAB (Man and the Biosphere) Committee, making it the first UNESCO designation-based youth-led network under the UK UNESCO Commission.
She credits breaking big problems down into small tasks and asking for guidance as keys to overcoming barriers. ‘We often put a lot of barriers in our own way, but knowing when and who to ask for help makes all the difference.’
Why she won the Sustainability category
Rachel believes she was recognised for her holistic approach. ‘Whether through energy efficiency and renewables, field conservation, or empowering young people, I have dedicated time to creating systems that are inclusive, practical and long-lasting.’
Role models and advice
Her role models include the teams at Manx Wildlife Trust and Biosphere Isle of Man. ‘The volunteers who give so much of their time to MWT are amazing, as they ensure our diverse wildlife thrives.’ Off-island, she draws inspiration from young people worldwide who challenge norms and push for change.
Family mottos like ‘Don’t ask, don’t get’ and ‘See it, do it’ guide her daily. She also remembers advice from Biosphere Isle of Man leaders: ‘Our voices are important, if not the most important in the room as young people. We should not be afraid to voice opinions, as it is our future, and we should have as much control over it as everyone else.’
Looking ahead
Rachel recently put herself forward as UK/Ireland/IoM MAB Youth Representative and mentor for other youth reps. She is also starting an MRes in Applied Ecology and Geospatial Techniques, hoping to contribute evidence to support future Isle of Man conservation projects.
Her ultimate goal is ‘to ensure we have enough knowledge of our island to allow for evidence-based land management. I would love to bring back a research facility similar to the Marine Lab, we’ve got to think big.’
Rachel wants to see greater focus on young people’s contributions, inclusive spaces in ecology and sustainability, and more inspired young leaders. ‘Our voices on the Isle of Man count for more and we have greater influence.’ Access to a strong network of professionals in sustainability and conservation adds to the opportunities.
Reflecting on her Gef 30 Under 30 win, she says, ‘It is honestly such an honour. I have been inspired by past winners, and now as one of them I hope to highlight the potential we have as young people to continue shaping the island’s future.’
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