Hello, Michael, nice to meet you. Please tell us more about your life. What are your interests?
I am Michael Anthony Huamaní Machaca, a 16-year-old student in the 4th year of secondary school at San Ramón. Talking about myself can be a bit complicated because I feel that many things that define me are deeply understood only by me. However, I can tell you that I strive daily to improve my skills and overcome my weaknesses.
One of the things I value most in my life is the friendships I've made, especially in the Maqta Chuya Child and Youth Network. There, I have met incredible people whom I admire, not only for what they do but for what they represent. Although there are also great kids at my school, I feel that the friendships in the network embody values and attitudes that truly inspire me to become a better person.
Over time, I’ve learned more about myself: what I like, what I’m good at, and the things I need to improve. One question that always crosses my mind is: Will I become the person I want to be? Currently, I am determined to study Civil Engineering. I know it won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible either.

 

General Comment No. 26 has been in force since September 2023. What importance does it have for your work?
General Comment No. 26 is a fundamental document for young people like me. This document recognizes that all children and youth have the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. What’s incredible is that it considers our voices and opinions to address issues like climate change and environmental protection.
In my case, this inspires me to continue advocating through the activities we carry out, such as cleaning campaigns, reforestation, or creating jingles. It’s important for young people to come together and pool our efforts to support this cause, because together, we can go further and create a real impact.

 

What are the most important environmental and climate change issues for children in your community, country, or region?
Forest fires, pollution, water scarcity, extreme temperatures, torrential rains, and frosts are just some of the environmental challenges faced by my community and others. These issues particularly affect the most vulnerable, such as children and indigenous peoples.
In the case of forest fires, we’ve witnessed their devastating consequences up close. After the last fire in my community, we recorded a video to show the aftermath. The high temperatures and wind spread the fire quickly, and although the community, including schoolchildren, acted swiftly, we lost large areas of ichu grass. This plant is essential for capturing rainwater.
To prevent and raise awareness about these problems, we’ve created jingles accompanied by the sounds of our chinlilis, especially during critical seasons of the year:
•    During the rainy season, we share messages about the importance of being cautious when crossing rivers, reminding everyone that these waters are like people walking happily, unaware of their strength, and thus must be respected.
•    In the dry season, we create jingles to encourage reflection on the use of fire, reminding everyone that fire is like a blind person who doesn’t realize the damage it causes.
In our indigenous worldview, everything is alive: rivers, fire, the earth. Each element deserves care and respect.

 

Can you share a significant activity for children and youth in your community or country that helps protect the environment?
Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to Guatemala, where we met with young people from the ADEMI (Association of Women Ixpiyakok) Child and Youth Network. During this gathering, we shared our customs, traditions, language, and especially our experiences in living harmoniously with water.
We had the chance to teach them about water stewardship: the sowing and harvesting of rainwater, an ancestral practice in my village, Quispillaccta, Peru. This practice has been essential in combating the effects of climate change, allowing us to create lagoons that replace the now-missing glaciers. Fortunately, this practice is being revitalized in Guatemala through a joint project between ABA and ADEMI. We explained what water stewardship entails and why it’s so crucial today, particularly in the context of environmental crises and water scarcity.
While we saw progress in Guatemala, we believe there is great potential to further strengthen the appreciation of water and land. This exchange was enriching not only for them but also for us, reaffirming the importance of sharing knowledge and uniting efforts to care for our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all children around the world.

 

You’re working hard to protect the environment. Do you have a personal dream that inspires you?
Since I was elected as a delegate of the Maqta Chuya network, I’ve taken on great responsibilities. At first, it was challenging because I didn’t know exactly what to do, but with the support of facilitators and other young people, I learned what it means to be a leader.
Today, my dream is to live each day to the fullest, learning from my mistakes and constantly improving. Life isn’t always easy, but I know that if I give 100% in everything I do, there will be no room for regret. My greatest challenge is not to let myself down and to prove that I have the potential to achieve my goals.
Moreover, I want to share my knowledge with other children and youth so that they, too, can find their path, and together, we can continue protecting our land, water, and ancestral practices.