Youth leaders unveil declaration on sustainable forestry at national workshop ahead of COP30
Young Kenyan environmental leaders have declared their readiness to lead the continent’s forest conservation and green transition efforts, issuing a powerful call to action during a national youth workshop in Kitui County, Kenya.
Held under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry,” the three-day AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) National Youth Workshop brought together youth leaders from across Kenya and beyond to co-develop solutions for sustainable forestry and climate action. The workshop was organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in collaboration with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) as part of a continental buildup to COP30, set for November 2025 in Brazil.
In a jointly issued declaration, the youth reaffirmed their commitment to tackling challenges threatening Africa’s forest ecosystems — including deforestation, climate change, limited inclusion in policy-making, and inadequate access to funding and technical training. They also outlined actionable solutions such as tree nursery enterprises, carbon credit initiatives, climate-smart agroforestry, forest-based entrepreneurship, ecotourism, and the use of digital storytelling for forest advocacy.
“Young people are not just future leaders — they are today’s drivers of sustainability and innovation,” the declaration reads. “We are ready to take charge in ensuring that our forests thrive while creating inclusive economic opportunities that benefit our communities and the planet.”
The AY4F initiative seeks to empower Africans aged 18 to 30 by combining traditional ecological knowledge with science and digital tools. It provides a platform for youth to design and implement practical conservation actions that protect biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and create green jobs.
The workshop aimed to translate scientific and indigenous knowledge into youth-led action. It focused on equipping participants with tools for sustainable forest management and conservation, fostering ecopreneurship, and building capacity for youth advocacy in national and international policy spaces.
Despite being among those most vulnerable to climate change, Africa’s youth are well-positioned to lead the green transition due to their digital fluency, innovation, and grassroots networks. Still, organizers and participants noted that youth voices remain underrepresented in environmental governance and policy forums.
“Our forests are not just natural resources; they’re our inheritance. And it’s our duty as youth to protect and restore them with both urgency and creativity,” said Esther Maina, a participant and National Coordinator of the Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network, a youth-led group addressing biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution.
Dr. E.M. Mutta, representing AFF Executive Secretary and CEO Prof. Labode Popoola, emphasized the importance of bridging science with indigenous knowledge.
“Through the AfricanYouth4Forests project, we are connecting science and traditional knowledge with action, helping young people understand their role in forest governance and climate action,” he said. “This fusion empowers youth to take informed action, preserve ecosystems, and design adaptive solutions that are both contextually relevant and scientifically sound.”
Prof. Anders Roos of SLU and a co-facilitator of the workshop described AY4F as more than a training platform. “It’s a launchpad for youth-driven transformation,” he said. “Through scientific understanding and creative problem-solving, African youth are being equipped to design forest solutions rooted in both innovation and local realities.”
In their declaration, participants called on governments to integrate youth in forestry governance, expand green financing and technical training programs, and embed forest education in tertiary curricula. The private sector, NGOs, and development partners were urged to provide mentorship, technical support, storytelling platforms, and resources for enterprise incubation.
Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, opened the workshop by emphasizing the role of youth in forest stewardship.
“Forests are at the heart of Kenya’s environmental resilience and socio-economic future. Empowering young people to become stewards of our forests is no longer optional but an urgent necessity,” she said. “This workshop ensures that the next generation not only understands our forests but also actively shapes how they are governed, restored, and sustained.”
Dr. Joshua Cheboiwo, a consultant with AFF, encouraged youth to explore the economic potential of forest resources.
“Forests are more than just natural treasures — they are powerful engines for job creation and economic growth,” he said. “We encourage youth to harness the vast opportunities within forestry, from sustainable timber and non-timber products to ecotourism, beekeeping, and green innovation.”
The AY4F youth voice and policy recommendations will be consolidated and presented during COP30, contributing to Africa’s unified position on climate and sustainable forestry.
