Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 19, 2024 – The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) released a new report titled « Rooted in restoration: Youth-led transformative change for regreening Africa ». This document highlights the experiences, challenges and solutions brought by young African practitioners and experts working to restore the continent’s ecosystems. Launched on the occasion of the COP16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)this report aims to guide reforestation and sustainable restoration efforts in Africa.
A young continent facing growing ecological challenges
Africa, often described as the “youngest continent” due to its predominantly young population, is undergoing a accelerated degradation of its landscapesfueled by extensive agriculture, deforestation, market pressure and the growing impacts of climate change. This phenomenon threatens the ecological, economic and social resilience of the region.
To address these challenges, the report emphasizes that restoration efforts must:
- Be designed and piloted by Africans.
- Integrate local knowledge, including that of youth, indigenous peoples and marginalized groups.
- Implement sustainable approaches that promote long-term impacts, beyond impressive but ephemeral numbers.
Young people, drivers of transformation
The report shows that African youth are prioritizing approaches ascending to generate significant impacts. However, young people encounter major obstacles such as lack of funding and opportunities to develop their projects.
Nancy Barisoaco-author of the report and member of the GLF youth team, says:
“Young Africans are making incredible progress in ecosystem restoration. However, without adequate access to financing, it is difficult to sustain their actions. »
Amos AmanuboGLF regional coordinator for Africa, adds:
“Large-scale restoration can only succeed if it is aligned with local knowledge and community values. Young people and local communities should be seen as valuable resources. »
Key points and recommendations from the report
- Collaborations inclusives : Donors, policy makers and organizations must co-create flexible financing models to support local initiatives led by young people.
- Meaningful representation : Public policies must ensure real participation of young people and marginalized groups, so that their needs and expertise guide restoration strategies.
- Links to livelihoods : Governments must link ecosystem restoration to economic opportunities, particularly targeting young women and rural populations.
- Capacity building : Resources must be allocated to train youth and restoration practitioners across Africa.
- Culturally adapted narrative : International environmental organizations must use clear communication methods adapted to the African context to promote bottom-up approaches.
Inspiration and concrete actions
The report showcases successful initiatives and inspiring leaders in restoring African landscapes, while identifying systemic gaps that limit youth leadership. For example, the programme Restoration Stewards highlights exceptional young Africans, but the need for systemic change remains to scale these successes.
Claudine Kamanzifounder of Forest4Life and beneficiary of the Restoration Stewards program, highlights:
“Lack of technical expertise and long-term funding is hampering restoration efforts. Mentoring programs and flexible funding are crucial to strengthening youth leadership. »
Towards a sustainable future for Africa
The report calls for a action collective involving scientists, policymakers, local communities and international organizations to promote landscape restoration that is sustainable, inclusive and youth-centered. Through Regreening Africanational dialogues will be organized to deepen the recommendations and continue restoration efforts.
By putting African youth at the center of the ecological transition, the GLF aims to transform the restoration of landscapes into a viable path towards prosperous livelihoods and a green future for Africa.
