By Abbas Nazil
Youth-led conservation groups across Australia are playing a growing role in reconnecting young people with nature and addressing the country’s environmental challenges.
Despite strong concern about climate change, young Australians remain underrepresented in hands-on conservation work compared with older generations.
Recent research shows that young people are the demographic most influenced by environmental issues when voting.
However, participation in on-ground environmental action continues to lag due to barriers such as eco-anxiety, limited access, and a widening disconnect from nature.
Experts say Australia urgently needs more young people involved in caring for the environment, as they will face the long-term consequences of biodiversity loss and climate change.
A new wave of youth-led conservation initiatives is now working to close this gap by combining practical environmental action with community building and mental health support.
These initiatives are helping young Australians turn concern into meaningful action.
The issue was discussed on ABC Radio Far North, where youth leaders and conservation advocates highlighted the importance of creating spaces designed specifically for young people.
Biodiversity Council Science Communications Director Jaana Dielenberg said many young people want to help but feel excluded from traditional conservation groups.
She explained that established groups often have older membership profiles, which can discourage younger volunteers from getting involved.
Youth-led programs are changing this by offering welcoming environments where young people feel a sense of belonging.
Being active outdoors has also been shown to support wellbeing and reduce climate-related anxiety.
Climate 200 Future Leader Mackenna Minstrell said engaging directly with environmental issues helps young people cope with fear about the planet’s future.
She noted that taking action at the community level creates a sense of “active hope.”
One initiative addressing these challenges is Co-Exist, which brings young people together through conservation activities such as tree planting and beach clean-ups.
The program combines environmental work with social events to build confidence and long-term engagement.
Other groups, such as Intrepid Landcare, act as a bridge between young volunteers and established Landcare networks.
With more than a decade of youth-led experience, Intrepid Landcare supports co-designed projects that encourage intergenerational collaboration.
This approach allows young people to learn from experienced environmental advocates while contributing fresh ideas and energy.
CAFNEC Community Organiser Monique Jeffs said intergenerational cooperation strengthens conservation outcomes.
She emphasized that combining wisdom, experience and youthful perspective creates more resilient community action.
Across Far North Queensland, organisations such as Kuranda Conservation, Holloways Beach Coastcare and Treeforce are demonstrating the benefits of inclusive participation.
Youth leaders say empowerment and leadership opportunities are essential to sustaining long-term engagement.
They argue that young people possess the skills, intelligence and motivation needed to help shape environmental solutions.
Providing leadership pathways enables young Australians to feel valued and heard.
Advocates believe youth-led conservation is not only restoring ecosystems but also rebuilding young people’s relationship with nature.
As climate pressures grow, these initiatives are increasingly seen as vital to Australia’s environmental future.
