By Abdullahi Lukman
Young environmental leaders from across Kenya have issued a declaration reaffirming their central role in driving the country’s green transition and forest conservation efforts.
The declaration was delivered at the conclusion of the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) National Youth Workshop, a three-day event held under the theme *“From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.”*
Organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in collaboration with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the workshop aimed to empower youth to translate scientific and traditional knowledge into practical, sustainable forest management.
It also served as a key platform to prepare African youth to present a unified voice at COP30 in Brazil later this year.
In their declaration, the youth identified urgent challenges facing Kenya’s forest ecosystems—ranging from climate change and deforestation to limited policy inclusion, lack of funding, and inadequate technical training.
Despite these barriers, participants pledged to lead through innovation, community-based conservation, and eco-entrepreneurship.
“Our forests are not just natural resources; they’re our inheritance,” said Esther Maina, National Coordinator of the Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network. “It’s our duty as youth to protect and restore them with both urgency and creativity.”
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Proposed solutions in the declaration include youth-led initiatives such as tree nursery businesses, carbon credit programs, climate-smart agroforestry, forest-based enterprises, and digital storytelling for advocacy.
The document also called on the Kenyan government to integrate youth into forestry governance, expand green financing and training opportunities, and embed sustainable forest education at all academic levels.
Dr. Jane Njuguna, KEFRI CEO, emphasized the critical role of youth in safeguarding Kenya’s environmental and economic future.
“Empowering young people to become stewards of our forests is no longer optional—it is an urgent necessity,” she said.
AFF consultant Dr. Joshua Cheboiwo echoed the economic potential of forest resources, urging youth to pursue opportunities in sustainable timber, non-timber forest products, ecotourism, and beekeeping.
Dr. Mutta, speaking on behalf of AFF Executive Secretary Prof. Labode Popoola, noted that AY4F is equipping youth with tools to bridge traditional knowledge and science, enabling informed decision-making and context-driven forest governance.
SLU’s Prof. Anders Roos added that the initiative is more than just training—“it’s a launchpad for youth-driven transformation.”
The AY4F initiative positions Africa’s vast and youthful population as key agents in reshaping forestry policy and practice.
With youth engagement at its core, the program aims to foster a new generation of environmental stewards who are empowered to lead Africa’s green transition through innovation, advocacy, and enterprise.
