Africa-Press – Rwanda. A youth-led initiative was launched to combat climate change and protect biodiversity, aiming to uplift over 100,000 people living near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park on May 30.
Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilient Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods initiative will equip young Rwandans with the skills and support they need to lead change. From restoring ecosystems to running community education campaigns on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainable resource use.
Led by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), the project will focus on strengthening youth organisations, conserving biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems.
It will also promote the adoption of nature-based solutions within local communities, including rainwater harvesting, soil conservation, and renewable energy technologies, to support sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.
Over the next three years, the project will support at least 10 youth-led organizations, directly benefit an estimated 106,400 people across 12 sectors bordering Volcanoes National Park, contributing to Rwanda’s broader climate and development targets.
Patrick Nsabimana, Country Coordinator for AWF Rwanda, emphasised the urgency of the initiative.
“This project responds directly to Rwanda’s national development goals while equipping youth with the tools and opportunities to lead solutions rooted in their landscapes. We are not just building resilience to climate change, we are building a generation of leaders who will shape the future of conservation on this continent,” he said.
Team Leader Amparo Gonzalez Diez of the European Union Delegation to Rwanda, underscored the EU’s support for grassroots leadership and climate action.
“We are helping protect ecosystems and empower the next generation to shape a greener, more resilient future. We are working with young Rwandans to protect a jewel of Rwanda’s natural scenery and biodiversity against climate change. This local partnership is about fair sustainability, empowering youth and local leadership, in line with our Global Gateway strategy.”
The project will work with the selected youth organizations to deliver training sessions, provide financial and technical support, and start ecosystem restoration activities across the twelve sectors bordering Volcanoes National Park.
Monitor and assess progress in environmental restoration, youth engagement, and community livelihood improvements regularly, to make sure that the planned activities are effectively delivered and that communities see both environmental and economic benefits.
They will also share knowledge among youth groups and local stakeholders to strengthen their collaboration.
The project launch event, held in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, brought together over 150 representatives from government agencies, youth-led organizations, civil society, community leaders, development partners, and international donors.
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