Young people in Africa were optimistic for a number of different reasons, from the collective efforts of their communities, to the growth of digital agitation for conservation and academic research programmes geared at studying and restoring their ecosystems. They believe the youth as the custodians of the future, have to act today to protect and preserve the planet that we so freely borrow from generations not yet here.

Q1: What inspires you to feel optimistic about conservation and the future of our planet?

We shine a spotlight on three of our favourite responses here:

“ The beauty of nature… This feeling that the world is so much bigger than we can comprehend leads to “expansive thinking,” (which) inspires me to feel optimistic about conservation and the future of our planet.

Akinbuwa Taiwo Moyinoluwa, 23, Nigeria

“I find optimism in the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations dedicated to conservation. Witnessing the passion and commitment of people from diverse backgrounds coming together to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems gives me hope. Ultimately, it is the resilience and determination of humanity to safeguard our natural world that inspire my optimism for the future of conservation and our planet.”

Sydney Opiyo, 27, Kenya (Photo Credits: Nation.Africa)

“My research focus on invasive plant species and their impact on biodiversity conservation has been motivated by a desire to contribute to the preservation of ecological integrity and resilience. By studying invasive plants’ ecological interactions and population dynamics, I aim to generate knowledge that can inform effective management strategies and mitigate the threats posed by these species.”

Blaise Binama, 31, Rwanda.

Q2: Why do you think it is important to involve and amplify youth voices in tackling conservation’s big challenges? 

We shine a spotlight on three of our favourite responses here:

“We are always raising the next generation of conservationists. Youth bring fresh perspectives and new skills to the table that may change the way we look at conservation and handle conservation challenges.”

Amauréé Jansen van Vuuren, 27, South Africa

“As young people, we have this capacity and ease to connect and create links to influence and impact our environment, to impact and inspire younger people even in the most remote corners of the world, especially in the age of social networking. With the youths highly involved in conservation and restoration, the environmental crisis will be perceived as every one’s business, and they will be able to influence policies and decision makers for a better planet for ALL. ”

Prudence Tegueu Kemeni, Cameroon (PC:Own Photo)

“Young people who are empowered also have a stronger feeling of ownership and accountability for environmental challenges, which motivates them to safeguard nature and wildlife over the long run.”

Emmanuel Baffoe Bonney, 23, Ghana

This is the second in a series of four blogs in this Youth Voice Series focusing on different regions. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs to hear from young people in Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas and Caribbean. Why not add your voice by resharing our post and letting us know why you are optimistic for the future of nature and the role young people play in this.