The Future for Nature Academy (FFN Academy) is a network of students and young graduates with a passion for nature conservation. By sharing positive conservation stories and organizing varying activities we create a platform for people to meet, discuss and make plans together for a better Future For Nature. FFN Academy is closely linked to the Dutch Future For Nature Foundation which bestows awards to young, amazing international conservationists. We provide a bridge between those laureates and other conservation heroes on the one hand, and students and young alumni on the other hand. For laureates to be examples, they need to be accessible to the next, young generation of conservationists, who often have dreams but no handles on how to materialize them.
Our activities, that often include meetings with laureates or other nature conservationists, on average attract around 100 enthusiastic participants, who actively engage in discussions and exchanges, which may lead to expanding networks, internships, opportunities and further professional development. We currently have ‘hubs’ in three university cities (Wageningen, Utrecht and Amsterdam) and on two locations with applied universities (Velp and Den Bosch) and reach 1000+ followers via social media. Our events are low-cost and are self-organized, fueled by the passion of the FFN Academy members.
By linking to the Conservation Optimism Network, we are able to (1) provide examples of our own positive conservation-minded events, (2) gain from the positive experiences achieved by other like-minded organizations, and (3) learn from others how to best organize a dynamic, sustainable movement.