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Participating actively in the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Youth Conservation Forum for Africa (IYCOFA), held just before the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� African Conservation Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, was an immensely rewarding experience. The forum, convened by the Ugandan and Kenyan Chapters of in partnership with, embraced the theme, “Amplifying African Youth Voices and Solutions Towards Creating Transformative Responses to the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis in Africa.” This theme perfectly aligned with theand highlighted the crucial role of young people in driving meaningful conservation actions.

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Key Takeaways:

• Empowering Youth: The forum emphasized the essential role of African youth in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. Moving beyond mere awareness to actionable solutions is crucial for making a significant impact. The focus was on empowering young people to lead and innovate in conservation efforts.
• Networking and Collaboration: One of the most valuable aspects of IYCOFA was the opportunity to connect with like-minded youth from diverse regions of Africa. This exchange of experiences, challenges, and solutions enriched our collective understanding and approach to conservation, highlighting the importance of cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Learning and Skill Development: The forum provided a platform to learn from youth experts and refine essential skills. Participants gained insights into effectively pitching ideas, creating compelling presentations, and clearly conveying concepts. Sessions covered vital topics such as Nature and People, Blue Economy, Landscape Restoration, Nature-Based Solutions, and Human Rights for Conservation, broadening our knowledge and expertise.
• Idea Exchange and Action Planning: IYCOFA was a dynamic space for exchanging innovative ideas and planning actionable steps. The collaborative environment fostered creativity and inspired new approaches to conservation challenges. Participants developed concrete initiatives, demonstrating the potential of youth-led solutions to drive positive change.
• Building a Strong Network: A key outcome of the forum was the establishment of a network of young leaders committed to leading conservation practices and advocating for conservation policy. This network will be crucial in creating a legacy of sustainable development in Africa. The connections made will be invaluable for future collaborations and initiatives.

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This forum marked the beginning of a broader journey towards further engagement and impactful actions leading up to the next World Conservation Congress 2025 (WCC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The youth are at the heart of and our role is crucial in shaping and driving the global conservation agenda. The insights and networks gained at IYCOFA set the stage for continued work and collaboration, paving the way for meaningful contributions to the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� International Congress and beyond.

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