We Are Nature Youth Biodiversity Challenge has been activated in Nakuru with aim to bring more young people on board on matters Environmental conservation.
This is a global youth initiative facilitated by United Nation Environment Programme(UNEP) and implemented in Kenya by the African Wildlife Foundation(AWF) in partnership with the Kenya Youth Biodiversity Network(KYB).
The initiative aims to empower 5,000 youth in Kenya aged 18-35 to take meaningful action for biodiversity.
Addressing Press during the activation of the challenge in Nakuru, Co-founder Kenya Youth Biodiversity Network Mr. Kevin Lunzalu pointed out the importance of young people being brought on board for the action.
Lunzalo was categorical that as an Organization they have been engaging young people across the country in matters Policy Advocacy, Ecosystem Restoration, Awareness education and campaigns as well as Marine Action pillars.
He added that young people should be involved thoroughly in Sustainable Development Goals 11,13,14,15 and 17.
“We are focusing on young people because population of Kenya, 75% are young people and even environmental issues will affect young people much. We are saying young people have a role to conserve and as a country we are preparing to address challenges that have happened in other countries,” he stated.
He lauded the We Are Nature Youth Biodiversity Challenge for what he said will see more young people take part in shaping the Mother Nature.
To participate in the challenge, click this link https://wa.me/27609122441?text=Hey%21 say hello to Nature Buddy. Begin your learning journey today.
On matters plastics, Lunzalu called on Government to work with Manufacturers in ensuring that they no longer produce plastics but alternative to plastics so as to keep environment clean.
“When we do cleanups but fail to address the source of plastics then we are doing nothing. It is time that through policies the government of Kenya works to ensure industries and factories have alternatives,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by National Coordinator Kenya Youth Biodiversity Network Ms Esther Maina.
She pointed out that young people with their innovation is key in matters We Are Nature Youth Biodiversity Challenge.
According to her, Biodiversity protection is a collective responsibility that should be taken serious.
“We want to ensure that our youth are sensitized on matters Biodiversity conservation. With the knowledge then they can be able to take action,” she stated.
The officer revealed that already a similar activation has taken place in Nairobi where over 40 young people were involved.
The challenge is ongoing via WhatsApp chatboard where young people initiate conversation on biodiversity conservation and will end on September 14, 2025.
“We urge young people to take lead and join the challenge so that they can be part of biodiversity action,” she stated.
Ms Jacintah Gacheru, Youth Leadership Program Assistant at African Wildlife Foundation(AWF) said the challenge is key in shaping biodiversity.
She pointed out that despite Kenya having Biodiversity, there have been challenges among them the climate change.
“Kenya has Biodiversity but the challenge has been there on protection of the same. Therefore the challenge comes at the right time in incorporating young people towards addressing the same,” she said.
Ms Gacheru challenged Kenyans to embrace Biodiversity protection, adding that this is key to every aspect of life.
Meanwhile, AWF has continued to engage young people in landscapes such as Tsavo, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Kilifi and Kwale.
The Foundation focuses on youth Leadership, Opportunities and Networks.
Already 137 schools in Tsavo landscape are engaged on conservation Action through Wildlife Clubs, besides scholarships and Awards.
There is also AWF-Wall Leadership and Management Fellowship for stakeholders who engage in matters Environmental conservation.