Empowering young voices in forest and landscape restoration
Younger generations bear significant risks from climate change impacts as well as social and economic inequities. Recognizing that youth voices and perspectives need to be heard, particularly in community decision-making arenas, FAO is working to increase engagement with young people.
KID 4 FLR is the intersection where FAO's youth engagement and forest and landscape restoration work meet. It is intended to advance forest and landscape restoration by spreading knowledge of FLR among young people and inspire budding foresters. KID 4 FLR also aims to spark innovation and foster further creative and analytical thinking in youth. Their creative solutions and development of technologies can similarly support the restoration movement.
KID 4 FLR Phases
KID 4 FLR relies on part-time youth volunteers as agents of change. This is in line with the recommendation of the third Forest Sector Outlook Study (APFSOS III) for agencies like FAO to support countries in building the FLR capacities of all stakeholders.
The initiative is planned to operate in two phases.
In this pilot phase, KID 4 FLR engages youth volunteers to support forest and landscape restoration efforts in their communities. FAO is collaborating with selected universities in target pilot countries to host students from natural resource management degree programs.
These youth volunteers conduct surveys to capture their peers' perspectives and priorities on forest restoration in their countries. They support FAO work through contributions to social media and video channels, and they establish links and liaise with relevant stakeholder groups. Their valuable input and insights into innovations, technologies, and local communities aids and enhances restoration efforts.
By elevating young voices, KID 4 FLR empowers students to drive progress on forest and landscape restoration in their communities. Participating youth gain practical experience and strengthen local capacities while shaping the future of conservation in their countries.
From 2024-2030, KID 4 FLR will expand beyond youth volunteers to include four groups:
- youth volunteers
- school-age students
- young citizens keen to develop FLR-related skills, and
- general public who can support the advancement of FLR.
This phase will scale up KID 4 FLR to cover all relevant countries in the region through mobilization of resources and partnership enhancement. The initiative will diversity its activities based on the demands from youth and the lessons learnt from Phase 1.
Additional actions will include strengthening FLR education at al levels and turning young citizens into forest sector professionals and entrepreneurs. This involves issues related to curriculum revision, embracing alternate learning approaches, and promoting courses at different levels for various target groups and employment types.
Further, tailored interventions will be designed to help young citizens advance innovative business models and organize themselves to promote or contribute to FLR (e.g. FLR consultants, tree surgeons, wildlife farmers, rescue operators, online traders, and ecotourism operators).
