Meet the Young Forest Champions!

Adigao Alvin Wenia

Alvin is a Gen Z Climate Leader, passionate about youth inclusion and sustainable development. As a social entrepreneur, he leads inclusive and innovative co-created interventions that drive education, climate action, and biodiversity conservation initiatives, empowering communities. Through the Coalition for a Brighter Earth, Alvin empowers young people to lead inspiring solutions for a sustainable and more equitable future.

Edwin Cornelius Teye

Cornelius is an environmentalist dedicated to sustainability and youth empowerment in forestry in Ghana. He is involved with Global Yes to Conservation and authors a LinkedIn newsletter, "Our Environment, Our Future," focused on environmental issues. He also has field work experience assessing forest plots with Ghana's Forestry Commission.

Edith Nkansah

Edith has a background in forestry and natural resource management. She is the project coordinator at 3T Company in Ghana focusing on sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Edith is committed to making a positive impact by inspiring others in her community to value and protect natural resources.

Elizabeth Botchway

Elizabeth is a Forest Resources Technology graduate from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, specializing in social forestry. Her interest to communicate effectively about environmental conservation gave her the opportunity to intern with the Ghana REDD+ Secretariat of the Forestry Commission. She has now transitioned into facilitation, stakeholders’ engagement and project management roles in Accra.

Elizabeth Nkrumah

Elizabeth is the project manager in charge of agroecology and climate change at Prime Initiatives, and NGO registered in Ghana.  She has managed irrigation projects, advocated for the protection of forest reserves and has a working relationship with Bui National Park. Skilled in GIS data collection, she engages communities, supports smallholder farmers, and actively supports local communities on best practices related to fire management in Banda district. 

Kamasa Dorothy

Kamasa is a climate professional specializing in sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration. She is the founder of the Centre for Women and Food Security-Ghana, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and Indigenous communities to achieve food sovereignty through impactful agricultural and environmental solutions.

Prince Bempah Osei

Prince, a geospatial scientist and environmental advocate from Ghana, focuses on remote sensing to monitor forests. As the President of The Future Plant Project (TFPP) at KNUST, he promotes youth involvement in conservation efforts. He guides young professionals in GIS, natural resource management, and sustainable landscape monitoring.

Prince Yakohene Dogbe

Prince is a forestry and GIS enthusiast interested in remote sensing for assessing land cover dynamics. As part of EUDR initiative, he mapped cocoa farms and forest boundaries using GPS and remote sensing to delineate land use and address deforestation across Ghana’s cocoa landscape. His efforts contribute to forest monitoring and agro-commodity sustainability. 

Robert Yadama Laar

Robert is a climate reality leader who has been championing environmental sustainability in Ghana through youth empowerment and community engagement. He founded Dabethon Group an NGO which is focused on urban sustainability. Currently, he volunteers with Knowledge for World Conservation where he is leading community-based forest management projects in some communities in the Offinso Forest District.

Dumenyo Theophilus Delali

Dumenyo is the founder and CEO of Ento Organics, an Agri-tech startup leveraging IoT and precision farming to enhance climate resilience for smallholder farmers in Ghana. A passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, he empowers youth and women in regenerative agriculture, agroforestry and ecosystem restoration through innovative, tech-driven solutions.

Antony Aluvale

Antony is a forester with expertise in forest management, conservation, GIS, and agroforestry. He has worked with Kenya Forest Service, the private sector, and communities on sustainable forestry initiatives. Passionate about conservation and climate change mitigation, he actively promotes reforestation and community-led environmental solutions in Machakos county.

Brenda Kajuju

Brenda is an environmental planner dedicated to leveraging technology for climate resilience and sustainable development. Passionate about urban-rural planning, food systems, and forest conservation, she champions the importance of forests for their benefits. A Millennium Fellow and Aspire Leaders alumna, Brenda advocates for environmental sustainability through data-driven solutions and strategic planning.

Brenda Wangoe

Brenda is a passionate environmentalist dedicated to sustainable forestry and community-driven conservation. With expertise in research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, she champions reforestation and climate resilience. Her work with organizations like One Million Trees Kilifi reflects her commitment to restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable land-use practices.

Peter Bulimo

Peter is an ambitious environmentalist working at the intersection of climate, nature, and justice. A Nature-Based Solutions enthusiast, Bulimo has co-founded the TUA Consultancy Initiative, where is is also the Coordination Lead. Bulimo’s work revolves around dismantling systemic barriers to meaningful youth engagement and fostering environments where young people can thrive as key actors in conservation, climate action and environmental governance.

Duncan Katam

Duncan is a passionate community change agent with a key interest in environmental conservation and sustainable development. He is a volunteer MEAL Officer with Kiptapkei Environmental CBO in Nandi County and he supports the community to restore degraded riparian and wetlands ecosystems. He actualizes this through a community led process of propagating, transplanting and growing trees along rivers and wetlands with the focus of combatting climate change and restoring the habitat of the vervet monkey, the cherished totem of the Kiptapkei Clan.

Justine Momanyi

A dedicated environmental advocate and climate innovator committed to sustainable development. Founder of  Kenya Climate Youth Corps (KCYC) and  Global Climate Innovators (GCI), Justine leads initiatives that drive climate action and innovation. Strong background in Geography, GIS, and environmental governance, he spearheads projects on forest conservation, renewable energy, and climate education. 

Lucy Kiama

Lucy, is a forester and rural development policy practitioner. She works with Kenya Forest Services as an environmentalist and advocate for forest conservation. Passionate about sustainability, she is actively involved in community education, promoting the importance of forest conservation for future generations.

Samuel Githaka

Samuel is an environmental enthusiast passionate about forest conservation, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration. With experience in tree planting, nursery management, and community engagement, he is committed to promoting sustainable solutions for a greener future. He actively advocates for reforestation and biodiversity conservation, striving to create a world where the environment doesn't need protection.

Sarah Lenaseyian

Sarah is a young leader who is passionate about community-led development and environmental conservation. Through her Green Village Initiative, Sarah champions efforts to address climate change by involving indigenous communities in practical and impactful environmental conservation activities. Her dedication and innovative approach make her a driving force for positive change in her community and beyond.

Yuri Muchanchi

Yuri is an environmental scientist and climate action advocate. As co-founder of the Eco Advocacy Society, she champions ecological restoration and climate action through community and youth engagement. She promotes nature-based solutions in reforestation, including the Miyawaki technique, to support phytoremediation and sustainable forestry.

Valeria Meza

Valeria is a Peruvian botanist and conservationist studying Biological Sciences at the National University of San Marcos. Specialized in plant conservation, she has field experience in ecological monitoring and youth engagement. Through GYBN Peru, she integrates youth voices into environmental policy and promotes biodiversity protection through science, tradition, and collective youth action.

Sheyna Martinez

Sheyna is a forestry and environmental engineer specializing in forest conservation and sustainable management. She works with native communities in the Peruvian Amazon to prevent illegal logging, restore degraded areas, and train indigenous groups. Committed to defending forest ecosystems, she also participates in reforestation initiatives by planting native trees.

Lizet Mejía

Lizet is an Andean climate activist focused on youth empowerment and restoring high Andean ecosystems. She co-founded Qinti Perú and works with Allpa Hamay to integrate ancestral knowledge. Through networks like GYBN Perú and ReLLAC Jóvenes, she promotes conservation and climate justice from and for the territories.

Ivana Pezo

Ivana has extensive experience in socio-environmental projects and community-based initiatives in the Peruvian Amazon, collaborating with international organizations. Her deep connection to nature fuels her commitment to conservation. She co-founded Guazuma, where she transforms exotic wood residues into sustainable products that promote environmental responsibility and community empowerment.

Florangel Camargo

Florangel, from Huánuco, Peru, is a Law graduate and a teaching assistant at PUCP’s Environmental Legal Clinic. She has worked in legal programs and departments at SPDA, WWF, and EY Peru. She stands out for her leadership and socio-environmental commitment in volunteer work with the Red Universitaria Ambiental (RUA).

Emerson Espinoza

A young Peruvian environmental engineer, has extensive experience in research, conservation, and remote sensing. He has participated in climate change and sustainability projects in Peru, Mexico, and Canada. His work focuses on integrating science with policy to forge innovative and resilient solutions in environmental management.

Carlos Lozano

A Kichwa Indigenous leader from Peru, champions climate action and territorial rights. He has participated in FOSPA 2024, the IACHR, and the Amazon Summit. An environmental architect and urban planner, he graduated with honors and founded youth organizations, promoting sustainability, Indigenous leadership, and community-based media.

Brenda Izquierdo

Brenda Izquierdo is an Environmental Engineering graduate from the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) in Lima, Peru. She’s a dedicated self-learner and passionate about environmental conservation, volunteering to raise awareness of natural resources. Brenda also enjoys expressing her cultural heritage through traditional Peruvian dance, blending science with culture.

Andrea Lisboa

Andrea is an International Relations student at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and an intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru. She has experience in animal rescue volunteering and leading community projects. Passionate about environmental conservation, she actively raises awareness of the intersection between climate change and communities, advocating for a youth-led approach to climate justice.

Adriana Barrantes

Adriana is an Anthropology graduate from University of Amsterdam. She currently resides in Lima, Peru, her hometown, where she works as the sustainability representative of an online media platform, and a social responsibility and sustainability consultant. She wants to help create a system that is based on collaboration, not exploitation.

Margret Nabagereka

Margret is a climate youth advocate from Uganda, founder of the Soaring Community Empowerment Initiative (SCEI UG), which focuses on tree planting, eco cookstoves, and sustainable farming. She empowers marginalized youth, addresses gender inequality, and advocates for climate education. As Chairperson of Wakiso Sub-county’s Social Services Committee, she promotes inclusive, sustainable practices.

Bako Patience

Bako Patience is a professional forester currently supporting the AfriFOODLinks project with Rikolto in Uganda. She is passionate about advancing food security, climate change, GIS and sustainable agriculture in Uganda. She also co-founded Walton Africa Waste Company, a social enterprise through which she champions environmental sustainability in Uganda’s urban landscapes. 

Bwambale Lovic

Lovic, a young forestry professional at Makerere University, is passionate about environment and forest conservation, and climate advocacy. He is Sharp-minded, hardworking, eager to learn new ideas and share knowledge. He is also a Leader, and graphics designer who aspires to advocate for environmental conservation and climate action

Ekel Fiona

Ekel Fiona, CEO of Ekel Organics Limited, promoting sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices. As a passionate climate change advocate, I actively engage my community in environmental sustainability initiatives. Additionally, I collaborate with a women's forestry group, encouraging female investment in forestry to empower women and promote environmental conservation.

Gad Okodi

Gad, a dedicated young Forester, finalizing his BSc. in Forestry at Makerere University, Uganda. He’s passionate about Sustainable Forest Management and environmental conservation efforts, he currently serves as the Southern Africa Regional Representative at the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA) contributing to a world that appreciates forests.

Lando Ivan

Lando Ivan is a dedicated forester and environmental advocate who graduated from Makerere University in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Forestry. Despite being deaf, he communicates effectively through writing. Raised by his maternal grandfather, Lando worked at Core Woods Company Limited in Hoima, where he passionately promoted forest conservation and environmental sustainability. 

Patricia Arinaitwe

I am a professional Agricultural extensionist with passion for environmental conservation. I am a founder of Agritalk Connect where I advocate for sustainable agriculture, provide  innovative  nature-based  solutions for forest conservation and climate action.I empower communities through sustainable livelihoods, and  environmental responsibility. I am dedicated to fostering resilience in Africa’s Food System through stakeholder engagement and youth empowerment. 

Pius Turinawe

Samuel Tahinduka

Samuel is a professional geographer and pro-environment Ugandan with many interests and passion for environmental management using geospatial technology. He is doing a remote internship with G20 Global Land Initiative at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). He became the first Ugandan to attend the African Dendrochronological Field School in 2024 in Livingstone, Zambia, a milestone that deepened his interest in climate and tree ring research. He loves nature, travelling and learning new things. 

Theopista Abalo

Theopista, an environmental conservationist, finalizing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry at Makerere University, Uganda, is a member of the International Forestry Students Association, and served as the Southern Africa Regional Representative for the year 23/24. She passionate about building resilience to climate change through landscape restoration and community engagement.

Steven Munyandi

Steven is a dedicated Community Forest Management Technician specializing in sustainable forestry and gender advocacy. He has played a key role in establishing 12 Community Forest Management Groups. He empowers rural communities to adopt eco-friendly practices while ensuring inclusive participation of men, women, and youth in conservation efforts.

Sitali Akakandelwa

Sitali is an aspiring climate scientist passionate about water, marine life, and forestry. She volunteers with Young Volunteers for Environment in Zambia and serves as a Green Fellow at The Green Institute. Committed to environmental management and climate science, she aims to contribute to impactful discussions and actions in these areas.

Mwiya Simataa

Mwiya Simataa, an Environmental Technical Advisor at Mizu Eco-Care a Zambian-based NGO is immensely passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability which is reflective in his daily work. He remains deeply committed to protecting ecosystems in order to enhance ecological integrity, build and strengthen climate resilience in the long term.

Mulenga Chileshe

A Community Conservation Officer, with NLCP in Nabwalya and Chikwa Chiefdoms. Enhanced governance of CRBs, VAGs, and CFMGs through capacity-building and inclusive decision-making. Led cheetah restoration and sustainable conservation initiatives, advocating women's land rights. Coordinated government and stakeholder partnerships, trained scouts in conflict mitigation, and managed field operations and budgets to advance ecological and community resilience.

Lushomo Kasenzi

Lushomo, a forestry advocate, facilitates School Environmental Clubs and interns with the Rise in Community Aid Program in Siavonga. She revitalizes Community Forest Management programs, promoting community engagement, youth entrepreneurship, and climate action. Her work integrates conservation with sustainable livelihoods, enhancing resilience through economic empowerment and sustainable forest management.

Hildah Ikabongo

Hildah Ikabongo is a biodiversity conservationist experienced in understanding ecosystems and their intricate relationship with science and policy in mitigating climate change. She advocates for the importance of integrating ecosystem-based approaches into policy frameworks and promotes sustainable practices to ensure a resilient future for biological diversity.

Ernnie Gondwe

Ernnie Gondwe is a passionate Zambian social scientist and environmental advocate driving grassroots climate action. She holds a Master’s in Human Rights, Governance, and Development and a BA in Adult Education. Through training, advocacy, and policy work, she champions forest conservation, youth leadership, and environmental justice for resilient, inclusive development.

Elizabeth Maanda Sianga

Elizabeth, an agronomist and agribusiness specialist, champions tree planting for income generation and the preservation of indigenous tree species. She believes trees enhance livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and support sustainable farming. Committed to farmer success, she merges knowledge with practice and runs an Agri-based online platform followed by over 160,000 people.

Chimuka Milambo Chuulu

Chimuka is a passionate environmental advocate and GIS analyst with expertise in remote sensing, earth observation, and sustainable forestry. She focuses on data-driven solutions for monitoring environmental change and enhancing climate resilience, collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable land management practices across Zambia and beyond.

Bboka Hamusonde

Bboka is a GIS expert and developer specializing in spatial technology. He currently works as a Forest Disturbance Analyst at BioCarbon Partners (BCP) in Zambia. In his current role, he collaborates with communities and conservation teams to detect and manage deforestation in community forests, promoting sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.