Young environmental leaders from across Cameroon have issued a bold joint declaration calling for greater youth involvement in forest governance, as part of their commitment to climate action and the transition to a green economy.
This declaration was issued at the conclusion of the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) National Youth Workshop, held from 11–13 June 2025 at the National Forestry School of Cameroon in Mbalmayo. Convened under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry,” the workshop was organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in collaboration with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and hosted with the support of Formas – the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development.
Participants identified key threats to Cameroon’s forests—illegal logging, agricultural-induced degradation, weak law enforcement, urban expansion, and limited youth involvement in environmental decision-making. They also cited restricted access to finance, digital tools, and technical training as major barriers to effective youth-led actions in sustainable forestry.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the youth displayed a strong commitment to driving change through innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-based action—proposing solutions such as precision agroforestry, tree nurseries, reforestation, eco-tourism, digital conservation tools, sustainable forest management, community-based carbon markets, and responsible non-timber forest product enterprises.
“Nothing for us without us. Young people are not waiting to be invited to the table – we are building our own,” states the youth declaration. “We don’t have to choose between earning a living and saving the planet. We can – and must – do both.”
Calling for mindset shifts and behavioural change, the youth emphasized their readiness to act: “Give youth the tools and trust – we will build a greener tomorrow.”
The AY4F initiative empowers Africans aged 18–35 to lead environmental transformation by bridging scientific knowledge and indigenous ecological wisdom. In Mbalmayo, participants were trained in sustainable forest management, green enterprise development, digital tools, and advocacy, with a focus on turning knowledge into action.
However, participants emphasized that youth remain underrepresented in forest governance structures, despite being digitally savvy, highly motivated, and deeply rooted in their communities.
To address this, they called on the Cameroonian government to create an enabling environment for youth-led climate action, simplify administrative procedures to encourage youth participation, enhance access to internships and permits through targeted incentives, integrate environmental education into all levels of basic education, establish more community-managed and youth-led forest reserves, and enact supportive laws that incentivize youth-driven climate initiatives.
They also called on the private sector, NGOs, and international partners to offer mentorship, financing, and digital platforms to amplify youth-led forest businesses, storytelling and advocacy.
“This workshop is a turning point,” said Mitin Sandrine Yaah, environmental engineer and CEO’s Youth Advisor at the Global Centre on Adaptation. “We have gained not just knowledge, but purpose,” added Anya Dabite Abeh, a young conservation biologist.
Dr. Chemuku Wekesa (KEFRI/Taita Taveta University) noted: “To deliver on forest restoration and green goals, the ambition of young researchers must be as big as the forests they protect.”
AFF Consultant Dr. Peter Mbile encouraged youth to embrace frontier opportunities like carbon markets, GIS, drones, and AI, urging them to “focus less on what hasn’t worked, and more on what’s possible.”
Representing the AFF Executive Secretary Prof. Labode Popoola, Dr. Moussa Massaoudou emphasized the importance of digital literacy among African youth: “Training young people on emerging technologies. GIS, drones, and AI can save time and unlock resources.” Dr. Massaoudou, a Visiting Scientist / Programme Officer at AFF, concluded: “With over 60% of Africa’s population under 30 years, meaningful youth inclusion in forest governance is vital for long-term sustainability. Youths don’t have a choice. They must engage, innovate, and stay informed.”
As the world prepares for COP30, the Mbalmayo workshop stands as a testament to the transformative power of youth in shaping Africa’s climate and forest future—equipped with science, solidarity, and an unshakable sense of purpose.
