Meet the Young Forest Champions 2026

Harriya Musah Yusuf

Harriya is an emerging aquatic researcher and climate volunteer from Ghana specializing in freshwater ecosystem resilience, fisheries management, and climate adaptation. Her work supports restoration efforts in Lake Bosomtwe and Keta Lagoon landscapes. Through volunteer initiatives with A Rocha Ghana and AgroIntroductions Ghana, she has educated over 2,000 learners on environmental conservation and climate action.

Mayfair Obeng-Gyimah

Mayfair is a researcher passionate about the human dimensions of natural resources, with a strong focus on women and climate change. She is committed to bridging grassroots realities with policy and research, ensuring that women’s voices are empowered to lead the way toward a just, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.

Raphael Sanza

Raphael is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Climate and Ecosystem Restoration Network, a student-led organization dedicated to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation. Through the Restore Woarabeba Project, he has helped raise and plant 1 120 nursery plants across one hectare at the Muni Pomadze Ramsar Site, promoting community-driven environmental restoration and climate resilience.

Paulina Amenyona

Paulina is a passionate forestry and climate change professional from Ghana with a BSc in Natural Resources Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST. Through her work with Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN), she promotes sustainable forest governance, agroforestry, climate awareness, and community-led conservation to support a greener and more resilient future.

Racheal Addo

Racheal is a Forest Resources Technology graduate from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and an emerging researcher passionate about environmental policy, ecosystem restoration, and community conservation. Through her work with the Ga South Municipal Assembly and environmental advocacy initiatives, she champions sustainable forestry, mangrove protection, and community-led conservation across vulnerable landscapes in Ghana.

Solomon Ntiamoah

Solomon is a Plant and Environmental Biology graduate from the University of Ghana currently serving with the Forestry Commission of Ghana in Accra. Through roles across the Forest Service Division, Accra Zoo, and Achimota Nursery, he has gained hands-on experience in plant propagation, wildlife care, and forest resource monitoring.

Emelia Kyeremeh

Emelia is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and BSc Agriculture graduate from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), specializing in Agricultural Mechanization. Passionate about forest conservation and sustainability, she champions ecosystem restoration, sustainable energy innovation, and reforestation initiatives aimed at empowering communities and protecting Ghana’s forests for future generations.

Naashika Abbey

Naashika is a Teaching and Research Assistant in the Department of Silviculture at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Passionate about nature, adventure, and meaningful conversations, she is deeply intrigued by urban forestry, carbon finance, and forest ecology, with a growing interest in sustainable environmental solutions and ecological research.

Fare Solomon

Solomon is a Ghanaian agriculture graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, specializing in Crop Science, from the University of Ghana. Passionate about sustainable farming and community development, he is currently managing a small farming project while advocating against indiscriminate tree-felling in his rural community, Ahamansu Anani Kofe, in Ghana’s Oti Region.

Samuel Okantey

Samuel is an adaptable and growth-driven agriculture graduate passionate about sustainable environmental management and community development. Skilled in Microsoft Office and AI tools, he values innovation, learning, and research-driven solutions. He is committed to advancing sustainable natural resource management through technology, practical field experience, and meaningful contributions to environmental conservation.

Samintang

Samintang (Sammy) is the Executive Director of Climate Catalysts Indonesia, a grassroots-driven movement advancing climate empowerment and youth leadership across the Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North America. An award-winning climate communicator, she also leads global initiatives in citizen science, climate education, and spiritual ecology, amplifying youth voices in international climate action and environmental advocacy.

Alvian Wardhana

Alvian is the founder of Literasi Anak Banua, an initiative advancing Indigenous education and community empowerment in South Borneo, Indonesia, which has reached over 10,000 Indigenous youth and children. A human rights defender and environmental advocate, he works at the intersection of Indigenous rights, climate governance, and community forest management, contributing to global climate dialogues and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.

Mayana Runesi

Mayana is an early-career researcher and field practitioner passionate about indigenous knowledge, forest governance, and spatial analysis. Through participatory research and community engagement in Indonesia’s borderland forest areas, she works to strengthen sustainable land management while empowering youth and Indigenous communities to support forest conservation, climate resilience, and community-driven environmental protection.

Maria Angel Margareth Pardede

Maria Angel is the founder of Green Catalyst Indonesia, an initiative developing school-based systems that integrate climate education, composting practices, and circular economy solutions to drive measurable environmental action. An Electrical Engineering graduate from Universitas Indonesia, she is passionate about youth-led sustainability, climate action, and community engagement through environmental education and urban greening initiatives.

Mohammad Rifli Mubarak

Mohammad is a Climate and Sustainability Researcher at ECADIN, focusing on energy, environmental governance, forest protection, and community resilience in Indonesia. He has worked with several Indonesian ministries on policy initiatives, including methane abatement in the oil and gas sector and Indigenous land mapping to support customary land rights and forest protection. His experience also includes peatland restoration, sustainable agricultural supply chains, and community-based climate resilience programs across Indonesia.

Esya Umarah

Esya is a Forest Conservation graduate from Hasanuddin University in Indonesia with a strong passion for biodiversity conservation and human–wildlife coexistence. Through research collaborations with international universities and his participation in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative fellowship, he has advanced conservation education, ecological research, and community outreach focused on protecting endemic ecosystems and reducing human–wildlife conflict.

Canakya Galerita

Canakya is a forestry student at IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University) majoring in Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism. She serves as Head of The Forests Dialogue within the International Forestry Students’ Association, representing student voices in global climate and forestry discussions. Through her work with Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry and community-based agroforestry initiatives, she actively promotes landscape restoration, environmental awareness, and youth engagement in sustainable forestry.

Tashya Arifiani

Tashya is the Program Coordinator at the Green Initiative Foundation, where she champions grassroots conservation and community-centered environmental action. Inspired by her Sundanese heritage and life near Mount Gede Pangrango, she works closely with Indigenous and forest-dependent communities to promote sustainable livelihoods, forest protection, and long-term ecological resilience.

Ahmad Fajarusshidiq

Ahmad is an Indonesian forest, agroforestry, and climate resilience practitioner currently serving as a Strategic Planning and Sustainability Specialist at Universitas Riau. With international experience in agroforestry, climate resilience, and community engagement across Ghana, Uganda, and Indonesia, he is passionate about advancing sustainable landscapes, youth-led action, and resilient agrifood systems through research and collaborative environmental planning.

Valdya Hartati Lestari

Valdya is a graduate in Soil Science and Natural Resource and Environmental Management with a strong passion for environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. With experience in research, laboratory analysis, data processing, and field-based environmental studies, she is committed to advancing sustainable development and contributing to innovative solutions that promote long-term environmental conservation and community impact.

Felix Ngatia

Felix is a Public Policy and Administration student at Kenyatta University, founder of Bright Impact Network, and Nairobi County Coordinator of the Kenya Agricultural Students Association. Passionate about climate action and youth empowerment, he actively promotes environmental conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement through policy discussions, clean-up initiatives, and restoration activities.

Aisha Barasa

Aisha is a Mathematics and Computer Science student at Kenyatta University passionate about using technology for environmental sustainability. Through AI-driven forest monitoring, climate action initiatives, and youth mentorship, she combines data science and ecological conservation to develop innovative, tech-forward solutions that promote forestry preservation and community empowerment.

Norah Kimathi

Norah is an award-winning Kenyan engineer and sustainability leader focused on protecting forests, biodiversity, and vulnerable communities through inclusive innovation. As founder of Zerobionic, she transforms plastic waste into solar-powered humanoid robots that advance climate education and STEM learning, while championing circular economy solutions, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment on global platforms.

Shimron Kiptoo

Shimron is a Development Studies practitioner and Indigenous Peoples’ rights advocate working with the Chepkitale Indigenous People Development Project to advance community development, youth empowerment, and Indigenous-led conservation. Through global platforms including COP28, SB60, and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, he champions Indigenous youth leadership, land rights, and climate justice.

Olga Awuonda

Olga is an environmental steward passionate about community-centered conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Her work spans coastal and marine resource management, youth engagement, and support for sustainable farming initiatives. Driven by meaningful impact, she values collaboration, continuous learning, and using her voice and experiences to promote positive environmental and social change.

Dorcas Naishorua

Dorcas is a Maasai climate advocate, Miss Climate Kenya 2023–2025, and environmental champion from Kajiado County, Kenya. Through grassroots action, forest advocacy, and women-centered climate resilience initiatives, she empowers communities with sustainable solutions such as farmer-managed natural regeneration while promoting environmental conservation, climate justice, and youth engagement across Kenya and beyond.

Amos Chepkwony

Amos is a climate change and sustainability professional with experience in ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and community-based development in Kenya. As a Project Manager at Green Planet Initiative 2050 Foundation, he leads landscape restoration and climate resilience initiatives, promoting afforestation, farmer-managed natural regeneration, and sustainable livelihoods through community-centered environmental action.

Miriam Vihenda

Miriam is a marine conservation professional with expertise in mangrove restoration, biodiversity assessment, and coastal ecosystem rehabilitation in Kenya. Currently serving as a Marine Ecologist at Avatari Development Kenya, she works on blue carbon and mangrove restoration projects that promote ecosystem recovery, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

Rose Kirigo Waweru

Rose is a research assistant at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and a restoration practitioner specializing in mangrove conservation, blue carbon, and climate resilience along the Kenyan coast. Through community-based ecological restoration, GIS, and ecosystem monitoring, she advances science-driven mangrove restoration and sustainable coastal resilience initiatives.

Hillary Semeyan Lenantoiye

Semeyan is an Indigenous Samburu climate advocate, strategic communications specialist, and founder of the Inclusive Culture Action Network in Northern Kenya. Through climate awareness, mentorship, and community engagement, she empowers pastoralist communities with locally led climate solutions while promoting Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, youth leadership, and sustainable livelihoods.

Nadir Valdez Torvisco

Nadir is an Environmental Engineering graduate from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, she is passionate about forest conservation, environmental education, and youth empowerment. Through international research, environmental advocacy, and digital mentorship, she promotes sustainable innovation, supports ecosystem protection, and inspires greater access to opportunities for future environmental leaders in Peru.

Jazmin Pineda Vega

Jazmin is an International Relations student at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), she is a youth climate leader dedicated to sustainability, environmental governance, and social impact. As co-founder of Huella Latina and coordinator of Lima’s youth environmental committee, she promotes climate awareness, regional collaboration, and youth participation in environmental decision-making across Latin America.

Siwarq'enti Carlos Alberto Solis Zanabria

Siwarq’enti is a biology graduate specializing in high mountain ecosystem conservation and ecological restoration. As CEO and Founder of the Simbiosis initiative, he leads sustainability and environmental education projects while contributing to climate action and biodiversity conservation efforts across Peru through research, youth leadership, and restoration of Andean ecosystems.

Graciela Álvarez

Graciella is an Environmental Engineering graduate passionate about forest conservation, climate action, and sustainable development in Peru. Her experience spans biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, and conservation initiatives across the Peruvian Amazon, alongside sustainability consulting that supports environmentally responsible practices. She is committed to connecting conservation, community engagement, and climate solutions to protect forests and strengthen local livelihoods.

Fiorella Garcia Galindez

Fiorella is a student of International Relations at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), from Huancayo in the Peruvian Andes, where growing up surrounded by montane forests and environmental challenges shaped her commitment to climate justice and community advocacy. She has represented Peruvian civil society at global forums, led award-winning environmental initiatives, and contributed to research on climate-driven displacement and resilience in Latin America.

Sofia Bravo

Sofia is a Civil Engineering student at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) ranked in the top 1% of her class, she combines technical excellence with environmental advocacy. As a volunteer with Clima de Cambios, she has led sustainability initiatives promoting waste segregation and sustainable mobility while advocating for transparent policies and forest protection in Peru.

Piero Contreras

Piero is an International Relations graduate specialized in International Cooperation, leading social and environmental initiatives focused on youth empowerment, sustainability, and community engagement. As Sustainability Director at Green Dreams NGO and Lead of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization for the World Food Forum (WFF) Peru Youth Chapter, he advances youth-led climate action, resilient food systems, and environmental education through strategic partnerships and global advocacy networks.

Alessandra Mendoza

Alessandra Mendoza is an Environmental and Sustainable Engineering student from Lima passionate about environmental conservation, sustainability, and youth engagement. Inspired by her community and connection to nature, she actively promotes volunteering, teamwork, and environmental education. She is committed to creating positive environmental and social change through community-driven sustainability initiatives.

Lilibeth Lorena Lopez Orozco

Samantha Benites

Samantha is an International Relations student from Peru, she is passionate about sustainable development, environmental governance, and youth-led climate action. Through volunteer work and community initiatives, she has supported environmental projects, research, and stakeholder engagement. She aspires to strengthen international collaboration and empower young people to contribute to sustainable forest management and climate resilience.

Kayongo Dick

Kayongo is a Ugandan forester and climate change advocate with a First-Class Honors degree in Forestry from Makerere University. Passionate about sustainable land management and youth empowerment, he leads community-based initiatives focused on forest restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods, using innovation and community engagement to drive environmental conservation in underserved communities across Uganda.

Bernadette Natukwasa

Bernadette is a forester and climate change advocate passionate about conserving natural forest resources and advancing inclusive carbon market initiatives. She contributed as an author to the GIZ Carbon Markets Explainer and has actively sensitized youth on opportunities for foresters within the carbon markets space. Through community engagement and environmental education, she promotes fair benefit sharing, sustainable livelihoods, and forest conservation.

Fiona Kansiime

Fionah is the Assistant Forester at Bethany Land Institute, where she coordinates forest restoration initiatives and supports research documentation in Lazarus Forest, the last remaining natural forest north of Kampala City. Based in Nandere Village, Luwero District, she is also pursuing an MSc in Agroforestry and Food Security at Bangor University, with a strong passion for integrating regenerative agroforestry into community-led conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Richard Kaduma

Richard is currently serving as a Project Assistant at Good Forests Foundation Uganda, where he supports community-led forest restoration, sustainable land management, and environmental conservation initiatives. Passionate about biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, he is also pursuing a Master of Science in Forestry and Biodiversity Management at Makerere University, with a strong interest in innovative and sustainable approaches to ecosystem restoration.

Lucy Amorut

Lucy is a Forestry student at Makerere University currently serving as the Publicity Secretary for the Makerere University Climate Change Association (MUCCA), where she leads youth-driven environmental awareness and climate action initiatives. Passionate about forest restoration and biodiversity conservation, she advocates for sustainable natural resource management and community empowerment.

Gregory Lokwii

Gregory is a forester and recent Forestry graduate from Makerere University currently supporting the Restore Africa project with Caritas Moroto. Passionate about agroforestry, conservation, and sustainable agriculture, he brings experience in community engagement, nursery operations, and environmental restoration, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainability and community-driven conservation in Uganda.

Juliet Nambaziira

Juliet is an Agricultural Engineering graduate from Makerere University and the Youth Programs Coordinator at Green Africa Youth Organization, a youth-led NGO promoting environmental sustainability and community development. Passionate about land restoration, she has successfully led tree-planting initiatives that have planted over 4,000 trees while coordinating impactful sustainability projects within local communities.

Sharon Odida

Sharon is a Forestry student at Makerere University and the founder of the Atiak Women Agricultural and Conservation Initiative (AWACI), a community-driven organization restoring degraded forest lands in Northern Uganda using indigenous tree species. Passionate about climate action and ecological resilience, she combines research, GIS, and community engagement to advance sustainable land management and conservation.

Erickson Serwadda

Erickson is a Bachelor of Science in Forestry student at Makerere University with a passion for climate action, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. His interests span agroforestry, ecological research, GIS, and climate-smart solutions aimed at improving livelihoods while promoting sustainable natural resource management and balanced socio-economic development.

Doreen Ainembabazi

Doreen is a Forestry graduate from Makerere University and a passionate environmental advocate from Ntungamo District, Uganda. She has demonstrated leadership through student governance roles and currently works with Good Forests Foundation Uganda as a Projects Assistant, supporting tree-planting and environmental restoration initiatives.

Thomas Ngoma

Thomas is an Environmental Education and Management student at the University of Zambia passionate about environmental sustainability, climate change education, and community development. Through youth leadership, environmental advocacy, and awareness initiatives, he promotes sustainable practices and positive social change while advancing youth participation in conservation and environmental action in Zambia.

Mukuka Kabanshi

Mukuka is a climate education advocate and Human Nutrition graduate from the University of Zambia. As founder of the Food Heroes Network, she advances climate-smart food systems, youth empowerment, and forest and climate education while promoting practical, community-driven solutions for resilience and sustainable development in Zambia.

Mwelwa Chileshe

Mwelwa is a young environmental and climate advocate with a background in agriculture and a passion for forestry, biodiversity conservation, and community-based environmental action. Through biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, environmental education, and citizen science initiatives, she promotes climate resilience and sustainable ecosystems while strengthening her skills in GIS, mapping, and agroforestry.

Hope Bwembya

Hope is an agroforestry research and data officer passionate about sustainable forestry, conservation, and community-driven environmental action. With experience in research, field engagement, and project work, she promotes solutions that balance forest protection with local livelihoods while advancing agroforestry, youth engagement, and climate resilience in Zambia.

Kashweka Kalombo

Kashweka is an Agronomy student at the University of Zambia and Conservation Agriculture and Agroforestry Coordinator with WeForest in Zambia. Passionate about forest restoration and sustainable agriculture, he works with farming communities to promote agroforestry, restore degraded miombo woodlands, and advance climate-resilient, forest-friendly livelihoods.

Mulabengwa Mbulo

Mulabengwa is a forestry graduate from The Copperbelt University currently pursuing a Master of Science in Managing Science-Policy-Practice Interfaces for Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Climate Change at the University of Lubumbashi. Passionate about sustainable forest management and climate action, his work focuses on biodiversity conservation, carbon markets, and community-based environmental solutions.

Andy Siamutwa

Andy is an emerging environmental and forestry professional with a Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry from The Copperbelt University. Passionate about sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate action, he has experience in environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and community-based conservation, promoting nature-based solutions and sustainable landscape restoration.

Chanda Mutila

Chanda is a youth advocate and emerging policy professional passionate about climate action, sustainable development, and community empowerment. With experience in program development, climate policy, and multilateral engagement, she champions youth leadership in environmental governance, forestry, and climate action while promoting sustainable, community-driven solutions and inclusive development initiatives.

Rose Musonda

Rose is an Agronomy student at the University of Zambia with experience in agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental conservation. As Horticulture Technologist and Head of Department at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, she promotes sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and food security through practical community-centered restoration and resilience initiatives.

Choolwe Chuuno

Cholwe is a climate justice advocate and community development leader from Zambia promoting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and community-based conservation. As General Manager of Ntatumbila Power Electric Cooperative, she advances clean energy access, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods while empowering rural youth and farmers through locally led environmental and climate action initiatives.