Our story
Nature is one of the most significant heritages in Africa, and youth have proved to be the best drivers on the continent to ensure this heritage thrives for generations to come.
Following that firm believe, in August 2020, during International Youth Day, four environmental and youth organizations in Africa came together with a dream: to recognize the first Top 100 list of African young conservation leaders and empower those youth.
The list unveiled the new generation of conservation leaders who are currently shaping Africa’s political, economic, and social landscapes.
By elevating their profiles, the consortium formed by African Wildlife Foundation, WWF Africa, World Organization of the Scout Movement, Africa, and the Africa Alliance of YMCAs wishes to enable the top 100 young leaders to share their experiences in conservation with new audiences and rally more African youth to take up active roles for protecting nature.
12 AUGUST 2020
Launch of the call for nominations to the First-Ever Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders list during International Youth Day.
FEBRUARY 2021
A panel of judges reviews the 565 nominations received by 427 organizations from 37 countries across Africa.
23 MARCH 2021
Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders List in unveiled.
APRIL 2021
The Top 100 youth joined a 6-months online leadership training programme.
5 JUNE 2021
The initiative commemorates World Environmental Day.
15 JULY 2021
The initiative commemorates World Youth Skills Day 2021.
12 AUGUST 2021
The initiative celebrates one year since the launch of the initiative during International Youth Day.
28 SEPTEMBER 2021
The initiative commemorates International Day for Universal Access to Information.
23 OCTOBER 2021
Closure of the online leadership programme with a session with exceptional South African human rights leader, Kumi Naidoo.
