# data[].attributes.body
I am Joel Ngobi, an Ugandan climate, education, and rural development activist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies from Makerere University, Uganda. I have had the privilege of serving as a fellow at Building Tomorrow Uganda, where I worked on improving foundational literacy and numeracy for children in rural eastern Uganda.

I am passionate about environmental restoration, and some of my initiatives include the Green Wipe Initiative, which educates and empowers girls to create environmentally friendly wipes, the Sustain Bin Project that focuses on waste management and fertilizer production, and my current project, the School Forest Initiative. This initiative mobilizes schools and communities to develop food forests, enhancing biodiversity, raising environmental awareness, and providing fruit for children and the wider community.

# data[].attributes.body
I am Zuhura Ahmad, a Tanzanian gender-biodiversity advocate and environmental educator. I was honored to be recognized as the EVWA 2024 Champion by the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. With a B.Sc. in Science with Chemistry and Biology from Sokoine University of Agriculture, I have led transformative initiatives focused on biodiversity, climate action, and empowering women.

As the Head of Programs at The Women in Recycling Foundation, I work to impact over 100 women through circular economy practices and recycling activities. I also co-founded the Global Youth Biodiversity Network-Tanzania, where I have empowered more than 2,000 Tanzanian youth and women to actively participate in biodiversity policy and conservation through knowledge-sharing and capacity building.

In addition, I am a Youth4Nature Global Ambassador and an on-the-ground activator of the "She Shapes Nature" project, which supports young women in nature-based economies. I’ve been recognized with the 2021 Gender-Climate Award and as one of the Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls in 2024.

Through my work, I aim to champion equitable, nature-based solutions for sustainable development in Tanzania and beyond, blending storytelling, policy, and conservation expertise to inspire change.

# data[].attributes.body
I am Sydner Kemunto, a young climate justice advocate and eco-feminist who deeply believes in the power of African women and nature. I am passionate about empowering women, particularly those in marginalized communities, to take the lead in sustainable farming and environmental conservation. Through my work with Kijani Mtaani, I focus on the intersection of gender, climate change, and food security, advocating for climate justice and the restoration of degraded lands. I'm committed to building resilient communities by promoting equitable access to resources and creating opportunities for women to thrive in harmony with nature.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Tabalascada, Cantá - State of Roraima, Brazil

# data[].attributes.headline
Tabalascada, Cantá - State of Roraima, Brazil

# data[].attributes.subject
Tabalascada, Cantá - State of Roraima, Brazil

# data[].attributes.body
I am Raquel Pereira Viana, a 23-year-old leader from the Wapichana people. I live in the Tabalascada Indigenous community, located in the Tabalascada Indigenous Territory, within the Serra da Lua region, in the municipality of Cantá, state of Roraima, Brazil. I currently serve as the coordinator of the Indigenous Youth Department at the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR).

Growing up, I was always deeply involved in family and community food production activities. In our culture, these activities are closely connected to the preservation and restoration of our ecosystem. In 2019, I served as the local youth coordinator in my community, where I worked hard to engage more young people in Roraima's Indigenous movement.

In 2020, I was nominated by young Indigenous leaders from Roraima to work with CIR, initially serving as an advisor to the Youth Center. By 2022, I was honored to be elected as the state coordinator for Indigenous youth in Roraima, and in 2024, my role was renamed to coordinator of the Indigenous Youth Department at CIR.

My core responsibility within CIR’s Youth Department is to coordinate, articulate, engage in political advocacy, and strengthen the Indigenous youth movement in Roraima.

# data[].attributes.body
I am Shaik Imran Hussain Choudhary, a young agriculturist and the founder of Prakheti Agrologics, an agroecology startup dedicated to promoting agrobiodiversity, sustainable farming, and land restoration in India. My passion for agriculture and community development has led me to serve in various roles, including as a member of the YPARD Policy Working Group, IAAS FAO & WFF Liaison, a part of the Youth Food Lab Steering Committee, and as a Youth Consultant representing YOUNGO at the FAO.

My journey began with hands-on volunteering at farms and research institutes across South India, where I gained a deeper understanding of grassroots agricultural practices and the challenges faced by rural communities.

Today, through Prakheti, I work alongside a network of over 5,000 farmers in Kerala, supporting their transition to agroecological practices that enhance soil health and improve their livelihoods through market-based solutions.

Prakheti has achieved significant milestones, including the creation of a seed bank with over 450 indigenous crops, the establishment of micro forests and butterfly parks, and the introduction of climate-resilient crops and natural farming techniques to empower farmers in adapting to climate change. Additionally, I have conducted youth workshops on sustainable agriculture, facilitated market access for smallholders, and strengthened Farmer Producer Organizations to foster long-term community resilience.

My work is rooted in the belief that ecological restoration and economic sustainability go hand in hand. By empowering smallholder farmers and preserving biodiversity, I strive to create a future where communities thrive in harmony with nature.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Quezon, General Nakar, Quezon, Philippines

# data[].attributes.headline
Quezon, General Nakar, Quezon, Philippines

# data[].attributes.subject
Quezon, General Nakar, Quezon, Philippines

# data[].attributes.body
I am Kristel C. Quierrez, a proud Dumagat-Remontado youth from the community of Maksa, General Nakar, Quezon, Philippines. As an Indigenous youth leader, I have actively participated in various campaigns and platforms to defend and represent our ancestral domain. Last year, I graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in English, and I am determined to use my degree to give back to my community. My people have always been my inspiration, and their unwavering support motivated me to achieve my diploma.

I am deeply committed to protecting both the environment and the rich heritage of my community—a passion that I share with many Indigenous youth leaders. This dedication inspired me to co-found Katutubong Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre (UGBON), the first Indigenous youth organization in our landscape. Rooted in several ancestral domains within the Southern Sierra Madre, the longest mountain range in the Philippines, UGBON’s mission is to empower Indigenous youth advocates to take meaningful action in preserving one of the country’s most vital ecosystems.

# data[].attributes.body
I am Baruch Aguilar Mena, born in 1998 in Mexico City. At the age of 18, I relocated to Sisal, Yucatán, where I pursued a degree in Sustainable Coastal Zone Management at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). From the very beginning of my academic journey, I focused on coastal ecosystem conservation, dedicating two years to a research internship on fisheries evaluation and management, which later formed the foundation of my thesis. During this time, I also co-founded a collective aimed at restoring coastal dunes.

Throughout my career, I have taken on research and leadership roles in restoration and conservation projects, employing a socio-ecosystemic approach. My expertise spans community pedagogy, organizational culture, integrated coastal management, and photogrammetry applied to restoration. These experiences and skills enable me to contribute effectively to the protection and preservation of vital coastal ecosystems.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Tangerang, Tangerang City, Banten, Indonesia

# data[].attributes.headline
Tangerang, Tangerang City, Banten, Indonesia - Grace Easteria

# data[].attributes.subject
Tangerang, Tangerang City, Banten, Indonesia - Grace Easteria

# data[].attributes.body
I am Grace Easteria, the 2021 Oceans Restoration Steward.

Coral reef rehabilitation in Thousand Island aims to restore coral reef cover that has been damaged as a result of human activities. Seeing that the Thousand Islands are coral islands, coral reefs are greatly significant in the coastal protection of the local community. Besides its ecological benefit, this project also provides income through restoration projects and tourism activities and helps boost up the potential of marine tourism in the Thousand Islands which was previously damaged by over 60%.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Comunidade Queimada da Onça, São Lourenço do Piauí - PI, 64778-000, Brasil

# data[].attributes.headline
Comunidade Queimada da Onça, São Lourenço do Piauí - PI, 64778-000, Brasil

# data[].attributes.subject
Comunidade Queimada da Onça, São Lourenço do Piauí - PI, 64778-000, Brasil

# data[].attributes.body
Fazenda Agroecológica Xique-Xique, Maria Geane 2024 Drylands Restoration Steward

# data[].attributes.headline
Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria

# data[].attributes.subject
Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria

# data[].attributes.body
I am Anna Obi Akpe, Mangroves Restoration Steward, 2024. I have titled my project, Restoration of the Mangroves in Ikot Ewa Effiom Esierebom Community of Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State. The restoration of mangroves in this landscape is essential to address the environmental and social problems associated with their degradation. Through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices, we strive to reverse the current status of mangroves and create a healthier and more resilient ecosystem that benefits both nature and communities.

# data[].attributes.body
2024 Mountain Restoration Steward, Trisa Bhattacharjee: “Building climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods through conservation restoration”.

# data[].attributes.body
Dulungan Conservation and Eco-Learning Hub

_____________________________________________

The Philippines is home to an extraordinary array of biodiversity, with over 52,177

described species. However, the country is also facing a biodiversity crisis, driven by

deforestation, habitat destruction, and wildlife poaching. One of the most threatened biodiverse areas in the archipelago is the Central Panay Mountains Key Biodiversity

Area (CPM KBA) on Panay Island

With only 8% of its original forest cover remaining, the CPM KBA is a critical habitat

for a variety of endemic and endangered species, including the Rufous-headed

hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni), also known locally as the 'Dulungan'. This unique

bird plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a "farmer of the forest", dispersing the

seeds of large trees that are essential for forest regeneration.

The Dulungan is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an

estimated population of only 1,000 - 2,499 individuals (BirdLife International). The

main threats to its survival include habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal

poaching.

A symbol of hope for Panay's

threatened landscape and

endangered ecosystem, the conservation of the Dulungan is not just about

saving a single species; it is about protecting an ecosystem. The hornbill's decline is an indicator of the broader health of the CPM KBA, and its recovery would be a sign that the forest is on the path to restoration.

_____________________________________________

With the challenges of conservation within the CPM KBA that are directly linked to the lack of capabilities to reforest and the lack of opportunities to have stable income streams, we created a program center centered on creating a program that enables landscape leadership.

This community-based conservation strategy allows behavioral change through alternative livelihood, and ecological education by establishing the EcoLearning Hub and Field Museum, while assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry are done through the Dulungan Community Tree Nursery and Agroforestry Capability Development.

# data[].attributes.body
I am Steve Misati, the 2024 Ocean Restoration Steward. My project aims to restore the degraded mangrove forests in Miritini ward, Mombasa, by implementing a comprehensive plan that encompasses community engagement, habitat

restoration, and livelihood support. The project will utilize the Community-Based Mangrove Ecological Restoration (CBEMR) approach, ensuring the active involvement of local communities in every stage of the restoration process. We will be engaging with the community members to raise

awareness about the importance of mangrove forests, their role in coastal protection and ecosystem health, and support them through alternative livelihoods.

# data[].attributes.location_name
KAYOVU PRIMARY SCHOOL, KAYOVU, Bugesera, Rwanda

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Forest for Life Project aims to restore degraded land from Kayovu, Bugesera district,Rwanda through planting indigenous trees mixed with other   crops.

# data[].attributes.body
Dryland Restoration Sterwards

# data[].attributes.body
In the Uru Uru Team, we aim to restore our Uru Uru Lake, an important wetland in Bolivia. Uru Uru Lake is being affected by the effects of climate change, plastic, and mining pollution. We have allied with nature using our traditional knowledge by using native aquatic plants called Totora. First, we design floating rafts from recycled bottles which we found thrown as rubbish in Uru Uru Lake. The floating rafts are the bedrock to hold Totoras. We raise awareness about the importance of recycling through our community garden, which we have in Uru Uru Team, where we classify organic and inorganic rubbish. The organic rubbish helps to strengthen the soil of our community garden, and the inorganic waste is used to build the floating rafts. We are trying to protect and recover the Uru Uru Lake, which means life for many indigenous communities surrounding it and more than 76 species living there.

# data[].attributes.body
Charity Lanoi, 2021 Drylands Restoration Steward, Kenya

# data[].attributes.location_name
Kepulauan Seribu Selatan, Mil Ilhas, Jacarta, Indonésia

# data[].attributes.headline
Kepulauan Seribu Selatan, Mil Ilhas, Jacarta, Indonésia

# data[].attributes.subject
Kepulauan Seribu Selatan, Mil Ilhas, Jacarta, Indonésia

# data[].attributes.body
Grace Eastaria, 2021 Oceans Restoration Steward, Indonesia

# data[].attributes.body
Adrian Leitoro, 2022 Drylands Restoration Steward

# data[].attributes.location_name
Perhentian Marine Research Station, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malásia

# data[].attributes.headline
Perhentian Marine Research Station, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malásia

# data[].attributes.subject
Perhentian Marine Research Station, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malásia

# data[].attributes.body
Hidayah Halid, 2022 Oceans Restoration Steward, Malaysia

# data[].attributes.body
Hey I am Samara from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.Our copper beaches and pristine blue waters with colorful coral reefs has created an identity to my country. Therefore the mission of my organisation School Meets the Reef is to restore coral reefs and educate the youth on Ocean literacy. Our project started as part of the Student Challenge for Wageningen University.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Our partner community after they finished the training of mangrove and seagrass monitoring

# data[].attributes.headline
Oceanus Conservation - Mangrove restoration

# data[].attributes.subject
Oceanus Conservation - Mangrove restoration

# data[].attributes.body
I am Camille Rivera, Co-Founder of Oceanus Conservation. Our project "Community-based mangrove restoration and conservation" works with local community associations in converting abandoned fishponds to mangrove forests merging fisheries. We have also engaged them to learn using smartphone technology to monitor their mangrove forests which they receive incentives!

For more information, please check out our storymap! https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8e6d6b30229a45bb932e5fb006ea1134

# data[].attributes.body
The Heartland Project is a collective solidarity tree-planting campaign in Kalimantan that focuses on recovering degraded forest ecosystems, raising awareness of deforestation, empowering young people, and amplifying the relevance of traditional Indigenous knowledge in forest protection.

# data[].attributes.body
¡Hola!

Soy Sergio Lozano - Mountains Restoration Steward 2022. En este proyecto trabajamos para conservar especies de aves endémicas de Colombia y aves migratorias. Buscamos mejorar los paisajes cafeteros plantando árboles no solo en la tierra sino también en el corazón de las personas.

# data[].attributes.body
¡Hola!
Soy Gabriela Gavarrete, fundadora y coordinadora del proyecto Suma Un Bosque junto a la organización juvenil Un Pulmón Más y Forest Restoration Steward 2022.

Trabajamos junto a la comunidad local, temas de educación ambiental, prevención y mitigación de incendios forestales, protección y restauración de bosques en Cerro Tecana, el pulmón de la ciudad de Santa Ana.

ig: @gabsbio - @unpulmonmas

# data[].attributes.headline
Reserva Natural Monte Alegre - Córdoba, Argentina

# data[].attributes.subject
Reserva Natural Monte Alegre - Córdoba, Argentina

# data[].attributes.body
Hola! Soy Analí Bustos, Forest Restoration Steward 2021 y coordinadora de RNMA. En este proyecto estamos regenerando los valores socioambientales del bosque de Espinal en un paisaje agrícola en Córdoba, Argentina

# data[].attributes.headline
Dwi Riyan- Wetland Restoration stewards 2023

# data[].attributes.subject
Dwi Riyan- Wetland Restoration stewards 2023

# data[].attributes.body
Hai Everyone,

I'm Riyan, and here is our project with our youth community, Pongo Ranger Community (PRC). Together with the local community, we have been initiating a mangrove restoration project with the added value of using eco-polybag from bamboo and Nipah leaf, ensuring zero plastic in our project. So far, we have planted more than 1000 mangroves in the area, and our effort is still going.

Through this project, we want to show the community and involve them in preserving the coastal area that will benefit them and their source of livelihood.

Find more info on our project through the following:

Ig: @pongoranger_official

Website: pongoranger.or.id

# data[].attributes.body
Cransuj Drí - Bosque para Nacer Agua. Marlon Webb, Fundador Diwo Ambiental y Administrador de la restauración ecosistema de Montaña 2021.

# data[].attributes.body
Sumak kawsay, Ysa calderón, Mountains Restoration Stewards 2023

# data[].attributes.body
Restore Mama Earth Program by Loah Org. Kandi~ Forest Restoration Steward 2022.

# data[].attributes.headline
Turberas para el futuro, David Rocha, 2023 Peatland Restoration Steward

# data[].attributes.subject
Turberas para el futuro, David Rocha, 2023 Peatland Restoration Steward

# data[].attributes.body
El proyecto "Turberas para el Futuro" está enfocado en restaurar cinco hectáreas de turberas de alta montaña en el área del Paramo El Almorzadero, dentro de la Reserva Mararai en la finca Vilches o Angosturas, propiedad de la familia Cruz Rivera. Estamos trabajando en aislar estas turberas y comprender cómo afectan la cantidad de carbono en el suelo. Además, buscamos involucrar a la comunidad local, crear conciencia sobre la importancia de este lugar y sentar las bases para un posible crecimiento futuro. Para lograrlo, estamos considerando la posibilidad de vender bonos de carbono, lo que nos ayudaría a financiar este proyecto. Esta iniciativa es crucial, ya que nos ayuda a combatir el cambio climático, proteger la vida silvestre y las plantas que habitan aquí, mejorar la calidad del agua y estar mejor preparados para eventos climáticos extremos.

I.G: @santiagorcardenas

# data[].attributes.location_name
Sto. Domingo Elementary School, Quezon, Bukidnon

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
During the community launch of our second native tree nursery

# data[].attributes.headline
2023 Forest Restoration Steward, Amor Paredes, Philippines 

# data[].attributes.subject
2023 Forest Restoration Steward, Amor Paredes, Philippines 

# data[].attributes.body
Kalinaw! Peace!
I am the co-founder and Head of Program Operations of Salumayag Youth Collective for Forests, an indigenous youth and women-led initiative that empowers upland communities in the management of their ancestral domain through regenerative practices and narratives.

We are working with indigenous youth and farmers in restoring water source and slope areas previously degraded through logging and expansive corporate-controlled agriculture. We are doing this through assisted natural regeneration as well as agroforestry practices. We also have a demo site where we observe and apply permaculture principles in order to nurture a food forest zone.

Environmental storytelling is at the heart of what we do because this is our way of empowering local voices in demonstrating the kind of leadership we hope to see on all levels of forest action.

IG: salumayagyouth
Youtube: Takurug ki

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Landscape of the village of Lambokely characterized by vast agricultural fields which shelters baobabs.

# data[].attributes.headline
Taniala Regenerative Camp, First Site, Lambokely Village, Madagascar

# data[].attributes.subject
Taniala Regenerative Camp, First Site, Lambokely Village, Madagascar

# data[].attributes.body
I am Tahina Roland Frédéric, a young Malagasy agronomist and forester. I am the 2023 Dryland Restoration Steward of the Global Landscapes Forum. I am the president and co-founder of "Taniala Regenerative Camp" association. We created our first site which we call "regenerative camp" in the village of Lambokely.

Earlier, Lambokely village was home to a large dry forest dominated by Baobab, rich of endemic species of Madagascar. Due to slash-and-burn agriculture, the forest has been cleared and only baobab trees remain.

Baobabs are called “Renala” in Malagasy language, which means “mother of the forest”. Indeed, the baobab is the biggest tree of the forest. In the past, this baobab was surrounded by a forest composed of many species. This forest was supposed to be « the child of the baobab ». But it was cleared by slash and burn agriculture. Only the baobabs survived, all other species around them disappeared.

Recently, we have started to plant trees. Indeed, we aim to recreate a forest that accompanies the baobabs as before. Thus, they will have children again.

This was the origin of the creation of our organization “Taniala Regenerative Camp”. We want to recreate the forest, not in a restricted area but rather in agricultural fields. We are practicing agroforestry to regenerate the forest in authorized agricultural areas.

"Taniala Regenerative Camp" will regenerate soils and degraded lands. Our agroforestry system consists of creating linear forests separated by intercropping. Thus, we don’t exclude farmers from their farming land but rather invite them to reconcile tree planting with agriculture.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A 2 year restored mangrove site in Jomvu Kuu, Mombasa, Kenya.

# data[].attributes.body
I am Levis Sirikwa, Ocean Restorations Steward, 2023. My project is named, Mikoko na Jamii, which simply means (Mangroves and communities). This is one of the mangrove sites restored with Rhizophora mucronata (Red mangrove) species, with over 95% of survival rate. Having such collaborations have enabled the restoration of about 155 hectares up until April 2023, through the support of Ceriops Environmental Organization.