Unleashing the Power of Youth in Conservation: Celebrating and Empowering Young Leaders”.

The importance of recognizing and supporting young people as partners and leaders in conservation efforts cannot be overstated. By tapping into their energy and innovation, new solutions to environmental challenges can be discovered, leading to a more inclusive and dynamic conservation movement. Examples of youth-led projects include Abejedario and GYBN LAC, which demonstrate the power of young people in driving conservation initiatives forward.

During the IUCN Assembly, members advocated for the implementation of the IUCN Youth Strategy, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging all youth as valuable colleagues whose perspectives and contributions are essential for creating meaningful change. The urgent need for effective implementation was highlighted by young professionals from CEESP, CEC, and CMAP.

Internal discussions among members of CEESP focused on the significant impact of organised crime on biodiversity conservation as a pressing issue. The infiltration of criminal enterprises poses a serious threat to ecosystems and communities, with activities like illegal wildlife trafficking and land grabbing causing harm on a large scale. To combat these illicit activities, proactive strategies are needed to protect the integrity of biodiversity hotspots while safeguarding the rights of local inhabitants.

In conclusion, the Regional Conservation Forum served as a transformative experience that underscored the necessity of reimagining conservation paradigms in light of escalating environmental challenges. Members committed to advancing a vision of conservation rooted in justice, equity, and sustainability, with a focus on creating a more just world that values and conserves biodiversity.