The FAO Young Forest Champions Programme 2026 is a targeted youth leadership initiative supporting young people who are actively advancing forest action in Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, and Zambia. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the AIM4Forests initiative, the programme aims to strengthen youth-led solutions for forest protection, restoration, and sustainable forest management.
The programme recognizes that young people in forest-rich countries are already driving change on the ground. By offering visibility, leadership development, and opportunities to engage with global forest processes, the initiative helps elevate local action to regional and international platforms.
About the FAO Young Forest Champions Programme
The Young Forest Champions Programme is designed to showcase and support youth-led initiatives that contribute to sustainable forest management and climate resilience in the six participating countries. Through the programme, FAO connects young leaders to global discussions on forests, biodiversity, and climate, while ensuring that local experiences and perspectives inform international policy conversations.
Selected participants become part of a cohort of Young Forest Champions whose work highlights innovative and community-driven approaches to forest stewardship.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Forests are essential for climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions of people. Countries such as Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, and Zambia are home to critical forest ecosystems that face increasing pressure from deforestation, land degradation, and climate impacts.
By investing in youth leadership in these contexts, the FAO Young Forest Champions Programme supports locally grounded solutions and strengthens youth participation in forest governance. The programme ensures that young people working directly with forest communities have a voice in shaping broader strategies and policies related to sustainable forest management.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to:
- Young people typically between 18 and 35 years old.
- Applicants based in Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, or Zambia.
- Individuals or representatives of youth-led initiatives focused on forest-related action.
- Candidates who can demonstrate leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in their work.
Eligible initiatives may include forest conservation, restoration, sustainable forest use, agroforestry, community forestry, forest-based livelihoods, Indigenous and traditional knowledge, research, advocacy, or awareness-raising activities aligned with forest sustainability goals.
What the Programme Offers
Young Forest Champions receive non-financial support designed to increase visibility and influence, including:
- Global recognition through FAO platforms and communication channels.
- Expert mentorship and structured technical training
- Hands-on experience in forest restoration and ecosystem monitoring
- Exposure to advanced tools such as remote sensing and digital monitoring technologiesÂ
- Participation in a network of youth forest leaders
The programme does not provide direct funding but instead focuses on strengthening leadership, networks, and strategic positioning for long-term impact.
Role and Expectations of Young Forest Champions
Selected champions are expected to:
- Share experiences and lessons learned from their forest-related initiatives.
- Contribute youth perspectives to FAO-led dialogues and campaigns.
- Inspire peer engagement in forest action at local and national levels.
- Support knowledge exchange across countries and forest contexts.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by FAO based on:
- Alignment with forest sustainability and AIM4Forests objectives.
- Demonstrated leadership and commitment to youth engagement.
- Evidence of impact and potential for broader influence.
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional information during the review process.
Deadline
đź“… Application deadline: 21 March 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and clearly demonstrate how their work contributes to sustainable forest management in their country.
Learn more and apply here.
Looking for more opportunities? Check out the Opportunities for Youth website!