Young Conservation Leaders Award
Empowering the Next Generation: The Conservation Foundation’s Pathway to Environmental Leadership
The Conservation Foundation Young Conservation Leaders Award Programme is a comprehensive initiative crafted to cultivate and honour the commitment of young individuals to environmental stewardship throughout their formative years, with an eye toward widening participation in the field of conservation. This program is thoughtfully structured into three distinct levels, each tailored to the participants’ age and developmental stage, ensuring that their engagement with conservation evolves meaningfully over time.
At Level 1: Nature Explorers (ages 7-11), the focus is on sparking a fundamental appreciation for nature. This introductory phase immerses young participants in the wonders of the natural world through activities such as nature walks, wildlife observation, and hands-on gardening projects. The goal is to build a strong, early connection to the environment, culminating in the awarding of a “Nature Explorer” certificate to acknowledge their initial steps toward environmental consciousness. The award is run in conjunction with our partners Bloom as part of our Unlocking Nature Educational Workshops. To find out more click here.
Moving to Level 2: Conservation Ambassadors (ages 11-17), the program shifts to empowering participants to take a more active role in conservation efforts. This level emphasizes the development of leadership and advocacy skills through personal environmental projects, creative expression related to nature, and organizing educational events for peers. By completing these activities, participants earn the “Conservation Ambassador” certificate, which recognizes their contributions to promoting environmental awareness and inspiring others. The award is run in conjunction with our partners Bloom as part of our Unlocking Nature Educational Workshops. To find out more click here.
Finally, Level 3: Emerging Conservation Leaders (ages 18-30) is designed for university students and recent graduates, offering advanced support for those pursuing leadership roles in conservation. This stage includes opportunities for conducting research, leading conservation initiatives, and engaging in community advocacy. Participants in this level are eligible for a financial award, networking opportunities with established conservation leaders, and recognition at prestigious events, all aimed at furthering their impact in the field. To find out more about the Level 3 Award click here.
Overall, the programme’s multi-tiered approach ensures that individuals at different stages of their development are provided with tailored experiences and support to foster a deep, lifelong commitment to environmental conservation, while actively working to broaden participation and inclusivity within the field.
