Mobilizing the Next Generation of Leaders To Shape the Future of Sustainable Development.
YECI
Youth for Environmental Conservation Initiative
ABOUT US
Youth for Environmental Conservation Initiative (YECI)
Formely Friends of Nature Network is a youth-led, gender-inclusive organization championing biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across Africa’s rural communities. Focusing on inclusivity, YECI bridges generational and social divides to empower young people and marginalized populations as key agents of environmental stewardship.
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By addressing the socio-economic factors driving environmental degradation, we foster intergenerational collaboration and nurture sustainable development initiatives.
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YECI's mission is rooted in building resilient communities through environmental literacy, citizen science, and policy advocacy. The organization prioritizes participatory approaches, engaging local voices to identify challenges, craft grassroots solutions, and achieve tangible outcomes. By blending youth-led innovation with indigenous knowledge, YECI ensures that its interventions are both effective and socially, environmentally and culturally aligned.
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Through capacity-building programs, peer mentorship, and grant support,YECI equips emerging leaders with the tools needed to address pressing environmental challenges
We Foster A Sense of Global Citizenship And Civil Responsibility Through Environmental Literacy
We equip, engage, and empower young people to become active stewards of the environment. Explore what we stand for and the values that drive everything we do.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to lead change in your community.
- Inspiration and networking with a community of like-minded individuals from across Africa who are passionate about accelerating climate action in the continent and beyond.
- We will support you by providing resources and training to help you organize events and activities.
- Receive guidance on your projects from our pool of youth mentors from across Africa.
- Flexibility to work around your time and commitments.
- Receive a certificate at the end of our programs documenting your role with us.
We Are By Africa for Youths in Africa
At YECI, our vision fuels our direction, our mission guides our action, and our philosophy shapes the heart behind our impact. Discover the purpose that powers our passion for environmental change.
Our Vision
To create a sustainable world with societies living in harmony with Nature.
Our Mission
To develop the next generation of leaders from Africa to champion climate resilience and sustainability through environmental education and climate leadership.
Our Philosophy
We are committed to the well-being and flourishing of the human life and that non-human life has value .
Favour Eragbie
Founder and Executive Director, YECI
FAVOUR ERAGBIE
What if there was a platform where African youths could access resources, find support for their work and develop their skills to lead innovation toward tackling climate change?
Changemaking can be very lonely. As an environmentalist from Nigeria, I had no clue about what my changemaking journey would look like or have access to chat with experienced colleagues about what I needed to do as a young changemaker.
- The YECI is changing this narrative for youths in Africa by engaging them beyond volunteering but with a sense of global leadership to accelerate climate action.
OUR PROGRAMS
Our Commitment to Environmental Conservation is Not Just in Words — It’s in Action
Through our dynamic programs, we educate, engage, and empower young people to lead real, lasting change in their communities and beyond.
OUR IMPACTS
Real Change is Measured by Real Results.
At YECI, Our impact is entirely driven by youth power and a generation rising to protect the planet. Here’s a glimpse of how far we’ve come — and how much further we’re going.
Individuals Impacted Through Our Projects
Number of Youth Leaders Trained
Countries Reached in Africa
Social Media Reach
Number of Volunteering Hours
Amount of Waste Removed Through Our Cleanups
Number of Trees Planted
Number of Projects Implemented
OUR IMPACT STORIES
Hear From Youths Who Have Benefitted From Our Programs
I became a Focal Point for the Youth for Environmental Conservation Initiative in February 2024, stepping into the climate action space with very little to no experience but a deep curiosity. This role became the turning point in my career, shaping my understanding of environmental advocacy and action. Thanks to the incredible team, I gained the confidence and knowledge to apply for prestigious opportunities, including grants, which have helped me transition from a climate enthusiast to a dedicated advocate for sustainability. YECI is not just about nurturing changemakers for a better environment, it is shaping socially responsible individuals who will, in turn, inspire others to take action.
From starting out as a Campus Focal Point to becoming a Program Coordinator of this incredible community, my journey has been filled with growth, hard work, and perseverance. I joined YECI in 2024 and quickly immersed myself in leading key initiatives, including Cleanup Week and several impactful outreach programs. These experiences didn’t just shape events — they shaped me. Through YECI, I’ve built strong leadership and communication skills that I will carry with me for life. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow within a community so committed to meaningful change.
As a Campus Focal Point at the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, my commitment to environmental sustainability has deepened. Through meaningful initiatives and community-driven actions, I have played a key role in fostering ecological awareness and inspiring positive change. These efforts have not only strengthened my advocacy but have also empowered my community to embrace more sustainable practices.
Our Team
Oluwadamilola Ali
Damola Aluko
Simeon Kalua
Tariro Maderera
Upendo Mwakyusa
Mabel Taiwo
Florence Osei-Amponsah
Supported By
The Journey to a More Sustainable Future is Not One We Walk Alone.
We’re grateful for the partnerships and recognition
