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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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.
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.
To create a sustainable world with societies living in harmony with Nature.
To develop the next generation of leaders from Africa to champion climate resilience and sustainability through environmental education and climate leadership.
We are committed to the well-being and flourishing of the human life and that non-human life has value .
Founder and Executive Director, YECI
Through our dynamic programs, we educate, engage, and empower young people to lead real, lasting change in their communities and beyond.
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.
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.
We’re grateful for the partnerships and recognition
YECIÂ was founded to empower the next generation of leaders to contribute to shape the future of sustainable development where nature and humans can live together in harmony.
YECI is a registered nonprofit organization—registration number: 8389101
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