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Liberian Youth Biodiversity Network, Paynesville (2026)

22/05/2026

Today, on the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Liberian Youth Biodiversity Network celebrates the richness of life on Earth and renews our commitment to protect it.

Biodiversity is more than wildlife and forests. It is part of us, our communities, our livelihoods, and the ecosystems that sustain life across Liberia. Yet our natural heritage, from mangrove forests to endangered species like the pygmy hippopotamus and pangolin, faces growing pressure from climate change, deforestation, and pollution.

As young people, we believe protecting nature today means securing a better future for generations to come. This year, we continue acting locally for a global impact by working with communities to restore degraded landscapes, raise environmental awareness, and empower young Liberians to lead conservation efforts across the country.

21/05/2026

Acting Locally for a Global Impact!

Meet Emmanuel Koryan, a young Liberian leader using community-led action to tackle marine plastic pollution and promote a sustainable blue economy.

He serves as the Country Director of Blue Liberia , where he leads initiatives focused on ocean protection, waste reduction, and youth engagement in climate action.

As a passionate advocate for ocean conservation, Emmanuel works closely with young people and coastal communities to raise awareness about the growing impact of plastic waste on Liberia’s beaches, waterways, and marine ecosystems. Through beach clean-ups, conservation education, and youth-led outreach, he helps communities understand the link between healthy oceans and climate resilience.

His approach is practical and community-driven. He focuses on solutions that empower people to take ownership of their environment while encouraging young leaders to step into active roles in protecting marine ecosystems. From organizing clean-up campaigns to facilitating discussions on waste management and sustainability, his work emphasizes consistent local action.

Through his leadership in the blue economy space, Emmanuel continues to advance a vision of cleaner, healthier, and more resilient coastal communities across Liberia.

19/05/2026

Acting locally for a Global Impact.

Meet Irene K. Natukunda a passionate young Ugandan conservation biologist with over five years of experience in biodiversity conservation advocacy and applied conservation.

She currently serves as the Africa Regional Co-Coordinator for the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN-Africa), a global movement of young people dedicated to halting biodiversity loss across the continent and beyond.

Deeply committed to wildlife conservation in Uganda, Irene focuses her work on protecting the endangered African Golden Cat through a community-based organization called Embaka. Recognizing that bushmeat poaching remains one of the greatest threats to the long-term survival of the African Golden Cat and other wildlife species, she leads a grassroots, community-driven conservation and livelihood improvement program that supports over 200 local families living adjacent to protected areas in Uganda.

Through Embaka, Irene has developed locally practical and community-led conservation initiatives that directly address the root socioeconomic causes of poaching particularly the need for food security and sustainable household income.

Her work combines conservation action with community empowerment to create long-term, sustainable solutions for both people and wildlife.

“If Africa is to successfully end biodiversity loss, advocacy must go hand in hand with action and sustained financial support. Only by combining these three pillars can we create lasting and meaningful conservation impact."
Irene Natukunda

15/05/2026

Meet Mohammed Asif, a conservation educator from Pakistan working to protect forests and the environment through awareness, and ecosystem restoration.
His work goes beyond awareness. Mohammed has become a strong voice for connecting young people to nature, helping them see conservation not as a distant concept, but as something they can actively shape in their daily lives. Through consistent engagement with schools and youth groups, he supports the development of a generation that is more informed, responsible, and active in protecting natural ecosystems.

Academically, Mohammed holds a degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management from University of Haripur. His academic background is grounded in forestry, wildlife protection, and sustainable natural resource management.
Through his role with WWF Pakistan, he works on conservation education under the Nature Clubs for Youth project, helping young students understand the importance of protecting forests, wildlife, and ecosystems.

He is also the founder of the Nature News Network platform with over 65,000 followers that shares conservation awareness content, forest protection messages, and wildlife education. Through this platform, he helps translate complex environmental issues into simple, accessible messages that reach a wide audience, especially young people who are often disconnected from formal environmental education.

Alongside his professional work, Mohammed leads and participates in community clean-up campaigns and tree plantation drives. These activities not only improve local environments but also strengthen community ownership of natural resources and encourage long-term stewardship of forests and green spaces.

14/05/2026

Acting locally for a global impact.

Meet Dickarmien Alvis Deemie — a Liberian conservation leader dedicated to protecting biodiversity, strengthening community-led conservation efforts, and advancing wildlife management across Liberia.

Currently serving as Head of Biodiversity and Conservation Science at Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), Deemie’s work reflects years of commitment to conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management. Rising through the ranks from Research Technician, he has become a leading voice in biodiversity protection and community-centered conservation.

As a recipient of the prestigious Rufford Foundation grant, he led research focused on protecting the vulnerable White-necked Picathartes in Liberia’s Greater Gola Landscape while also contributing to critical pangolin conservation research aimed at combating illegal wildlife trade.

• Coordinated the USAID-funded Proposed Kpatawee Gazettement Project, helping strengthen community participation, land governance, conservation planning, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

• Facilitated trainings for community ecoguards, FDA park rangers, and conservation stakeholders across Gola Forest National Park, Sapo National Park, and Lake Piso Multiple Use Reserve on wildlife surveillance, biomonitoring, species identification, and protected area management.
• Co-founded Green Growth Liberia, promoting community-based conservation, climate justice advocacy, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable natural resource management across Liberia.

• Represented Liberia at UNCCD COP16, advocating for biodiversity protection, sustainable land management, and stronger support for community-led conservation initiatives.

Through conservation leadership, community empowerment, and grassroots action, Deemie continues to demonstrate how protecting local ecosystems can contribute to global environmental sustainability.

GYBN Africa
Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN)
Conservation Leadership Programme
The Fund for Global Human Rights
Environment Protection Agency - EPA
European Union in Liberia
Forestry Development Authority-FDA
West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

13/05/2026

🌍 Biodiversity Week 2026

This week, we are celebrating young people from across the world who are taking action in their communities and creating impact far beyond their borders.

From protecting forests and restoring landscapes to leading climate justice campaigns and helping local communities understand, use, and shape the laws, these remarkable young people are proving that local action can drive global change.

Throughout the week, we will spotlight inspiring young leaders who are working every day to protect our planet and build a more sustainable future for all.
Stay connected as we share their stories, passion, and impact.

GYBN Africa Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN)
The Fund for Global Human Rights

09/05/2026

Strengthening Community Resilience to Climate Change Through Legal Empowerment.

Communities deserve the knowledge and power to defend their rights and hold big actors accountable for actions that harm people, livelihoods, and the environment.

Our team is working with communities across Liberia to advance legal awareness, citizen science, and conservation education.
We support communities to understand their rights, document environmental issues, and take practical steps to protect nature.
Through this work, we are strengthening community voices to speak up, safeguard their environment, and demand accountability.

A resilient community begins with informed people.

The Fund for Global Human Rights

05/05/2026

African youth are not waiting for COP17 to speak. We are already shaping the conversation

The “African Youth Voices – Pre-COP17 Webinar” is a space where young Africans come together to raise their voices for biodiversity, climate action, equity, and a sustainable future for our continent

As we move toward COP17, this webinar will amplify youth perspectives, ideas, experiences, and solutions from across Africa. Because the future of biodiversity cannot be discussed without the voices of the generation that will inherit it.

🗓 Date: May 11, 2026
📍 Online Webinar
⏳ Save the date!
🔗 Registration link coming soon.

From local actions to continental impact, African youth are stepping INTO ACTION.

YouthForNature WWF

01/05/2026

The Liberian Youth Biodiversity Network is proud to support the empowerment of women and young girls in biodiversity conservation across Liberia. We believe that when women and girls are given the opportunity to lead, communities become stronger and nature is better protected.
Through advocacy, awareness, capacity-building training, and alternative livelihood opportunities, we are helping strengthen the capacity of women and girls to defend their rights and protect the natural resources our future depends on.

Their leadership is essential in advancing biodiversity protection and climate justice.
We remain committed to creating spaces where women and young girls can lead, inspire change, and shape a more sustainable Liberia.

30/04/2026

As a member of the Global Mangrove Alliance Liberia Chapter, our National Coordinator joined the Environment Protection Agency - EPA and other civil society organizations on April 29, 2026, at the Chapter’s first General Assembly.
Liberia, home to one of the largest mangrove forest ecosystems in West Africa, came together to reflect on the achievements of chapter members so far, share ongoing efforts, and strengthen collaboration for the protection and restoration of mangroves.

The Assembly underscored the importance of coordinated action among government institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities to safeguard mangrove ecosystems and ensure their long-term sustainability.

29/04/2026

Our Biodiversity. Our Climate. Our Right.

Biodiversity is the foundation of life. Our forests, wetlands, rivers, and wildlife provide food, clean water, livelihoods, and protection for our communities. When we protect nature, we protect our future.

Climate justice means standing with the people most affected by climate change and ensuring their voices are heard. Local communities have the right to participate in decisions, access resources, and lead solutions that affect their lives.
Strong conservation policy must protect ecosystems while respecting people and local rights.

Lasting change happens when communities are empowered to lead.
Together, we can safeguard biodiversity, advance climate justice, and build a healthier, fairer future for all.

Liberian Youth Biodiversity Network

22/05/2026

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