GYBN Africa

Awareness and Training on Wetlands at INFA de Tové – Kpalimé (Togo) As part of the 2024 World Wetlands Day, GYBN_Togo, through its coordinator Koffi Valentin MAWOUGNIGAN M.Sc. , organized a training session for students at INFA de Tové on the importance of wetlands for biodiversity and human well-being. This session covered several key topics: ✅ The definition and types of wetlands (freshwater, saltwater, artificial). ✅ The ecological role of these ecosystems. ✅ Their significance for human health, local economies, and cultural heritage. ✅ The threats they face, including pollution, urbanization, drainage, and intensive agriculture. A field visit followed, providing an opportunity to observe local wetlands, including ponds and a river. This visit allowed participants to identify the biological richness of these environments, assess human pressures and environmental threats—particularly plastic pollution—and discuss strategies for conservation and sustainable management. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, yet they remain among the most endangered ecosystems. Awareness and action are essential to ensure their protection. GYBN-Togo Global Youth Biodiversity Network #WorldWetlandsDay #GYBNTogo #Biodiversity #WetlandConservation #YouthForNature #SustainableFuture

🐋 Did you know? Whales play a vital role in our planet’s health! From storing carbon to fertilizing the ocean, these giants help fight climate change and sustain marine life. Yet, they face threats from pollution, climate change, and human activities. 🌊 Protecting whales = Protecting our oceans! #WorldWhaleDay #GYBNAfrica #ProtectOurOceans #SaveTheWhales

Today, on the occasion of World Pangolin Day, let's shine the spotlight on this discreet animal that is essential to our ecosystems. Found in Africa and Asia, the pangolin is one of eight species that play a key role in the balance of nature. By feeding on millions of ants and termites every year, the pangolin naturally regulates insect populations and contributes to soil health by aerating it when it digs for food. Yet, despite its ecological importance, it is one of the world's most endangered mammals. All pangolin species are on the IUCN Red List, ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered. Poaching and illegal trade, fuelled by unfounded beliefs in the medicinal virtues of its scales, as well as the destruction of its habitat, are jeopardizing its survival. To protect it, we urgently need to step up the fight against illegal trafficking, raise awareness of its ecological role, preserve its natural habitats and support conservation initiatives. Protecting the pangolin also means preserving the fragile balance of our ecosystems. Let's take action to protect the pangolin and all biodiversity. GYBN francophone Global Youth Biodiversity Network #WorldPangolinDay #ProtectPangolins #Biodiversity #Conservation #GYBNAfrica #StopWildlifeTrafficking

𝗚𝗬𝗕𝗡 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀! From February 16 to 20, 2025, GYBN Africa is represented by Esther Maina (Kenya), Esperance Noumbou (Cameroon) and Kakazona Micky (Namibia) in Nairobi, Kenya, in two key workshops for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: 🔹 Workshop on Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity: Strengthening the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by 2030. 🔹 Subregional capacity building workshop on Objective 3: Mobilization of Central, Southern and East African actors to achieve conservation objectives through protected areas and other effective conservation measures by area (OECM). Esther Maina Esperance Priscille Noumbou Vehpoubouot Micky Kaapama #GYBNAfrica #Biodiversity #Target3 #IndigenousPeoples #LocalCommunities #KunmingMontrealFramework

𝐆𝐘𝐁𝐍 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐁𝐃 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 From February 10-13, 2025, GYBN Senegal was invited by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to participate in the Sustainable Ocean Initiative regional capacity-building workshop in Dakar, Senegal. During this important event, they highlighted the crucial role of youth in ocean-related initiatives and emphasized the need for stronger youth engagement in marine conservation efforts. At GYBN Africa, we stand together to mobilize and empower young people for a sustainable future for our oceans. Through collective action and advocacy, we strive to strengthen youth leadership in marine conservation across the continent. For the successful mobilization of Senegalese, African and global youth during the next “Impact6” (Conference on Marine Protected Areas) in Dakar, the GYBN network is at the disposal of the State of Senegal and the organizing committee. GYBN Senegal 🇸🇳🦁🌱🐬 UN Biodiversity Alioune Badara GUEYE

Applications are now open for the 2025/6 Burnett Scholarship. The successful applicants receive a fully funded scholarship for the taught Master’s course offered at DICE in Conservation Science. Applicants must meet the following criteria: ✅Be nationals of, or have official refugee status in, #Angola, #Botswana, #Namibia, #Zambia or #Zimbabwe. ✅Have at least two years of work experience in the conservation sector. ✅Be in possession of a good undergraduate degree, with a minimum of a UK 2:1 or equivalent. ✅Meet the UK Visas and Immigration specifications and University of Kent English language requirements. Scholarship details The Scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend and travel expenses to and from the UK. The scholarship is for the Taught Master’s course offered at DICE in Conservation Science. Application process Find out more details on how to apply on the scholarship listing page: https://lnkd.in/eBAc3mjV 🟥 Share with your network. #conservationsscholarship #mastersscholarship #scholarships

🌍 Unis pour la biodiversité en Afrique ! 🌱 Nous sommes ravis de vous présenter le nouveau bureau de GYBN Africa, une équipe dynamique et engagée, réunissant des jeunes leaders de tout le continent pour défendre notre patrimoine naturel. Une diversité qui fait notre force ! Notre coordination rassemble des talents issus de 13 pays africains : 🇧🇼 Botswana | 🇺🇬 Ouganda | 🇷🇼 Rwanda | 🇳🇪 Niger | 🇿🇦 Afrique du Sud | 🇰🇪 Kenya | 🇹🇬 Togo | 🇲🇦 Maroc | 🇧🇯 Bénin | 🇨🇬 Congo | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | 🇧🇮 Burundi | 🇸🇸 Sud- Soudan Parce que la biodiversité n’a pas de frontières ! Ensemble, nous portons la voix de la jeunesse africaine pour protéger nos écosystèmes, sensibiliser nos communautés et influencer les politiques environnementales. Global Youth Biodiversity Network Irene Kananura Natukunda KAJE Rodrigue grace ornella berri Mahamadou Zabeirou Thembelihle Mbokazi Koffi Valentin MAWOUGNIGAN M.Sc. HOUDA EL HADAD Trinité Assou Hala Ainou Emmanuel LOKPAKA Knowledge Vingi Roberto MUHETO Kelebogile Tumiso Donas Dazangapai #GYBNAfrica #YouthForBiodiversity #Biodiversity #Africa #ClimateAction #Leadership

🌍 United for biodiversity in Africa! 🌱 We are delighted to present the new office of GYBN Africa, a dynamic and committed team, bringing together young leaders from all over the continent to defend our natural heritage. A diversity that is our strength! Our coordination brings together talents from 13 African countries: 🇧🇼 Botswana | 🇺🇬 Uganda | 🇷🇼 Rwanda | 🇳🇪 Niger | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇰🇪 Kenya | 🇹🇬 Togo | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 🇧🇯 Benin | 🇨🇬 Congo | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | 🇧🇮 Burundi | 🇸🇸 South- Sudan Because biodiversity has no borders! Together, we carry the voice of African youth to protect our ecosystems, raise awareness of our communities and influence environmental policies. Global Youth Biodiversity Network Irene Kananura Natukunda KAJE Rodrigue grace ornella berri Mahamadou Zabeirou Thembelihle Mbokazi Koffi Valentin MAWOUGNIGAN M.Sc. HOUDA EL HADAD Trinité Assou Hala Ainou Emmanuel LOKPAKA Knowledge Vingi Roberto MUHETO Kelebogile Tumiso Donas Dazangapai #GYBNAfrica #YouthForBiodiversity #Biodiversity #Africa #ClimateAction #Leadership

🌿 The Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework – EU Support project is coming to a close!   After six years of advancing transformative change, promoting a whole-of-society approach for the #KMGBF implementation, and driving efforts to mainstream biodiversity in every sector, the project activities come to an end on 31 December.   As we close this chapter, the project’s outputs and knowledge products remain accessible on our website (until December 2025) and on the Expertise France website: link fiche projet These documents are important resources for the collective effort to achieve the #KMGBF targets by 2030. 🌍   Stay engaged! Follow Expertise France on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube to explore all Post-2020 outputs and keep up with ongoing efforts toward a sustainable, biodiverse future.   🔗 https://lnkd.in/dis44_qz   Thank you for being part of this vital journey. Let’s continue working together for a transformative future!   #Biodiversity #TransformativeChange #WholeOfSociety #Post2020 #ExpertiseFrance Regions4 AFD - Agence Française de Développement ICLEI United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) UN Biodiversity GYBN France Expertise France Alexandra Eremina Corinne Brunois Pierre Walter Nicolas Thomas Hugo Rivera Natalia Mendes

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐬. After six remarkable years of growth, collaboration, and impact, the Post2020 Biodiversity Framework - EU support project has come to a close. This also marks the end of a deeply meaningful chapter in my career, one filled with unforgettable experiences, invaluable lessons, and inspiring colleagues who made every step of this journey so special. 🙏 Hugo Rivera Corinne Brunois Danae Moyano Rodriguez Pierre Walter Natalia Mendes Nicolas Thomas Didier BABIN Reflecting on the past 1,5 year, I feel immense pride and gratitude for the incredible moments we shared: ⭐ The dynamic #EUPavilion at #COP16 in Cali 🇨🇴 , a thriving space for ideas and exchange; (European Commission, EU Environment and Climate, UN Biodiversity) ⭐ The World Ranger Congress (#WRC) held in Hyères 🇫🇷 , honoring the dedication of those protecting our planet’s natural treasures; (poke Gardes Nature de France, International Ranger Federation) ⭐ The engaging side events at COP28 in Dubai 🇦🇪 and SBSTTA-25 in Nairobi 🇰🇪 ; (poke Regions4, ECLAC) ⭐ The African Youth Summit for Biodiversity ( #AYSB 🇲🇦 ) , showcasing the passion and potential of the African #youth; (poke GYBN Africa, African Wildlife Foundation) ...And the many workshops held with partners from diverse sectors and geographies, each one reinforcing the importance of collective action. 🌎 These moments were more than milestones — they were heartwarming, enriching, and inspiring opportunities for me to engage with critical issues like biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. As this chapter closes, it strengthens my commitment to pursuing a future in #InternationalCooperation, working on the shared challenges for a #WorldInCommon (poke AFD - Agence Française de Développement) 🙏 Thank you to everyone who made this journey so memorable and allowed me to gain invaluable experience, enhance my skills, and grow both as a communicator and as a person. With a special warm thanks to Expertise France teams 🫶