Over 100,000 Rwandans to Benefit from Youth-Led Conservation Drive supported by the European Union and African Wildlife Foundation

Kigali, Rwanda | May 30, 2025 — In a cooperative move to address climate change and biodiversity loss, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), have launched a youth-led initiative set to benefit over 100,000 people living near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. 
The initiative to empower Youth for Climate-Resilient Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods, equips young people with the tools and support, such as community outreach and education campaigns on the importance of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainable resource management, to restore ecosystems, The area where the EU and its local partners engage is one of Rwanda’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes.
The project launch event, held in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, brought together over 150 representatives from government agencies, youth-led organizations, civil society, community leaders, development partners, and international donors.
Representing the European Union Delegation to Rwanda, Team Leader Amparo Gonzalez Diez underscored the EU’s support for grassroots leadership and climate action:
“We are helping protect ecosystems and empower the next generation to shape a greener, more resilient future. We are working with young Rwandans to protect a jewel of Rwanda’s natural scenery and biodiversity against climate change. This local partnership is about fair sustainability, empowering youth and local leadership, in line with  our Global Gateway strategy.”
The initiative focuses on three strategic pillars: capacity building for youth organizations, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, and increased community adoption of nature-based solutions, such as as rainwater harvesting, soil conservation, and renewable energy technologies. Over the next three years, the project will support at least 10 youth-led organizations, directly benefit an estimated 106,400 people across 12 sectors bordering Volcanoes National Park, and contribute to Rwanda’s broader climate and development targets.
Patrick Nsabimana, Country Coordinator for AWF Rwanda, emphasized the urgency of the initiative and its alignment with AWF’s long-term commitment to African-led conservation:
“This project is a powerful continuation of AWF’s vision — one that puts African leadership and local communities at the center of conservation. It responds directly to Rwanda’s national development goals while equipping youth with the tools and opportunities to lead solutions rooted in their landscapes. We are not just building resilience to climate change — we are building a generation of leaders who will shape the future of conservation on this continent.”
The project will work with the selected youth organizations to deliver training sessions, provide financial and technical support, and start ecosystem restoration activities across the twelve sectors bordering Volcanoes National Park. AWF and SACOLA will monitor and assess progress in environmental restoration, youth engagement, and community livelihood improvements regularly to make sure that the planned activities are effectively delivered and that communities see both environmental and economic benefits soon. They will also share knowledge among youth groups and local stakeholders to strengthen their collaboration. 
 

About the African Wildlife Foundation
The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for protecting wildlife and their habitats as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 during the African independence movement to build our capacity to steward our natural resources, AWF articulates a uniquely African vision. It bridges science, education, public policy, and field programs to demonstrate the benefits of conservation and build a future for Africa where people and wildlife thrive.

About the European Union
The European Union is a community of 27 European countries that has promoted peaceful cooperation, prosperity and democracy in Europe and is promoting connectivity worldwide as well as development cooperation and climate action, which we call Global Gateway partnerships. Through its Thematic Programme for Civil Society Organizations 2021–2027, the EU supports grassroots actors across the world in advancing democratic governance, human rights, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. In Rwanda, the EU partners with local and international organizations to promote green growth, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive development aligned with the country's Vision 2050.