Event Category: GLF Event
How are young visionaries rewriting the future of Africa’s landscapes?
During this event, we heard insights from landscape leaders and local innovators across Africa, showcasing successful restoration stories, pressing challenges, and bold opportunities for transformative change from recent regional consultations.
Report launch: Rooted in restoration: Youth-led transformative change for regreening Africa
The event marked the launch of the report “Rooted in restoration: Youth-led transformative change for regreening Africa“, which highlights shared experiences, challenges, and solutions suggested by several dozen young landscape practitioners and experts across Africa who participated in a series of consultations centered on the restoration of African ecosystems.
Produced in partnership with Regreening Africa, UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, FAO, European Union Commission, CIFOR-ICRAF and the Global Landscapes Forum, and co-written by several experts in the field, this report covers gaps and solutions across policy, finance, capacity building, and communication to show how landscape restoration can be scaled for long-term impact on people and the planet.
Check out the report here.
Organized by:
Array ( [0] => Asia/Riyadh )
2025 Landscape Leadership Camp
2025 GLF Landscape Leadership Camp in Asia
As it happened
WHEN
April 2025
WHERE
Bogor, Indonesia
SOCIAL
#ThinkLandscape
From 21–23 April 2025, the Landscape Leadership Camp was held in Bogor, Indonesia, ahead of GLF Forests 2025 Hybrid Conference. Co-designed by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL), the camp brought together 50+ young landscape leaders to drive impactful and transformative change across the landscapes of Asia & the Pacific.
DIVE INTO KNOWLEDGE
Click to download resources for landscape leadership
MEET THE SPEAKERS
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Varun Tumuluru
India
Global Landscapes Forum -
Trisa Bhattacharjee
India
Zoo Outreach -
Sarasi Silvester Sinurat
Indonesia
Ranu Welum -
Rizka Afif
Indonesia
IFSA -
Mukhlish Jamal
Indonesia
YPARD -
Muhammed Urs
Pakistan
GYBN -
Jessica Roasa
The Philippines
Global Landscapes Forum -
Javie Vinze Barcinal
The Philippines
350.org -
Gloria Amor Paredes
The Philippines
RECOFTC -
Global Landscapes Forum
The Philippines
Global Landscapes Forum -
Emmanuella Shinta
Indonesia
Ranu Welum Foundation -
Eirini Sakellari
Greece
Global Landscapes Forum -
Cora Van Oosten
Global Landscapes Forum -
Camille Revera Frances
The Phillipines
Oceanus Conservation -
Asmita Rawat
Nepal
Youth4Nature -
Anggi Cahyaningtyas
Indonesia
Global Landscapes Forum -
Ana Yi Soto
Peru
Global Landscapes Forum
COLLABORATION PARTNERS
Rewarding Nature: Towards a Roadmap to Finance the Global Biodiversity Framework
This side event at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, unveiled a dynamic roadmap to finance the Global Biodiversity Framework crafted through expert insights and diverse voices.
As a sequel to the 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium, the event featured a lively panel of policymakers, investors, innovators, and community leaders, to tackle challenges, identify innovative solutions and share successes in mobilizing biodiversity finance – and bridge bold financial strategies with practical action on the ground.
Array ( [0] => America/Bogota )
Global Media Seminar: Eye On The Environmental Crisis – Media Coverage Beyond The Storm
7th GLF Investment Case Symposium: Media Seminar Recording
GLOBAL MEDIA SEMINAR
Hosted by:
Amid global crises, the sixth mass extinction is accelerating and threatening food security, ecosystems, and worsening the climate crisis. How can journalists and content creators cut through the noise to report on these issues?
In the lead up to the 2024 biodiversity, climate and desertification COPs, journalists, scientists and changemakers explored critical topics, key sources and tools to cover these topics effectively. The discussions provided insights into the complexities of financing nature to meet biodiversity goals and prepared participants to maximize the potential of the 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium, held alongside the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16).
Watch the seminar recordings below
AGENDA
- (UTC-5)
DAY 1
16 October 2024, 13:00–15:00 (UTC-5)
Why a roadmap to finance the Biodiversity Framework?
Opening remarks by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)
Speaker and moderator:
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Managing Director
GLF -
Media Relations Coordinator
Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)
Sneak peek at the 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium – Rewarding Nature: A Roadmap to Finance the Biodiversity Plan.
Sounds of the ocean and the forest: Combining environmental journalism and investigative tools
Panel and Q&A by Pulitzer Center
Speakers and moderator:
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2023 Ocean Reporting Fellow (Americas)
Pulitzer Center -
2022 Rainforest Investigations Fellow (Brazil)
Pulitzer Center -
Senior Program Manager, International Education and Outreach
Pulitzer Center
Two Pulitzer Center-supported journalists specializing in ocean and rainforest issues shared their knowledge of tools, resources, methods and best practices. Drawing on their investigative experience, they focused on reporting about investments to reduce emissions and protect biodiversity.
Covering elections through an intersectional climate lens: The case of Brazil
Editor’s panel discussion and Q&A by Agência Pública
Speakers:
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Editor-in-Chief and Reporter
Agência Publica -
Head of Socio-environmental Reporting
Agência Publica
Bruno and Giovanna, editors at the investigative newsroom Agência Pública, shared insights from covering municipal elections with a climate lens. They discussed how Agência Pública’s information tool helps track candidates’ stances on climate issues and explain how they select stories to ensure that their coverage resonates with Brazilian audiences. In the lead-up to next year’s Climate COP30 in Brazil, they demonstrated how climate investigative reporting can reveal connections between community preparedness for extreme events, legislation, politicians’ land use practices, threats to Indigenous and Quilombola communities, deforestation, corporate interests, and more.
Fireside chat with scientists: Synergies of the Rio Conventions
Conversation and Q&A by CIFOR-ICRAF and the Restoration Stewards program
Speakers and moderator:
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2024 Dryland Restoration Steward,
Founder of Forest for Life Project and Forest Restoration Steward 2024 -
Scientist
Governance, Equity & Wellbeing -
Director of the Programme and Platforms Focal Point, Latin America
Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) -
Communications Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean
CIFOR-ICRAF
The world is grappling with urgent, interconnected climate, biodiversity, and desertification challenges. How do the Rio Conventions address these issues? What are the key implementations shaping current actions? What financial mechanisms support these frameworks’ goals? Join leading experts for insights on the science behind synergistic solutions under the Conventions.
Participants had the opportunity to submit questions in advance and vote for those they found most interesting.
DAY 2
17 October 2024, 13:00–15:00 (UTC-5)
A decalogue for impact: Journalism in the Amazon Region
Conversation and Q&A by DW Akademie
Speakers and moderator:
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Founder and director
Servindi news agency -
Training and Projects Coordinator
CORAPE -
Editorial and Training Coordinator for Latin America
Agenda Propia -
Program Director for Colombia, Ecuador and Peru
DW Akademie
Drawing from the DW Akademie project ‘Journalism and Amazon region protection,’ panelists shared ideas on how to maximize the impact of journalistic stories while reinforcing connections between the media and local environmental, Indigenous and social organizations. This guided conversation outlined a decalogue of recommendations on impact and harm-free action and safety. DW Akademie also shared a quality criteria guide for journalism on human rights and the environment, in Spanish: Criterios de calidad periodística. Guía para el periodismo colaborativo e intercultural sobre derechos humanos y medio ambiente
Storytelling in the digital age: Leveraging social media for impactful COP coverage
Interactive discussion by Earthrise Studio
Speakers:
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Business and Climate Reporter, and "Planet A" Lead
Deutsche Welle (DW) -
Head of Editorial and Executive Producer
Earthrise Studio
Hosted by the Joi Lee, head of editorial of Earthrise Studio, a climate storytelling platform that harnesses social media, this session equiped participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively use social media for impactful coverage of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16). Attendees learned practical strategies for crafting compelling climate stories, engaging audiences and amplifying important narratives in the digital space.
Fireside chat with experts: Financing biodiversity and climate
Conversation and Q&A by FOLUR and Luxembourg Forestry and Climate Change Fund
Speakers and moderator:
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Lead Agribusiness Specialist
World Bank -
Advisor to Investment for Development (Iford)
Forestry and Climate Change Fund (FCCF) -
Communications Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean
CIFOR-ICRAF
Finance must be harnessed to foster a sustainable future through innovative solutions that involve all sectors and prioritize local action. What role does finance play in tackling the environmental crisis? Which financial mechanisms can best support cross-sector cooperation? How can funds reach those that need it the most? Ahead of the 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium, experts to discussed the financial tools and pathways needed to break away from business-as-usual.
Participants had the opportunity to submit questions in advance and vote for those they found most interesting.
Closing remarks and opportunities
Speakers:
-
Media Relations Coordinator
Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)
Stay tuned for our media seminars in 2025!
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Quintero at k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org.
The 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium
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Explore the Outcome Statement: Building a path to finance the biodiversity framework
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How to raise $200 billion for biodiversity in 2024
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Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the forefront as Amazonian and global organizations join forces
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Innovators pave a bold path forward for financing biodiversity and climate
Explore the Outcome Statement: Building a path to finance the biodiversity framework
EXPLORE NOWHow to raise $200 billion for biodiversity in 2024
READ MOREIndigenous Peoples and local communities at the forefront as Amazonian and global organizations join forces
READ MOREInnovators pave a bold path forward for financing biodiversity and climate
Read MoreThe 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium, as it happened
In Cali, Colombia, and online, we gathered over 2,000 participants from 108 countries, along with almost 100 speakers and 91 global and local partner organizations, at the 7th GLF Investment Case Symposium, Rewarding Nature: A Roadmap to Finance the Biodiversity Plan.
Held alongside the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the global event explored how to fund efforts to stem and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
Missed the event? You’re in luck – all hybrid and online sessions are now available to stream on demand.
Share:
Last year, we called our respective governments to carry out structural reforms, especially an ecological fiscal reform. You can raise a lot of money, but it is about political will, not only technical. For example, Nigeria is over 180 million people. If you take only 5 cent per bottle of beer and water consumed daily – let’s say 80 million bottles, how much money will we raise at the end of the day, after a year?
To incentivize the private sector, we must address the perceived risk. Normally, private actors perceive biodiversity-related projects as high risk. We also need to address the uncertainty of the financial returns related to the early stages of biodiversity projects. Here is where blended finance plays a pivotal role by making biodiversity-related projects much more attractive and viable.
Finance is a crucial catalyst element. We need to make sure that money is mobilized for conservation, biodiversity and to support the cultures that safeguard biodiversity.
Financing Indigenous Peoples is a global political commitment today, but we need to transform it into reality. Many Indigenous Peoples, organizations, movements and local communities are conducting a debate process to create Indigenous-owned funding mechanisms.
For AI to be innovative, we need to first clearly identify the problems we want to solve. Cross-sector partnership is essential to drive such innovation. For example, the private sector offers the capital and knowledge, academia adds the deep research and technical expertise, and local innovators bring regional context.
Whether it’s carbon credits or conservation projects, our lands are being dispossessed, or we lack full and effective participation in decision making. All projects that happen on Indigenous territories should be based on co-creation. You should work as equals with Indigenous Peoples – not impose an agenda from the outside.
We have to find back the spirit of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and work together on all levels. The Luxembourg government has many ongoing initiatives between the private and the public sector, where the co-benefits are essential — the economic, the social and the ecological. We need to strengthen the rights of local communities, Indigenous Peoples, women, and children globally.
VIDEOS
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Inspiration Hub: Mangroves – An innovative solution to address the biodiversity funding gap
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Inspiration Hub: Promoting private and community forestry – Pathways to sustainable value chains and social inclusion
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Inspiration Hub: Environmental entrepreneurship – The challenge of launching and fundraising for biodiversity projects
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Inspiration Hub: Unveiling Brazil’s first Biodiversity Credits
Recap: the Biodiversity COP16
What’s your vision for Earth?
From 21–31 October 2024, the GLF team was in Cali, Colombia to cover this year’s UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) and watch world leaders hash out the next steps for the Global Biodiversity Framework.
OFAC Hybrid Forum: What is the State of Central African Forests?
What is the State of Central African Forests?
The hybrid forum was brought to you by the Central Africa Forest Observatory (OFAC), a specialized unit of the Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) providing up-to-date, relevant data on the region’s forests and ecosystems.
20 June 2024
11:00–14:00 CEST (UTC+2)
#ForestsMatter
Share:
The forests of Central Africa are vital, but how do we protect them?
On 20 June 2024, over 700 participants from 77 countries, including experts, practitioners and policymakers gathered to discuss the challenges faced by the Congo Basin and how to address them using the latest data-driven strategies.
Here’s what we learned from OFAC Hybrid Forum, showing why it’s so vital that we protect and restore forests.
Meet the speakers
Explore the event themes
Solutions and latest knowledge
Solutions and latest knowledge
Engaging policymakers
Engaging policymakers
Technology
Technology
Partnerships
Partnerships
Learn more about Central African forests
REGISTRATION
Join OFAC Hybrid Forum in Bonn, Germany
Join us in person in Bonn at the GLF Secretariat, located in the beautiful Rheinaue Leisure Park right next to the Bonn Climate Change Conference venue.
COLLABORATION PARTNERS
Contacts
Any questions? Get in touch
Judith Sonneck
GLF Global Conferences and Events Outreach Coordinator
j.sonneckcifor-icraf[dot]org
Journalists
Are you working on a story about the Central African rainforests or looking for fresh ideas? Reach out to Kelly Quintero at k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org to explore story angles, connect with experts in the science, practices, and policies of the world’s second-largest forests, or join the event online from anywhere in the globe or in person if you are in Bonn, Germany.
Youth Storytelling Contest
The Stories of Africa
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Successful applicants will be notified of their selection via email.
In 2024, hundreds of young storytellers from across Africa once again sought to challenge the dominant narratives on the continent they call home.
Ahead of the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference, the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL) hosted a youth storytelling contest to share stories that inspire a brighter and bolder future for Africa, through videos, audios, writing, animations and other forms of media.
Here are the three incredible storytellers who won the jury’s hearts this year.
And the 2024 winners are…
In 5 years to come
Roots for riches
Why do you farm?
In 5 years to come
MusicThis spoken word piece reflects Cameroon’s ongoing struggles, urging youth across Africa to act and drive lasting change amid overlooked climate and socio-political crises.
Roots for riches
MusicSet on Kenya’s coast, this story follows Mzee Katana, who sells an ancient baobab for $400 and soon faces nature’s wrath, realizing his duty to protect the land.
Why do you farm?
ShortfilmThis short film explores agriculture’s role in Africa’s food chain, highlighting small-scale farmers, sustainable practices, climate impact, and agriculture's importance in resilience and economic growth.
MEET THE FINALISTS
A brighter coast
Storytelling For Change
Rodelenz
Clean cookstoves are saving lives, but industry says a lack of government support is stopping uptake
Save Africa; save the earth
A brighter coast
PoetryThis is a poetic story of hope, capturing the power of sunrise to revive the coast and uplift the human spirit with new beginnings.
Storytelling For Change
PoetryIn Bagamoyo, Tanzania, women are embracing seaweed farming for income and climate action. They sell raw and value-added products to build resilience, protect biodiversity and tackle pollution.
Rodelenz
StorytellingThis documentary showcases environmental activist Mr. Odemwingie, who recycles Pringles cans into LED lights for photographers, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation
Clean cookstoves are saving lives, but industry says a lack of government support is stopping uptake
StorytellingThis article emphasizes the urgent need for clean cookstoves in Ghana to combat health risks and climate impacts, particularly for vulnerable women and children.
Save Africa; save the earth
StorytellingThis story addresses how food insecurity impacts education and drives crime. It points to our collective responsibility for sustainable food systems and emphasizes the power of the people.
What is the African Storytelling Contest?
Do you have a story to share about how Africa can regenerate its landscapes, protect biodiversity, lead climate action and protect the rights and livelihoods of millions?
We believe storytelling has the power to ignite change, inspire action and connect people across borders. Following the powerful stories we heard in 2022 and 2023, the 2024 Africa Youth Storytelling Contest welcomes stories in a wide variety of formats, including video, audio, visual art, animation or another creative medium.
What’s in it for you?
The top 5 to 10 entries will be featured on our website and social media channels, as well as at the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference, reaching thousands of people in person and online.
On top of the opportunity to showcase your talent and share your story with a global audience, the three best stories will receive prizes of EUR 500, 300 and 200 respectively.
SEE BELOW FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The contest is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 born in Africa, living in Africa or from the African diaspora.
THEMES
Your story should share your thoughts, hopes and dreams about a future for Africa that values community, collaboration, inclusivity and resilience. In simple words: what should a bright future for Africa look like?
Key themes for your story could include (but are not limited to) food sovereignty, sustainable food systems, biodiverse landscapes, land tenure, ecosystem restoration, gender, climate justice, Indigenous rights, community-led action, youth leadership and sustainable finance.
FORMAT
We welcome a diverse range of storytelling forms that capture at least one of the themes described above. Submissions can take various forms, including:
- Visual arts or animation: artwork (paintings, sculptures, drawing, photography, etc.) or animations
- Video: short films, interviews, documentaries, performance art – anything you like!
- Audio: original poetry, music, podcasts, etc. .
Another creative medium that showcases your unique perspective.
Please include the following in your story :
- Your full name
- Your city or town and country
- The logo of your organization (if applicable)
If your submission is in a language other than English, please also provide an English transcript in the relevant part of the application form.
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Creativity, passion and originality;
- Relevance to the the themes described above;
- Vision and pathway for the future of Africa;
- Clarity of expression and communication of ideas;
- Overall impact and effectiveness.
- We would like to encourage people from underrepresented groups to submit their story and vision.
- We will only consider original content created by applicants themselves. Please note that AI generated content will not be evaluated or accepted.
- All entries will be reviewed by a panel including the YIL Steering Committee and the GLF team.
- We will acknowledge all submissions but only contact selected candidates. The panel’s decision will be final and not subject to appeal.
- YIL and GLF reserve the right not to select a winner if no entries that they deem suitable are received.
- YIL and GLF reserve the right to use, edit or modify the final version of submissions to be presented at the GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
WINNERS OF THE 2023 AFRICAN YOUTH STORYTELLING CONTEST
GET INSPIRED BY OUR OTHER COMPETITION WINNERS
Landscape Leadership Camp
2024 GLF Landscape Leadership Camp
WHEN
14–16 September 2024
WHERE
Nairobi, Kenya
SOCIAL
#ThinkLandscape
From 14–16 September 2024, the Landscape Leadership Camp was held in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of GLF Africa 2024: Greening the African Horizon. Co-designed by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL), Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), the workshop brought together 60 exceptional young leaders from Africa and beyond, selected from over 1,250 applicants, to drive impactful and transformative change.
This three-day camp featured workshops, panel discussions and field visits focused on collectively addressing complex challenges and developing visions rooted in landscape approaches, with a focus on justice and a greener future for Africa.
DIVE INTO KNOWLEDGE
Click to download resources for landscape leadership
MEET THE SPEAKERS
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Zahrah Cassiem
South Africa
CDKN/ SouthSouthNorth -
Varun Tumuluru
India
Global Landscapes Forum -
Theopista Abalo
Uganda
IFSA -
Sylvia Wachira
Kenya
PACJA -
Nancy Barisoa
Madagascar
Global Landscapes Forum/ CIFOR-ICRAF -
Nadia Sitas
South Africa
CDKN/ SouthSouthNorth -
Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye
Ghana
YPARD -
Kevin Lunzalu
Kenya
GYBN -
Juvenal Vitalis
Tanzania
Ancestorworld Studio -
Co-founder
Tanzania Conservation and Community Empowerment Initiative (TACCEI) & GLFx Maasai Steppe -
Hope Okuthe
Kenya
PACJA -
Youth Program Coordinator
Global Landscapes Forum/Youth in Landscapes Initiative -
Claudine Kamanzi
Rwanda
Forest4Life -
Ann Kobia
Kenya
PACJA