Young African restoration leaders are transforming damaged landscapes in Cameroon and Uganda by engaging their communities with practical, sustainable approaches that go beyond environmental repair to support local livelihoods.
- Local knowledge and partnerships underpin lasting restoration.
- Practical training helps communities thrive without harming nature.
- Innovative methods turn degraded land into productive ecosystems.
What happened
The Global Landscapes Forum selected five Restoration Stewards for its 2026 cohort, recognizing outstanding young innovators focused on sustainable land use worldwide. Two of these stewards come from Africa, underscoring the continent’s vital role in combating land degradation through grassroots leadership. The chosen leaders are deeply embedded in their communities and have demonstrated long-term commitment to restoring critical ecosystems.
Ndumbe Knollis Mokake in Cameroon leads efforts to reverse deforestation on Mount Cameroon by training displaced families and local farmers in organic agriculture and tree nursery management. Meanwhile, Syliah Kagiiga in Uganda transforms abandoned clay mining sites into thriving wetlands with aquaculture and agroforestry practices. Both initiatives combine environmental restoration with practical economic alternatives, earning them mentorship, funding, and global visibility through the program.
Why it feels good
These young leaders showcase how restoration is not just about planting trees but about supporting people whose lives depend on the land. Their approaches respect local realities, including social unrest and economic hardship, ensuring restoration projects uplift communities while healing ecosystems.
The integration of traditional knowledge with science and social innovation offers hope for sustainable development. Their successes highlight the power of youth-led, community-driven action, inspiring others in similar contexts to explore ways to balance environmental care with economic resilience.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on the continued growth of projects like CASAD in Cameroon and SBE Aquafarm in Uganda as they scale up and refine their models. Their experiences may offer valuable lessons for other restoration initiatives in conflict-affected and economically challenged regions.
Future Global Landscapes Forum programs will likely spotlight more young leaders advancing ecosystem recovery with community engagement and innovative, sustainable economic practices. These stories help us appreciate how localized leadership can generate global impact for a greener, more equitable future.