Looking ahead to the future of our planet, it's our young people who will be most affected by the choices we're making today. That's why youth – especially those in rural communities – have a critical role to play in protecting natural resources, farm and forest communities. As issues like climate change and poverty intensify, youth must have a voice, and get the support, education, and opportunities needed to meet their aspirations and help their communities thrive now and into the future.
The Rainforest Alliance works with young people, teachers, producers, NGOs, academic institutions, companies, and governments to improve youth opportunities and support rural communities’ sustainable development. Through holistic interventions and capacity building, we promote the full participation of young people in rural production, markets, and decision-making.
Download this white paper about the most common barriers to youth inclusion and engagement, and learn about how we tackle them through holistic interventions.
Here are a few examples of how the Rainforest Alliance is integrating the needs of today’s young people into larger initiatives across communities and landscapes.
We’ve created a useful reference guide for sustainability experts who wish to develop youth-related projects in different regions around the world.
The Rainforest Alliance has been working since 2016 with youth and community partners in Calakmul, Mexico to prepare young people for a meaningful and financially viable future within their communities. The ability of youth to access employment and education in their communities is crucial to combating out-migration and ensuring the continuation of sustainable farming and […]
Future Farmers begins with a one-acre demo farm in Kagio, Kenya, where everything is an opportunity for experimentation and growth.
Like many other regions and sectors, there is a dearth of young farmers entering the cocoa value chain in Jembrana. Only 10% of the famers in Jembrana are youth. Many young students living in rural areas in Indonesia attend agriculture schools because they are an affordable and accessible alternative to traveling to major cities to […]
Sustainable management is a critical tool for protecting global forests and improving local livelihoods. However, in many rural communities, such as those in Calakmul, Mexico, a dearth of employment opportunities often leads youth to seek work in other areas. Such out-migration leaves rural regions without the leadership, innovation, education, and ambition of their best and […]
Sustainable management is a critical tool for protecting global forests and improving local livelihoods. However, in many rural communities, such as those in Calakmul, Mexico, a dearth of employment opportunities often leads youth to seek work in other areas. Such out-migration leaves rural regions without the leadership, innovation, education, and ambition of their best and […]
As climate change, poverty, and other problems intensify, our rural youth must have a voice, as well as education and support to help them thrive.... Continue Reading
Future Farmers begins with a one-acre demo farm in Kagio, Kenya, where everything is an opportunity for experimentation and growth.... Continue Reading
For all individuals, that crucial transition period between childhood dependence and adult independence has a cascading impact on their entire future—not only shaping the course of their lives, but also those of their families and the communities to which they belong. A successful youth transition produces an adult who has the knowledge, resources, and skills […]
María Fernanda Ghiso, Youth Inclusion expert at Rainforest Alliance, marks International Youth Day by reminding organizations that they need to enable today’s youth to deliver tangible and sustainable change.
International Youth Day draws attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth.