“When young people unite for climate action, environmental conservation becomes more than a campaign. It becomes a pathway to peace and sustainable development.”
In Uganda, environmental conservation is increasingly becoming a question of peace, livelihoods and sustainable development. Climate change threatens food security, incomes and the wellbeing of communities. In response, the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI) is empowering young people to become active stewards of the environment and agents of positive change. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, LYI promotes an understanding that care for the environment is inseparable from care for people. Through our Laudato Si’ Clubs in schools, universities, parishes and communities, young people participate in tree planting, environmental education, community clean-ups, sustainable agriculture, waste management and climate digital advocacy.
From awareness to action
One of LYI’s notable contributions is its One Million Tree Planting Drive, which mobilizes young people and communities to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen environmental resilience. Tree planting contributes to biodiversity conservation, soil protection, food security and climate-change mitigation. More importantly, it gives young people practical opportunities to take responsibility for their communities’ future.
We recognize the important link between environmental conservation and peace. Competition over land, water and other natural resources can contribute to social tensions, particularly when communities are affected by climate-related challenges. By bringing young people together around shared environmental goals, we create spaces for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.
Our annual Laudato Si’ Green Festival is an example of this approach. The festival brings together young people, schools, religious leaders, government representatives and environmental stakeholders through activities such as green Mass, tree planting, community clean-ups, environmental exhibitions, dialogue and drama. These activities raise awareness while building relationships among participants from different backgrounds and age groups.
The initiative also connects conservation with sustainable agriculture, recognizing that Uganda’s development depends heavily on healthy ecosystems and productive land. Through education on agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture and environmental innovation, young people are introduced to approaches that can improve food security while protecting natural resources. Another important impact is creating opportunities for young people to express themselves through journalism, music, drama, art, and digital communication. These platforms enable youth to raise awareness about environmental challenges and encourage their peers and communities to act.
The Laudato Youth Initiative shows that environmental conservation is not only a scientific or governmental responsibility. It is also a social, moral and community responsibility. By equipping young Ugandans with knowledge, leadership skills and opportunities for action, LYI is helping nurture a generation committed to protecting the environment.
Ultimately, investing in youth environmental leadership is an investment in Uganda’s future. The trees planted, communities mobilized and partnerships created today can contribute to healthier ecosystems, resilient livelihoods, peaceful communities and sustainable development for generations to come.
By Benard Kahwa
Executive Director, Laudato Youth Initiative
