Empowering a New Era of Conservation, individuals called Laudato Youth
The pressing challenges of climate change in Uganda are seen in the face of the harsh realities of biodiversity loss, pollution, food insecurity, water scarcity, poor waste management, poverty, mental and physical health crises, all exacerbated by growing socio-economic instability. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of conservation efforts, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect our planet and its resources, despite ongoing efforts, and urging us that there is still much that needs to be done, challenging world leaders to take binding action on climate change.
It is now clear that if we do not unite for collective action, we risk catastrophic and often irreversible consequences for our planet and the life-support systems we depend on. Raising awareness is no longer enough; we must embrace both traditional methods, values, and immediate, decisive action across all sectors of society.
This year, 2025, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si. and as we approach the 2030 targets set by the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals, and Global Biodiversity Framework, the Laudato Youth Initiative emerges as a vital community of young stewards committed to enhancing ambition. Our mission is to unite youth in accelerating action and amplifying collaborative solutions within institutions focused on filling the information gap by empowering young people with sustainability knowledge and skills like soil fertility management, Kitchen Garden Kitchen, and values, biodiversity restoration through community engagement, and environmental care. We aim to ensure that sustainability efforts address the concerns of young people by inspiring their passion, involving them in meaningful discussions and decision-making about their future.
Our Key Areas of Focus
Enhancing Resilient Conservation Efforts
Our conservation initiatives are adapting to meet growing challenges in a rapidly changing world. The Laudato Youth are dedicated to implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies that emphasize climate-resilient solutions through our Laudato Si Clubs in institutions and community engagement to support communities in poverty alleviation through enhancing sustainability practices. By merging faith, traditional knowledge, with scientific innovation, we empower youth to foster new value-aided leadership models that inspire a commitment to biodiversity amid climate change, reflecting on the African Faith Values in the life of the Uganda Martyrs, who supported ecosystems through adopting totems.
Mitigating Climate Overshoot Risks
To protect life on Earth, we must alter our climate trajectory by prioritizing emissions reduction and long-term adaptation strategies. Nature-based solutions like reforestation, zoning and wetland restoration are crucial; however, their effectiveness may diminish as climate impacts worsen. A diverse approach—including innovative solutions—will ensure we prioritize biodiversity and support vulnerable communities. By adopting advanced technologies and transformative education, we can respond effectively to the climate crisis and create a resilient future by minimizing local practices like reducing the burning of charcoal, excessive use of firewood, and advocating for clean energy.
Amplifying the voices of the youth in Climate Action
Genuine conservation and environmental justice require that the voices of young people, indigenous communities, and women be prioritized. Our efforts go beyond listening; we aim to inspire actions that empower youth through environmental education, publicity, research, Mental health programs, socio-economic skill sets, and faith values that define the reality that faith and ecological sustainability are intertwined as foundational pillars of conservation, ensuring that biodiversity is protected, and communities thrive in creating microclimate areas in their communities and urban setups.
Forming Agronomist Stewards of the future.
Addressing the loss of species and ecosystems is urgent. We are actively encouraging our youth to conserve, restore, and regenerate ecosystems while considering the sustainability needs of all, particularly youth and local communities. This transition requires a shift in mindsets and practices like proper waste management that enable nature and society to thrive together, growing and forming agronomist stewards of the future known as Laudato Youth.
Innovative Youth Leadership in Conservation
We are a Catholic Youth-Led Initiative that credits our involvement of the youth. Transformative change in conservation can be driven by disruptive innovation. The integration of technology like digital media, science, research, and innovation, to mention using Artificial Intelligence in conservation efforts, reflects our commitment to using technology for good. Legislative measures and innovative decisions are crucial for redefining standards in Uganda.
So, what are we doing now?
Key Programs and Activities
- The Pilgrims of Green Hope Jubilee Year Campaign and the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, mobilizing faith communities in climate action, educational and inspiring ecological tours for swamp, forest, and national park reservation awareness.
- The one-million-tree planting drive promotes reforestation and ecological restoration.
- Digital storytelling to fill the Knowledge Gap with our Laudato Si Clubs
- Laudato Si Festival Green Festival – Community engagement and Corporate Social responsibility, science and innovation, raise awareness, etc
- Debates and Poetry aligning with Climate Change awareness and Climate Action response
- Scientific Innovations and Projects that foster Climate Change adaptation, sustainability, and care for creation
- Media exposure through radio, newspapers, and Social Media platforms
- Scenario-based innovations on matters like urban farming to enhance agro tourism.
- Laudato Voices Quarterly Magazine – Amplifying Youth Voices for Climate Action
- Smart agriculture initiatives that teach sustainable farming techniques and co-existing with nature, with climate-related topics, including living soils, biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, water management, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and the terrestrial carbon cycle.
- Research and Publication efforts, including presentations on fostering environmental responsibility at key academic events and crafting stories that promote integral ecology.
- We have pioneered a successful mental health awareness program for our youth, looking at both the internal and external environment, assessing the interconnection between mental health justice
- Interfaith Dialogue in parishes and communities
Our Community event and Corporate Social Responsibility activity
The Laudato Si Green Festival
Participants will have the opportunity to:
– Launch new initiatives in science and technology.
– Expand their networks and forge new partnerships with other schools.
– Engage in impactful sessions on central stages.
– Participate in Tree Planting
– Trade in the Ecological Knowledge Market Booth
This Year at Holy Cross Lake View in Jinja Reserve Your Space
The Exhibition will take place during the Season of Creation from the Date to be communicated. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your work and contribute to conservation efforts. Secure your space for your institution or company today to connect with a diverse audience, gain visibility, and make a significant impact at Uganda’s premier Laudato Si Green Festival. Bookings will close in July.
About the Festival
The Laudato Si Green Festival is the largest Laudato Si Clubs event dedicated to community engagement, environmental conservation, climate adaptation, education, faith, sustainable development, science, practice, and innovation. The festival explores the economic, social, scientific, and technical dimensions of a wide range of conservation issues, including biodiversity, creating sustainable microclimates, awareness about protected areas, sustainability, and mental health related to climate change.
Science Exhibition
The Exhibition will serve as a vibrant hub for creativity, where Laudato Youth, participating schools, partner organizations, and academic institutions to showcase their research, innovations, and conservation initiatives. Open to both Laudato Si Clubs and registered community members, this platform allows exhibitors to share their work with the public while media outlets are invited to cover the event, raising awareness of climate change challenges in Uganda, such as floods, heatwaves, waste management, and water conservation.
During the Exhibition, members of Laudato Si Clubs, along with visitors, NGOs, partners, and academia, will host stalls and creative events. The Exhibition is open to both participants and the public, providing a platform for exhibitors to showcase their research, innovations, and contributions to the Laudato Youth Initiative.
Together, let’s empower a new era of conservation! Join the bigger Family of Laudato Youth – a Member of Laudato Si Clubs by the Laudato Youth Initiative.
Together, we can build a climate-resilient generation ready to lead the way toward sustainable living. Join us at the Laudato Youth Initiative as we unite for climate action and strive for a brighter, more sustainable future.