The IKI Small Grants project ‘Strengthening youth and women’s actions for the sustainable protection of the Guma Water Catchment’ in Sierra Leone shows why young people are essential in tackling the climate crisis. The project focuses on environmental education and creation of alternative livelihoods. By involving young people, women and forest guards, it ensures the protection of the forest reserve, tackles root causes of forest degradation, and provides the target group with alternative livelihoods.

Ahmid C. Jalloh, founder of YARDO, talks about why youth are pivotal in preserving the environment and their way to become part of IKI Small Grants.