What to expect from the Youth for Nature 2026 conference in Arusha
Some of the speakers featured in past events encompass a diverse range of professions, including researchers, data analysts, rangers, finance wizards, IT techy types, communication experts, program managers, and veterinarians.
Black News 
When it comes to nature conservation, Tanzania has always been at forefront, setting aside nearly 40 percent of the country’s real estate for protection of such resources.
But how are the youth in Tanzania involved in nature conservation?
The question gets answered in the Northern City of Arusha, this weekend, as thousands of young people from all over the country gather at the United World College (UWC) of East Africa for the 2026 Youth for Nature Conference.
According to one of the event coordinators, Allen Chad Mgaza the Youth4Nature conference is a two-day gathering designed for young individuals interested in environmental conservation.
“It is an event where young professionals can learn, network, and share ideas on various aspects of conservation,” explained Mgaza who works for the Honeyguide Foundation, one of the organizations behind the event.
Taking place in Arusha on the 13th and 14th of June 2026, the youth conference is aimed at empowering the next generation of young leaders by providing a platform to discuss challenges, solutions, and career opportunities in sustaining natural resources.
In fact, many young people in Tanzania have already taken the initiative of getting involved in nature conservation and even creating employment for others in the process. Among them is Imani Penza, the founder of Shamba Direct, who got to present a paper on ‘Youth-led Urban Farming: A Path to Climate Resilience and Jobs.
We know what they are doing this summer
Some of the speakers featured in past events encompass a diverse range of professions, including researchers, data analysts, rangers, finance wizards, IT techy types, communication experts, program managers, and veterinarians.
Among them is Damian Bell, the Chief Communication and Development, of the Honeyguide Foundation, a former Chairman for the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators and the founder of Karibu Travel Trade Fair who has also supervised a number of documentary films on conservation.
There is also Ololotu Munka from the Kope Lion, Jonathan Kwiyega, the Co-founder and Executive Director, for People, Lion and Environment (WASIMA), Ellen Mndima (Youth4Nature), Dr Thaban Teffo of Southern African Wildlife College and young Nigel D’Souza, a Herpetologist and Wildlife Conservationist from Dar-es-salaam.
Other notable speakers include Butati Nyundo, a chimpanzee expert, Mary Birdi of Oikos East Africa, Madina Jubilate for Madina Climatic Organization, Kate Vanelli a conservationist and Mohamed Kamuna, the CEO of Community Wildlife Management Areas Consortium (CWMAC).
There are also many other presenters who hail from across Tanzania and neighboring countries such as Kenya, coming to participate in the Arusha event out of sheer interest and dedication.
The idea of the Youth4Nature conference, according to organizers, emerged from the inspiring discussions held during the Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC) at Kigali, Rwanda, in 2022.
It seems some young Tanzanians who participated in the APAC 2022 event of Kigali, had impressed so many people with their dedication, their knowledge of what they are doing, and the impact of their work and therefore laying foundation for the biennial youth4nature conferences in Arusha.
“This was the seed of an amazing idea; why don’t we have our own conference back at home that brings young professionals from diverse backgrounds working in conservation who seldom get the opportunity to share their knowledge with others?”
The aim was thus to create a platform for young professionals in conservation to share knowledge.
The conference has now grown to connect diverse conservation experts from Tanzania and beyond.
Youth-4-Nature conference is built on four main themes, including Building Future in Conservation, Conservation in Practice, Next-Generation Technology, and Digital Voices for Nature.
Keynote speeches and panel discussions explore industry trends, workforce needs, and solutions. Interactive breakout sessions include Campfire Discussions, TED Talks, and Kitimoto Talks.
These sessions promote open dialogue, critical thinking, and shared learning among participants.
The Youth4Nature (Y4N) Conference, held biennially in Arusha, has its roots in the African Protected Area Congress (APAC). It is supported by Honeyguide Foundation, Kope Lion, Nawiri Foundation, Watu, Simba na Mazingira (WASIMA) and Community Wildlife Management Areas Consortium
