Adolescents and Youth Engagement in Biodiversity Conservation – The Uncommon Strides of IBCSSA

Rebecca Ejifoma

Advocates for climate change and biodiversity conservation across the globe are approaching climate action with growing intensity. The need for harmonious coexistence between wildlife and humans, alongside sustainable practices to keep the planet habitable, remains a pressing contemporary issue. The Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa (IBCSSA) has been at the forefront of these efforts, uniquely incorporating adolescents and youth into its agenda through schools and community groups.

Founded in 2018, IBCSSA has distinguished itself as a non-governmental organization with a notable impact on environmental conservation education in Nigeria and an expanding membership across Sub-Saharan Africa. The organization stands out by focusing on grassroots outreach and youth engagement, setting new standards in conservation that diverge from many larger environmental organizations.

In addition, IBCSSA’s innovative “Catching Them Young” initiative targets adolescents and youth, providing a sustainable approach to global conservation efforts. While many large environmental organizations focus on broad-scale initiatives, IBCSSA engages with schools and youth groups at a foundational level. Through the Youth Biodiversity/Environmental Conservation Club, the organization offers students hands-on experiences such as tree planting, debates on environmental issues, and interactive workshops. These initiatives aim to cultivate environmental consciousness in young people from an early age, ensuring they grow into environmentally responsible adults.

The organization also empowers communities through grassroots outreach, recognizing that sustainable conservation begins locally. By focusing on suburban and rural areas, where connections to nature are more immediate, IBCSSA fills a critical gap often overlooked by larger international organizations. Their practical sessions, supported by partners like the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), include visual aids and community-driven activities, making complex environmental concepts more relatable and actionable for both students and local leaders.
Furthermore, beyond education, IBCSSA’s quarterly clean-up exercises instil a sense of responsibility and community pride in maintaining local environments. The organization’s editorial team amplifies the impact of these campaigns by producing engaging outreach materials that resonate with young audiences through captivating visuals and accessible language, ensuring the conservation message is effectively communicated.

For those interested in pursuing a deeper involvement in conservation, IBCSSA offers an internship program that provides valuable, hands-on experience in biodiversity and nature conservation. Interns engage in research, project management, and community outreach, acquiring essential skills for driving change. The program also offers mentorship and professional development opportunities, positioning participants to contribute to global sustainability goals such as Climate Action and Life on Land. With commendable support from sub-national governments like Oyo State, IBCSSA continues to be a model for sustainable conservation, encouraging others passionate about the environment to follow its lead.
For aspiring conservationists and community members eager to contribute, IBCSSA offers a unique platform to learn and make an impact.