Action for Conservation (AFC) is a groundbreaking charity dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people to become the next generation of environmental leaders. With the world facing unprecedented ecological challenges, AFC's mission is crucial in cultivating a new wave of passionate conservationists. By engaging youth aged 12-18 from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities, AFC is bridging the gap between young people and nature conservation. Their work is not just about educating; it's about creating a movement of young environmental advocates who can drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. In a time when youth voices are increasingly critical in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, AFC's role in nurturing these voices is more important than ever.

How they do it

AFC operates through a range of innovative programs designed to connect young people with nature and equip them with the skills to become effective conservationists. Their flagship WildED Programme brings workshops to secondary schools and youth groups in under-resourced urban areas, educating students about environmental issues and guiding them to design and implement local action projects. AFC's residential summer camps offer transformative experiences in nature, building connections between like-minded peers and providing hands-on conservation activities. The Youth Ambassador Programme takes this engagement further, mentoring young people to lead projects in their communities and participate in environmental decision-making at local and national levels. AFC's pioneering Intergenerational Action Sites, like the Penpont Project, put young people at the forefront of landscape-scale nature restoration initiatives, working alongside farmers, landowners, and scientists.

Recent achievements

• Launched new annual delivery model for WildED Programme, reaching over 1,300 students across 150+ workshops in 2023
• Expanded Intergenerational Action Sites to include projects in Bristol and the Peak District, in addition to the flagship Penpont Project
• Successfully advocated for greater youth representation in environmental decision-making, influencing national policy discussions
• Developed and piloted new 'inspiration days' within WildED Programme, enhancing practical conservation experiences for participants

In numbers

• 2,000 acres of land under youth-led restoration through the Penpont Project
• 260 student-led environmental change projects completed in 2023
• 32 active youth volunteers contributing to AFC's mission

Affected lives

In the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Penpont Project stands as a testament to AFC's innovative approach. Here, a group of 20 young people aged 12-18 from diverse backgrounds are leading a pioneering intergenerational nature restoration project across 2,000 acres. Working alongside farmers, landowners, and conservation experts, these young leaders are not just learning about ecosystem restoration; they're actively shaping the future of the landscape. Their work has led to the reintroduction of native species, the restoration of wetland habitats, and the implementation of sustainable farming practices. Beyond the ecological impact, the project has transformed the lives of its young participants, many of whom come from urban areas with limited access to nature. It has built their confidence, developed their leadership skills, and inspired career paths in conservation and environmental science. The Penpont Project serves as a model for youth-led conservation, demonstrating how empowering young people can lead to innovative solutions for both nature and communities.

Team

Action for Conservation's team is a dynamic blend of young environmental professionals and experienced educators, led by founder and CEO Hendrikus van Hensbergen, whose background in government policy and evolutionary biology brings a unique perspective to youth engagement in conservation. The team includes individuals with diverse expertise in environmental education, community outreach, and conservation science. With a leadership that reflects the youth they serve, AFC benefits from fresh, innovative approaches to environmental challenges. The organisation's board is well-balanced in terms of gender and includes young trustees, ensuring that youth perspectives are represented at the highest level of decision-making. This combination of youthful energy and seasoned experience positions AFC uniquely to bridge the gap between young people and the environmental sector, fostering a new generation of conservation leaders equipped to tackle the pressing ecological challenges of our time.