Annah Agasha, the Eastern Africa Coordinator for the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), took center stage on August 2, 2023, as a keynote speaker at the Greater Virunga Landscape Youth Action (GVYA) virtual summit. In her communication, she shared FSC's insights and best practices in transboundary conservation.
The GVYA summit offered a platform for the launching of "the Greater Virunga Landscape We Want" initiative, a forward-looking six-month campaign aimed at redefining conservation as a powerful tool for holistic landscape management. This initiative is pivotal for the Greater Virunga landscape which encompasses parts of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. It was born to shape the future of conservation with a focus on youth engagement.
The Greater Virunga landscape forms a picturesque crescent within the Albertine Rift, a region defined by its remarkable biodiversity. Ranging from the lush forests to the sweeping savannas, this area is a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, hippos, and elephants. With over 700 bird species, 200 mammal varieties, and nearly 80 amphibian species, it is an ecological treasure trove brimming with life.
Empowering youth for conservation
Annah Agasha's participation in the dialogue underscored FSC's commitment to collaborating with the youth across Eastern Africa to strengthen the protection of forest ecosystems for future generations.
During the keynote, Annah passionately stated, "our interest lies in partnering with the youth throughout the landscape, building on the Ugandan example, to advance our forest protection and conservation via sustainable forest management and certification."