The Amazon, a critical component of Earth’s ecosystem, spans eight countries and serves as the ancestral home to many indigenous groups. In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the input and leadership from these communities are viewed as essential. Young leaders, like the Gualinga sisters and Maickson Serrão, are increasingly taking center stage, using digital platforms to elevate their voice and advocate for a more representative inclusion in policy decisions affecting their homeland.
According to World Economic Forum, the fate of the Amazon rainforest may rest in the hands of its youth. With climate change presenting a growing threat to the planet’s largest rainforest, young leaders are being heralded for their potential to safeguard the region and improve the lives of its communities through traditional knowledge and modern innovation.
These young activists argue for a paradigm shift where “Nothing about us without us” becomes a guiding principle in environmental policy. By promoting eco-entrepreneurship and responsible ecotourism, they hope to blend economic viability with environmental stewardship. For instance, the success of Doce Amazônico, an eco-conscious food brand, and the rise of community-run eco-tourism ventures like the Garrido Guesthouse and Caboclo’s House serve as exemplars of sustainable business models that benefit both the forest and its inhabitants.
The challenge of sustainable development in the Amazon calls for cross-border cooperation among all nations that encompass the rainforest. Initiatives like World Vision’s Regreening the Dry Corridor project in Central America provide a template for such collaborative efforts, focusing on sharing resources and expertise to promote sustainability and climate resilience.
Youth leadership is increasingly recognized as critical to driving these cooperative efforts forward. In September 2022, the Global Shapers’ Manaus Hub Hosted Shape LATAM, gathering over 150 participants from 12 countries to discuss the Amazon’s future and the role of the younger generation in protecting it. The event highlighted successful sustainable practices and the importance of local and ancestral community engagement in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable approach to the Amazon’s challenges.
The push for youth involvement reflects a growing recognition that the energy, innovation, and global connectedness of young leaders are invaluable resources in the quest to preserve the Amazon. As these leaders champion their cause, they forge a path toward an Amazon that can continue to flourish for future generations.