Enviro News Asia, South Sulawesi – Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry is strengthening youth participation in forest conservation through the Forest Youthverse programme, which has inspired young leaders in South Sulawesi to launch community-driven environmental initiatives that promote sustainable forest management and climate action.
The initiative is led by the Ministry of Forestry through its Human Resources Development and Extension Agency (BP2SDM), specifically the Center for Forest Conservation Youth Development (Pusgenri). It aims to build an inclusive ecosystem of young forest conservation advocates, known as Generasi Pelestari Hutan (Genries), who are capable of educating, collaborating with, and mobilizing other young people to protect forests.
A notable outcome of the programme is Terra Future Leader, an initiative established by alumni of the Forest Youthverse Regional Makassar programme. Developed under the theme “From Youth, For Youth,” the initiative provides a platform for environmental education, leadership development, and community action.
The programme recently brought together 40 young participants from various districts across South Sulawesi at the Forest Area with Special Purpose (KHDTK) Tabo-Tabo. Through problem mapping, root cause analysis, field activities, and project-based learning, participants explored the interconnections between forests, land, food systems, climate change, and social development while designing community-based environmental projects.
Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, emphasized that engaging young people in forest conservation is a strategic investment in the country’s future green talent. He said sustainable forest management depends on a generation equipped with ecological awareness and scientific knowledge capable of addressing environmental challenges through practical solutions.
Head of the Center for Forest Conservation Youth Development, Luckmi Purwandari, said the programme’s success is measured not by the number of participants but by its ability to create new environmental leaders who educate others and initiate community-based conservation movements. She noted that Forest Youthverse is designed to produce multipliers, with each graduate expected to mentor future generations and expand the impact of environmental education.
The Ministry of Forestry plans to continue strengthening Forest Youthverse as a national platform for learning, collaboration, and environmental action, with the goal of expanding youth-led forest conservation initiatives across Indonesia while supporting national climate targets and biodiversity protection. (*)
