In Gambella, young people are taking the lead in restoring degraded landscapes while building sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their communities. Working with our key local implementing partner, CETRAD, a community- based youth group of twenty young women and men has turned a tree nursery into a viable conservation and income stream for their community.

Environmental restoration activities such as tree planting had already been underway to support the recovery of degraded land. However, these efforts were not intentionally linked to youth livelihoods, and environmental conservation was rarely viewed by young people as a livelihood pathway. As a result, youth participation in restoration activities remained limited to minimal engagement, with few opportunities to build skills or generate sustainable income.

To address this gap, the ENLITE youth group received practical, skills-based training in tree nursery establishment and management. The training covered seed selection, propagation techniques, nursery maintenance, and preparation of seedlings for planting. The approach emphasized active youth involvement, enabling participants to gain hands-on experience and apply their skills directly within their community.

Following the training, the youth group was tasked to take up the management of the Youth-led tree nursery, working closely with the wider community, and with ongoing technical guidance from our implementing partner. The nursery was designed to complement ongoing restoration efforts and create a sustainable source of income for young people.

The results are taking shape. The nursery has already produced a diverse mix of fruit trees and native tree species, with a target capacity of 100,000 seedlings through continued collaboration with community youth groups. Confidence and leadership have grown alongside practical skills. Young people are now actively engaged as contributors to the wetland restoration rather than passive participants. The youth group is also an active member of the Coalition for Change, demonstrating their commitment to driving sustainable development and environmental action in their community.

The significance goes beyond one nursery. At the community level, the availability of locally produced seedlings will enhance restoration efforts and reinforce the role of youth as key actors in climate resilience and environmental stewardship. This initiative demonstrates the potential of youth-led, skills-based approaches to conservation. By linking environmental restoration with diversified, nature-positive livelihood opportunities, CETRAD’s support has enabled young people in Gambella to become agents of change, protecting their environment while building more resilient livelihoods for the future.