Forest and Wildlife Conservation

 Protecting Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Future Generations

Project Overview

The Forest and Wildlife Conservation project aims to protect biodiversity, restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen community stewardship of natural resources through youth and community engagement.

Implemented by Ethiopian Youth Environmental Awareness (EYEA), the project responds to critical environmental challenges such as deforestation, habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability affecting ecosystems and livelihoods in Ethiopia. Recognising the interdependence between healthy ecosystems and human well-being, the project promotes conservation as a shared responsibility.

Through tree planting, habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and environmental education, the project supports sustainable ecosystem management while empowering young people and communities to act as guardians of nature.

Objectives

The project seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Support forest restoration and tree planting initiatives

• Promote the protection of wildlife and natural habitats

• Increase community awareness of biodiversity conservation

• Encourage youth leadership and participation in conservation efforts

• Strengthen local capacity for sustainable natural resource management

  
  

Core Components

Tree Planting and Forest Restoration

The project supports reforestation and afforestation activities aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening ecosystem resilience. Activities include:

• Community and youth-led tree planting campaigns

• Restoration of degraded forest areas

• Promotion of native and climate-resilient tree species

These actions contribute to carbon sequestration, soil protection, and biodiversity conservation.

Wildlife Protection and Awareness

The project promotes the protection of wildlife through education and community engagement initiatives, including:

• Awareness campaigns on biodiversity and wildlife conservation

• Community dialogues on human–wildlife coexistence

• Promotion of practices that reduce threats to wildlife and habitats

These activities help foster respect for biodiversity and encourage responsible environmental behaviour.

Community Engagement and Participation

Local communities and youth play a central role in the project through:

• Participation in conservation planning and implementation

• Community-based monitoring and protection activities

• Collaboration with local stakeholders and traditional structures

This approach strengthens local ownership and ensures the sustainability of conservation efforts.

Strategies and Approach

The Forest and Wildlife Conservation project applies community-based and participatory approaches, including:

• Youth and community mobilisation for conservation action

• Environmental education and awareness-raising

• Collaboration with local authorities and environmental actors

• Promotion of sustainable land use and natural resource management practices

• Integration of conservation with community needs and livelihoods

These strategies ensure long-term environmental impact and community commitment.

Target Groups and Geographic Focus

• Target groups:

  • Youth and students

  • Local communities

  • Environmental volunteers and community leaders

• Geographic focus:

  • Forested, rural, and peri-urban areas in Ethiopia

• Project status:

  • Ongoing

    
    

Expected Impact

Through this project, EYEA aims to:

• Restore and protect forest ecosystems and biodiversity

• Increase community awareness and responsibility for conservation

• Strengthen youth engagement in environmental protection

• Enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change

• Support sustainable livelihoods linked to healthy ecosystems

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How to Get Involved

Individuals and organisations can support the Forest and Wildlife Conservation project by:

• Participating in tree planting and habitat restoration activities

• Volunteering in conservation and awareness initiatives

• Supporting education and outreach programmes

• Providing financial or in-kind contributions

• Partnering with EYEA on conservation programmes

  
  

Join Us

By supporting the Forest and Wildlife Conservation project, you help safeguard forests, wildlife, and ecosystems that are essential for life and future generations.

Together, we can protect biodiversity and build a more sustainable and resilient future.