Youth at the table & impact

Being present is not the same as having influence

Real decision-making power for young Africans in conservation, and an open ledger of what we achieve.

Africa is the youngest continent: roughly three in four people will be under 35 by 2030.

Research shows young people face insecure tenure, limited training and weak inclusion in forest decisions, despite strong interest in conservation. OCS closes the gap with a Youth Seat Guarantee:

  • Guaranteed share of governance seats for under-35s, with full voting rights [set target]
  • A youth budget controlled by the Keystone Youth Council
  • Involvement at every stage: agenda, design, delivery, evaluation
  • Keystone Fellowship: mentoring, small grant, international delegation
Apply to the Council or Fellowship
Illustration of young people around a council table, with a vote speech bubble
Global goals

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals

1No poverty
2Zero hunger
4Quality education
5Gender equality
8Decent work
10Reduced inequalities
13Climate action
15Life on land
17Partnerships
Open Impact Ledger

Outcomes, not activities

We publish what we measure. No figure appears here until OCS has measured it.

Open Impact Ledger: indicators and goals by area
AreaExample indicatorsGoalsResults
BiodiversityHabitat under improved management; species trends; threats reducedSDG 15 · GBF 1–4Being measured
ClimateVerified carbon stocks; restoration area and survivalSDG 13 · ISO 14064Being measured
CommunitiesNew livelihoods; benefits paid; grievances resolvedSDG 1, 2, 10 · IFC PS1, PS7Being measured
Youth & genderSeats held by under-35s; women in leadership; fellows trainedSDG 4, 5, 8 · GBF 22–23Being measured