We Are Nature: A Call to Action on World Nature Conservation Day

Every July 28th, the world unites to celebrate World Nature Conservation Day, a day to reflect on the intricate relationship between human beings and the natural world. It is both a reminder and a call to action: our lives, cultures, and economies are intertwined by the health of our planet’s ecosystems. And yet, despite this connection, we continue to use nature, pushing it to irreversible collapse. This year, I was inspired and given hope by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) Activator Programme, which reignited my passion for conservation and empowered me to take bold action.

A Catalyst for Change

On July 24th, 2025, I was honored to attend the AWF Activator Programme, hosted in collaboration with the Kenya Youth Biodiversity Network (KYBN). Representing Biophilic Conversations, a space  that explores the intersectionality of nature, culture, and climate justice through storytelling. I was among a diverse group of young leaders, activists, and innovators. What unfolded was not a workshop but a call to action. We delved into the urgent truths of biodiversity loss, nature-based solutions, and how grassroots movements can scale to create systemic change.

The message was clear: climate change and environmental degradation aren’t threats of the future. They’re here now, devastating our wildlife, poisoning our water, degrading our soil, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions. But amidst these challenges, there is hope and it lies in the hands of young people.

The “We Are Nature” Challenge

One of the highlights of the programme involved the launch of the “We Are Nature” challenge, a youth-led initiative supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It will engage 5,000 young Kenyans to re-engage with nature and become conservation champions. Through storytelling, restoration efforts, and advocacy, they will shape a future where people and nature can thrive together.

The task is based on a deep reality: we are not separate from nature, we are nature. The forests that purify our air, the rivers that quench our thirst, and the soil that nourishes our food are not just resources; they are extensions of ourselves. When we destroy these ecosystems, we destroy our own futures.

Why Youth Leadership Matters

As young people, we are the first to be overwhelmed by the scale of environmental crises. It’s easy to believe that what we do is too small to make a difference. But the reality is exactly the opposite: young people are the change-makers. We are the innovators, the communicators, and the leaders who will shape the future of conservation.

The “We Are Nature” challenge is evidence of this power. In taking part, participants will:

• Learn about biodiversity and how it’s essential to sustain life.

• Be part of a community of like-minded international change-makers.

• Take action through hands-on restoration and advocacy initiatives.

• Earn a certificate in acknowledgment of their commitment and impact.

A Call to Action

On this World Nature Conservation Day, I urge all the young people in Kenya and everywhere to take the “We Are Nature” challenge. Conservation is not just an environmental imperative, it is a cultural, social, and economic imperative. When we preserve nature, we preserve our health, our heritage, and our future.

Let’s debunk the notion that environmental destruction is inevitable. Let’s rise as stewards, defenders, and champions of the planet. Together, we can:

• Restore degraded ecosystems.

• Amplify stories that inspire action.

• Demand policies that prioritize nature.

• Build a movement founded on justice and sustainability.

The Time to Act Is Now

We are not victims of climate change. We are the solution. We are the generation that will redefine the relationship of humanity with nature. On this day of reflection, let us also commit to act because the future of our planet depends on what we do next.

We are not apart from nature. We are nature.

Join the movement. Scan the QR code. Rise with us.