The UNCCD Land Heroes initiative acknowledges and provides backing to young individuals and youth-led/based organizations making positive strides against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Through online engagement, we enhance awareness, share success stories, and empower youth as agents of change in sustainable land management, involving them in implementing the convention. Building on the success of the inaugural 2020 cohort, the second cohort of Land Heroes aims to inspire and mobilize youth to advance the UNCCD's goals.

About the Land Heroes campaign:

Part of the Land for Life Programme, #LandHeroes showcases the commitment of youth to sustainable land management. These organizations and individuals share transformative journeys through social media, videos, blogs, and our dedicated website, amplifying their contributions and recognizing both young men and women as crucial forces for positive change. Join us in celebrating these exceptional land champions.

Objective:

The Land Heroes campaign seeks to recognize, celebrate, and support youth aged 18-35 engaged in sustainable land management, raising awareness about the link between land, biodiversity, and climate. By sharing stories, we ignite change, unite youth, offer mentorship, and highlight the transformative power of collective efforts.

Campaign goals:

Increase awareness about the connection between land, biodiversity, and climate
Highlight diverse ways youth contribute positively to the land
Share inspiring stories that showcase collective progress
Empower youth to spread campaign messages and take action
Provide mentorship in sustainable land management
Share success stories to enhance understanding and awareness
Categories of Land Heroes:

Drought resilience:
Early warning systems: Employing proactive measures to anticipate and address drought conditions effectively.
Mitigating drought effects: Innovative strategies for minimizing drought impact and ensuring water availability.
Scalable and inclusive approaches: Promoting strategies that can expand to larger scales and include vulnerable populations to enhance drought resilience.
Land restoration:
Large-scale land restoration: Leadership in restoring degraded land on a significant scale, contributing to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Community-level land restoration: Impactful initiatives that restore degraded land at the community level, improving livelihoods and resilience.
Inclusivity and equality:
Gender equality and women's empowerment: Initiatives promoting gender equality in land ownership, decision-making, and conservation efforts.
Social equity: Initiatives promoting poverty eradication, social cohesion, etc.
Indigenous knowledge: Amplifying indigenous knowledge and practices, recognizing their vital role in sustainable land management.
Science and innovation:
Innovation: Innovative approaches in sustainable land management.
Technology: Utilizing technology for land monitoring, data analysis, and knowledge-sharing on sustainable practices.
Science and Research: Contributions to scientific research and evidence-based decision-making in land management.

Key attributes of Land Heroes:

Youth Engagement (18-35) in addressing land challenges
Role Models inspiring peers through dedication
Inspirational Leadership mobilizing youth for collective responsibility
Passionate and Dedicated combating desertification and degradation
Vision for Change: Clear understanding and innovative strategies
Collaboration with stakeholders for effective partnerships
Strong Communication: Effective online presence to inspire action

Benefits for Land Heroes:

US$1,000 grant for top finalists in each category
Participation in high-level UNCCD meetings
Publicity and recognition through interviews, media, and social platforms
Mentorship for leadership, communication, and project management
Opportunities to support UNCCD through advocacy, workshops, and content creation
Participation in challenges and innovation forums
Collaboration with other Land Heroes for workshops and collaborative projects

Scroll down and click on the official link to apply now