Our history, our vision, our mission
It all started with an idea: to give young people a voice on biodiversity
In 2019, Yoba Alenga Extasié, Nguo Mushonga Elie, Kasole Maroyi Clément, Déborah Waluvera and Ronald Miteho, inspired by Kevin Lunzalu, then a member of the Kenyan chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), decided to set up a space in Kisangani to bring together young Congolese people committed to biodiversity.
Their aim is to bring together young people in the DRC who share a passion for nature conservation, and to provide them with a platform to develop and implement their ideas, talents and projects in response to conservation challenges at local and national levels.
The network was officially founded on 22 May 2019, International Day for Biological Diversity. This marked the launch of the Congolese Youth Biodiversity Network, known as GYBN DRC.
A global network established under the Convention on Biological Diversity
2010 · Nagoya
At COP10 in Japan, young people from around the world put forward the idea of a global youth coordination platform for biodiversity.
2012 · Hyderabad
The GYBN made its official debut at COP11 in India. It has since been recognised as the youth coordination platform for the CBD.
2014 · Youth Voices
Launch of the «Youth Voices» capacity-building programme and the first youth delegation funded to attend a COP.
2017 → present
Establishment of regional and national chapters, including one in the DRC in 2019. The GYBN now connects young people from over 150 countries.
The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, recognises intergenerational equity and identifies young people as one of the groups whose participation must be full and effective (Target 22).
We want a Democratic Republic of the Congo where young people are aware of the richness of their biodiversity, play a part in protecting it and have a say in decisions that affect it.
We believe in a future where biodiversity is better understood and protected, where communities play a part in finding solutions, and where young Congolese people can play a full part in building a healthy and sustainable environment.
Mobilise. Represent. Take action.
Mobilise
To raise awareness amongst young people of the value of biodiversity and bring them together to build a committed Congolese youth movement and a national coalition capable of helping to halt biodiversity loss.
Represent
To ensure that the voices and perspectives of Congolese youth are reflected in policies, decisions and negotiations relating to biodiversity, particularly within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Take action
To inspire, support and strengthen young people’s commitment to practical initiatives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, for a healthy environment and society.
Five strategic objectives
1. Mobilise
Engaging young people from all provinces in biodiversity conservation.
2. Train
To build young people’s skills and leadership.
3. Take part
To promote young people’s involvement in environmental policy, from the national to the international level.
4. Make visible
To increase the visibility and impact of youth-led initiatives.
5. Cooperate
To develop partnerships and mobilise resources to support youth initiatives.