The Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL) is a growing global network and movement of over 60,000 young people working and studying in landscapes around the world. The Initiative is a partnership between the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA), Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), and Youth4Nature (Y4N), who joined forces to deliver workshops, mentorship, training and networking. Today, YIL has become a global movement of young people committed to living and breathing the landscape’s philosophy: collaboration, diversity, and collective action.
Whether online or in-person, YIL programs connect, support and inspire young people to step into courageous leadership and bring positive change to the sustainability of their landscapes.
READ THE CHARTER
Our vision
An inclusive world where people collaborate across frontiers and generations to achieve justice and shared prosperity for communities and to support thriving landscapes.
Our mission
To provide a global platform for young people (aged 18–35) from diverse geographies and identities to share their experiences, stories and visions, as well as connect and support them in creating positive change for their communities and landscapes.
Our values
Friendship, holistic thinking, intergenerationality, justice and equity, efficiency, knowledge, optimism.
The Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL) emerged from a youth event at the Global Landscapes Forum 2013 in Warsaw and since then has grown in its ambitions, through its programs and through permanent involvement in the GLF. In the decade since, YIL has run comprehensive youth programs at all major GLF events, as well as at events carried out by other organizations. Today, the YIL is governed by the organizations that form part of the steering committee – YPARD, IFSA and GAEA – as well as the Landscape Leaders alumni who participated in YIL programs.
Curious to know more?
Read the YIL CharterBecome part of a community that represents 60,000 people with the same vision for a healthier future, connect with youth from different backgrounds and share experiences, ideas and opportunities.
Subscribe to the mailing list to be the first one to know about YIL programs, and sharpen your skills by attending YIL global events.
Are you passionate about forestry, agriculture, agroecology or nature-based solutions? Become a member of IFSA, YPARD or Y4N!
Learn more about upcoming opportunities and different ways to get involved with the Youth in Landscapes Initiative by joining our mailing list or following us on social media.