2025 Eco-Heroes Social Graphic
Three young African environmental leaders have been recognized among the winners of the 2025 International Young Eco-Hero Awards, highlighting the continent’s growing role in youth-led conservation.
The awards, organized annually by Action For Nature (AFN), honor children and teenagers ages 8–16 who are making measurable environmental impact in their communities.
Every year, young people from around the world submit stories about their projects, which are evaluated by a panel of experts in environmental science, biology, and education.
Winners receive a cash prize, a certificate of achievement, and international recognition, helping them expand their initiatives and inspire others.
The African leading environmentalists are ;
Kenya | Alice Wanjiru — 1st Place (Ages 8–13)
Alice Wanjiru, 11, serves as the Kenyan Scout Association Climate Change Ambassador at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
She was awarded first place in the 8–13 age group for her project “The Sewer, the Environment and Us – an intricate balance for survival,” which focuses on the Ruai Sewer Treatment Plant in Nairobi.
The initiative addresses toxic methane emissions that have harmed health and property in nearby communities.
Since January 2023, Alice has led the planting of over 2,000 trees around the facility, improving air quality and reducing respiratory illnesses, particularly among children.
She also organizes community clean-ups and runs awareness campaigns for children and youth, teaching environmental stewardship.
Her Green Hummingbird Foundation encourages children to plant trees on their birthdays, fostering a new generation of eco-conscious citizens.
Inspired by the late Professor Wangari Maathai and her “hummingbird” story, Alice stated: “Nothing is so small or insignificant if it makes a positive impact, whether to humans or the environment.”
She has successfully petitioned the Nairobi County Government to prioritize the plant’s rehabilitation under Kenya’s 15-billion-trees campaign and has engaged the national government to develop policies protecting communities from harmful emissions.
Burundi | Charmante Espoire Nduwayo — 2nd Place (Ages 14–16)
Charmante Espoire Nduwayo, 15, was awarded second place in the 14–16 age group for her project “Saving the Gikoma River: From Erosion and Pollution to Community Action” in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Growing up, Charmante witnessed severe riverbank erosion and pollution from discarded sanitary waste, which threatened homes and contaminated water for irrigation.
She began by researching tree species suitable for stabilizing riverbanks and led the planting of bamboo and eucalyptus trees along vulnerable sections.
Over two years, her efforts stabilized riverbanks, reduced sanitary waste entering the water, and improved safety for local communities and rice fields.
Charmante also addressed menstrual hygiene, holding open discussions with girls in her neighborhood about sustainable disposal practices.
Apart from being a conservationist, Charmante, a young journalist reporting for DW (Deutsche Welle) in Burundi.
She has also produced award-winning environmental videos for Yaga, using media to amplify awareness of riverbank restoration, pollution reduction, and community engagement.
She plans to study environmental science, expand her campaigns to neighboring communities, introduce composting techniques, and establish a youth-led environmental club in Carama.
Tanzania | Nigel D’Souza — Finalist
Nigel D’Souza, 14, from Arusha, Tanzania, was recognized as a finalist for his work in snake conservation.
His passion began at age five, when he witnessed a snake being killed out of fear, inspiring him to educate communities about these misunderstood creatures.
Nigel serves as a young herpetologist and conservationist, challenging superstitions and promoting wildlife protection.
He has reported for National Geographic’s Team Sayari, covering snake conservation and regreening arid lands with water bunds, in collaboration with organizations such as Justdiggit.
He trains younger students on wildlife awareness, emphasizing that understanding and education are key to conservation.
His plans include producing a documentary on snake corridors to inspire other youth to engage in conservation and ultimately become a National Geographic Explorer, continuing his mission to protect snakes and promote coexistence with wildlife.
Africa’s Youth Leading the Way
Together, these three young Africans showcase the power of local, youth-led action.
From cleaner rivers and stabilized riverbanks to wildlife education and habitat restoration, their projects illustrate how determined youth can drive meaningful environmental change.
Recognition by AFN connects them to a global network of peers and mentors, while amplifying their impact in local communities.
The achievements of Wanjiru, Charmante, and Nigel demonstrate that age is no barrier to leadership, innovation, or influence in environmental conservation.
Their stories affirm that solutions often begin with young people taking initiative in their own backyards and that grassroots action can ripple outward to inspire communities worldwide.
