Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) – Youth-Led Forest Restoration & Climate Resilience

2023–2025 | Community restoration, youth leadership & climate capacity programme | Democratic Republic of the Congo (Tanganyika Province, Kalémie)

Implemented under U.S. Forest Service International Programs; funded by the U.S. Department of State and USAID CARPE

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program was designed to empower rural and forest-dependent youth to become active agents of forest restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable entrepreneurship in Tanganyika Province, DRC.

Under the broader C3BF framework, the initiative combines hands-on ecological restoration, circular economy approaches (including waste recycling and biochar production), and community-based reforestation with structured climate education and leadership development. The program addresses deforestation, land degradation, and climate vulnerability while creating tangible livelihood opportunities for youth.

By linking restoration activities with climate science and carbon accounting training, YCC strengthens both environmental outcomes and local ownership of climate action.

Key Contributions & Impact

• Designed and structured the YCC program model, curriculum, and implementation strategy
• Established nurseries and supervised reforestation and agroforestry systems in degraded areas
• Trained youth cohorts in restoration techniques, sustainable land management, and community forestry

• Developed monitoring frameworks to track restoration outputs and environmental impact
• Delivered an intensive training module on climate change science, GHG accounting, and carbon stock estimation aligned with IPCC methodologies
• Strengthened understanding of the link between restoration, NDC implementation, and climate finance
• Promoted youth leadership and integration into local governance and conservation initiatives
• Supported circular economy practices including biochar production and sustainable entrepreneurship

Lead Implementer / Restoration Technician & Program Coordinator: Komla Semenyo Nyakokpa

Climate & Carbon Specialist (Training Module): Dr. Carine Bourgeois

Project Designer & Senior Technical Supervisor: Dr. René Siwe Ngamabou