"CONSERVATION NEEDS YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY": SAM SHABA ON WHY Y4N MATTERS

For Tanzania to safeguard its wildlife, forests, oceans, and other natural resources, investing in young people is no longer optional but it is essential.

That is the conviction of Sam Shaba, who believes the Youth4Nature Conference has become one of the country's most important platforms for preparing the next generation of conservation leaders.

According to Shaba, the conference goes beyond bringing young people together. It helps them understand that conservation is not the responsibility of a few specialists, but a shared responsibility in which every young person has a role to play.

"Many young people are passionate about nature, but they do not always know where they fit," says Shaba. "Youth4Nature helps them discover that their education, skills, talents, and ideas can all contribute to conservation, regardless of the career path they choose."

Since its launch in 2022, the Youth4Nature Conference has connected hundreds of young people with conservation practitioners, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and environmental leaders. Through keynote talks, panel discussions, practical sessions, and networking opportunities, participants gain exposure to the many pathways available within the conservation sector.

Shaba believes this exposure is critical at a time when environmental challenges are becoming more complex and require diverse solutions.

"Conservation today needs scientists, communicators, engineers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, educators, technology experts, and community leaders," he explains. "The conference helps young people recognize that protecting nature is not limited to working in a national park or studying wildlife. Every profession can make a meaningful contribution."

For Shaba, one of the conference's greatest achievements is building confidence among young people.

"When young people meet professionals who were once in their position, they begin to see that success is possible. They ask questions, build relationships, and gain the confidence to pursue opportunities they may never have considered before."

He also believes that bringing together experienced conservation professionals and emerging young leaders creates an environment where knowledge, ideas, and inspiration are shared across generations.

"The future of conservation depends on how well we prepare today's youth," he says. "If we equip them with knowledge, expose them to opportunities, and encourage them to lead, they will develop the solutions needed to address tomorrow's environmental challenges."

As the Youth4Nature Conference continues to grow, Shaba sees it as more than an annual gathering of conservation enthusiasts. He sees it as an investment in Tanzania's future—a platform that is nurturing informed, passionate, and capable young people who understand that conserving nature is both a responsibility and an opportunity.

"The conservation leaders of tomorrow are already among us," Shaba says. "Our role is to inspire them, guide them, and create the opportunities that allow them to lead."

For him, that is the true value of Youth4Nature.