YCCFP Cohort 5.0 | WildRoots India

YCCFP - Cohort 5.0 at Nameri National Park & Tiger Reserve, Assam, India:Conservation Education & Community Engagement

The fifth cohort of the Youth Climate & Conservation Fellowship Programme (YCCFP) was conducted successfully from July 11th - 15th, 2025, marking another milestone in the journey towards nurturing environmentally conscious leaders of tomorrow. Held in the serene forest surroundings of the Nameri National Park & Tiger Reserve, Assam, the program saw forty five enthusiastic student participants from Indian Schools - D.P.S - South Bangalore, Maria's Public School, Guwahati, Bal Bharti Public School, Rohini, New Delhi, Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior and Indirapuram Public School, Ghaziabad, India accompanied by dedicated teachers and mentors.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Biswajit De, Founder President of Wildroots-India, initially funded by the IUCN Commission on Education & Communication (CEC), and in collaboration with Assam Investment Advisory Society (AIAS) as the Experiential Partner, the YCCFP Cohort 5.0 aimed to inspire a deeper connection with nature and foster a sense of environmental stewardship among the youth.

Drawing inspiration from IUCN'S global initiative #NatureForAll and the guidelines from IUCN CEC - Commission on Education & Communication, the program was meticulously crafted to provide participants with immersive Conservation Educational Modules, Nature-based Design & a plethora of learning experiences. YCCFP Cohort 5.0 began with an inspiring video message from Mr. Sean Southey, Chair of the IUCN CEC and encouraging plenary sessions from previous YCCFP Fellows, who returned to the Cohort 5.0, as Student Mentors & Coordinators.

Throughout the four-day program, participants engaged in a series of workshops, fun activities, and community engagement initiatives. Highlights of the event included interactive sessions on Climate Policies, Sustainable Development, and Nature Conservation led by Dr. De and Mr. Gautam Gupta, (an expert in Aquatic Ecosystem & Conservation) and hands-on workshops on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) & SDG implementation guidelines, conducted in collaboration with local community leaders from Nameri, Garogaon & Balipara. To facilitate effective community interaction, WildRoots-India also invited a local NGO named MASK - Mahila Shakti Kendra, specifically working with the empowerment of women through sustainability in the region.

The YCCFP, Cohort 5.0 was another experience which would remain etched in the minds and hearts of the participants. The cultural immersion experience was enriched by wonderful exhibitions of Models and Projects, by the Community School - Forest Fringe School and captivating traditional & folk dance performances, offering participants from the other Indian States a glimpse of the rich tradition of Rural North East India. Moreover, participants had the opportunity to support the craft of local artisans through the sale of locally crafted handicrafts felicitated by the local NGO. Inviting Regional Partners is a part of our own strategies for 'Weaving Communities', a vision and strategy inspired by IUCN #NatureForAll.

One of the defining moments of the program was the engagement with Forest Fringe School Students (an initiative by the Assam Investment Advisory Society(AIAS) which facilitated a mutual understanding and collaboration between participants from the Urban Schools and the Rural Local Community. Additionally, activities such as bird-watching sessions and botanic trails allowed participants to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Nameri, Assam, while fostering an appreciation for biodiversity.

Reflecting on their learning experiences, participants had the chance to present their reflections in creative and diverse formats, consolidating their understanding and sharing it with their peers. The program concluded with a heartfelt farewell, as participants bid adieu carrying with them a wealth of knowledge and fond memories. Dr. De, expressed his gratitude to all partners, mentors, teachers, and participants for their unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and youth empowerment. WildRoots - India emphasized the importance of fostering a deeper connection with nature and empowering youth through collaborative connection, to become 'Agents of Change' in their communities. The success of YCCFP Cohort 5.0 underscores the significance of youth-led initiatives in addressing pressing environmental challenges and emphasizes on the importance of collaborative efforts of regional organizations, in building a sustainable future for generations to come.

IUCN CEC gave us support and #NatureForAll, inspiration and direction. It is our responsibility to transform those into the most unique Youth Empowerment & Conservation Programme of India.