Project call for youth projects against deforestation
The destruction of global forests and the disappearance of ecosystems impacts the rights and future of young people worldwide. With proceeds from the YOUCA Action Day, Manthoc supports indigenous youth in Peru in the protection of the Amazon forest. In addition, YOUCA is providing €20,000 for a youth project highlighting the importance of forest and natural area conservation for young people and empowering young people in Belgium (and elsewhere) around the world to stand up for forest protection.
Why?
The Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, covers more than half of all the rainforest on our planet. As such, it plays a crucial role in storing CO₂, producing oxygen and regulating the global climate. This is why the forest is also called 'the lungs of the earth'. In addition, the Amazon is a vital treasure trove of biodiversity, with millions of plant and animal species, and home to several indigenous communities. In Peru, some 5% of the population lives in the rainforest, where they have lived in harmony with nature for generations and have a deep connection to the land. The Amazon is indispensable for people and the planet. But due to forest fires and human activities such as illegal logging, mining and large-scale agriculture, the rainforest is disappearing at an alarming rate. In addition, the oil industry and gold mines are causing serious pollution of the rivers, including the lifeline of the area: the Amazon River. This devastation is a threat to nature, the climate and the people who live there.
We are not only seeing the destruction of forests in the Amazon. For several decades, we have seen the total area of forest, woodland and nature decline, impacting the lives and rights of people living there and people far beyond. At the same time, we see people worldwide standing up for the preservation of this precious nature, fighting for their rights and for the future of the generations that follow. YOUCA wants to strengthen this movement.
Which project are we supporting?
YOUCA is an organisation for and by young people, where youth participation is central and young people learn by doing. It is a dynamic organisation that involves young people at all levels, and this is also what we look for in the projects we support. We look for projects that not only benefit young people, but are also led by them. We work with allies who aim to empower young people and give them the tools to contribute to a more just society and a sustainable future for all. After all, YOUCA believes in the power of young people worldwide.
In 2025, with €20,000, YOUCA aims to support a strong project committed to the importance of preserving global forests and protecting the rights of young people. The project may take place anywhere in the world, but at least a link with young people in Belgium is required. The allocated budget can be used for operating costs, staff costs, investment costs, etc. The project starts in January 2026 and runs for a maximum of 2 years.
Practical information
Only if you meet all the conditions in the dossier will you be eligible for the financial support and can submit a project for an amount of €20,000, to be spent in 2026-2027. You submit the project by sending the completed application form to email hidden; JavaScript is required. This may be in Dutch, French or English.
The deadline for submitting the form is 31 March at 23:59 (CET).
Selection procedure
- A project committee consisting of young people will read the submitted files, check if it meets the conditions and, if applicable, contact them for more questions. They will pre-select up to three projects that meet the conditions.
- You will get feedback in mid-April whether your project is among the final three. The selected projects will be asked to send a 1-minute video introducing the organisation(s) and explaining the project by 1 May at the latest. A wider group of young people reached by YOUCA will then vote for their favourite project.
- By 30 June at the latest, you will know whether or not your project was chosen and will receive the €20,000 funding.
Questions and/or comments?
If you have any questions, please contact Anke Steenwegen: email hidden; JavaScript is required or 0472 27 68 90 . We would also like to hear your feedback on this project call: can you use this as an organisation? Feel free to let us know.
