Grant blog published 13 May 2026

International Day of Education Grants

To celebrate International Day of Education in Botanic Gardens, and the recently launched Declaration of Intent on Climate Action Education, BGCI and the Korea National Arboretum provided a number of grants to BGCI members undertaking education activities aligned with the climate declaration.

This blog provides an overview of one of the projects funded – Environmental Protection and Development Association (EPDA)’s Empowering the Next Generation with Climate and Nature Knowledge through Nature-Based Learning in Five Pilot Schools in the South West Region, Cameroon.

The project

Climate change and environmental degradation continue to pose significant challenges to communities across Cameroon, particularly affecting young people who will inherit these realities. Our project is designed to equip children and youth with the awareness, skills, and motivation needed to become active environmental stewards within their communities.

The initiative focuses on delivering practical, engaging, and locally relevant climate education in schools and community spaces. By combining environmental education with interactive learning methods such as storytelling, games, and hands-on activities, we aim to make climate knowledge accessible and meaningful. This approach ensures that participants not only understand environmental issues but also feel empowered to take action.

Since the early stages of implementation, we have made encouraging progress. We have successfully engaged with partner schools and community leaders, laying a strong foundation for collaboration and local ownership.

One of the key strengths of this project is its community-centred approach. We recognize that lasting change cannot happen in isolation, so we actively involve teachers, parents, and local stakeholders. By doing so, we create a supportive environment where young people are encouraged to practice what they learn, be they tree planting, waste management, or water conservation.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the project will focus on expanding outreach, strengthening capacity-building sessions, and introducing school-based environmental clubs (nature learners) and plant nurseries. These clubs will serve as platforms for continuous learning, peer engagement, and the development of a flagship “Learning for Nature Initiative”. We also plan to track impact through simple monitoring tools, capturing changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among participants.

Ultimately, our goal is to nurture a generation that is informed, responsible, and proactive about environmental conservation climate resilience. By investing in young people today, we are contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for Cameroon and beyond.