Land Heroes Campaign 2024 Call for Applications ($1,000 grant plus more)

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Land Heroes Campaign. This campaign, organized by the UNCCD, aims to recognize and support young individuals and youth-led organizations who are making positive contributions in the fight against desertification, land degradation, and drought. Through online engagement, the campaign seeks to raise awareness, share success stories, and empower young people to become agents of change in sustainable land management. Following the success of the inaugural 2020 cohort, the second cohort of Land Heroes will continue to inspire and mobilize youth to promote the objectives of the UNCCD.

Land Heroes Campaign Goals

• The campaign has several goals, including raising awareness about the connection between land, biodiversity, and climate,
• highlighting the various ways in which young people are positively impacting the land, sharing inspiring stories that showcase collective progress,
• empowering youth to spread campaign messages and take action,
• providing mentorship in sustainable land management.
• Additionally, success stories will be shared to foster understanding and awareness among the participants.

Land Heroes Campaign Categories

The Land Heroes Campaign recognizes achievements in three categories:

• drought resilience,
• land restoration, and
• inclusivity and equality.
• Science and Innovation

Under the category of drought resilience, efforts to implement proactive measures, mitigate the effects of drought, and promote scalable and inclusive approaches will be acknowledged.

In the land restoration category, leadership in large-scale land restoration and impactful initiatives at the community level will be recognized.

Lastly, initiatives promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, social equity, and poverty eradication will be acknowledged under the category of inclusivity and equality.

By supporting and celebrating the efforts of young individuals and youth-led organizations, the Land Heroes Campaign aims to create a positive impact in sustainable land management and contribute to the objectives of the UNCCD.

Indigenous knowledge and practices play a crucial role in sustainable land management, and it is important to amplify and recognize their significance. On the other hand, innovation is key in finding new approaches to sustainable land management. By harnessing technology, such as land monitoring and data analysis, we can gather valuable information and share knowledge on sustainable practices. Science and research also contribute to evidence-based decision-making in land management.

Land Heroes Campaign Key Features

• The Land Heroes initiative focuses on engaging youth between the ages of 18 and 35 in addressing land challenges.
• These young individuals serve as role models, inspiring their peers through their dedication and passionate leadership.
• They are committed to combating desertification and degradation and have a clear vision for change, along with innovative strategies.
• Collaboration with stakeholders is essential for effective partnerships, and strong communication, including an effective online presence, is crucial to inspire action.

Land Heroes Campaign Benefits

• Being recognized as a Land Hero comes with several benefits.
• Top finalists in each category receive a grant of US$1,000,
• and they also have the opportunity to attend high-level UNCCD meetings.
• Land Heroes gain publicity and recognition through interviews, media coverage, and social platforms.
• They also receive mentorship in leadership, communication, and project management.
• Additionally, they have the chance to support UNCCD through advocacy, workshops, and content creation, as well as participate in challenges and innovation forums.
• Collaboration with other Land Heroes for workshops and collaborative projects is encouraged.

The identification of Land Heroes is based on a selection process that takes place over two years, with ten individuals being chosen. The criteria for selection are aligned with specific categories.

Application

• The timeline for the Land Heroes campaign includes an extended deadline until February 29, 2024. In June 2024, there will be a special event called Desertification and Drought Day, where Land Heroes will have the opportunity to participate. Finally, in December 2024, Land Heroes will be involved in COP16.
• For more information about the UNCCD Land Heroes Campaign, please visit the official webpage.