A Candid Dialogue on Planetary Health and Restoration

At Save Kenya Water Towers (SKWT), youth leadership isn’t just encouraged—it’s the engine behind our mission. This week, that leadership took centre stage as SKWT youth team members Dorothy and Brian initiated and hosted a powerful gathering designed by youth, for youth, bringing together emerging conservationists, researchers, and planetary health fellows for a vibrant exchange of ideas.

Held at the SKWT office in Eldoret, the meeting featured an inspiring lineup of young changemakers: Eda Kapkea, CEO of Hug a Cedar Foundation; Janet Kurui from Scope Intervention; Margaret Obogo, CEO of Okoa A Girl Foundation; Leonard Agan, a University of Eldoret student and SOPHEA fellow; and Diana Bii and Florian Esbertsch, also fellows with the Planetary Health Alliance (SOPHEA). Each of them brought their lived experiences, bold questions, and innovative thinking to the table.

SKWT and SOPHEA meeting

The discussions touched on everything from the practicalities of restoration work to the deeper connections between climate change, environmental degradation, and human health. The Planetary Health Education Portal, introduced by the SOPHEA team, opened up new possibilities. Leonard emphasised that its free and has accessible resources that could bridge the gap between field realities and academic knowledge.

And in a touching gesture to drive home the intergenerational nature of this movement, our CEO brought his children to join the session—a reminder that this isn’t just a mission for professionals, but a living, breathing call to action for future generations to learn, question, and lead. Climate literacy must start early, and this moment affirmed that beautifully.

Importantly, there was no hierarchy in the room. Just youth, peers, and passionate advocates sitting in a circle, challenging each other, asking hard questions, and learning together. It was a vibrant debate, driven by shared curiosity, mutual respect, and a collective vision for a planet where people and ecosystems thrive together.

This wasn’t a conference or a classroom—it was a spark. A youth-led space of learning, leadership, and possibility. And if this gathering is any indication, the future of conservation is in wise, willing, and fearless hands.