The future of Mexico's forests isn't just cultivated in the soil; it's also built with ideas, leadership, and participation.

Forests create jobs and sustain many communities. Rural and indigenous youth are key to the conservation of our ecosystems, driving innovation and strengthening sustainable forest management. However, they still face barriers that limit their participation in decisions that impact their territories.

To help address this, the 1st Youth Gathering in the Forestry Sector was held in Durango, one of the four states where the BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) supports sustainable landscape management. The gathering created a space for young people to share experiences, exchange ideas, and develop proposals to strengthen youth participation in the forestry sector—today and into the future. Because no one knows the land better than those who live on it, Mexico's forests also need their voices.