Indigenous and local peoples are crucial to protecting forests from degradation and deforestation. However, limited local opportunities and urban allure have led to a global trend of youth leaving forest communities, endangering both sustainable forests and forest cultures. To address this challenge, the Future of Forest Work and Communities Working Group was formed in 2015.

A collaborative effort by Pilot Projects Design Collective, University of Saskatchewan, International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI), and Forests & Livelihoods: Assessment, Research, and Engagement (FLARE) created the Youth Visioning Workshops. This participatory methodology engages young people in conversations about their lives, ideas, and visions for the future of forest communities. To date, 18 workshops across 10 countries have generated valuable insights and fostered engagement among participants.

At the 2024 FLARE Annual Meeting in Rome, Italy, Scott Francisco and Valeria Romano Lara presented the initiative and interested attendees joined a workshop.

The workshop highlighted two key opportunities:

1. Workshop Coordinator Intake: Participants learned about the role of workshop coordinators and how to get involved in organizing future Youth Visioning Workshops. This opportunity is still available.

2. Community Participation Nominations: The process for nominating forest communities to participate in upcoming workshops was explained, with nominations ongoing to expand the initiative’s reach.

The session addressed current challenges facing forest communities and explore potential funding opportunities to support the expansion of the Youth Visioning Workshop program. Attendees engaged in discussions about the future of forest work and contributed their insights to this growing community of practice.