By: Emmanuel Cababarros Jr.
On April 21–23, I had the privilege of attending the Asia Landscape Leadership Camp in Bogor, Indonesia—an experience that deeply shaped my perspective on conservation and leadership. As the Project Leader at Oceanus Conservation and a member of GLFx Mindanao, this was not just my first time traveling abroad but also one of the most impactful learning journeys I’ve had.
Building Leadership for Sustainable Landscapes
Held at CIFOR-ICRAF, the camp was organized by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLFx) to bring together young landscape leaders across Asia. It provided tools, connections, and perspectives to strengthen our leadership, ensuring it is rooted in community, justice, and sustainability.
The workshops focused on envisioning Asian landscapes not just as ecosystems but as places rich in biodiversity, culture, and stories of resilience. We explored how we, as young leaders, can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While there is still much work to do, I left the camp feeling hopeful—knowing that across Asia, committed youth leaders are striving for meaningful change.
The Power of Dialogue and Storytelling
One of the most powerful aspects of the camp was its safe space for honest dialogue. We shared our truths, failures, and small wins—learning from each other across generations. The discussions emphasized the importance of intergenerational conversations to ensure that past mistakes inform future solutions.
Livelihoods and restoration were also key topics. Restoration efforts cannot exist in isolation—they must support community well-being. Sustainable, culture-based restoration, where people can live with dignity, stood out as a crucial lesson.
Additionally, storytelling emerged as an essential tool for leadership—helping connect people to their landscapes, create a sense of belonging, and amplify voices often excluded from mainstream narratives. Stories can shift perspectives and inspire action.
Learning from Local Communities
On the third day, we visited Talaga Saat in Cibulao, a socio-forestry community producing tea and coffee. Listening to local farmers reinforced how forest conservation and community livelihoods must go hand in hand. While social forestry in the Philippines—known as the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA)—faces challenges, learning from West Java revealed hope and potential for meaningful change.
A Commitment to Staying Open
Throughout the camp, I reflected on the common question among youth in conservation: Am I enough?
By the end of this experience, I realized—we are enough just as we are. And our voices matter, even when they tremble.
I return home more committed than ever to staying open—open to ideas, collaboration, failure, discomfort, and the lifelong journey of improving ourselves for the landscapes we serve.
Thank you, GLFx, for empowering young leaders and reminding us that we are not alone in this work.
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