The activities of young people in Africa have and will continue to have a tremendous impact on the environment and, for that reason, it is important that youth have access to an interesting and reliable source of information about the environment. The Africa Environment Outlook (AEO) recently published by UNEP provides a comprehensive analysis of status and trends of the environment in Africa and engendered participation from a wide range of stakeholders. It is considered an important tool for information dissemination on environmental issues in the region, however it is targeted primarily at governments and policy makers and its technical nature is not particularly youth-friendly.

UNEP is therefore proud to launch the AEO-for-Youth, a process that is being developed by youth, for youth, across Africa. The AEO-for-Youth falls within the UNEP's long-term strategy, the Tunza Strategy on the engagement and involvement of young people in environmental issues.

The publication will target young people between 16 and 30 years old, as well as environmental educators, environment & youth groups, non-governmental organizations (NGO's) and Community-Based Organizations (CBO's). The AEO-for-Youth is an initiative by youth, for youth in Africa and will combine the scientific information in AEO with illustrations, short case studies, poems, photos, quotes, and opinions on environmental issues submitted by African youth, in a format that appeals to young people.

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