What is the Iris Project?

Sumarni Laman is an indigenous youth climate advocate actively involved in environmental initiatives to address the challenges posed by deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, forest fires, and mining. She currently serves as Project Manager at Replant World, a reforestation organisation. She works closely with youth, local, and indigenous communities to restore degraded ecosystems in Indonesia and Africa. Sumarni’s dedication has earned her recognition, including the prestigious 16 Women Restoring The World award from the Global Landscape Forum in 2021.

Alicia’s work is focused on international climate change policy. She is the founder of the Latin American Youth Climate Scholarship, an initiative that aims to increase the participation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color in climate talks and spaces. Alicia hopes to share her experience in project management and youth inclusion with The Iris Project Advisory Panel.

Francisco Lara is a Consultant and Coordinator specializing in Climate and Marine Governance. He has led national campaigns in Costa Rica against oil exploration and trawling, and coordinated marine conservation projects in Central and South America for Non-for profits. Some of the projects are a contribution to the United Nations Decade of Science. Francisco has participated in international climate negotiations and advises on youth-led sustainability projects globally. He holds a degree in Political Science and is currently based in Costa Rica. He brings his expertise in Governance and youth engagement to the Advisory Panel and his background in marine and land ecosystems.

Shreya is a passionate Nepali socio-climate justice activist. She possesses a rich understanding of climate negotiations and her efforts are reflected in her work with a diverse group of young people worldwide to champion the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making spaces. She co-ordinates the advocacy working group in the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition and was recognized as EE 30 under 30 for making a remarkable difference through environmental education. Shreya follows global stocktake as a junior negotiator for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group. Shreya is also the Wellbeing Focal Point for the Iris Prize grantees.

Steve is a marine conservationist and climate justice advocate based in Mombasa, Kenya. Founder of Youth Pawa, an organization that works in nature restoration projects, ocean conservation and community empowerment. Steve and Youth Pawa were the winners of the Stem Prize 2022. He is involved in the ocean space on a wide scope from marine ecosystem restorations to the general conservation works. He also currently serves on the Resilience Project’s Board of Youth, and he is a facilitator with the ChangemakersXchange. Oh! He is a fervid lover of coffee too.

Alyssa Erin Kardos Loera is the founder of ReMade in Cambodia, a platform that transforms textile waste into wearable products while empowering young local designers. She uses her passion for the arts to tackle environmental challenges, blending creativity with advocacy to drive change. As a former Iris Project prize winner, Alyssa is eager to support young people worldwide in creating projects that address climate change, waste reduction, and community resilience.

Nii Noi is a youth climate leader from Ghana. His journey into the development space started 8 years ago as a volunteer with a local organization that was building youth training centers and urban shelters. Since then he has had local and international experience in designing, management and coordination of projects related to climate, urban sustainability and impact innovation for and with youth.