News – The Iris Project News

Goodbye Sumarni and Alicia!

One of my favourite things about The Iris Project is the relationships we get to build with our Youth Advisors. One of my least favourite things about The Iris Project is that, every couple of years, we have to say goodbye to some of them.

Power of youth celebrated with environmental prize for 14-24-year-olds

The Iris Awards recognise extraordinary young people taking a leadership role in climate change mitigation, ecological solutions and more.

It is Important to Collaborate Intergenerationally: Breathe Mongolia Mid-Year Check-in

The Iris Prize has allowed us to reimagine the funder-grantee relationship in two ways.

El “No” Ya Lo Tienes, So Might as Well Ask Because You Have Nothing to Lose: Viaje Al Microcosmos Mid-Year Check-in

Getting protected natural status for the Santa Catarina River is also something very close to our hearts. We’ve managed to secure funding for a biodiversity study to support this case.

Commitment to Stand Alongside Our Lakes Around the World

From the thriving Uru Uru Lake in the high Andes of Bolivia, we do not only take this day as a way to remember the importance of lakes in providing beauty to this world; in exchange, we also use this day to renew our commitment.

Conservation is for the Community, Not Only for the Dugongs: Project Lawud Mid-Year Check-in

Our experience with managing Project Lawud has shaped how we all think, act and lead. We’ve shifted away from data-only thinking to listening to communities with first-hand environmental knowledge because that is just as critical.

Youth Funding Toolkit: Reflections and Lessons Learned

The Youth Funding Toolkit started as a resource about fundraising. It ended up becoming a reminder that funding is not only about money. It is about what and who we choose to believe in.

Roots in the Water: Youth Pawa’s Mangrove Restoration Story

Every mangrove we plant is a statement: that young people are not waiting for the world to solve the climate crisis. We are building solutions, root by root, on our own coastlines in our own contexts.

Youth biodiversity conservation efforts face serious funding challenges, report finds

A new report finds that a chronic lack of funding is undermining youth-led environmental work worldwide.

Reflections on Reviewing Applications for The Iris Prize 2026

The funding landscape for grassroots environmental organisations, particularly those led by young people and women in the Global South, remains deeply inadequate relative to the scale and quality of the work being done.

The Iris Prize 2026 Shortlist

From 1,301 applications across 108 countries in total, The Iris Project is excited to announce this year’s shortlist made up of 28 incredible projects!

Ecologies of Empowerment: Why and how to fund youth-led biodiversity action

Young people are leading biodiversity protection. Are funders ready to support them?