TNS Leads the Charge: Launching the Youth-Led YBSAP and Bridging the Gap to the CBD COP

The International Youth Biodiversity Conference (IYBC) 2026 reached a historic high this week with the official launch of the Youth Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (YBSAP). Amidst the energy of hundreds of young leaders, this youth-led policy framework received the most resounding applause of the entire conference – marking a new era where young people aren’t just participants, but architects of biodiversity policy.

The Naturalist School (TNS) is proud to have facilitated the drafting and unveiling of this landmark document. Aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the YBSAP is a testament to what happens when youth take ownership of our planet’s future.

TNS: The Bridge to Global Recognition

Our role at TNS goes beyond the conference walls. As an accredited organization, we are taking on the critical responsibility of ensuring these voices reach the highest levels of global governance.

• Official Reporting: TNS will facilitate the formal upload of YBSAP commitments and contributions to the CBD Online Reporting Tool (ORT).
• NSA Status: These pledges will be registered as Non-State Actor (NSA) contributions, giving youth actions the official recognition they deserve within the UN system.
• The Road to Yerevan: We aren’t stopping at the launch. TNS is preparing to present the YBSAP findings and progress reports at CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia this October.

It was our pleasure that the YBSAP document was released by Telangana’s Minister for Forest and Environment – Konda Surekha Garu, Member Secretary of Telangana Biodiversity Board – Kalicharan Khartade Garu and CEO of APJ Kalam Centre – Srijan Pal Garu along with our TNS team (led by Mr. Ram Dayal Vaishnav, Head-Citizen Science & Engagement at TNS) and Mr Imran Sheikh and the youth delegates of the conference.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ram Dayal Vaishnav (@ram__vaishnav)

Our Movement: Join TNS in the Field

The YBSAP is more than a document; it is a country-wide movement. Through our youth-led citizen engagement vertical, TNS is committed to following up on every pledge made and refining the framework for even greater impact.

We are calling on all “Biodiversity Heroes” to join us. Whether you want to help refine the YBSAP, collaborate with GYBN and IYBN, or represent the youth voice at future COP platforms, TNS is your gateway.

Ready to turn your passion into policy? Reach out to Mr. Ram Dayal Vaishnav or Mr. Imran Sheikh to get involved. Together, we are ensuring that the youth of today are the conservation leaders of tomorrow. Watch here the video of YBSAP launch during the IYBC.