Rewilding the Future: The Journey of Erfan Firouzi, Youth Environmental Leader and Educator

In a world where climate change and biodiversity loss are no longer distant threats but urgent realities, the voices of young leaders echo louder than ever. Among these voices is Erfan Firouzi, a passionate conservationist, educator, and storyteller whose journey embodies the transformative power of youth-driven education and activism.

From Childhood Curiosity to Environmental Stewardship

‍Erfan’s story begins not in a boardroom or a lab but in the natural world that surrounded his childhood. Growing up, he was captivated by the vibrant ecosystems teeming with life around him, and his fascination only deepened through hours spent watching documentaries by Sir David Attenborough and learning about the pioneering work of Charles Darwin and conservationists like Dr. Jane Goodall.

This early curiosity wasn’t mere wonder—it was the seed of a lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting nature. Erfan recalls, “I remember feeling connected to every living thing, from the tiniest insect to the tallest tree. That connection made me realize that I had a responsibility to protect our planet.” His passion ignited a drive to explore beyond passive observation into active stewardship.

But this journey was not without hurdles. Growing up in environments where environmental education was limited, I often had to teach myself through books, online lectures, and trial-and-error fieldwork. I faced skepticism and criticism for being “too young” or “too idealistic” to make an impact. These moments tested my resolve—but they also shaped my resilience.

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Bridging Science and Education: Erfan’s Unique Approach

‍At the heart of Erfan’s work lies a dedication to education—both formal and informal. While many young people participate in conservation activities, Erfan’s approach stands out for its blend of rigorous scientific inquiry, creative communication, and community engagement.

Over eight years, Erfan meticulously collected and curated more than 300 animal and plant specimens, each telling a story about biodiversity and the impact of human activity. These specimens, donated to Azad University, serve as living classrooms, enabling students and researchers to engage directly with the natural world. This hands-on resource bridges gaps between theory and practice, fostering deeper understanding of ecology and conservation science.
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Erfan’s commitment to education extends beyond specimen collection. At 18, he authored The Year Earth Changed, a research book documenting profound environmental shifts during the global COVID-19 lockdowns—capturing moments of nature’s resilience and humanity’s impact. His ability to translate complex ecological changes into accessible narratives has made the book a valuable tool for educators and students alike.

Publishing the book independently at such a young age was daunting. He faced countless rejections from publishers and struggled to find a mentor who believed in the value of his work. But perseverance and community support eventually led me to complete and distribute the book myself—proving that young voices deserve a platform, even without institutional backing.
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Citizen Science: Empowering Communities

‍Recognizing that conservation requires collective effort, Erfan has been a passionate advocate for citizen science—a movement that invites everyday people to participate in scientific research and monitoring. He helped coordinate projects where community members logged local wildlife sightings, monitored air and water quality, and contributed valuable data to global databases like iNaturalist. Including publishing a paper and being able to report the first ever documented report on a vegetable leafminer in Dubai

By engaging youth and adults alike in these grassroots projects, Erfan has fostered a sense of ownership and connection with the environment. This approach has also helped build local knowledge networks and empowered communities to advocate for sustainable policies.
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TEDx: Sharing the Vision

‍Erfan’s powerful storytelling found a wider platform through a memorable TEDx talk, in 2022 where he shared his vision of rewilding the planet—restoring wild spaces, reconnecting people with nature, and inspiring youth to lead environmental change. His talk, blending personal narrative with science and hope, resonated with thousands of viewers worldwide and sparked conversations across social media and educational forums.
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Global Advocacy and Leadership: Moving Beyond Borders

‍Recognizing that education without outreach like online courses remain confined; Erfan expanded his reach to global platforms. His work quickly transcended local classrooms, reaching global audiences through presentations at high-profile forums such as COP28, COY18, and Collaborations with organisations and individuals from around the world. These platforms gave him a chance to amplify the voices of youth and emphasize the critical role young people play in the future of conservation.
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As a Youth Council Member at Reserva and former Leader of Change with Emirates Nature-WWF, Erfan has championed youth-led initiatives that focus on rewilding landscapes and restoring biodiversity including planting 2000+ mangrove saplings together. His leadership exemplifies how young people can move from the periphery to the center of environmental decision-making.
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One of Erfan’s standout contributions has been organizing large-scale tree plantation drives in urban and semi-urban areas, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to plant native trees, combat deforestation, and restore natural habitats. These events not only improve local biodiversity but also reconnect communities with their green spaces—an essential step in rebuilding environmental stewardship.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Erfan has earned prestigious accolades, including the Storyteller of the Year award by WeNaturalist in 2021, the Junior Eco Champion title at COP28 in 2023, and recognition as a Top 50 Finalist for the Chegg.org Global Student Award and many others. Each of these honors underscores the impact of his dedication and the power of youth-led change.

Throughout his educational journey, one of the biggest challenges Erfan faced was convincing others that his passion for nature and conservation was genuine—not a pursuit for recognition or personal gain. Balancing this deep commitment with academic responsibilities, particularly within a school environment that offered little support, left him physically and mentally exhausted. Yet, it was through these difficult moments that he built the resilience and determination that continue to drive his work today.
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A Correspondence that Changed a Life: Letters from Sir David Attenborough

‍Few moments in a young activist’s life are as transformative as receiving personal encouragement from a global icon. Erfan experienced this extraordinary honor through a series of three letters from Sir David Attenborough.

The first letter arrived in late 2023, following Erfan’s early conservation efforts. It was a heartfelt affirmation:

"Thank you for your letter and all you and your pupils have done to awaken people of the pressures facing our planet and what must be done to save it."
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This encouragement spurred Erfan to continue and deepen his work. The second letter, received as Erfan prepared to begin his studies at Monash University, recognized his growing influence:

"Thank you for your letter and congratulations on all you are doing to help the natural world."
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The third letter, arriving just before the release of Sir David’s latest ocean documentary in April 2024, acknowledged Erfan’s ongoing support and advocacy:

"Thank you for your letter and the very complimentary things you do and say. I am so glad you think well of my programmes."
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These letters represent more than mere words; they represent a passing of the torch—a call to action for Erfan to carry forward the legacy of environmental stewardship. For him, they serve as daily reminders of the power of dedication, education, and hope.

Meeting Dr. Jane Goodall: A Moment of Inspiration

‍A highlight of Erfan’s journey was the opportunity to meet Dr. Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and global conservation has inspired millions. Their meeting was more than symbolic—it was a mentorship moment that reaffirmed Erfan’s path.

Dr. Goodall encouraged him to embrace storytelling as a vital tool for change, emphasizing the importance of hope and perseverance even in the face of daunting environmental challenges while inviting him to join Roots and Shoots Australia. Their conversation strengthened Erfan’s resolve to build bridges between science, education, and community activism.

Transforming Education to Inspire a Generation

‍Erfan’s journey illustrates a profound transformation in how environmental education is approached today. It’s no longer sufficient to simply teach facts about ecosystems; education must inspire empathy, curiosity, and empowerment.

Through his donations of specimens, public speaking, and written work, his Podcast; Nature Talks, Erfan fosters connections between people and the natural world. He believes education should be an invitation, not a lecture—a chance for learners to experience the wonder of nature firsthand.

His motto is simple yet powerful: “In order to understand something, we must first be able to relate to it. This understanding comes from curiosity. If even one person is inspired, it can create a huge impact.”

This philosophy embodies the essence of education transformation, where learning becomes a catalyst for action.
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Youth as Architects of a Sustainable Future

‍Erfan’s story is not just about personal achievement but about collective empowerment. It underscores the idea that young people are not just the future—they are the present leaders and innovators driving change.

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, voices like Erfan’s remind us that solutions require inclusivity, passion, and creativity. His work challenges traditional hierarchies of knowledge and authority, emphasizing collaboration between generations and cultures.

The environmental crises of today demand visionary leadership—leadership that recognizes the power of youth voices and invests in their potential. Erfan’s journey offers a blueprint for this transformation.

Erfan’s experience shows that when young people are empowered with knowledge and encouragement—whether through access to educational resources, mentorship from figures like Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Jane Goodall, or platforms to share their voices—their impact is boundless.
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Looking Ahead: Rewilding the World, One Heart at a Time

‍Erfan’s vision is clear: to reconnect humanity with the wild world through education, passion, and perseverance. His work, from scientific specimen donations to international advocacy, weaves together a narrative of hope and responsibility.

As he puts it, “Children have lost their connection with nature, and we must help them reconnect with the wild world. Together, we can REWILD the world.”

This call is not just for young conservationists but for all of us—educators, leaders, citizens—to nurture curiosity, embrace stewardship, and transform education into a movement that heals the planet.

In celebrating Erfan Firouzi’s journey, we celebrate the power of youth-led education and activism to shape a sustainable, thriving future for all living beings on Earth.

Connect with Erfan Firouzi

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ClINQW3IrV7SCLz3P_-Mg
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erfanfirouzi/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firouzi.erfan
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