How a Movement Began
What is now a recognized youth program for sustainability began as a conversation among volunteers concerned about the planet’s future.
In 2019, aiming to unite young people across the country, members of the Society and allied organizations such as Guías y Scouts de Costa Rica, Youth Red Cross, and the National Network of Rural Youth were invited to nominate representatives. This gave birth to Youth for the Green Growth (Y4GG) a group of more than 25 diverse young leaders who conducted research revealing a gap between environmental interest and real life action.
From Reflection to Transformation
The collective work of Y4GG laid the foundation in 2020 for what we now call Greentalist a youth led initiative created to strengthen environmental and social leadership through action and collaboration.
The first four generations, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), organized virtual gatherings, campaigns, workshops, and community projects where youth put their leadership into action. This collective experience positioned Greentalist as a national benchmark in environmental education.
Recognition and Collective Impact
The program has been honored with the National Youth Bicentennial Award (2021) and the Energy Globe Award (2022), highlighting its youth-led, participatory, and innovative approach to sustainability.
For generations five, six, and seven, we integrated new tools, lessons learned, and key partnerships like UNICEF and Banco BAC, further strengthening the program’s reach and results.
This journey reflects the commitment of active youth driving change:
- 230+ young people have graduated from the program.
- 2,556 environmental actions registered.
- 158 community leaders in action.
- 20 seed-funded projects implemented.
- Over 5,000 people impacted nationwide.
This year we celebrate the completion of the seventh generation, with hundreds of young leaders driving change in their communities.
We hope many more will join the movement.
