Palestine Youth Climate Corps (PYCC)

Project Overview

The Palestine Youth Climate Corps (PYCC) is a flagship national program implemented by Nature Palestine Society to empower Palestinian youth with knowledge and practical skills in climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. The program targets young people who have completed high school but have limited access to higher education or employment opportunities, providing them with a structured pathway into the green economy. Through a combination of technical training, life skills development, and hands-on field experience, PYCC equips youth to become environmental leaders and active contributors to community resilience.

Objectives

To enhance the employability, leadership, and technical capacities of Palestinian youth in the fields of climate change, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and environmental sustainability, while fostering youth-led solutions to local environmental challenges.

Key Activities

The program delivers comprehensive training combining theoretical instruction and practical application across a wide range of environmental and natural topics. It also includes life skills and professional development modules, English language training, and exposure to green entrepreneurship. Participants engage in field visits, community-based environmental activities, and internships with governmental and non-governmental partners. The program also supports youth in designing and implementing innovative green initiatives addressing local environmental and social challenges.

Results and Impact

Across multiple cohorts, PYCC has trained and mentored dozens of young participants, equipping them with market-relevant skills and practical experience. Participants have developed and implemented community-based environmental projects, including initiatives in sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green entrepreneurship. The program has strengthened youth employability, facilitated access to internships and job opportunities, and

fostered a network of environmentally engaged young leaders contributing to local sustainability efforts.

Strategic Contribution

PYCC contributes to advancing inclusive green growth and youth employment in Palestine by linking environmental action with livelihood opportunities. It supports national priorities related to youth empowerment and climate adaptation, while aligning with global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of decent work, climate action, and quality education. The program also serves as a scalable model for integrating environmental education with workforce development in fragile and resource-constrained contexts.