On UN World Wildlife Day on Monday, March 3, 2026, the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation announced its inaugural 2026 cohort of EPI Youth Ambassadors, 16 exceptional young leaders dedicated to advancing elephant conservation and inspiring action in communities around the world.
Representing a diverse and globally connected network, the cohort includes nine ambassadors from Kenya, four from Nigeria, one from Zimbabwe, one from The Gambia, and one from Switzerland. The appointment of EPIF Youth Ambassadors will take place annually on World Wildlife Day.
One of the Nigerians is Mr. Nsikak Ekere in the Abuja office of EnviroNews.
Tadiwanashe Mupunga, a student from Zimbabwe, said he is particularly interested in using digital tools to promote awareness around elephant protection, and Sarafina Sironka from Kenya said she aims to drive lasting change for wildlife and the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems.
“At a time when elephants continue to face significant threats from illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, meaningful youth participation in conservation has never been more important,” said the EPI Foundation’s Chair of Trustees, Sharon Ikeazor.
“Through their creativity, digital innovation, and peer-to-peer engagement, our Youth Ambassadors can play a critical role in shaping attitudes, influencing behaviour, and driving long-term change for wildlife and the environment,” added the Foundation’s CEO, John E Scanlon, AO.
EPI Youth Ambassadors will advocate for elephant protection within their networks; participate in EPI awareness campaigns, including digital storytelling, videos, and films; and mobilise their peers to support or lead conservation initiatives at local, national, and global levels. This volunteer role also offers ambassadors a meaningful leadership opportunity, providing orientation on elephant conservation and advocacy, access to EPI campaign materials and toolkits, opportunities to collaborate with fellow ambassadors across regions, and recognition for their contributions and impact.
Rachel Cao and Lareina Li, both studying in Beijing, China, were the first EPI Foundation Youth Ambassadors in 2024. They have successfully raised awareness of elephants, and wildlife conservation amongst their peers, and helped raise funds for the EPI Foundation. Through this initiative, the EPI Foundation reaffirms its commitment to amplifying young voices and building a global movement for elephant protection.