Junior Adrian Figueroa Miranda (he/him)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact. 

I use environmental education to connect scientific knowledge, local experiences, and youth leadership to build more sustainable and equitable communities. My work focuses on empowering young people in the Andes to understand their environment, value their territories, and become active participants in climate solutions.

Since my university years, I have been involved in youth and environmental organizations, including the Youth Climate Group of the National Commission on Climate Change, Conservation Supporters of Huascarán National Park, the Huascarán Biosphere Reserve Youth Network, and the Peruvian University Environmental Network. These experiences have allowed me to connect education, conservation, and community action while currently working on mountain ecosystem research.

One of my main initiatives is the Young Glacier Ambassadors program in Áncash, a project developed through years of youth engagement and collaboration with different partners. The program trains young people from Andean communities in glaciology, citizen science, and environmental communication, helping them understand glacier change and share knowledge with their communities. This initiative is currently a finalist for the Green Skills Award 2026 by the European Training Foundation, recognizing the importance of youth-led environmental education.

Link de referencia: https://www.etf.europa.eu/en/publications-and-resources/publications/trp-monitoring-reports/young-voices-mountains-turning-local 

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like? 

My journey began in Huaraz, Áncash, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, where my connection with mountains became part of who I am. My love for these landscapes comes from my parents and grandparents, who taught me to value nature, respect our territories, and understand the deep relationship between people and the ecosystems that surround us.

Growing up surrounded by the mountains of Áncash, including the landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca, inspired me to study environmental engineering and dedicate my work to understanding and protecting the ecosystems that sustain life. Throughout my journey, I have explored the connection between science, conservation, and communities, learning that lasting solutions are created when knowledge is combined with local experiences and the voices of the people who protect these territories.

I have had the opportunity to strengthen my knowledge through international experiences, including academic training at the University of Málaga, and I am currently completing a master’s degree at Heidelberg University focused on risks and resource governance. These experiences have expanded my perspective while keeping my roots connected to the mountains that inspired my path.

How can people learn more about or support your work? 

People can learn more about my work through my social media platforms, especially my Instagram profile @adri.nexion, where I share initiatives related to glacier conservation, environmental education, and youth empowerment.

They can also follow the work of Young Peruvian Leaders Áncash (@yplancash.pe) and Young Peruvian Leaders (@youngperuvianleaders.pe), organizations that promote youth participation and leadership for sustainable development.

Since 2025, I have collaborated with youth and environmental networks such as the Equipo Climático de Infancias y Juventudes de Áncash (@ecij_ancash), Mountain Youth Hub (@mountainyouthhub), and other organizations working to strengthen climate action and environmental awareness among young people.

People can support these efforts by sharing knowledge, building collaborations, participating in environmental initiatives, and amplifying the voices of communities and young leaders working to protect our planet.

My work has also been recognized through platforms such as ActNow Film (@actnowfilm), highlighting the importance of youth-led solutions and the power of storytelling to inspire climate action. 

Together, we can create stronger connections between people, nature, and communities.

A Little More About Me

What message would you share with people living in mountain regions around the world?
Living in the mountains means carrying both great challenges and great opportunities. Our altitude shapes our lives, our cultures, and our relationship with nature. Although we face unique challenges due to climate change and environmental pressures, we also hold valuable knowledge and deep connections with our territories. Let us remember that the mountains are not barriers but places of resilience, wisdom, and hope. Together, we can protect our landscapes and build a future where mountain communities are recognized as leaders in caring for our planet.

What’s a passion project of yours outside of your work?
Recognizing and preserving the ancestral knowledge of Andean communities.

How do you recharge?
I recharge by swimming and by sharing my emotions with the mountains.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?
Whatever you do, do it with love.