Where Are They Now…Erfan Firouzi

Since receiving news of winning a Global Youth Award in 2022, environmental advocate Erfan Firouzi has found that the most meaningful impact hasn’t been the recognition itself but the connections that came with it.

In fact, his journey with us took an unexpected turn when he received his Global Youth Awards trophy in person at the COP28 event.

“I finally got my trophy at COP28 with the entire Legacy Project team present… it was very unique,” he reflects. “I don’t think many people will get the chance to receive their Global Youth Awards trophy directly from the team.”

Yet for Erfan, the real value of the experience lay beyond the moment itself.

“I think it is mainly about the connections that it brought in… connections to the Global Youth Awards Legacy team, and then Beyond Bamboo and all the Youth Ambassadors. It brought a lot of good connections with like-minded individuals and people of my age.”

Being part of a global network of like-minded changemakers has strengthened both his work and sense of purpose.

Storytelling as a Tool for Change

Through his platform Wildlife Focus and his podcast Nature Talks, Erfan continues to explore new ways of reconnecting people with nature.

“The Nature Talks podcast is going really well. We’ve got some amazing people on it, a lot of diversity. We have people who are studying business, people who are artists.”

Rather than limiting environmental conversations to science alone, he intentionally brings in varied voices to expand how people engage with nature. He is also currently developing a documentary project designed to share his lived experiences in conservation.

Alongside this, his most ambitious current initiative is a collaborative book project titled Heartbeat of Hope. Through his work, Erfan has witnessed firsthand how climate anxiety affects both professionals and the wider public.

The project brings together around 30 global contributors — including scientists and conservation voices — to explore how hope can be restored and sustained within environmental work.

Reconnecting People with Nature

Erfan’s recent work has also expanded into citizen science and youth engagement. He received a Jane Goodall mini-grant from Australia, and ran several citizen science projects.

He is now developing the Rewilding Minds initiative, which will run across Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, combining education with participatory science for young people.

At the heart of this shift lies a key realisation.

“More important than statistics and awareness… is making sure that people have access to hope. When we lose hope in any aspect, we become apathetic and we don’t do anything at all. No one, including myself, cares about statistics. It is those stories that touch your heart and make you care.”

He has also learned that storytelling plays a vital role in driving action.

Influences That Shaped His Path

Erfan credits global conservation voices with helping to shape his direction, particularly David Attenborough. After writing to him during a pivotal moment in deciding his future path, Erfan began an ongoing exchange that continues to influence his work.

“Sir David Attenborough was my role model since the beginning. Since then, we have been exchanging letters.”

He has also drawn inspiration from Jane Goodall and her commitment to storytelling and community-led conservation.

“It’s not just the knowledge of ecology, but also the knowledge of the people of the land that must be stored.”

From these leaders, Erfan has taken forward one core message.

“Hope and storytelling are key.”

Looking Ahead

Erfan’s priorities have evolved over time, from conferences and public speaking to more participatory approaches like citizen science.

“Whatever way I can, whether it is through podcasts, videos, music, art, if I can find a way to reconnect people with nature, I will do it.”

He believes this reconnection is essential.

“Many people are now seeing spending time in nature as a luxury or a privilege.”

Erfan hopes to shift this perception toward something far more fundamental.

“To save ourselves from climate change… it is about rewilding our minds and rewilding the planet.”

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Being part of the Global Change Ambassador network has also supported his growth.

“I’ve been fortunate to see the platform grow… and learning from the passion of others showed me how important motivation is. All the support I’ve received… has been a huge journey in motivation.”

For Erfan, the journey has been one of increasing connection, visibility, and purpose.

Erfan’s story is a reminder that lasting environmental change is not driven by data alone — but by hope, shared stories, and the power of people working together.

Erfan continues to serve as one of our longest standing Global Change Ambassadors.