August 11 at 10:00 AM U.S. ET (find your time zone)

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How can environmental education help build a future where waste is reduced, resources are valued, and communities thrive?

Across Africa, educators, community organizations, and environmental leaders are developing creative, locally driven solutions that put the principles of a circular economy into practice. From turning waste into valuable resources to promoting sustainable production and consumption, these efforts are creating healthier communities while opening new opportunities for learning, innovation, and livelihoods.

In this webinar, you'll hear from three inspiring educators from across Africa who are leading these "bright spot" initiatives in their own communities. They'll share practical examples of how they are integrating circular economy principles into schools, community programs, and environmental education initiatives—and the lessons they've learned along the way.

Whether you work in formal or nonformal education, this session will provide ideas, inspiration, and practical strategies for helping learners understand the connections between waste, resources, sustainability, and community action.

About the speakers

Hobson Agyapong

Hobson Agyapong is a Principal Programme Officer at Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Founder of Green Diversity Africa, a UNCCD-accredited civil society organization. With over a decade of experience in environmental policy, circular economy, waste management, and sustainability, he has played a key role in shaping Ghana's environmental regulations and advancing community-led environmental initiatives. Hobson is a passionate advocate for environmental education and sustainable development, with extensive experience contributing to national and international climate and circular economy initiatives.

Linda Godfrey

Professor Linda Godfrey is a Principal Scientist at the CSIR and Extraordinary Professor at North-West University, South Africa, and holds a PhD in Engineering. She is an internationally recognised expert in waste management and the circular economy, bringing more than 30 years' experience in advancing science, technology and innovation for sustainable resource management in developing economies. She manages Circular Innovation South Africa, supporting the implementation of South Africa's Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. A passionate communicator and prolific author, she brings unique insights on how circular strategies can address development, environmental sustainability and social equity. She lectures internationally on solid waste management and on the circular economy in the context of developing countries.

Ledama Masidza

Ledama Masidza is a marine conservationist and global changemaker whose journey began in Kuruwitu, Kenya, where he led environmental programs and fisheries co-management initiatives as Environmental Programme Manager at Oceans Alive. With a deep commitment to sustainability and storytelling, he has collaborated with global media outlets like CNN and supported grassroots conservation efforts across Kenya, Brazil, Fiji, Nigeria, and Canada.

He currently coordinates philanthropic initiatives focused on fundraising and capacity-building for biodiversity NGOs, while engaging in food security and community empowerment projects in Samburu and along the Kenyan coast. Ledama is a Global Changemaker 2023, a World Economic Forum UpLink Top Innovator, and a Blue Champion Award recipient. He has spoken at the World Conservation Congress, UN Food System Summit, African Protected Area Congress, COP28, and COP29, advocating for community-led conservation, inclusive food systems, and youth-driven action for change.

Cindy-Lee Cloete (moderator)

As the Chief Executive Officer for the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), Cindy has over 15 years of experience in creating enabling spaces for Education for Sustainable Development. Growing up on the plains of Namakwaland in South Africa, Cindy understands the importance of the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Selected as one of the first Mandela-Washington Fellows and an active member of the ESD Expert Net, she gained experience in global North-South and global South-South collaborative approaches to bring about holistic and sustainable solutions to social and environmental challenges. Cindy grounds her work in social and environmental justice philosophies and prides herself on challenging the current education and youth development status quo. Through her national, continental, and international networks, Cindy wants to contribute to reorienting, rethinking, and decolonizing the way we work to care for the earth.