Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature

UNESCO and vivo have launched the Capture the Future initiative, inviting young people aged 18–35 to share visual stories about human-nature relationships in UNESCO biosphere reserves. Participants can submit photography or short videos that document local actions, traditions, and innovations supporting sustainability and coexistence between people and nature.

About the Initiative

The initiative aims to amplify youth voices and showcase local solutions to global environmental and social challenges. By engaging young storytellers, it promotes:

• Documentation of community actions and innovations supporting sustainability

• Visual storytelling that highlights coexistence between people and nature

• Inspiration for collective action to address environmental and social issues

• Recognition of talented young storytellers worldwide

Key Dates

• Submission Period: 5 March – 31 May 2026

• Eligible Age: 18–35 years

• Location: Applicants must have a strong connection to a UNESCO biosphere reserve

Who Can Participate

Eligible participants include:

• Residents of a biosphere reserve

• Students

• Young professionals

• Regular volunteers

Participants must create original visual works using any mobile device, emphasizing accessible storytelling technology.

Submission Tracks

Photography Track

• Accepts single images or photo series

• Works must tell a clear and impactful story about local actions and sustainability efforts

Short Video Track

• Focuses on short-form video narratives

• Visual storytelling should highlight innovative solutions and human-nature interaction in biosphere reserves

Objectives

The initiative seeks to:

• Empower youth to share local perspectives

• Highlight practical solutions addressing global challenges in biosphere reserves

• Encourage creative and impactful visual storytelling

• Promote awareness and action for sustainable living

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Confirm eligibility (age 18–35 and strong connection to a biosphere reserve)

2. Choose a submission track: Photography or Short Video

3. Capture an original visual story using a mobile device

4. Focus on themes of coexistence, sustainability, and community action

5. Submit the work within the 5 March – 31 May 2026 window

Why Participate

• Share your story with a global audience

• Highlight innovative solutions from your community

• Gain recognition for creative work on sustainability

• Contribute to collective awareness and action for people and nature

FAQs

Who is eligible to participate?

Young people aged 18–35 with a strong connection to a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

What type of work can be submitted?

Original visual stories captured via mobile devices, either photography (single image or series) or short videos.

What is the deadline?

Submissions are accepted from 5 March to 31 May 2026.

Can I submit as part of a team?

The initiative encourages individual storytelling, but consult official guidelines for collaborative submissions.

What are the evaluation criteria?

Entries are judged on creativity, storytelling impact, originality, and relevance to sustainability and biosphere reserve themes.

Final Takeaway

The Capture the Future 2026 initiative offers young storytellers a platform to document and share local sustainability solutions in UNESCO biosphere reserves. By submitting photography or short videos, participants can highlight innovative practices, inspire collective action, and amplify youth perspectives on the relationship between people and nature globally.