About us
The Future For Nature Academy (FFN Academy) is a national network of students and young graduates throughout the Netherlands with a passion for nature conservation. By organizing varying activities such as lectures, documentary evenings, symposia, workshops, and excursions, we create a platform for people to meet, discuss and make plans together for a better future for nature!
FFN Academy is inspired by the winners of the Future For Nature Award and other conservation heroes fighting to protect the natural world. It was originally founded and coordinated in September 2016 by then PhD student Rascha Nuijten and Wageningen University conservation ecologist Ignas Heitkönig and aims to inspire and empower the next generation of nature conservationists. To do this we organise events, share job and volunteering opportunities, and create an (inter)national network of like-minded people.
Our Goal & mission
Future For Nature Academy aims to inspire and empower young people by bringing them together to share knowledge, ideas and inspiration, expand their network, and to address current and future challenges in nature conservation and sustainability.
FFN Academy Day
The Future For Nature Academy Day is our biggest annual event and takes place after the Future For Nature Awards are presented to that year’s FFN winners. It is a celebration of nature conservation and aims to give students and young graduates the opportunity to meet the new FFN Award winners. The content of the FFN Academy Day differs each year, but it is always truly inspirational and free for all to attend! So, if you want to get the unique chance of meeting real conservation heroes and getting to know like-minded people, make sure not to miss this year’s FFN Academy Day or become an FFN Academy member and help organize the day!
Watch the 2024 after movie
Future For Nature Award
The FFN Academy is inspired by the winners of the Future For Nature Award. Future For Nature (FFN) supports young, talented and ambitious conservationists committed to protecting species of wild animals, plants and ecosystems. The commitment of these individuals makes the difference for the future of nature. Through their leadership they inspire and mobilize communities, organizations, governments, investors and the public at large. FFN’s flagship event to encourage a new generation of outstanding nature conservation leaders is the annual presentation of three prestigious Future For Nature Awards at Royal Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem (NL). FFN highlights the work and achievements of the Award winners as role models who can pass on their passion for wildlife conservation to other people. FFN provides this community of Award winners with learning support, mentoring, and financial assistance.
