2023 Award Recipient
JulianBerkowitz-Sklar
Project Nature Now International
Project Nature Now International
Julian grew up in Costa Rica for the first ten years of his life and returned for his freshman year of high school. In Costa Rica and California, where Julian lives now, he noticed barriers to accessing and experiencing the natural environment, a critical component of fostering environmental stewardship. To connect more young people with nature and inspire youth-led, science-based, community-centered conservation, he and his siblings started Nature Now International, bringing together youth of different backgrounds from both cultures who share a commitment to protecting the planet.
The organization has partnered with civil, private, and government sectors to provide opportunities for more than 300 youth to develop the necessary tools to help defend vulnerable ecosystems.
Nature Now International is a grassroots environmental organization that engages youth in research, outreach, and advocacy in Costa Rica and California. The organization seeks to inspire young people to use their passions, talents, and experiences to contribute to creative and effective solutions for our planet. Julian, a co-founder, has built relationships with scientists, advocates, and other stakeholders to develop conservation projects for youth by youth. Each year, 20 students from California visit the remote Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica where they work alongside local youth to plant mangroves and other native species, install cameras in the rainforest to study animal populations, and monitor sea turtles on nesting beaches.
