From the Niger Delta to Nairobi: How One Young Changemaker seeks to bring Local Sustainability to the Global Stage
In a world grappling with climate crises, waste overload, and biodiversity loss, the loudest voices aren’t always the most powerful. Sometimes, change begins with a single voice rising from the grassroots—steady, humble, and fiercely determined to be heard.
Meet Prince Sobere George, a Nigerian-Canadian climate advocate, circular economy pioneer, and recent graduate of the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS). From childhood in the oil-slicked communities of the Niger Delta to receiving a Saskatchewan sustainability award from the Lieutenant Governor, Prince’s story is a vivid tapestry of trauma transformed into action.
This December, he hopes to bring his story—and the lessons it holds—to the world stage at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya.
But this journey isn’t just about attending another global summit. It’s about reshaping the conversation from the ground up.
A Life Shaped by the Land
Prince’s early memories include the harsh reality of oil spills devastating once-lush wetlands in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Instead of being silenced by despair, he found purpose. His journey led him to Canada, where he earned a master’s degree in Regenerative Sustainability at USask, focusing on circular economy and environmental justice.
He launched SewGeorge Classic Couture, a circular fashion brand that turns textile waste into patchwork art and memory-preserving garments. In Saskatoon, he worked with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, engaging over 3,000 residents in community education. He also co-authored the City of Saskatoon’s Sustainable Sourcing Guide—making low-impact purchasing more accessible to municipalities and citizens alike.
His advocacy didn’t stop there. As Vice-Chair of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.—a nonprofit that stewards 326 acres of planted urban forest—Prince helps lead initiatives in land-based learning, biodiversity protection, and Indigenous-led climate solutions on Treaty 6 Territory.
Why UNEA-7?
The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s highest decision-making body on environmental matters. This year’s theme, “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet”, echoes Prince’s own philosophy: sustainability must be practical, inclusive, and deeply rooted in lived experience.
“Too often, people from the grassroots are left out of global policy,” Prince says. “But we have solutions that work—ones grounded in community, equity, and innovation. At UNEA-7, I want to show the world how a kid from the Niger Delta can spark change in Saskatoon, and how both places are connected by climate justice.”
With support from Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, Prince and his team aims not only to attend UNEA-7 but to launch a global International Webinar Series in the lead-up to the event. This series will amplify voices from frontline communities—youth, Indigenous leaders, civic scientists, and waste innovators—from Canada, Nigeria, and beyond.
Inauguration during Canada’s National Forest Week (September 21–28) and Maple Leaf Day, the webinars will bridge continents and generations, building a coalition of changemakers around biodiversity, urban forests, ethical land use, and climate literacy.
How You Can Help
Prince’s trip is not funded by any large institution. As a recent graduate and volunteer leader, he’s relying on community support to make this vision real.
Donations help cover:
- ✈️ Travel and accommodation in Nairobi
- 📹 Technical support for the webinar series
- 📚 Presentation materials and community outreach
- 🌍 A voice at the policy table that centers lived experience and equity
Even small contributions have big impact:
- $25 Funds advocacy and participation in UN-led dialogues.
- $50 Provides materials for community engagement
- $100 Contributes to International webinar hosting and virtual outreach tools.
- $250 Offsets international travel, hotel accommodation and registration costs
- Monthly gifts of $10–$45 sustain the webinar legacy and future participation in global events
With every dollar, donors aren’t just funding a trip—they’re investing in a future where local knowledge informs international action.
A Global Movement Rooted in Community
For the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, this initiative is a natural extension of their mission. As a small but mighty nonprofit, their strength lies in empowering “ordinary people” to do extraordinary things—restoring forests, building connections, and speaking up for a greener tomorrow.
“Prince represents what we believe in,” says Julia Adamson chair FSAAI, “a world where lived experience is valued, where youth lead with vision, and where community solutions matter.”
With enough support, this project could change how environmental decisions are made—ensuring the people who live with the consequences are also shaping the solutions.
From the Ground to the Globe
Prince puts it best:
“Change starts in our backyards. Whether it’s afforestation in Saskatoon, waste education in Nigeria, or sewing old clothes into something beautiful—this is what global sustainability looks like.”
This December, with your help, that vision will be heard in Nairobi.
🌱 Learn more or donate at: https://friendsareas.ca CanadaHelps or Zeffy
💚 Be part of something bigger. Small change, big change—let’s make it happen.
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Support via Zeffy
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )
Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!
Support using Canada Helps
Support via a recycling bottle donation and Join the plastic-recycle challenge!
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
- Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
- Make it your own
- Spread the word about the UN Decade
- Let’s Bring Back Forests
- Let’s Green Our Cities
““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life. 