G20 GLI and Ecopreneurs Unlocking the Restoration Economy

Group of young men and women holding signs and raising hands by Lake Zurich in Switzerland

The G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI) empowers a new generation of entrepreneurs who view land restoration not just as an environmental imperative—but as a profitable business opportunity. Our G20 GLI strategy established as goal the support of 10,000 ecopreneurs by 2040, catalyzing a robust, inclusive restoration economy. The restoration economy is projected to exceed $70 billion by 2031 and the G20 GLI is taking action to support those ecopreneurs are leading the way.

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To achieve this goal of 10,000 ecopreneurs the G20 GLI has adopted a dual approach: Global Engagement and National Engagement.  Together, these two pillars form a coherent, scalable strategy—ensuring that youth-led restoration entrepreneurship is not only globally connected but also locally rooted and nationally owned.

Global Engagement and National pilot programs: how we work?

Through our Global Engagement, we have our flagship initiative: the Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) which the G20 GLI co-runs with the International Trade Centre (ITC) provide masterclasses, coaching, seed funding and visibility in international events to high- youth-led startups. Simultaneously, our National Engagement focuses on supporting local entrepreneur ecosystems by working with business support organizations, accelerators, research and finance institutions and universities. Beginning with pilot programs in Brazil and Kenya, this pillar ensures that ecopreneurs can thrive within their own national contexts, supported by tailored grants, capacity-building, and institutional partnerships.

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Explore our programmes

Global Engagement: The YECO Programme

The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) is a global accelerator that empowers young entrepreneurs and seeks to enhance their competitiveness and scale of youth-led businesses.

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National Engagement: Brazil

In 2025, we’re launching a pilot engagement in Brazil, leveraging accelerators, innovation hubs, and public institutions to reach hundreds of youth ecopreneurs working on land restoration.

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National Engagement: Kenya

In 2025, we’re launching a pilot engagement in Kenya, leveraging accelerators, innovation hubs, and public institutions to reach hundreds of youth ecopreneurs working on land restoration.

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