Innocent Antoine Houedji
Biography
Innocent Antoine HOUEDJI, with more than 10 years of Experience in the land and land Governance sector in Africa, is the founder and coordinator of Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA) operating in 25 African countries. He also has experience in management, business planning, financial analysis, software engineering, operations and decision analysis. Before founding YILAA in 2019, Innocent Antoine worked on the Millennium Challenge Corporation land access project in Benin. He previously held various management positions in Benin, most recently as office head of the National Agency for Domain and Land (ANDF) of Benin where he collaborated with 42 communes out of the 77 in Benin. Expert, member of the regional working group of the West African Regional Rural Land Observatory (ORFAO) of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), he ensures the facilitation of the Multi-actor Platform on Youth-sensitive Land Governance in Africa initiated by the African Union, the Global Land Coalition (ILC), IGAD, Landesa and YILAA. Furthermore, he has collaborated with numerous international institutions: International Land Coalition, IFAD, UEMOA, ECOWAS, Landesa, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Giz, Global Land Alliance, Cadasta foundation, Kadaster International, UNEP, IOM, UNCCD, UNFCCC….
Research Interest
Land and Property Management: Drafting of land Documentation, land titles, advisory support in land matters; Registration in the land register, land expertise; access of young people and women to land; municipal land policy, land and investment, management of public and private domains of the State and communities, management of expropriation for reasons of public utility, Land taxation.
• Land and real estate assessment
• Expropriation for reasons of public utility
Abstract
Advancing Biodiversity and Environmental Sustainability Involving Youth
Abstract
Youth Engagement plays a vital role in Advancing Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Sustainability, as Young people are not only among the most affected by ecological degradation but also among the most influential drivers of long-term change. In the face of escalating threats such as climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable resource exploitation, empowering youth with the knowledge, tools, and platforms for action is essential. This presentation explores the transformative impact of youth-led initiatives in promoting ecological balance and sustainable development through education, innovation, and activism. From grassroots campaigns to high-level policy advocacy, young leaders are shaping environmental governance, pioneering conservation technologies, and fostering inclusive, community-based solutions. Integrating youth perspectives into environmental decision-making processes enhances inclusivity and secures intergenerational equity. Additionally, we will showcase successful projects led by our organization to demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy model, highlighting its impact at local, national, regional, and international levels. These examples aim to inspire broader engagement and reinforce the role of youth as key stakeholders in building a more sustainable and biodiverse future.
