Francisco Javier Vera Manzanares

Francisco Javier Vera Manzanares (16), from Colombia and living in Spain, developed a deep love for nature while growing up surrounded by Colombia’s biodiversity. At nine, he saw the Amazon on fire and decided to act. Since then, he has connected climate action, education and political advocacy to defend children’s rights.

Through the Guardianes por la Vida movement, Francisco has led the planting of more than 5,000 trees across Latin America and Europe. He has also organized river and water-source clean-ups and promoted school gardens through the Huertos Eco-Esperanza project, directly benefiting more than 100 families while supporting food security and environmental education.

His school network has reached thousands of children in Colombia, including indigenous communities. Through workshops and educational programs, he has directly reached 12,000 children and adolescents over the past seven years, helping them build skills in climate leadership, human rights and citizen participation. Through his social media accounts, he reaches around 7.5 million people each month, inspiring more people to protect the planet and children’s rights.