CDL E-GENERATION CHALLENGE 2025

Guardians of the Green: Innovating for Rainforest Resilience & Biodiversity ​

Rainforests are the lungs of our planet, supporting over 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and playing a crucial role in climate regulation. Yet, they face unprecedented threats from deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. The challenge for our generation is to redefine conservation efforts by leveraging innovation, technology, and community action to safeguard these vital ecosystems.​

CDL invites young changemakers (ages 15-35) to propose bold, scalable, and impactful solutions that enhance rainforest protection, restore biodiversity, and empower sustainable livelihoods. Whether through nature-based solutions, AI-driven conservation, policy innovations, or circular economy models, we challenge you to reimagine a future where rainforests thrive.​

Join the movement. Be the catalyst for change.

Prize​

An all-expenses-paid expedition to the Daintree Rainforest — the world’s oldest rainforest! The Daintree Rainforest, in Far North Queensland of Australia, is one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world, estimated to be over 180 million years old. It supports an incredibly diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are rare and endangered. The rainforest is home to over 3,000 plant species, 12,000 insect species, and numerous birds, mammals, and reptiles. Protecting the Daintree Rainforest helps preserve this rich biodiversity for future generations. ​

The expedition will be lead by ClimateForce, a charitable organization committed to regenerating damaged land, improving biodiversity and scaling solutions across the Asia Pacific. ClimateForce’s Founder, Barney Swan, is the first person to ski to the South Pole powered by renewable energy. Traversing 1000 kilometers over 65 days, he survived using NASA designed solar ice melters, lithium batteries, and biofuel made from waste.

Criteria

  • The competition is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and ASEAN citizens.​
  • Participants should be between the age of 15 and 35 years old as of 31 Dec 2025.​
  • Participants should possess a strong passion for the environment and demonstrate abilities as change-makers.​
  • A strong social media or other publicity network and effective communication skills would be an advantage.​
  • A strong presence in related circles, such as NGOs, school CCAs and/or social media platforms is desirable.​
  • Winners should be able to commit to the trip in Q3 of 2026.

Requirements of Participants

Participants are to send in their applications with the following:​

  1. 3-5 min video
    • Self introduction.
    • Involvement or interest in sustainability and environmental conservation.
    • Video should convey and demonstrate participant’s understanding, insight and ideas to address the topic – “How can we harness innovation or nature-based solutions to protect rainforests and preserve global biodiversity for future generations in Asia?”​
    • Supporting photos, clips on communications, media (online/print), or any other creative expressions are encouraged.​
  2. A comprehensive publicity and social media plan on how the Winners intends to share his/her experience after the expedition to a larger community and provide an estimated outreach.​
  3. All submissions to be sent to https://tinyurl.com/CDLEGen25 by Sunday, 28 September 2359. For further enquires please email [email protected], and CC [email protected] and [email protected].

Requirement of Top 10 Finalists

Selected participants will have to conduct a 10-minute presentation in front of a judging panel of experts on Saturday, 1 November 2025 at the Singapore Sustainability Academy. This will be followed by a 10-minute Q&A with the judges. Finalists are free to adopt creative and effective presentation approach.

Requirements of Winners:

  • The Winners will be required to transcribe and share their experiences on the website or/and social media platforms identified or organized by the organisers (min 500-1000 words).​
  • Winners should submit a report (2,000 words) with photos & video on their experience and learning from the expedition within three months of the expedition. An event, workshop or outreach programme can alternatively be organised to share their findings in place of an essay.​
  • The winners will support the organisers to serve as champions to influence and inspire youths and a larger community.​
  • Each winner is required to take part in a minimum of four outreach activities organized or recommended by the organisers within the first two years of winning the award.​
  • Each winner will be an automatic member of the CDL E-Generation Alumnae to continue championing environmental conservation on a voluntary and friendly basis.​
  • Should the winners organize or publicize their expedition, they will have to attribute CDL and key sponsors of the CDL E-Generation Challenge in all collaterals and/or event materials.