The BELT fellows program was developed to recruit, train and build capacity of 60 youth fellows to lead in various areas of the project. Arresting rural out-migration is one of the core objectives of the project. A total of sixty youth will be supported to gain skills in different competences under the rubric of conservation and sustainable entrepreneurship.

These skills will include design, eco-agriculture, media, IT, environmental policy, eco-tourism and hospitality, among other skills that will create youthful capacity across the BELT. So far the first 5 youth fellows have been trained in construction/design, hospitality, outdoor education and conservation/GIS. The BELT youth fellows program adopts the philosophy of not overspecializing youth, while still outlining directions and focal areas.