Red Diamond Compost Named Global Finalist in Youth Ecopreneur Programme

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Red Diamond Compost

Friday, 20 February 2026

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Red Diamond Compost Inc. is proud to announce that Founder & CEO Joshua Forte has been named one of eight global finalists in the Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO), a joint initiative of the International Trade Centre and the G20 Global Land Initiative under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

The finals will take place at ChangeNOW in Paris on 31 March 2026, where global innovators, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders gather to accelerate sustainability solutions.

What Is the Youth Ecopreneur Programme?

The Youth Ecopreneur Programme drives the green transition by investing in youth-led enterprises focused on land restoration and green business innovation. The programme began with a global Bootcamp phase comprising 225 ecopreneurs from across the world. Following this stage, 25 ventures advanced to the Accelerator, 20 in the land restoration cohort and 5 in the green business cohort.

Red Diamond Compost Inc. secured its seat in the Accelerator through the programme's fast-track pathway following its initial application. From there, participants received structured mentorship, executive coaching, legal and intellectual property guidance, and pro-bono legal services through Sidley Austin. Accelerator participants in the land restoration cohort compete for a shared pool of $100,000 USD in equity-free seed funding designed to support scaling across the group.

"This milestone demonstrates that solutions developed in small island states can contribute meaningfully to land restoration, soil regeneration, and sustainable production systems worldwide."

1500+ Applicants to 225 Ecopreneurs to 8 Finalists

After completing the Accelerator phase, participants were required to pitch competitively to advance to the final stage of the Awards. Only eight ventures globally were selected as finalists.

YECO also provides access to a global network of partners and investors, preferential access to the Google StartUp for Sustainable Development Programme, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the international conference for finalists. At the Awards stage, one winner per category will receive a $10,000 USD prize.

For Red Diamond Compost Inc., this recognition represents more than an individual milestone. It signals growing global recognition of regenerative innovation emerging from small island states.

The company develops regenerative agricultural inputs derived from organic materials such as seaweed biomass and tropical plant resources. Its circular production model transforms underutilized organic resources into high-value biostimulants that enhance soil health, improve crop performance, and strengthen climate resilience.

"Increasing climate pressure and supply chain volatility are reshaping agriculture globally," said Joshua Forte. "This milestone demonstrates that solutions developed in small island states can contribute meaningfully to land restoration, soil regeneration, and sustainable production systems worldwide."

Representing Barbados & Caribbean at ChangeNOW Paris

ChangeNOW is one of the world's largest sustainability events, convening thousands of changemakers across sectors to advance scalable climate and environmental solutions. Red Diamond Compost will represent Barbados and the wider Caribbean on this international stage.

As the company prepares for the finals in Paris, it is actively engaging partners, sponsors, and mission-aligned investors to support its next phase of growth. The global exposure provided by YECO comes at a pivotal moment as Red Diamond expands production capacity, advances research, and builds strategic pathways for regional and international scale.

Organizations and individuals interested in supporting Caribbean-led regenerative innovation — whether through sponsorship, partnership, or investment — are invited to connect.

This moment represents not just participation in a global awards stage, but a broader commitment to advancing land restoration and circular bioeconomy solutions from the Caribbean to the world.

📆 When? March 30–31 and April 1, 2026

📍 Where? Grand Palais, Paris

Be part of the change and let's connect at ChangeNOW!

Get your ticket today! https://www.changenow.world/join-changenow-2026/