Two eco-projects by young people from Co Clare claimed prizes at this year’s ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA), which took place in the Convention Centre Dublin.
The young people from Coláiste Muire, Ennis and St Joseph’s Secondary School, Tulla were among more than 1,000 people who attended the major event, at which over 100 competing projects were showcased, representing 65 schools and youth organisations in 28 counties across the island of Ireland.
The winning projects representing Co Clare are:
“Investigating Flora & Fauna in the Burren”, Coláiste Muire, Ennis, was the winner in the Senior Biodiversity category. The project aimed to increase biodiversity in the Burren and raise awareness about its decline by petitioning for increased informative signage in the area.
“This is our plea, go plastic free!”, St Joseph’s Secondary School, Tulla, was the winner in the Senior ECO-Community Development category. The project aimed to promote a plastic-free community with in-school initiatives and by campaigning to local and national politicians to address plastic use in government-funded school lunch schemes.
Now in their 26th year, the Young Environmentalist Awards recognise the work of young people who are tackling key issues in relation to climate and biodiversity loss, taking environmental action in their school or community and coming up with creative solutions to solve environmental issues.
Congratulating the award finalists and winners, national director of ECO-UNESCO, Elaine Nevin said: “I’d like to congratulate our award winners from Co Clare and everyone who took part in the regional semi-finals and express our gratitude to the funders who make this possible year after year. Every project submitted this year deserves recognition, and it’s inspiring to see such passion and creativity in young people as we continue supporting youth-led environmental action across the island of Ireland.”
Commending the winners and runners-up, the event’s special guest, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said: “The Young Environmentalist Awards showcase the passion and dedication of Ireland’s young people in tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The finalist’s projects showcased today are thoughtful, impactful and a reminder that meaningful change often starts at a local level. I am delighted to support and celebrate their achievements.”
Further information about the awardees is available at www.ecounesco.ie/young-environmentalist-awards.
