Dublin students were among over 50 groups of young people from schools and youth groups across Leinster that took part in the regional semi-finals of the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA), last week.
Run by ECO-UNESCO, the Young Environmentalist Awards is an all-Ireland environmental awards programme that recognises the work of young people who have taken environmental action in their school or community and come up with creative solutions to solve environmental issues.
The semi-final rounds of the YEA competition are known as ECO Dens, where 150 groups from across the country are chosen to present their environmental projects at Dragons Den style events to a panel of experts.
Four rounds of ECO Dens take place during March and April, with events in Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Armagh.
Climate Conscious students from Dublin hailed from schools across the county, including Drimnagh Castle Secondary School, St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush and Marino College Secondary School, with their projects focusing on a range of issues such as waste, climate change, biodiversity and marine life.
Based on their presentations to the judging panel, a selection of the semi-finalists will then be shortlisted to go forward to the final showcase event, which will take place in Dublin in May.
‘Natures Finest’ by Lucas Connolly (Pictured), Ephraim Daan, Adam Browne and Bruce Left from Drimnagh Castle Secondary School.
‘An investigation into the public’s perceptions and fears of avian influenza’ by Lileth Carrick and Martha Feely from St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush.
‘Let’s Clear the Air‘ by Helena Zubanova, Andreia Noada and Meda Covaci from Marino College
Commenting on the event, Elaine Nevin, Director of ECO-UNESCO, said: “We are now in our 23rd year of the Young Environmentalist Awards, and each year it is so heartening to see the standard of action projects continue to rise, along with the young peoples’ enthusiasm and creativity.
“Young people are so passionate about environmental issues and are extremely engaged and motivated to take climate action.
“The Awards are a fantastic way for young people to channel their energy into ideas and creative solutions to tackle climate issues, and we are delighted to provide them with a platform to do so.
“The presentations to the judges as part of the ECO Dens have been fantastic – so the panel will have a tough job on their hands deciding on the shortlist.
“All the participants should be extremely proud of their work, and I hope that they continue to collaborate with us and each other to take positive environmental action.”