NEWS RELEASE
December 2010
MORE YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS THAN EVER!
Still time to register for ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards 2011
The number of groups from around Ireland and Northern Ireland participating in the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards 2011 has increased by an incredible 40% compared with last year. To celebrate this increased interest, and give even more young people the chance to get involved in what is set to be Ireland's biggest ever celebration of ECO-Action, ECO-UNESCO is keeping registration open until December 22nd and groups have until February 25th 2011 to complete their project.
The ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards recognise and reward the achievements of young people in environmental protection and are open to any group of young people, aged 10-18, who want to take action on key environmental issues such as climate change, energy, waste, biodiversity, transport and more.
"Last year's awards saw some excellent environmental projects - from bug hotels to green transport campaigns, and even an ECO-fashion show and gig awareness raising extravaganza! We are looking forward to more great projects this year. It's fantastic to see the increased interest from young people from across the island of Ireland and because of this we are delighted to continue to accept registrations until December; there's plenty of time to carry out projects before the project submission deadline of the 25th February 2011" said Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO.
Each May, ECO-UNESCO, Ireland's environmental education and youth organisation, hosts the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards Showcase and Awards Ceremony to honour the outstanding green achievements of young people from youth groups and schools across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The National Showcase, open to the public, attracts hundreds of young people who get an opportunity to show their environmental project work.
"The young participants of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards programme concretely show what it means to act as agents of positive change and make a difference", commented Walter Erdelen, UNESCO Assistant Secretary General for Natural Sciences in a special message of support to the young environmentalists.
Participants in ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards have until February 2011 to complete their project in one of nine categories including climate change, biodiversity, energy, waste and transport. Once registered, ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards groups can avail of ECO-UNESCO's advice and support as their projects progress.
Teachers and youth leaders can register groups of 2-25 young people at www.ecounesco.ie or by contacting ECO-UNESCO at +353 1 6625491, yea@ecounesco.ie.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Daniel Meister, ECO-UNESCO Communications Officer communications@ecounesco.ie
Tel. +353 1 6625491
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO is available for phone interviews on the environmental work of young people in Irish youth groups and schools. It may also be possible to speak with previous winning or shortlisted groups in your area.
Notes to Editor:
ABOUT ECO-UNESCO
ECO-UNESCO (www.ecounesco.ie) is Ireland's environmental education and youth organisation. The organisation aims to raise environmental awareness, promote the protection and conservation of the environment, and promote the personal development of young people. ECO-UNESCO is affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA).
ABOUT THE ECO-UNESCO YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST AWARDS
ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards is an awards programme that empowers young people to become better citizens, build awareness of environmental issues and promote simple lifestyle changes to improve the environment. The Young Environmentalist Awards is funded annually by the Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Government; Environment & Heritage Service Northern Ireland - An Agency with the Department of Environment; Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs; Department of Transport, The Environmental Protection Agency; COMHAR Sustainable Development Council; and Dublin City Council.
KEY DATES:
Extended Registration Deadline: December 22nd 2010
Project Submission Deadline: February 25th 2011
National Showcase & Awards Ceremony: May 18th 2011
For more information on ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards visit www.ecounesco.ie
To get a look back at the journey to the ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards 2010, read our On the Road blog at http://ecounesco.wordpress.com
