‘Eco-hero’ students from Kildare honoured at finals of Young Environmentalist Awards

An eco-project by students from County Kildare saw them nab both the Overall Junior Award and the Junior Climate Change Award at the finals of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEAs).

Students from Salesian College in Celbridge took home the awards from the event, which took place on Thursday, May 8 last in the Convention Centre Dublin.

Now in its 26th year, the YEAs aims to recognise the work of young people who are tackling key issues in relation to climate and biodiversity loss.

Keeping this focus in mind, the project developed  by the students, which was among 28 crowned winners across 11 categories, analysed local businesses’ eco-credentials.

As part of their project, the students awarded window stickers for those implementing climate-friendly practices, in an effort to attract customers to businesses that have greener credentials than those that don’t.

Those from Salesian College were among the 1,000-plus people who attended the major event. Over 100 competing projects were showcased, representing 65 schools and youth organisations in 28 different counties across Ireland.

The national director of ECO-UNESCO, Elaine Nevin, had this to say about the winners: "I’d like to congratulate the winners from Salesian College and everyone who took part in the YEA finals and express our gratitude to the funders who make this possible year after year."

Ms Nevin added: "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 both the winners and runners-up, the event’s special guest, Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain, had this to say: "The YEAs 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."

She added: "I am delighted to support and celebrate their achievements."

Further information about the awardees can be viewed at www.ecounesco.ie/young-environmentalist-awards.

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