What are the Young Environmentalist Awards?
ECO-UNESCO has run the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA), a free all – Ireland programme that supports young people aged 10 – 18 to design and lead environmental action projects in their schools and communities. Since 1999, the programme has celebrated youth-led solutions to real-world environmental challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to waste reduction and sustainable living.
By taking part, young people gain the tools and support to raise awareness, take action on issues they care about from biodiversity loss to climate change and inspire others to do the same. Over 70,000 young people have participated in the programme, gaining valuable life skills while driving positive change at both a local and national level. The YEA programme is a fun and exciting way to empower young people to become better citizens.
Who can enter?
The YEA is free to enter and open to any group (2-25 members) of young people aged 10-18 years based in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
There are three age categories:
Super Junior Group: 10-12 years
Junior Group: 12-14 years
Senior Group: 15-18 years
Already entered a science, sustainability, or innovation competition? You can enter the same project into the YEA to increase its impact and reach.
How do the awards work?
What are the awards categories?
As part of registration, groups select one award category that best fits their project idea. Groups can choose from 11 environmental themes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)*. Categories are flexible and can be changed later in the process to better match the direction of the project. Check out last year’s finalist projects for ideas here.
*Super Junior Projects are not award category-specific.
Why get involved and what you'll gain?
Participating in the YEA offers numerous benefits to young people and their mentors. It provides a free platform and chance for young people to create and implement environmental projects.
Support: YEA promote personal development through mentorship and support from a community of like-minded peers, promoting growth and maturity.
Practical Skills: Participants improve their ability to conduct environmental research, manage projects, advocacy and communicate effectively.
Confidence: Leading a project and presenting it to other builds public speaking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Exposure to Expert Judges: Participants receive insights and thoughtful feedback from expert judges, and gain networking opportunities.
Recognition & Rewards: Finalist projects are presented to expert judges and celebrated at a national awards ceremony, with opportunities for awards and wider visibility, gain media exposure, and raise awareness of environmental issues.
Impact: Participants become role models, inspire peers and younger generations, and contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship and advocacy.
We must acknowledge the hard work and valued support of the mentors, whose guidance is instrumental in the participants’ success. Their contributions are recognised through the, Mentor of the Year award.
Overall, the YEA provides an incredible platform for young people to develop skills, explore multidisciplinary approaches, and make meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship and activism.
