What are the Young Environmentalist Awards?
Since 1999, ECO-UNESCO has run the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA), a free programme to honour the work of young people to protect, conserve and enhance the environment through local environmental projects, making a difference to their lives and the lives of others both locally and globally. Over 65,000 young people have taken part in the YEA since it began, bringing about lasting change to the environment, and reaching countless others with awareness-raising campaigns in schools and communities throughout Ireland.
The YEA programme is a fun and exciting way to empower young people to become better citizens, to build awareness of environmental issues in the community and promote local actions and lifestyle changes to the environment.
Who can enter?
The YEA is free to enter and open to any group (2-25 members) of young people aged 10-18 years in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
There are three age categories:
Super Junior Group: 10-12 years
Junior Group: 12-14 years
Senior Group: 15-18 years
How do the awards work?
What are the awards categories?
YEA can choose from 11 of the below award categories which are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)*. Check out last year’s finalist projects for ideas here.
*Super Junior Projects are not award category specific.
Why get involved?
Participating in the YEA offers numerous benefits to young people and their mentors. It provides a free platform for young minds to create and implement environmental projects, showcasing their work at an annual awards ceremony.
Develops & Nurtures: The YEA promotes personal development through mentorship and support from a community of like-minded peers, promoting growth and maturity.
Enhances Skills: Participants improve their ability to conduct environmental research, manage projects, and communicate effectively.
Builds Confidence & Presentation Skills: Young people gain confidence in public speaking, increase self-esteem through recognition, and develop leadership abilities by leading projects.
Exposure to Expert Judges: Participants receive insights and constructive criticism from expert judges, and gain networking opportunities.
Recognition & Rewards: Participants compete for prestigious awards and prizes, gain media exposure, and raise awareness of environmental issues.
Inspiration for Future Generations: Participants become role models, inspire peers and younger generations, and contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship and advocacy.
Additionally, we must acknowledge the hard work and valued support of the mentors, whose guidance is instrumental in the participants’ success. To honour their contributions, YEA also features a 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.
