ECO-Dens
What are ECO-Dens?
ECO-Dens are regional “Dragons’ Den” style semi-finals, where YEA groups are given the opportunity of pitching their environmental action project to a panel of expert judges. Young people are empowered by presenting their project to the panel. By taking part, young people also further their presentation skills and confidence among others. The ECO-Dens are held in Leinster, Connacht, Ulster and Munster.
Who can attend?
Shortlisted projects are invited to ECO-Dens via email. Due to limited capacity, 6 members per group can attend on the day as well as project mentor(s).
What can I expect?
On the day, you’ll have a one-hour timeslot. Within the one-hour time slot, groups will have the opportunity to practice their pitch with a prep coach before going into the judging panel. Once, their prep is completed, groups will make their way into the judging panel to give their pitch.*
*Please note that project mentors are not permitted into the judging room.
Preparing Your Pitch
Groups will have five-minutes to present their project to the judges, after which they will be asked some questions. You can bring along other mediums to help with your pitch e.g. photos, PowerPoint presentations, or short videos.
Sample questions: What might the judges ask you?
Below you can find some sample questions that judges may ask you on the day. These are based on the 6-Steps to Success Framework.
- How did group members come together?
- How did the group come up with the idea for the project?
- Does your project have any global impact or link local and global issues/the Sustainable Development Goals?
- Did you encounter any problems and how did you overcome the problems?
- Have you planned for the project to continue in the future?
- Did your action achieve what you set out to achieve?
- How did your project have a positive effect on the environment?
- How did you raise awareness of your project?
- What have you learnt from carrying out the project?
- What have you gained from the project at a personal level?
