ECO-Dens
What are ECO-Dens?
ECO-Dens are the regional semi-final stage of the Young Environmentalist Awards. Shortlisted groups are invited to present their environmental action projects to a panel of expert judges in a supportive, “Dragons’ Den”–style setting.
Held across Leinster, Connacht, Munster and Ulster, ECO-Dens give participants the chance to share their work, strengthen their presentation skills, and reflect on their project’s journey and impact.
Who can attend?
If your group is shortlisted after submitting your project, you’ll receive an invitation by email.
Due to venue capacity, up to 6 young people per group may attend, along with their project mentor(s). Please note that mentors cannot accompany groups into the judging room.
What can I expect?
Each group is allocated a one-hour time slot. This includes:
A prep session with a YEA coach to rehearse and refine your pitch.
A five-minute presentation to the judging panel, followed by questions about your project.
You’re encouraged to bring along materials to help you tell your story — such as posters, slides, videos, or physical items from your project.
Preparing Your Pitch
You’ll have five minutes to present your project to the judges, followed by a short Q&A.
The panel will ask about your process, your impact, and how your project connects to environmental issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sample questions: What might the judges ask you?
These are based on the 6-Steps to Success Framework and judging criteria.
- 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 links 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?
