Eco-inspired Limerick students shine at ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards

THREE eco-projects by young people from County Limerick claimed prizes at this year’s ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA).

The young people from Limerick were among more than 1,000 people who attended the major event, at which over 100 competing projects were showcased.

There were two winning projects by Coláiste Ióasef, Kilmallock, while Scoil Pól, Kilfinane also won in the People’s Choice category.

Congratulating the award finalists and winners, national director of ECO-UNESCO, Elaine Nevin said: “I’d like to congratulate our award winners from Coláiste Ióasef and everyone who took part in the regional semi-finals and express our gratitude to the funders who make this possible year after year.

READ ALSO: Limerick students make a splash and scoop top prize in climate contest

“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.”

Wild Ireland Card Game from Coláiste Ióasef, Kilmallock, was the winner in the Junior ECO-Entrepreneurship category. For the project, the group developed an educational card game to teach people about native Irish animals in a fun and interactive way.

Each card featured facts about different animals, with QR codes that linked to websites with more information.

This allowed players to quickly access extra details and learn more about the animals’ habitats, diets and conservation status.

We’ve got Worms!, also by a group from Coláiste Ióasef, Kilmallock, was the winner in the Junior Food category.

For this project, the group used social media posts, videos, and workshops to raise awareness about the benefits of vermiculture for soil quality in the community.

City Greens by Scoil Pól, Kilfinane, won an award for their project, which addressed food accessibility, environmental impact, and community health by developing affordable, DIY systems from recycled materials.

Their project aim was to help people living in cities grow fresh, healthy food in small spaces.

Now in their 26th year, the YEAs recognise the work of young people who are tackling key issues in relation to climate and biodiversity loss, taking environmental action in their school or community and coming up with creative solutions to solve environmental issues.

Commending the winners and runners-up, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, said: “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 finalists’ projects showcased today are thoughtful, impactful and a reminder that meaningful change often starts at a local level.

“I am delighted to support and celebrate their achievements,” she continued.

ECO-UNESCO is Ireland’s leading environmental education and youth organisation, working to conserve the environment and empower young people.

Working with over 15,000 young people each year, ECO-UNESCO provides a wide range of programmes and services, including: environmental youth programmes, as well as consultancy services.