ECO-UNESCO

BACKGROUND

We channel the passion and energy of young people into positive environmental action!

ECO-UNESCO is Ireland's leading environmental education and youth organisation. We are specialists in environmental education, youth work and Education for Sustainable Development. We are an experienced organisation with over 30 years of experience in developing and delivering successful national and international programmes and events.

ECO-UNESCO promote the personal development of young people through practical environmental projects, promote the protection and conservation of the environment, promote environmental knowledge, understanding and awareness in young people.

In 2019 ECO-UNESCO was recognised as one of the first Sustainable Development Goal Champions 2019- 2021 by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

ECO-UNESCO endeavour to work towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in every aspect of our work. As SDG Champions our primary purpose is to raise public awareness of the SDG’s, and secondarily illustrate practical ways in which organisations and individuals can contribute to achieving the SDGs, using our practices as an example.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Youth for Sustainable Development Programme

ECO-UNESCO's Youth for Sustainable Development programme builds awareness and understanding of sustainability in young people (14-18), develops leadership skills & encourages them to become peer educators and to take action.

Through a weekly after schools youth group, it builds confidence & self-esteem in young people; it impacts their lives & their communities. It works directly with over 200 young people from across Ireland and impacts hundreds of others through the action projects.

The Young Environmentalist Awards

ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) is an all-Ireland environmental awards programme that recognises and rewards young people who raise environmental awareness and improve the environment.

Since 1999, ECO-UNESCO has run the YEA 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 50,000 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.