NIEA Sustainable Ireland Awards, 17th September 2009.
NIEA Announces New Environmental Award For Young People.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), in partnership with Sustainable Ireland, have launched and sponsored a new award, “Most Inspiring Environmental Project By Young People”. www.sustainableireland.co.uk/awards
“Most Inspiring Environmental Project By Young People”
St Catherine’s College, Armagh, was today presented with a prestigious award by Environment Minister Edwin Poots, for an innovative environmental project.
The school beat off stiff competition from a number of other schools to win the, 'Most Inspiring Environmental Project by Young People' award at the annual NIEA Sustainable Ireland Awards.
The project, which involved the pupils promoting the sourcing and use of local food, and the growing and managing their own vegetable garden in the school grounds, was judged to be the most inspiring of all the entries to this award category.
The Minister said: “This school has certainly proved itself to be innovative and pioneering at improving sustainability in the local community. I commend the teachers and pupils for their achievements and would encourage other schools, youth groups and wider groups in society to follow their example.
“Many of us struggle with the idea of changing the way we do things. The young people involved in this project have demonstrated how, by committing to taking small steps, a real difference can be made.”
The NIEA Sustainable Ireland Awards celebrates the successes of private, public and not for profit organisations who place the environment and sustainable development at the heart of their business.
THE WINNERS - ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE, ARMAGH
This project focused on food and food miles, highlighting the need for us all to adopt sustainable lifestyles and environmental responsibility.
St Catherine’s put this into practice by sourcing food locally and by growing their own vegetables in their school grounds.
Pictured here are some of the pupils involved in the project at their vegetable garden in the grounds of the school.
The other 2 finalist were:
BANBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
This project focused on energy management issues and the need for us all to adopt sustainable lifestyles and environmental responsibility.
The project also highlighted the plight of the polar bear, pictured here are some of the pupils involved with the project and their school’s polar bear drawing.
and
KILLYLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL, COUNTY ARMAGH
This project demonstrated what can be achieved through good school transport planning and management. They developed and promoted their own cycle path.
Here are some of the pupils involved pictured at their school and using this path and demonstrating environmentally friendly modes of transport on their bicycles!
