Students gather in Cork for semi-final ofEco-Unesco Environmentalist awards

Cork city’s Old Waterworks Experience last week saw young environmentalists from across Cork and beyond gathered for the Cork Eco-Dens, the semi-final stage of the Eco-Unesco Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA).

Across two days, 42 teams of young people aged 10 to 18 pitched innovative environmental projects to a panel of expert judges for a place in the national finals.

The Eco-Dens, which have taken place across Ireland for the past 15 years, allow shortlisted groups to present their environmental action projects to a panel of experts.

Participants receive constructive feedback while also developing skills such as public speaking, leadership and project presentation.

The Cork gathering was part of a nationwide series of events taking place this month in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Armagh and online, bringing together hundreds of young environmentalists.

Biodiversity loss

Among the issues tackled were biodiversity loss, climate change, waste reduction and sustainable food systems.

This year’s YEA programme has attracted 340 environmental action projects from across 29 counties, with 186 semi-finalist groups – involving more than 1,100 young people – competing for a place in the national final.

The 2026 programme also marks a milestone year for Eco-Unesco, as the organisation celebrates 40 years of empowering young people through environmental education and action.

Projects showcased at Cork’s Old Waterworks Experience included initiatives focused on protecting local biodiversity, reducing waste in schools and communities, promoting sustainable transport options and delivering creative environmental awareness campaigns tailored to local communities.

Elaine Nevin, national director of Eco-Unesco, said the awards give young people the opportunity to share their ideas, solutions and passion for protecting the environment with a panel of experts.

“Each year we are inspired by the creativity and determination shown by young people across Ireland,” she said.

Following the ECO-Dens semi-finals, selected projects will progress to the Young Environmentalist Awards Showcase and Awards Ceremony in Dublin this May, where finalists will present their projects and national winners will be announced.