On 22nd November, ECO-UNESCO celebrated its 21st Anniversary by holding an exhibition at Filmbase, in Temple Bar. The event was officially opened by the Minister for Youth Affairs Seán Haughey, T.D. and showcased the work carried out by the organisation during the past twenty-one years.

Everything started in 1984, when a group of young people interested in carrying out environmental protection got together and started an UNESCO club. A year later the ECO Club became a member of the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and was admitted into the Department of Education’s Youth Service Grant as part of the celebration of International Youth Year. In 1986, ECO-UNESCO was officially founded.

"We are delighted to celebrate this special date with the ones who contributed to the development and growth of the organisation during all those years. It’s impressive to see the magnificent work done not only by the staff but also volunteers and most importantly young people." Comments Elaine Nevin, ECO-UNESCO's National Director.

During the following twenty-one years, ECO-UNESCO has developed and delivered numerous environmental programmes mainly aimed at young people but also at leaders and teachers to support them on introducing environmental education in their activities with young people. The organisation has also produced a series of education resources, which explore a wide range of environmental issues.

One of ECO-UNESCO's trademarks is their innovative approach to environmental education focusing on the needs of young people. The results are the development of successful programmes such as the Young Environmentalist Awards, ECO-UNESCO clubs, the ECO Youth Representative, and most recently the ECO-Choices Programme, which provides an alternative approach to dugs prevention through environmental education.

Referring to ECO-UNESCO's unique approach to youth work, Minister Haughey said, "the best form of tackling and stemming our environmental problems is to raise awareness and to provide environmental education to the general public and, in particular, to our young people. This is where ECO-UNESCO, and its many activities, resources and programmes, fits in."

ECO-UNESCO has also worked as advocates for environmental education and education for sustainable development (ESD) having undertaken a research project on ESD in partnership with COMHAR and more recently has worked on the development of a national strategy on EDS on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.

As part of the 21st Anniversary celebrations ECO-UNESCO has also produced an Anniversary Report (PDF document - 9.94MB).

Photos of the event (Credits: Photos by Erica Cacciotti):