The Action For Nature (AFN), a non-profit organization, created the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize and reward the successful individual environmental initiatives of young people ages 8 to 16.

AFN encourages young people around the world to carry out individual environmental action projects. They believe that young people can have a positive impact on the environment and are vital in changing the way live on our planet. Winners are selected by a team of independent judges with experience in environmental issues.

Prizes

Winners will receive:

• Public recognition and media press release
• Cash prize up to $500
• Certificate of achievement for outstanding efforts to help protect and preserve the environment
• Exclusive access to our eco-hero alumni facebook group
• Just as importantly, winners will serve as role models for other young people by demonstrating that each individual can make a difference.

Project Requirements

• The project concerns environmental health, advocacy, research or protection of the natural world.
• The project is action-based and self-initiated, and not one assigned by a teacher or other adult.
• The project is close to completion or was completed within the last year.
• Applicants must be between the ages of 8 and 16 on February 28th in the year of application.
• Science Fair and Scouting Badge projects will only be considered if they include environmental action, educational outreach to others or extended studies beyond the Science Fair and Scouting Badges.
• The AFN does not accept (a) projects related to domestic or confined animals, (b) compositions or reports.
• Previous winners, immediate relatives of AFN board members, active reading panel members, or judges, may not apply.
• Only applications in English are accepted.

Judging Criteria

• Preference is given to projects of 2+ years and/or ongoing projects.
• The applications will be judged according to several criteria, including but not limited to:
  • originality
  • difficulty
  • organization
  • length of time devoted to the project
  • influencing/educating others
  • use of outside resources (e.g. library, experts, media, community leaders)
  • degree of success in reaching goals
  • the impact on the environment

For more information, visit Eco-Hero Awards.