Calling passionate young environmentalists

Do you care about our environment? Have you been involved with school and local community environmental / restoration projects?

Greater Wellington Regional Council, Ministry for the Environment and the Sir Peter Blake Trust are looking for applicants from years 11, 12 and 13 for the Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum to be held in Wellington between 27 April and 1 May. Three delegates will be chosen from the Wellington region.

The forum is an exciting opportunity to meet others, and to make a difference to the environment.

Delegates will spend a week participating in community projects, voicing their opinion on environmental issues and learning first hand about environmental management. Each delegate will also present their project at Parliament.

Projects typically focus on important topical environmental issues such as water conservation, sustainable households, climate change and invasive species. The Forum is hands on, student driven and is designed to inspire and build the capability of young environmental leaders. On returning to their regions students are encouraged to continue with their environmental work and help lead other youth in environmental stewardship.

"We would like to hear from all young people who care about the environment," says Kerryn Penny, Greater Wellington's environmental education co-ordinator.

"Students who have previously taken part in Greater Wellington's Take Action programme are ideally placed to be delegates. "They have identified environmental issues such as water pollution and have worked with others to find practical solutions. They've learned a number of important environmental skills which will stand them in good stead for undertaking the forum project."

To apply, download the application form on the Greater Wellington regional council website, and submit the completed form with a covering letter to Kerryn Penny, Environment Division, Greater Wellington Regional Council, PO Box 11646, Wellington by 5pm, 20 March. For more information visit story26478.cfm? or http://www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou/youth/index.html