Deadline: February 28, 2025
Applications are open for the Action for Nature International Young Eco-Hero Awards 2025. 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 we live on our planet.
Prizes
Winners will receive:
- Public recognition and media press release
- Cash prize up to $1,000
- Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Efforts to help protect and preserve the environment.
- Exclusive access to the 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.
Eligibility
Applicants
- Applicants must be between 8 and 16 years old on February 28 of the application year.
- Projects submitted as part of a Science Fair or Scouting Badge will only be considered if they include additional environmental action, educational outreach, or extended studies beyond the original scope.
- Previous winners, immediate relatives of AFN board members, and active reading panel members or judges are not eligible to apply.
Project
- The project must focus on environmental health, advocacy, research, or the protection of the natural world.
- It should be action-based, self-initiated, and not an assignment from a teacher or other adult.
- Projects must be at least 6 months in duration and either close to completion or completed within the last year.
- For invention-based projects, applicants should have conducted trials prior to applying.
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
Application
For more information, visit International Young Eco-Hero Awards.
