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.
Benefits
Winners receive:
A cash prize of up to $500
A special certificate of achievement,
Public recognition on AFN’s website and in the media, as well as exclusive access to their Eco-Hero Alumni Facebook Group.
Eligibility
Applicants must be aged 8 to 16 and no more than 16 years of age on February 28, 2024.
Only applications in English are accepted.
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 should be at least 6 months long and close to completion or completed within the last year.
If the project is an invention, some trials should be completed before applying.
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.
They do 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.
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)
