EMA recognises youth with Green Leaf Awards

IN commemoration of World Environment Day 2023, the EMA hosted its biennial Green Leaf Awards (GLA).

The GLA continues to be the only national accolade dedicated solely to the honour of our environmental heroes. This year's theme, 'Youth Edition - Celebrating Climate Champions' focused on the youth of Trinidad and Tobago who have been involved in climate change. Given the international and national mandates in addressing this global issue, it was timely that the EMA used the GLA platform, to give another voice to and recognise the work being done by the young people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Nominations for the GLA 2023 were accepted from individuals and groups between the ages of 15 – 29 years who have conducted projects, programmes, ventures, etc related to climate change.

Additionally, a second component challenged youth within the same age group to tell their climate change stories through short videos. Judging was conducted by a multi-stakeholder GLA Steering Committee.

The GLA 2023 winners are:

Green Leaf Awards for those who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting climate awareness and action in Trinidad and Tobago

1. Winners GLA 2023:

a. Dareem Jeffrey – for his company EcoWash which merges water conservation technologies with convenience to customers, providing a portable car wash system without producing wastewater and b. Global Shapers Port of Spain Hub – The 'Food for You' project which focuses on regenerative agriculture exploring its potential to promote food security in Trinidad and Tobago and combat climate change.

2. Merit Awards were presented to projects that were deemed as worthwhile ventures deserving special recognition for their efforts: a. ASJA Boys' College San Fernando Scuba and Reef Conservation Club b. Five Rivers Secondary School We Stand for Green 4-H Club c. No Youth Left Behind – This group was involved with cleanups, planting trees and education. d. Trinidad Tissues Limited for improving sustainability through managing environmental impacts of the paper and pulp industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

3. Volunteerism Award to Kaveer Phillip for his unwavering commitment and selfless actions towards planting trees throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the region.

4. School Awards for the best school projects – A cash prize of $5,000.00 was offered for the two best school projects: a. ASJA Boys' College San Fernando Scuba and Reef Conservation Club b. Five Rivers Secondary School We Stand for Green 4-H Club

Video challenge:

1. Winner GLA 2023 Video Challenge and People's Choice Winner: (receiving a total of 774 likes via the EMA's Instagram, Facebook and YouTube platforms): Nathan Nancoo and Kerlyssa De Verteuil of Gaea's Thirst. (Received a Green Leaf Award and $5,000.00).

2. Merit Awards -video finalists:

a. Climate Change Interview by Luke Pounder and Matthew Inniss. b. Reducing Carbon Footprints by Aaliyah Parris, Aishani Persad, Brandon Mohammed, Justin Wilson and Naline Mongroo. c. Water Pollution by Aliya McClean.

d. Yugen Stories Air Pollution by Jamala Alexander, Caleb Edwards, Kyron De Silva and Megan Pirali.

3. Youth in Media Award - Kalain Hosein for using his platform as a media professional to promote climate awareness in Trinidad and Tobago and for also being the only video submission from the media.

Chairman of the EMA, Nadra Nathai-Gyan presents the Green leaf Award to Global Shapers Port of Spain Hub for the 'Food for You' project.

Managing director of the EMA, Hayden Romano, right, after presenting Nathan Nancoo and Kerlyssa De Verteuil of Gaea's Thirst with the Green Leaf Award.

Dareem Jeffrey of EcoWash receives his Green Leaf Award from Nadra Nathai-Gyan.