Building a youth movement to protect and restore our planet

Finalists of the UK STEM competition supported by Aramco Europe have come in. EarthEcho International, the global nonprofit dedicated to building a youth movement to protect and restore our planet, has proudly announced the first five pupil-led teams advancing to the finals of the OurEcho Challenge.

OurEcho Challenge encourages students to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities, identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect or repair those natural resources. Three winning entries will receive funding and support to implement and track the success of the innovative solutions they have proposed.

UK finalists tackling species decline

Students (Years 6-10) from Reading, Rochester, Rochdale and Oxford are the first UK finalists in the annual competition that focuses on biodiversity. These students are young problem solvers that have taken on the protection of the diversity of species and ecosystems essential for the future of our planet. The OurEcho Challenge has been organized in the United States for its third successful year, with the support from Aramco Americas, and has now come to the UK.

The student submissions have been received with pride. “The OurEcho 2023 finalist teams impressed us with their grasp of local biodiversity and a broad range of issues and potential solutions, from tackling emissions by designing a bio-fuelled waste disposal truck to restoring local peat bogs,” said EarthEcho International founder Philippe Cousteau, Jr. “These young innovators and problem solvers provide us with a glimpse into the global youth movement that is reinvigorating environmental advocacy around the globe.”

Aramco is equally encouraged to see the power of such initiatives to lift communities, improve natural habitats and sustain our planet. Together with organizations like EarthEcho International we aspire to create a learning environment that leaves a legacy for future generations.

As a next and final step, the OurEcho Challenge finalist teams will prepare and share their presentations to a panel of expert judges, including one of Aramco’s specialists. The top three teams will be awarded grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 to turn their projects into reality. The public is also encouraged to get involved and vote for their favorite team projects during this year’s People’s Choice Awards.