Mario Melo

ECO-UNESCO

ECO-UNESCO is Ireland's Environmental Education and Youth Organisation affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA). ECO-UNESCO was founded in 1986. ECO-UNESCO is a company limited by guarantee and a charity. ECO-UNESCO's aims are: to raise environmental awareness, understanding and knowledge of the environment among young people to promote the protection and conservation of the environment to promote the personal development of young people through practical environmental projects and activities. to promote the ideals of UNESCO ECO-UNESCO promotes: Environmental Awareness: ECO-UNESCO promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty and importance of the natural world. ECO-UNESCO encourages a respect for nature thus encouraging respect for diversity, which in turn will lead to a respect for all diversity to include cultural and social diversities. ECO-UNESCO promotes active environmental stewardship by understanding of the linkages between human behaviour and our wider environment. Empowerment: ECO-UNESCO's programmes and services aim to prepare young people to take a more active, positive and responsible role in society. ECO-UNESCO provides young people with the opportunity to learn directly about how to work together to better their local communities. Raising of Self-esteem: ECO-UNESCO's work is based on two simple ideas: "learning by doing"​ and "thinking globally, acting locally"​. When a young person gains hands-on, practical experience through local environment projects, they develop new skills, confidence and self-esteem. Civic-mindedness: ECO-UNESCO promotes environmental appreciation, conservation work, civic-mindedness and social responsibility among young people.