The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) has announced Aiden Wilson, a 17-year-old student from St. John’s College, as the winner of the 2023 National Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) competition.
Wilson’s winning paper, “Marine Pollution and Its Effects in the Bahamas,” highlights the different types of pollution and the detrimental impact of neglecting the country’s natural resources.
“By confronting the problem head-on, we can educate future generations about the dangers of pollution and safeguard marine environments for flora and fauna to flourish,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s article also highlights the need for immediate action to protect the environment for future generations. Her submission includes three mesmerizing photos depicting marine debris on a wharf, plastics polluting a canal, and oil contamination at a cruise port.
In recognition of his achievement, Wilson received a brand new GoPro11 HD camera from BREEF to support his future environmental reporting efforts. He will represent the Bahamas in the upcoming International Young Reporters for the Environment Competition 2023, organized by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
BREEF also congratulated Aaliyah Rolle of St. Anne’s School as a finalist in the competition, whose entry was titled “Can We Find a Solution to Prevent Marine Pollution in the Bahamas?”
In a press release, BREEF applauded all YRE competition entrants for their varied contributions.
Allison Longley, national operator of the Young Reporters for the Environment program in the Bahamas, described the initiative as “a platform for young people to give nature a voice in a fun and creative way”.
The YRE program aims to empower students aged 11-25 to engage with the environmental issues they are passionate about, whether through writing, photography or videography. Currently, the program has more than 350,000 young reporters in 45 countries around the world.
The national YRE competition is the culmination of the program. Prior to this, students have the opportunity to engage directly with the marine environment through snorkeling excursions and mangrove walks.
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