EarthEcho International is thrilled to announce that the 2025 OurEcho Challenge is now accepting entries. This annual STEM competition opens the doors for young minds between the ages of 13 and 16 to engage with biodiversity issues present in their local communities. Participants are encouraged to devise innovative solutions aimed at restoring and protecting native species and ecosystems, with submissions accepted until April 22, 2025.
The OurEcho Challenge is more than just a contest; it serves as a vital platform to empower youth to identify the unique environmental threats their communities face. By encouraging participants to take creative and impactful actions, the challenge aims to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders to make a difference in safeguarding and revitalizing local ecosystems that are essential to sustaining life on our planet.
Stacey Rafalowski, Chief Program Officer at EarthEcho International, expressed the organization's excitement regarding the involvement of passionate young individuals. "Every year we are inspired by the creativity and commitment shown by youth across the nation who are taking initiative to protect biodiversity," said Rafalowski. "We eagerly anticipate the innovative ideas that this year's participants will bring forth, helping to propel the movement of youth-driven environmental advocacy forward."
How to Participate
Youth can take part in the challenge either individually, in small teams, or through their entire classroom. Direct submissions are encouraged, but support from teachers, parents, and adult mentors is highly recommended. These adult supporters can leverage the resources available at
www.ourechochallenge.org for guidance and inspiration as participants work on their projects both in classroom and outside settings.
Prizes and Recognition
In April 2025, EarthEcho will select three standout teams as winners! The winning projects will receive grants aimed at bringing their proposed solutions to fruition. The prizes include grants of $1,000, $2,000, and $3,000, plus ongoing support from EarthEcho to help participants execute their ideas.
The Urgent Need for Biodiversity Protection
The current iteration of the challenge is timely as it addresses a global biodiversity crisis. At present, species are vanishing at alarming rates driven primarily by human activities. Essential data regarding global biodiversity shows:
- - One million species are at risk of extinction, many facing irreversible loss.
- - A staggering 75% of terrestrial and 66% of marine ecosystems have been significantly impacted by human actions.
- - Pollinator decline threatens up to $577 billion annually in crop production globally.
- - Since 1970, the world has lost half of its wildlife populations, with North America alone losing 3 billion birds.
- - Insect populations have decreased by 40% worldwide, with about one-third of those species facing endangerment.
(Sources: 2019 United Nations IPBES Global Assessment, 2016 WWF Living Planet Report, 2019 AAAS Report, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
The OurEcho Challenge remains an essential initiative for fostering youth-led efforts in promoting biodiversity. With a blend of creativity, scientific inquiry, and passion for the environment, these young leaders are crafting innovative responses to one of our planet's most pressing challenges—the protection of its biodiversity.
For more detailed information, please visit
www.ourechochallenge.org for comprehensive competition guidelines, entry instructions, and available resources.
Stay connected with EarthEcho International through their social media channels:
- - Facebook: EarthEcho International
- - LinkedIn: EarthEcho International
- - Instagram: @EarthEchoIntl
For further insights about EarthEcho International and its mission, check their website at
www.earthecho.org.