3 September 2007

 
Students from the Rockhampton region will share their views on climate change tomorrow at the Rockhampton/Yeppoon Future Leaders Eco Challenge.

The Eco Challenge is being facilitated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as part of the Reef Guardian Schools Programme and will involve students from the region.

GBRMPA Reef Guardian Schools Programme Manager Megan Sperring said the theme of the Eco Challenge was: in an ever-changing world, what does climate change mean to you?

“The students have the opportunity to share their ideas on climate change with other students and discuss what their school is doing to become more sustainable,” she said.

“They will also be encouraged to network and problem solve with one another on current climate change issues, and plan for the future on what they can all do to be a part of the solution.”

Education and Interpretation Manager Fred Nucifora said students would benefit just as much as the community would from the outcomes of the day.

“The Eco-Challenge is an opportunity for young leaders to work on practical solutions to develop and support our response to climate change over the long-term,” he said.

“This will result in a school based climate change plan for a sustainable region.

“The plan will be developed by young people, for young people and includes a student centred approach to achieving a sustainable future.”

The event is being run in partnership with Livingston Shire Council and the Fitzroy Basin Association. Greening Australia is donating plants to the schools. It is part of a series of Future Leader Eco Challenges being held along the Queensland coast.