2024 International YOUNG Eco-Hero Award Winners 

Action For Nature is proud to announce our 2024 International Young Eco-Hero Awards, celebrating the remarkable environmental achievements of young people aged 8 to 16. These awards recognize their innovative efforts to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and wildlife conservation. We hope their accomplishments inspire many others to join the mission of preserving and protecting our planet.

Winners are divided into two age groups: 8-12 and 13-16. Please note that the ages listed below reflect each winner’s age as of February 28, 2024.

Age Group: 8 – 12

- DR. MARY GRIFFIN-JONES AWARD: Benjamin Fallow
- SHIMON SCHWARZSCHILD AWARD: Madhvi Chittoor
- 1st Place: Anirudh Rao
- 2nd Place: Licypriya Kangujam
- 3rd Place: Elijah Richardson
- 3rd Place: Kiara Kaur
- Honorable Mention: Bristol Joseph

Finalists

Benjamin Fallow
Age 10
West Sussex, United Kingdom
Nature Education & Art

Benji is a young environmental advocate who has devoted his life to nature conservation through a blend of art, community projects, and educational outreach. His passion for the environment paired with his artistic talents has reached a broad audience and raised significant funds for nature conservation.

Benji’s goals are to educate the public about nature, raise funds for nature charities, improve local ecosystems, and create educational content to inspire others. Through his artwork, writing, and videos, Benji has made a substantial impact. He sells prints and cards of his artwork on his Etsy shop and participates in sponsored challenges, raising over £7,000 for various environmental charities over the past three years.

One of Benji’s significant contributions includes transforming his home garden into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. The garden now hosts a variety of species, from frogs and newts to birds and insects, creating a mini-ecosystem that serves as a haven for local wildlife. His efforts extend beyond his garden as he participates in local rewilding projects and has started a community allotment from scratch, focusing on sustainable gardening practices and wildlife-friendly habitats.

Benji is also actively involved with Reserva, an organization dedicated to creating the world’s first youth-funded rainforest reserve in Ecuador. Through sponsored walks, climbs, and the sale of his artwork, he has protected four acres of cloud forest. His fundraising efforts included walking over 100 miles on the South Downs Way and a challenging rock climb at Stanage Edge in the Peak District.

In addition to his hands-on conservation work, Benji is working on a book of his nature artwork, aiming to raise awareness and funds for nature charities further. His dedication and accomplishments at such a young age are truly inspiring, showcasing the profound impact that one individual can have on the environment.

“Everyone can do something for the good of our planet,” says Benji. “Even if just a few people got into nature and started to care for it, that would be amazing to me!”

instagram.com/benjaminfallow

Madhvi Chittoor
Age 12
Arvada, Colorado, USA
Plastic & Styrofoam Ban Campaign / Plastic Pollution Education

At just 12 years old, Madhvi has achieved remarkable milestones in her relentless pursuit to combat plastic pollution. Her passion was ignited at the age of five after witnessing the devastating impacts of plastic waste on marine life in a CNN documentary. From that moment, Madhvi was driven to protect the planet and its inhabitants.

This young environmental champion has spearheaded a comprehensive campaign to eliminate single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers across Colorado. In 2018, she boldly declared April as "Plastic and Styrofoam Pollution Awareness Month" with the support of prominent figures like Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Governor Jared Polis. Undeterred by her youth, Madhvi launched a signature campaign demanding the replacement of styrofoam containers in school cafeterias and advocated at city council meetings.

Her persistence paid off as 155 schools, impacting 86,000 students, transitioned from styrofoam lunch trays to eco-friendly alternatives. Madhvi also organized climate rallies, spoke at the State Capitol Steps, and tirelessly met with mayors and legislators, building a formidable coalition to ban plastic pollution statewide.

Despite facing the hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic, Madhvi remained unwavering. Her efforts culminated in the introduction of HB21-1162 – a groundbreaking bill prohibiting single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers across Colorado. On July 6, 2021, this hardy advocate celebrated a hard-won victory as the bill was signed into law, taking effect on January 1, 2024.

Madhvi's environmental advocacy transcends boundaries. She has addressed the UN General Assembly on PFAS pollution, composed award-winning music to amplify her message, and engaged marginalized communities worldwide on children's rights and environmental justice.

"Age is not a barrier to raising your voice and standing up for the common good," Madhvi asserts. Her journey stands as a testament to the catalyzing influence of youth activism and an inspiration for generations to come in the pursuit of a sustainable planet.

madhvi4ee.com

Anirudh Rao
Age 11
Lone Tree, Colorado, USA
Tornado Early Warning System

At just 11 years old, Anirudh is a problem solver who is already making a significant impact on environmental innovation. Hailing from Colorado, USA – an area that sees around 50 tornadoes each year – he is the young mind behind the Tornado Early Warning System, an invention aimed at saving lives and mitigating property damage caused by tornadoes.

Anirudh conceptualized the Tornado Early Warning System, driven by the alarming statistics of tornado-related injuries and deaths in the United States. His prototype, named "Revere," is a revolutionary blend of drones and sensors, including infrasound, temperature, and pressure detectors. Along the way, Anirudh had to learn how to fly a drone, code, and analyze data. His innovative system aims to increase tornado warning times from an average of 13 minutes to a potentially lifesaving 40 minutes.

Beyond developing the prototype, Anirudh has actively raised awareness about tornadoes and climate change in his community. He has presented his invention at local and national science festivals, reaching over 4,000 attendees, and has conducted educational sessions in schools, museums, and clubs. His dedication has garnered engagements with weather experts as well as invitations to present at prestigious institutions such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Anirudh's commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond his project. He volunteers for the Children's Kindness Network, promoting global kindness and cultural understanding through various initiatives. Anirudh's multifaceted approach to environmental and social causes showcases his passion, ingenuity, and determination to make a positive impact on the world.

"Every problem has a solution waiting to be discovered,” says Anirudh. “Let's work together for a safer and greener future."

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12oQbJUmIktQ8RhgUXgy6dd8P5eSj3oer/

Licypriya Kangujam
Age 12
Manipur, India
Plastic Money Shop

Licypriya Kangujam is a passionate environmental activist from India, dedicated to combating plastic pollution and promoting climate education.

Inspired by the urgent need to address plastic pollution, Licypriya initiated the "Plastic Money Shop” in 2022, an innovative mobile, solar-powered shop where individuals are encouraged to bring single-use plastic items to exchange for free rice, school stationery, or plant saplings. The collected plastic items are upcycled into eco-friendly products such as school benches, reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices.

Beyond this project, Licypriya has been a vocal advocate for climate action, raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on our planet. Licypriya believes “plastic pollution has become the new normal” and wants to change this. Her dedication to environmental justice extends to her "Child Movement" campaign, empowering children to join the fight against climate change. She has initiated tree-planting drives and educational programs on climate change and advocates to her government for cleaner air and water policies.

Licypriya’s efforts have garnered global attention. She’s met with several world leaders and spoken in numerous institutions in over 32 countries advocating to adults about the threat of climate change as a part of her movement.

As a symbol of resilience and determination, Licypriya inspires people worldwide, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to positively impacting our planet's future.

"Every child can lead the change,” she says. “Let's work together for a sustainable future."

instagram.com/licypriyakangujam

Elijah Richardson
Age 11
Queensland, Australia
Advocating Oceans & The Great Barrier Reef

Elijah is growing up in Queensland, Australia, where he spends much of his time on the beaches and in the ocean. In particular, he loves to snorkel and observe the nearby Great Barrier Reef, which is valuable not only for its colorful corals but also for the vast network of ocean life the reef supports. Here, he has nurtured his deep connection with nature.

Since a young age, Elijah has been on a mission to protect the natural world and raise awareness about environmental conservation. Driven by his dedication to preserving marine habitats, he joined initiatives like the CoralWatch Ambassador Program, becoming their very first youth ambassador, and the Tangaroa Blue Ambassador Program. These experiences deepened his understanding of environmental issues and equipped him with the tools to make a meaningful impact.

Elijah urges people to take a stand for the planet through social media content, school and community presentations, and creating videos. He regularly organizes and participates in beach clean-ups, encouraging others to join him in removing plastic pollution from the nearby coast and waterways.

His efforts have garnered attention, earning him recognition in prominent media outlets such as ABC's "War On Waste" series. In 2021, Elijah sent a video message to musician Billie Eilish for the CoralWatch “Eyes on the Reef” campaign to ask for her permission, which was given, to use her song “Ocean Eye”’ to accompany the campaign video, exponentially growing awareness.

Elijah continues to lead by example, encouraging others to join him in safeguarding Earth's precious ecosystems, especially the Great Barrier Reef. His journey is a testament to the transformative impact of youth activism and the need for an enduring commitment to a sustainable future.

Elijah says, "I do what I do because I know the natural world needs help. I want to educate and inspire more people so that they can help it also."

instagram.com/elijahsworldqld/

Kiara Kaur
Age 8
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Climate Change Education

Kiara embarked on her path as an environmentalist at the tender age of 3, fueled by a passion for environmental advocacy, sustainability, and youth empowerment. She is a reader, speaker, and writer. Her dedication and accomplishments have made her a prominent voice in climate action.

Driven by her extensive reading on environmental issues and their impact, Kiara was inspired by her learning to initiate various climate change awareness campaigns, as well as beach clean-ups, mangrove plantings, and composting workshops, which have been ongoing for several years.

“My message to parents and teachers is to include environmental books in homes and schools. I have read so many books in my life. They inspired me to be where I am today. I am sure so many other children can benefit like I did and that will make a huge positive difference to sustainable living in this world.”

Kiara’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as one of the youngest speakers at the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18) and the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), showcasing her determination and impact on national and international platforms.

Despite being so young, Kaira has been successful in raising awareness about climate change, encouraging community involvement, and emphasizing the importance of youth engagement.

Currently, Kiara continues her advocacy by raising awareness about climate change at the national and international levels. Her dedication, knowledge, and ability to inspire others make her a standout advocate for positive change, inspiring other youth to become unstoppable forces in their quest for a sustainable future.

"Together we can be an ocean."

instagram.com/kiarakaur2022/

Bristol Joseph
Age 11
Washington, Pennsylvania, USA
Magical Milkweed Market

When she was seven years old, Bristol learned about the declining population of monarch butterflies and decided to help, launching a project she called the Magical Milkweed Market.

In her garden greenhouse, Bristol cultivates three different types of native milkweed plants, crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies as they migrate each year down through the United States to Mexico. She sells these plants at local markets and festivals, spreading awareness about the importance of protecting monarch populations, which are declining due to habitat loss, agricultural chemicals, and the need for more milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs.

Despite early challenges in growing the milkweed plants, Bristol’s determination has only strengthened. She educates people of all ages and backgrounds about milkweed and monarchs, at schools, businesses, and libraries, igniting a sense of responsibility toward conservation in her community.

In her spare time, Bristol is a competitive gymnast, highlighting her dedication to excellence in various aspects of her life. Her future plans include continuing her advocacy for monarch butterflies, expanding her reach through educational videos on platforms like YouTube, and nurturing her passion for gymnastics.

Bristol says, “I believe every milkweed plant I grow is a step closer to saving our monarch butterflies and preserving our planet’s natural beauty.”

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090238056742

Maria Hrushetska
Age 16
Pokrov, Ukraine
Doshcholov Rainwater Catcher / Rainwater Collection

Amid the tragic war in Ukraine, 16-year-old Maria Hrushetska has emerged as a beacon of resilience and ingenuity. When Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant in June 2023, Maria's hometown of Pokrov was left desperately lacking water. Refusing to be deterred, Maria rallied her classmates to find a sustainable solution – the "Doshcholov" Rainwater Catcher.

Maria designed an innovative system to harvest rainwater using repurposed materials like billboards for the catchment area. Leveraging her technical skills honed from years of assisting her engineer brother and father in their workshop, she singlehandedly constructed 10 rainwater catchers despite limited resources and funds.

"I learned to create technical prototypes on my own," Maria explains. "Now I know that it is possible to create a solution even without significant resources; at the same time, I learned how to present the project to others to get their support."

To raise money for materials, Maria's team launched a crowdfunding campaign which earned support from 81 donors across the local community. They shared their design widely, conducting workshops to teach other students in Ukraine how to build their own rainwater catchers. A single heavy rainfall can yield up to 100 liters of clean water with Maria's ingenious system.

Though the initial goal was to provide emergency water access, Maria recognized her project's broader environmental impact. "City residents will be able to take water absolutely free of charge… Anyone can use this technology, which will allow many towns to cope with the technical and drinking water crisis."

Maria's achievements amid the chaos of war are nothing short of extraordinary. With incredible determination and a passion for engineering, she turned a crisis into an opportunity to innovate. Her rainwater catcher has inspired youth across Ukraine to develop grassroots solutions, cultivating hope for a more sustainable future.

Looking ahead, this eco-warrior plans to continue scaling up her project and pursue an engineering degree to design more technologies addressing environmental challenges. For Maria, the fight for a cleaner, more resilient world doesn't pause – even in the darkest of times.

biggggidea.com/project/doscholov-voda-z-neba-tam-de-treba/

Manasseh Aluga
Age 16
Jos Plateau, Nigeria
Plastic Waste to Bricks / Kundu Waste Management Project

At just 16 years old, Manasseh has emerged as a pioneering force in Nigeria's fight against plastic pollution. Witnessing the devastation caused by plastic waste in his community of Jos, he took it upon himself to develop an innovative solution – the Kundu Waste Management Project.

The heart of Manasseh's initiative is converting plastic waste into eco-friendly building bricks through a novel shredding and compaction process. He designed and constructed a low-cost plastic shredder from locally sourced materials to efficiently process the waste. He has also organized training sessions to recruit fellow students into the Kundu Waste Management Corps, actively involving youth in waste collection and recycling efforts.

Since its launch in March 2022, the Kundu project has achieved impressive results. Manasseh successfully produced the first prototypes of his eco-bricks made from recycled plastic and began distributing them to local construction sites. His shredder has processed over 800 kg of plastic waste, diverting it from landfills and waterways. In 2023, his innovative idea earned him a $100 grant from the Goodwall #GoodImpact pitch competition.

Despite facing immense challenges including limited funding and resources, Manasseh has displayed remarkable resilience and dedication. He has self-funded portions of his project by sacrificing his own school transportation and meal allowances. Tragically, he lost his father in 2020 but has persevered with support from his widowed mother and uncle.

Looking ahead, Manasseh plans to turn his project into a full-fledged organization to expand plastic recycling efforts across Nigeria. His ultimate goal is to leverage mechanical engineering to design innovative waste management technologies that create a cleaner, greener future for his nation and the world.

"I was inspired to initiate my project as a result of the dire plastic pollution crisis in Nigeria and the urgent need for sustainable solutions within my immediate community," Manasseh explains.

linkedin.com/in/manasseh-aluga-88562728a/

Romaan Jawwad
Age 15
Lahore, Pakistan
Blind Dolphin Protection / Eco Shores: Safer & Healthier Oceans

When Romaan learned that endangered blind dolphins in the Indus River were being accidentally entangled and dying in fishermen’s nets, she set out to save them. Romaan created a prototype of fishing nets with pingers attached that emit small beeps when launched in water, alerting the dolphins who then avoid getting caught in the nets.

These kinds of nets are popular in developed countries, however, they were not used for fishing in the Indus River in Pakistan. Romaan was able to prototype the nets with cheaper recyclable materials to make them more affordable and sustainable. The pingers also utilize robotics and are programmed with activation sensors to widen the understanding of how these nets work. She has supplied the nets to 80 local small fishing boats. Her innovative project, "Safer Nets for Healthier Oceans,"  has significantly contributed to decreasing dolphin mortality rates.

Romaan’s next steps are to supply more local fishing boats and companies with safer fishing nets and to press local authorities to implement existing legislation for the protection of the species. Her passion for protecting endangered species like the blind Indus river dolphin inspires others to drive tangible change in sustainable fishing practices along the Indus River.

Despite facing challenges and discrimination due to her age and gender, Romaan's resilience and determination have earned recognition from esteemed institutions like the CRIMA (Centre of Research and Innovation in Maritime Affairs) at Minhaj University Lahore. Her project has been a catalyst for positive change, fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices among local communities.

Romaan is committed to expanding her project's impact by also advocating for stronger legislative measures to protect Pakistan's precious aquatic ecosystems.

"Together,” Romaan says, “we can create a world where humans and marine life thrive in harmony, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come."

instagram.com/eco_shores_/

Tejas Pugalia
Age 16
Maharashtra, India
Threads4Good / Textile Waste to Bags

Tejas is a dedicated environmental enthusiast spearheading the impactful initiative called "Threads4Good." His initiative not only combats climate change but also promotes education for underprivileged students as well as employment opportunities for marginalized communities.

At the heart of Threads4Good is the innovative idea of reusing textile waste to create school bags, addressing both environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Tejas recognized a critical need when he discovered that many students in rural India were missing school during monsoon months due to the lack of proper bags. This realization fueled his passion to create a solution that reduces textile waste while also empowering vulnerable groups like widows and individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment creating the bags.

With over 5,000 school bags crafted from approximately 8,400 pieces of discarded clothing, Threads4Good has conserved more than 40 million liters of water and prevented 35,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions. Beyond these impressive numbers, Threads4Good has employed more than 80 individuals with disabilities, providing them with fair wages and a sense of purpose.

Tejas began Threads4Good in June 2022 and has since expanded to five cities across India, partnering with 15 educational institutes and various corporations. His goal is to provide bags to those in need and advocate for sustainable practices and environmental awareness in communities nationwide.

In the future, Tejas envisions Threads4Good as a global movement, transcending boundaries to impact lives globally. His plans include diversifying the product range to include essentials like shopping bags, furthering the environmental impact while fostering economic empowerment.

"Threads4Good is not just about reusing textile waste,” says Tejas.”It's about weaving a brighter future for our planet and the people who call it home."

threads4good.org

Sahithi Radha
Age 16
Hyderabad, India
E-CYCL / E-Waste Recycling

Drawing from her experience as a United Nations National Environmental Program Ambassador for India during her freshman year, Sahithi created E-CYCL-India, an electronic waste recycling and awareness initiative. Through student-led informational sessions at schools, campuses, and office spaces, she and other E-CYCL volunteers have explained the perils that e-waste poses and advocated for sustainable solutions.

Through tireless efforts and determination, Sahithi’s initiative has facilitated the recycling of over 10,000 kilograms of e-waste and has supported the lives of 50 sanitation workers. Her impact extends beyond recycling drives, as she actively works towards policy reforms to address child labor in the sanitation sector, where children are exposed to cancer-causing carcinogens and are pulled out of school at a young age. Sahithi's commitment to environmental justice has earned her international recognition, awards, and support from TheWorldAround, Meta Open Arts, UNESCO, and several multinational corporations.

Despite challenges faced as a teenage girl in a predominantly male-dominated sector, Sahithi has persevered, turning obstacles into stepping stones for change. She has leveraged her platform to educate hundreds of young people through awareness sessions utilizing a network of 150 green ambassadors across four metropolitan cities in India.

Sahithi is very proud that the Guggenheim Museum in New York showcased a documentary on E-CYCL for Earth Day, bringing additional recognition and attention to the importance of their cause.

“Faced with various challenges, from climate change to social justice issues, it is crucial for young people to channel their passion into avenues that promote positive change. Mere impassioned feelings are not enough; we must be intentional about where we direct that passion. Only then can we leverage the vitality of our generation to create a lasting impact.”

sahithiradha.com

Rory Hu
Age 14
Cupertino, California, USA
Honey Bee Conservation & Research

Stemming from her love of honey on toast, Rory became a passionate advocate for bee conservation and research. She became concerned about bee colony collapse and discovered that a group of pesticides designed to kill the bee parasite known as the Varroa mite is believed to be a major culprit of their population decline. In 2021, building on previous honeybee research, Rory brought new ideas and methodology to her project, "The Effects of Pesticides, Caffeine & Tea Polyphenols on the Visual and Olfactory Learning and Memory of the Honey Bee." 

Rory’s favorite part of her research project was designing a harness for the bees. “I started with taping bees to cotton and continuously improved my model with items around the house. Finally, I created a secure, efficient, and easy-to-release harness, which paved the way for the success of my research. I learned that I like to invent new things and that I have tenacity when something does not go as planned.”

Rory found that tea polyphenols and caffeine were able to repair and even improve the bees’ learning and memory after exposure to pesticides. She says that these findings are crucial because beekeepers can add tea polyphenols and caffeine to their sucrose, which could save millions of bees. “My research effectively countered the harmful effects of miticides…saving not only their lives but also the beekeeping industry and the ecosystem as a whole.”

In addition to her research endeavors, Rory is actively involved in bee advocacy as the vice president of the Bee Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about bees, especially among youth. She has organized educational events, spoken at schools and community gatherings, and engaged with local authorities to promote bee-friendly policies.

Rory's work has earned her recognition at regional, state, and national science fairs, where she won top awards for her category. As a result, she has been featured in national media outlets, showcasing her commitment to environmental conservation and scientific innovation and broadly spreading awareness about the importance of bees.

"Saving bees is not just about protecting a species,” says Rory. “It's about preserving our ecosystem and securing our future."

roryhu.com

Victor Xu
Age 16
North York, Ontario, Canada
The Green Society/Environmental Activism & Youth Empowerment

Victor is a dedicated environmental activist and advocate for youth empowerment. He is the founder of The Green Society, an international nonprofit organization focused on driving environmental change through education and advocacy.

Under Victor's leadership, The Green Society has achieved remarkable milestones. The organization hosts an annual environmental and climate fiction-writing contest as well as workshops and webinars, engaging individuals globally in discussions about environmental challenges and solutions. These initiatives not only raise awareness but also inspire action and empower youth to become environmental stewards in their communities.

Additionally, The Green Society collaborates with schools and community groups to promote environmental education and sustainability through partnerships with like-minded organizations. Victor and his team have plans to organize tree-planting drives, beach clean-ups, and recycling campaigns, to contribute tangible improvements to local ecosystems.

Victor's commitment to environmental activism extends beyond his organization. He actively participates in scientific research projects, advocates for sustainable practices in industries, and engages in extracurricular activities related to environmental advocacy, leadership, and STEM education. His work has garnered recognition and awards for his contributions to environmental conservation and youth engagement.

“Running this NPO has allowed me to realize the importance of educating younger generations to ensure a more sustainable future. This has also sparked inspiration in me to pursue numerous other projects aimed at environmental betterment.”

the-green-society.org

Te'Lario Watkins II
Age 16
Blacklick, Ohio, USA
The Garden Club Project

Te'Lario is a dedicated 16-year-old advocate for ending hunger and promoting healthier eating habits among children. He founded The Garden Club Project, a nonprofit organization based in Ohio, USA, to teach kids how to grow their own food. He knew that education would foster an appreciation for nature and promote environmental sustainability. He began in March 2020, driven by a passion to feed vulnerable community members.

Te'Lario's accomplishments through The Garden Club Project include growing over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce for his community from 2020 to 2023. In addition, the Garden Club created and distributed 300 seed kits to kids at farmers markets and schools, and provided 150 mushroom kits to underserved elementary students to educate them about fungi and nutrition. He actively collaborates with seven local farms, working to build a just and sustainable food system in his city.

Te’Lario’s dedication to environmental and social causes has earned him many accolades. He is the recipient of the Hormel Food Hero Award, Barron Prize, Points Of Light Award, and a Generation Green Award from Kendall Rae Johnson, Georgia’s widely celebrated youngest farmer. Te'Lario's project also contributes to environmental justice by advocating for clean water and safe and affordable food sources for all.

Te'Lario aims to expand his nonprofit to help other cities create local food systems using his successful model. His motto is, "Dream Big & Believe Big! I did it – so can you."

instagram.com/thegardenclubproject

Yashwin Adusumilli
Age 14
Parkland, Florida, USA
Marine Guard Project + Anglers of Tomorrow

Yashwin is a passionate marine conservationist, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to reduce nutrient pollution and preserve marine ecosystems. He began with a profound interest in marine life, leading him to join the Marine Guard Project based in South Florida, USA. This project's primary objective is to employ Gracilaria tikvahiae seaweed as a biofilter to mitigate nutrient pollution in marine environments.

Yashwin's involvement in the Marine Guard Project is multifaceted. He conducts thorough research, collaborates with local environmental agencies, and works closely with academic institutions to implement innovative solutions for restoring and maintaining marine ecosystems. Through his dedication and hands-on approach, Yashwin aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of preserving marine biodiversity among his peers and the broader community.

At the core of Yashwin's initiatives is the nonprofit organization he founded, Anglers of Tomorrow. This organization is dedicated to educating youth about sustainable fishing practices and wildlife conservation, fostering a sense of responsibility towards marine life. Through Anglers of Tomorrow, Yashwin not only promotes environmental stewardship but also inspires young enthusiasts to actively contribute to marine habitat protection.

Yashwin's exemplary work has been honored with prestigious awards such as the National Wildlife Federation’s Young Conservationist Award and the Coastal Conservation Association Award. These kudos reflect his significant contributions to promoting marine ecosystem preservation and environmental stewardship among youth.

"Protecting Our Oceans, One Step at a Time."

anglersoftomorrow.com

Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu
Age 16
Frisco, Texas, USA
Project Nature Worthy

Saanvi is a young environmental activist leading the charge of promoting the benefits of time spent outdoors by creating opportunities for youth to connect with nature.

Driven by a deep passion for community well-being, Saanvi launched Project Nature Worthy in the summer of 2021. Her mission is clear: to encourage, inspire, and build opportunities for children from marginalized communities and those with limited exposure to nature to connect with the outdoors, promote physical and mental well-being, foster environmental stewardship, and cultivate resilience and belonging within their communities.

Under Saanvi's leadership, Project Nature Worthy has reached over 1,000 children from diverse backgrounds. Through outdoor experiential learning programs, educational workshops, and seminars, she has sparked a love for nature and instilled conservation and sustainability values.

Collaborating with organizations like the National Park Trust, Outdoor Alliance for Kids, Keep Texas Beautiful, and the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, Saanvi has organized nature outings, educational gardens, community clean-up events, and advocacy campaigns, working to ensure that children have equal access to the transformative power of nature regardless of their socio-economic status.

Saanvi has received support and recognition from key stakeholders, including the National Park Trust, Outdoor Alliance for Kids, Keep Texas Beautiful, and Ray Roberts State Park. Her advocacy work in Washington D.C., where she met with policymakers and lobbied for legislation supporting outdoor education and conservation initiatives, has made a significant impact on environmental justice efforts.

"Nature is not just our home,” says Saanvi, “it's our greatest teacher, showing us the beauty of resilience and the power of connection." 

instagram.com/chalkbagsntents