Australia’s award-winning Eco-Schools program is at risk of closure, but it’s not too late to act

Keep Australia Beautiful is urging corporate Australia to step in and help save Eco-Schools, a national sustainability education initiative that empowers students to take real-world environmental action. The program is under threat due to the withdrawal of government funding.

Eco-Schools is part of the world’s largest sustainable schools program, active in 79 countries and engaging over 19.5 million students globally. In Australia, it has been running since 2014, giving students of all ages the tools, structure, and motivation to lead change in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Through a simple seven-step framework, students address environmental challenges, from restoring habitats to cutting school emissions, and can earn the internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation.

With a number of schools already participating across NSW, NT and other states, Eco-Schools has helped build a generation of young sustainability leaders.

Now, that impact is in jeopardy. Without immediate support, Eco-Schools Australia will shut down, cutting off one of the nation’s most effective and empowering grassroots education movements.

“Eco-Schools has enabled tens of thousands of students to take meaningful climate action, building leadership, crucial skills, and hope for the future,” said Val Southam, CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful.

“With modest investment, this program can continue to inspire change for years to come.”

Just $200,000 annually is required to keep Eco-Schools running, with critical momentum already built in NSW and NT.

Organisations interested in supporting youth-led environmental action are encouraged to contact Val Southam at ceo@kabnsw.org.au, CEO at Keep Australia Beautiful.

About Eco-Schools

Founded in 1994, Eco-Schools is the largest global education program for sustainability, operating in 79 countries and engaging over 19.5 million young people
Participating schools lead local sustainability projects ranging from biodiversity and water conservation to waste reduction and energy efficiency
Learn more at https://eco-schools.org.au/

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