Derry MLA calls for urgent intervention to save Eco Schools programme

SDLP Climate Change spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has expressed concerns around the future of the Eco Schools programme, in the DCSDC area, an initiative which educates and fosters environmental awareness in children.  

It follows a decision from Derry and Strabane District Council not to allocate the necessary £11,000 to continue the initiative amid budget pressures. 

The Foyle MLA and former Environment Minister said: “The Eco Schools programme is an invaluable environmental initiative that instils the principles for a sustainable future in the younger generation.

"It has already inspired and empowered thousands of kids across the North to make positive environmentally beneficial changes in their daily lives as well as encouraging, or pestering, their parents to make similar choices. 

“We all have a moral duty to leave this planet in a better condition than we found it, which is why education is so critical in the fight back against climate change. It remains one of my proudest achievements during my tenure as Environment Minister to get every school in the North involved in the Eco Schools programme- we were the only place in the world to achieve that feat. We should be building on that progress not cutting off its resources. 

“The programme has grown from strength to strength delivering tangible and positive results. The scheme has created Outdoor Learning and Biodiversity Gardens in schools across the region and increased the number of Green Flags in the Council area by 13%.  We must keep that momentum."

Mr Durkan concluded: "I fully acknowledge the budget pressures facing Council at this time and ideally, the onus to fund this programme should fall to central government. 

“A great deal of progress has been made in recent years to tackle the Climate crisis head on. Educating our children on the importance of a sustainable future is an integral cog in achieving zero emission targets set out in the Climate Change Act.

"The SDLP will do everything in our power to secure funding to continue this vital work.”