The Borders Environmental Engagement Project or BEEP is currently putting in applications for funding to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Esmee Fairbairn and Leader+ to change how young people contribute to and benefit from their local environment by supporting partners to increase the number, quality, take up and co-ordination of environmental engagement opportunities and developing better local partnership between the youth/community and environmental sectors. The project will achieve this by:
Building the capacity of local organisations to design, deliver and participate in high quality youth environmental work, through a programme of training that provides for learning progression and equal opportunities,
Developing links and awareness between environmental partners & youth/community organisations to increase understanding of each others needs, language and structures and in particular raising awareness of the benefits of engaging young people with their local heritage and global environment,
Driving a network which promotes good practice and shares information through seminars, newsletters, learning journeys etc,
Promoting and supporting the development of environmental engagement projects by community groups or other organisations, including making links to useful local, regional or national initiatives and giving advice on funding sources,
Developing and co-ordinating opportunities to promote the Scottish Borders as a centre for outdoor learning to make accessing info on opportunities easier and
Providing a local environmental education viewpoint into relevant regional and national strategic groups.
Current Situation / Need for a Project

A number of studies have proven the huge range of benefits of engaging young people in environmental learning / action. For the young people these include raising academic attainment through improved attitude to learning, developing active citizens who have a greater sense of belonging and responsibility and are empowered to take action, nurturing creativity, reducing behaviour problems, increasing social and political awareness and improving self-esteem and independence, physical and mental health. Using environmental engagement activities to develop young people's pride of place has the potential therefore to benefit local society by improving environmental sustainability, improving the rural economy and reducing crime rates.