The National Coastal Awareness Committee in Collaboration with the Bahamas Reef Educational Environmental Foundation (BREEF) Eco-Schools programme is challenging young people from around The Bahamas to identify and recommend solutions to challenges in their coastal environment through an iREPORT competition.

It’s all a part of Coastal Awareness Month, which creates a series of public awareness and educational activities under the theme, “If not now, when?...If not us, who?”

This marks the 13th official launch of the competition, which closes on May 29th, 2015.

Chairman of the Coastal Awareness Committee Earlston McPhee says the competition is vital to sustainable development.

“The importance is really to get our young people involved in finding sustainable development issues that we are challenged with in The Bahamas. As they are the future it is critically important that we get them involved at all levels to find solutions to the issues. This competition provides that opportunity as it is nationally focused,” he said.

Agencies involved in the National Coastal Awareness Committee include the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Education, BREEF, Stuart Cove Dive, Dolphin Encounters, The Organization of American States (OAS), Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Bahamas Environmental Science and Technology commission (BEST) and the Port Authority.

“We want to thank all the agencies and others who have assisted in this effort. Without their assistance we would not be able to do this,” Mr. Mcphee added.

The contest seeks to attract students from both the primary and secondary school levels, youth clubs/ groups in The Bahamas.

The competition is open to individuals between ages 8-17. Participants may submit more than one entry.

The entries should be the original work of the entrant. The submitted work should draw the attention of a local issue, provoke conversation and lead the community toward a solution.

The entry can be photographic entry or a video documentary.

The first place winner of the competition will receive a $500 cash reward, their story showcased in the local media and an all-expense paid trip to a local Eco-Adventure Camp.

The second place winner will win $300 cash and all expense paid trip to a local Eco-Adventure Camp.

The third place will win $150 cash and an all expense paid trip to a local Eco-Adventure Camp.

For further information contact BREEF at 327-9000 and breef@breef.org