Falinge Park High students in finals of national STEM competition

Falinge Park High School

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A team of students from Falinge Park High School is one of five to advance to the finals of a STEM competition which has reached the UK for the first time.

The annual OurEcho Challenge by nonprofit EarthEcho International has been running in the United States for three years.  

OurEcho Challenge encourages students to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities, identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect or repair those natural resources.

Three winning entries will receive funding and support to implement and track the success of the innovative solutions they have proposed, with grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 to help turn their projects into reality.

Team Falinge is looking to increase the amount of sphagnum moss in local peat bogs to make a positive impact on biodiversity and air quality. This team’s community council has a goal to 'restore 50-75% of peatland by 2038' so they are taking small steps to make a big difference as well as make their school a better place for all living things.

EarthEcho International founder Philippe Cousteau, Jr. said: “The OurEcho 2023 finalist teams impressed us with their grasp of local biodiversity and a broad range of issues and potential solutions, from tackling emissions by designing a bio-fuelled waste disposal truck to restoring local peat bogs.

“These young innovators and problem solvers provide us with a glimpse into the global youth movement that is reinvigorating environmental advocacy around the globe.”

The OurEcho Challenge finalist teams prepare and share final presentations to a panel of expert judges, and with the public, virtually on 25 May at 6pm during EarthEcho’s Facebook live-stream event.