The Environmental Management Authority recently issued a calendar featuring art pieces done by the EMA Youth Ambassadors.

The artwork was created during the EMA's annual youth camp in 2010 and 2011. The camp is open to Sixth Form pupils studying environment-related subjects or those with a passion for the environment.

Each workshop functions under an environmental theme.

In 2010 the theme was "Sustainable livlihoods: Green Living in 21st Century"'.

One of the EMA's main responsibilities is the promotion of environmental awareness. To achieve this, the EMA has engaged in several public education and outreach activities since its inception. One of the EMA's major achievements in this area continues to be its youth education programmes such as the Primary Schools' 'Hands On' Environmental Programme and the Secondary Schools' Eco-Song and Dramatic Envirologue Competitions.

The Youth Workshop, first held in July

2008, involves a holistic interactive approach to education as participants are immersed in the environment for a week and interact directly with the various stakeholders involved in the environmental management process.

The participants create educational products such as drama, short films, posters, poetry and articles based on the workshop's theme. For the 2011 Youth Workshop the theme focused on the International Year of Forests: 'Forest for People'.

In an effort to continue the promotion of environmental management issues among the participants of the Environmental Workshops, the EMA's Youth Ambassadors programme was developed. 

This programme, formally established in 2010, aims to cultivate a cohesive unit of young leaders who are not only aware of the environmental issues facing our country, but are also active participants in the management of these issues.

One of the main goals of the Youth Ambassadors is the promotion of greater environmental awareness among their peers. To achieve this, the Ambassadors creatively portray environmental messages through the arts, including drama, posters, song, music, dance and poetry.

As they work towards becoming future leaders in the field of environmental management, they hope to engage in more national and international youth forums to ensure that their views are included in environmental management decision-making.

It is hoped that showcasing the artwork would promote greater environmental awareness and appreciation in Trinidad and Tobago.

The calendar is currently being distributed and persons interested in acquiring one can call 628-8042.