Young international environmental leaders in Wollongong

12-July-2002

Young environmental leaders from Australia and the Asia Pacific region will be based at the University of Wollongong this week, taking part in the Young Environment Envoys Program (YEEP).

They will study environmental issues in the Illawarra, as well as travelling to Sydney and Canberra for special sessions. Eleven international envoys from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam will join eight Australian envoys, including three from Wollongong.

Two photo opportunities -

Monday, 15 July 9-10.45am: The envoys will be at Mt Keira Lookout, being given an overview of the Illawarra region's environmental issues including industry, coastal management, transport and urban issues.

2.30-5pm: The envoys will be visiting the Solid Waste and Energy recycling Facility (SWERF) operated by Wollongong City Council at Whyte's Gully, Kembla Grange. They will be attending an information session at the Glengarry Homestead at the facility.

The YEEP Program The United Nations Environment Program's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the University of Wollongong initiated YEEP in 1998, in partnership with Environment Australia and Qantas. The program is designed to support young people aged between 17 and 24 in Australia and the Asia/Pacific region who have shown leadership qualities through activities to improve the environment in their own communities. During their time in Australia, the YEEP envoys will be exposed to environmental education and management workshops, seminars with industry, community and Aboriginal leaders, and to environmental programs, education and initiatives.

For further information, contact the University of Wollongong Media Unit on 02 4221 5942 or 02 4221 3110.