EarthEcho International Empowers Youth to Lead the Way in Protecting Local Ecosystems and Restoring Biodiversity

The annual STEM Contest, the OurEcho Challenge, is now open for entries

Washington, DC (February 24, 2025) EarthEcho International is excited to announce that the 2025 OurEcho Challenge is now open for submissions. This innovative STEM competition invites young people, ages 13-16, to explore biodiversity in their local communities and develop solutions to restore and protect native species and ecosystems. Entries are being accepted from now until April 22, 2025.

The OurEcho Challenge is designed to engage youth in identifying the unique environmental threats their communities face and to encourage creative, impactful action to safeguard and restore the local ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

“We continue to be inspired by the passion and ingenuity of young people across the country who are leading efforts to protect biodiversity,” said Stacey Rafalowski, Chief Program Officer at EarthEcho International. “We’re looking forward to seeing the next wave of innovative ideas from young leaders, and we are confident that this year’s entrants will further the movement of youth-powered environmental action.”

How to Enter:

Students can participate individually, as part of a small team, or with their entire class. Youth can submit entries directly but, teachers, parents, and other adult supporters are encouraged to utilize the resources available at www.ourechochallenge.org to guide and inspire students both in and out of the classroom.

What’s at Stake:‍

In April 2025, EarthEcho will select three winning teams to receive project grants that will bring their proposed solutions to life. Top teams will be awarded grants of $1,000, $2,000, and $3,000 to fund their projects, with ongoing support and guidance from EarthEcho.

The Urgency of Biodiversity Protection:

The 2025 challenge comes at a time when biodiversity is in crisis. Globally, species are disappearing at unprecedented rates, and ecosystems are being disrupted by human activity. Recent studies highlight the urgent need for action:

  • 1 million species are at risk of extinction, with many facing irreversible loss
  • Nearly 75% of terrestrial and 66% of marine ecosystems have been significantly altered by human actions
  • The global decline in pollinators threatens up to $577 billion in annual crop production
  • Since 1970, the world has lost half of its wildlife populations, with North America seeing a loss of 3 billion birds
  • Insect populations have dropped by 40% globally, with a third of species facing endangerment

* (Sources: 2019 United Nations IPBES Global Assessment, 2016 WWF Living Planet Report, 2019 AAAS Report, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

The OurEcho Challenge continues to be a critical platform for young environmental leaders to make an impact. Through creativity, science, and passion, these young advocates are bringing fresh solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

For More Information:

Visit www.ourechochallenge.org for full competition details, entry guidelines, and resources.

Follow EarthEcho International on social media:

For more information about EarthEcho International, visit www.earthecho.org.

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Media Contact: 

Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski

kasey@earthecho.org