Youth Conservation Competition
TIDE’s Youth Conservation Competition (YCC) aims to engage youths from across Belize in contemporary conservation issues through the youths who are attending college or university partnering with conservation NGO’s and competing for scholarship prize money.
The competition is made up of three sections. Firstly each contestant quickly introduces themselves (three minutes) so the judges and audience understand who is representing who, and give us all a sample of what is to come from their presentation. (See Mavel Guittierez’s 2024 Introduction below)
Secondly each candidate is allotted eight minutes (including setup) to present on how their partner organization works towards TIDE’s yearly theme. They are judged on creativity of their stage design and costumes (costumes and props must be made of at least 70% recycled material), and the validity and clarity of their messages. (see Mael Guittierez’s 2024 presentation)
Lastly, each candidate is asked questions from a list of set questions concerning TIDE’s annual theme by the masters of ceremony.
The competition is NOT a beauty competition as it is designed to educate the general public, especially our youth on conservation efforts in the country. It will also demonstrate that our young people are talented and knowledgeable of the importance of our natural resources. Also keep in mind that your candidate can be either male or female.
In 2025 TIDE will host the Youth Conservation Competition focused on the theme “Improving Biodiversity through Action”, if you would like to be involved contact Mr. Federico Caal – TIDE’s Education and Outreach Co-ordinator – +501 611-2431 / 722-2274
2024 Update:
$1,500bzd was offered for first place$700bzd for second place, $550bzd for third place, all runner’s up were offered $300bzd. The monies were paid to the education institutions that the contestants were attending. In 2024 TIDE opened the entrants to include Governmental Organizations and non-profits as well as conservation NGOs. We widened the field as we believe that it’s not only the role of conservation NGO’s to be working towards creating a brighter sustainable future, it’s something every organization can participate in! For 2025 we encourage every business big or small to consider assisting a youth from their community in celebrating their efforts in creating our shared vision that “Toledo’s healthy ecosystems support biodiversity, and communities, whilst contributing to national sustainable development goals”!
The competition was fierce, and the turnout was exceptional as youths demonstrated how their partner organizations are “Linking Land and Seascapes for Conservation”. The level of excellence in presentation matched the hard work and thought that went into preparation.
TIDE congratulate all six young ladies on a wonderful job in representing NGO’s across Belize in this edge-of-the-seat show.
After triple-checking the calculations, we are pleased to announce the Champion of TIDE’s Youth Conservation Competition 2024 as:
Mavel Guttierez from Cowpen – who represented Southern Environmental Association.
Roxanna Shoox took second place representing Oceana Belize .
Third place went to Shahilma Sho, from Pueblo Viejo who represented Ya’axché Conservation Trust.
We would like to thank the remaining participants Jahmaya Colon (TIDE), Clarentina Salam (Plenty) and Ms. Choco (PGTV) for their commitment to linking land and seascapes for conservation.
It was difficult work for the judges, but we thank them, along with the tabulators, Paul Mahung, and the TIDE staff who volunteered their time to make this event possible.
TIDE thank all partner organizations for supporting their candidates to produce a high level of participation with a special mention to the support from Georgetown Technical High School and their Environmental Club who enriched the event for us all! We are grateful for much needed support from the IUCN with the logistics. All entrants received a gift basket courtesy of Santiago Castillo Limited.
