60 students from 12 secondary schools participated in the Debate Contest, conducted by the Young reporters for the Environment Programme in Greece, coordinated by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.

The aim was to empower students to form speeches providing arguments, develop communication and listening skills, to cultivate rational thinking, towards sustainable development. The Debate Contest was held in three phases, and participants were divided in two age groups (11-14 y.o & 15-18 y.o.).

Students had the opportunity to research and study biodiversity and climate change related issues extensively, during the previous months. Representative of the Ministry of Education highlighted the importance of the debate contests to promote democracy through education and wished good luck to the participants. The audience was amazed by the performance of the students. Participants received certificates and winners were awarded with gift cards from a local bookshop. They were also invited in the Ceremony of the 70 years Anniversary of HSPN, where they had the opportunity to meet and discuss with the President of the Hellenic Republic and various representatives from the environmental movement in Greece.