Eco Heroes Celebrated At Community Awards

Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's people-powered campaign dedicated to promoting civic pride and fostering environmental stewardship, has announced the recipients of its 2024 Community Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Belfast Harbour and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), took place on 29 February and celebrated the many individuals and community organisations that dedicate their time to improving the environment through activities such as education, litter-picking, and tackling biodiversity loss.

Following a nomination period which was open to the public throughout January, 12 awards were distributed on the evening, including nine Champions Awards to outstanding individuals or organisations from Live Here Love Here's partner Council areas. Winners included Belfast City Council's Colin Green Spaces Volunteers and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Saintfield Community Association Environment Team.

The Rising Star Award, which acknowledged up-and-coming environmental leaders, was awarded to Rebekah Bajko, whilst Ark Community Gardens received the Community Together Award, supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, in acknowledgement of their efforts to address community division through environmental action.

The Legacy Award was presented to Tidy Randalstown for their long-standing commitment to environmental causes and community service, including transforming neglected areas that can be enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. Comber Regeneration was also recognised in this category for their dedication to environmental sustainability and their proactive stance in addressing the challenges of climate change.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, said: "I am very proud that DAERA supports the Live Here Love Here programme which gives volunteers with a passion for the environment, the chance to learn, to connect with others and to take action to create a cleaner, greener and healthier environment for us all. These awards commemorate and recognise civic activism and civic pride in our community and provide a well-deserved opportunity to reward and honour community groups and individuals for their hard work and commitment throughout the past year. It truly is a great achievement we are celebrating 10 years of the programme and I'm delighted to present the DAERA Legacy Award to Tidy Randalstown which recognises their passion and commitment to look after our precious environment. Your example is inspirational, and I hope it encourages others to make a difference, whether it's a litter pick, volunteering time, or simply encouraging others to do more environmentally friendly actions."

2024 marks 10 years of Live Here Love Here, detailing the campaign's ongoing commitment to improving communities across Northern Ireland and empowering people to protect the environment.

Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: "Our Community Awards are always a highlight, not only because they recognise and honour the diverse environmental contributions made by community members across Northern Ireland, but also because it's an opportunity for us to reflect on the success of the Live Here Love Here programme. This year's instalment is made all the more special as we're marking ten years of community support for the campaign. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the nominees and recipients – their remarkable achievements will inspire others to join the moment towards a cleaner, greener, and more connected Northern Ireland. We also extend our thanks to DAERA, Belfast Harbour, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and our nine council partners whose support has been instrumental in the positive momentum of Live Here Love Here."

Over 130 people attended the awards ceremony, with Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office providing a unique setting.

Jenni Barkley, Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager at Belfast Harbour, said: "We're delighted to support the Community Awards to help highlight the importance of collective action when it comes to doing more for our environment. It's been wonderful to attend the awards and hear about the dedication and commitment from people in communities right across Northern Ireland. We commend the nominees and recipients for making a tangible difference and inspiring others to take action."

Some of Live Here Love Here's initiative include Big Spring Clean and Adopt a Spot. For more information visit liveherelovehere.org