Conservation education scholarship launched

A new conservation education scholarship will support future environmental leaders from the Nelson / Tasman region.

Project Janszoon has today launched the scholarship which will provide school leavers with $1,000 towards further learning in the conservation, ecology or leadership fields. One scholarship will be offered annually for the next ten years and former Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors will be eligible to apply.

Project Janszoon director Bruce Vander Lee says Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors have a passion for the Park and nature.

“For a project like Project Janszoon, which aims to transform the ecology of the Abel Tasman over 30 years, it really is the case that today’s youth are the future stewards of the Park. This scholarship will support them to pursue their development as conservation and community leaders,” he says.

Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors are chosen from schools who are part of the Project Janszoon / Department of Conservation education programme. Currently Motueka High School, Golden Bay High School and Motupipi Primary School are involved and there are plans for the programme to be extended to further schools.

DOC education ranger Brooke Turner says the scholarship will be a reward for the hard work that students put into the programme.

“Year after year, we are continually impressed by the dedication and energy students contribute to the ATYA programme. Into our fourth year, we are overwhelmed with the continued return of past students, and how their growth and development is helping shape how the programme is delivered,” she says.

Motueka High School’s teacher in charge of environmental education Heidi James is welcoming the scholarship.

"What a generous offer from Project Janszoon to have a $1,000 scholarship available for one of our Abel Tasman Youth Ambassador students. This shows a commitment to the partnership between Project Janszoon and the schools towards the environmental education of our students,” she says.

The Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors and education programme is also supported by Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle which provides transport into the Park for the students.

It is expected the scholarship will be used by students pursuing a university degree in conservation or ecology, or training such as Outward Bound or the NMIT trainee ranger programme. Students will apply for the scholarship and a panel will award one each year starting in 2018.
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