Coast Care Awards 2014 - Closing Date Approaching!!

There is one week left to enter the Coca-Cola Coast Care Awards, managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful! These Awards acknowledge the excellent work of individuals and groups involved in the protection and conservation of our coastline and inland waterways.

If you work with or know of a group that deserves an award for the work carried out on a coastal or inland waterway project, or if there is an individual who you think is so inspiring they deserve to be recognised for their contribution to protecting the Northern Ireland coastline or waterways then we want to hear from you.

There is also a coastal and inland waterway photography competition for professional and amateur photographers supported by Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The image could highlight the fun and colourful activities groups have engaged in during the Coast Care programme or celebrate the natural beauty of Northern Ireland's coastlines and inland waterways; so get snapping!

Closing date is 5pm on Friday 12th September

AWARD CATEGORIES
1. Coca-Cola Coast Care Group Award
This award recognises the excellent work of a group throughout the year, who has worked with their local beach operator (e.g. council) and key stakeholders on the creation of an exemplary beach management committee for their stretch of coastline.
2. Coca-Cola Inland Waterway Group Award
This award recognises the excellent work of a group throughout the year, who has worked with their operator (e.g. council) and key stakeholders on the creation of an exemplary river or lough management committee for their stretch of river.
3. Best Youth Group Award
This award recognises the excellent work of a youth group which has made a valuable contribution to coastal work during the year.
4. Best Newcomer Award
This award recognises a group which has formed within the past year and made a valuable contribution to coastal work during the year.
5 Best Business Involvement Award
This award recognises a business which has supported the Clean Coast Programme through involvement with a Clean Coast group or activity or has been active on the beaches themselves.
6 Community Contribution to Tourism Award (Northern Ireland Tourist Board)
This award recognises a community’s efforts to improve their coastal or waterway landscape to promote tourism and improve the visitor experience.
7. Young Environmentalist of the Year Award
This award recognises the efforts of an individual between the age of 13 to 18 years old in raising awareness around an environmental issue which affects a coastal or waterway environment and/or demonstrates an ongoing commitment to practical conservation.
8. Most Committed Volunteer of the Year Award
To recognise an individual who has demonstrated ongoing commitment to the coast or inland waterway through consistent hard work on shorelines in the form of clean-ups or other activities.
9. Amateur Photograph of the Year Award (Northern Ireland Tourist Board)
To the amateur photographer submitting a photograph that captures the imaginations of the judges. The image could highlight the fun and colourful activities groups have engaged in during the Coast Care programme or celebrate the natural beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastlines and inland waterways throughout the year.
10. Professional Photograph of the Year Award (Northern Ireland Tourist Board)
To the professional photographer submitting a photograph that captures the imaginations of the judges. The image could highlight the fun and colourful activities groups have engaged in during the Coast Care programme or celebrate the natural beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastlines and inland waterways throughout the year.

All award winners will receive a commemorative award in recognition of their efforts plus a framed certificate. Individual winners (including photography) will receive £100 worth of equipment of their choice and Group award winners will recieve £250 worth of equipment of their choice.

Entry to the awards is free and easy, simply enter online at www.keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org to download a nomination form or call Nicola Murray on 02890736920 or email [email protected] and send it in before 5pm on Friday 12th September 2014 so you or your group don’t miss out!