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A national conference - organised and run by pupils - has been held that will encourage young people to take action over sustainable development issues.

Inverkeithing High, Bellahouston Academy and Peebles High are leading 'eco-schools' and pupils from the three secondaries have worked together to organise a conference where they can share the work they are involved with in their schools and communities.

Over 120 pupils and staff from 30 different schools across Scotland took part in a 'Question Time' style session in the Parliament's main chamber, as well as practical workshops led by young people from the three schools.

Minister for Schools and Skills Keith Brown, who addressed today's conference, said:

"Scotland is a leading country within the international Eco-Schools programme with almost 900 schools achieving the coveted 'green flag' status. I'm delighted that pupils and teachers from across Scotland have taken part in today's conference.

"The best way for young people to be enthused about the eco agenda is to hear it from their peers. That's why I believe this eco-schools conference - led by pupils from Inverkeithing High, Bellahouston Academy and Pebbles High - will encourage pupils to become more involved with environmental issues.

"Developing an awareness of how our actions impact on our communities and the wider world is a key part of being a responsible citizen, as set out in Curriculum for Excellence. Eco Schools are a great example of this, with pupils getting involved in a diverse array of ecological projects and taking action over sustainable development issues."

Kate Campbell, Manager of the Eco-Schools programme in Scotland, said:

"The level of interest in attending the event was incredible. Over 100 secondary schools wanted to attend but there were places for pupils from only 30 schools, showing just how determined Scotland's young people are to be part of the Eco-Schools movement, keen to look after and enhance their environment and to raise awareness about sustainable development issues.

"Pupils from the three schools have been actively involved in helping to plan and organise the whole conference and the end result is a credit to all their hard work. We hope all attending the event had a fabulous and informative day.

"The level of participation in the Eco-Schools programme in Scotland is remarkable and a credit to schools and pupils who are taking an increasing interest in sustainable development."

The Eco-Schools programme is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. Schools can apply for three levels of award - Silver, Gold and Green - with specified criteria at each level.

The Eco-Schools Scotland conference was held at the Scottish Parliament on October 5 and involved a BBC-style Question Time session in the Parliament's main chamber, focused on environmental issues, which was chaired by the Deputy Presiding Officer, Alasdair Morgan MSP, and a range of interactive, pupil-led workshops. The conference was focused on helping schools do more for the environment and work towards attaining the top 'green flag' level.

Eco-Schools Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity who run the Keep Scotland Tidy national anti-litter and waste awareness campaigns.

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