Heritage Petroleum has awarded 16 students for their outstanding work in its Upcycle Art and Photography Competition which took place under the Homee Programme.
The company hopes that it would foster more sustainable practices and a culture to protect natural resources.
00:00 Heritage Petroleum highlights the connection between preserving the environment and working towards attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
00:09 The company says its HOMEe program, for which the 2023 theme is "One Earth, Our Home", is a platform that allows students to contribute to these objectives.
00:20 Students from primary schools were engaged through an upcycle art competition, and those from secondary schools took part in an environmental photo and essay competition, for which the prize-giving ceremony took place on November 27.
00:35 Environmental Regulatory and Compliance Manager at Heritage Petroleum, Vernetta Alvarado-George, says the program achieves more than environmental awareness.
00:46 "Students not only enhance their knowledge, but also develop crucial life skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. Skills that are invaluable in shaping well-rounded individuals."
01:03 51 entries were received from eligible schools, which were those in the St. Patrick, Victoria and Southeastern Educational Districts.
01:12 Kadeen Cherry-Andy Wilson of the Environmental Management Authority and one of the judges, outlines that the focus was on climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
01:23 "As time progressed and we saw the work to be judged, it was heartwarming. The creativity, the passion, the ideas, the stories, it really brought a smile to our collective faces."
01:36 The categories in the primary school competition were as follows. Standards 1 and 2, Standards 3 and 4, and then Standard 5.
01:44 For secondary schools, the categories were Forms 1 and 2, Forms 3 and 4, and Forms 5 and 6.
01:51 There were the first, second and third place winners in each category except Standard 5, which only had one winner.
01:58 In total, 16 students were awarded and three additional schools received prizes for their participation.
02:04 Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Petroleum, Eric Casculos, says the company, which extracts hydrocarbons, has a serious responsibility to the environment
02:14 and has taken several steps in support of the Paris Agreement, including a tool for transparent monthly reporting on emissions.
02:21 "Further, in 2024, we expect to reduce our methane emissions by over 25% against our baseline, and we are well on our way to achieving 30% reduction commitment that we have by 2030.
02:34 Our commitment is to produce responsibly, to minimize environmental impacts and set clear goals and communicate our progress openly."
02:44 He says Heritage would continue to drive its Green Agenda Roadmap. Casculos also outlines the implementation of initiatives to guide procurement stages
02:53 and to ensure environmental clearance before projects begin.
02:57 As it pertains to the HOME-E program, Casculos says, it impacts more than just those who submitted artwork.
03:04 "Let's not forget the ripple effect of 250 students that were positively impacted by the awareness sessions that we held.
03:12 This, my friends, is where the seed of change is sown."
03:16 Heritage Petroleum hopes that it would lead to more advocates for the environment.
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