The Eryri National Park Authority is set to host COPA1, the first-ever Youth Climate Summit on Yr Wyddfa, scheduled for September 24th. This event, a significant milestone of the Plastic Free Yr Wyddfa initiative, aims to tackle the growing problem of single-use plastic pollution by developing innovative ideas of the next generation.
COPA1 marks a historic occasion as the first youth conference to be held at locations on Yr Wyddfa, drawing together young innovators and experts to collaboratively shape the future of the mountain. From over 200 submissions, 15 finalist groups have been selected to attend the summit, where they will present their ‘Big Ideas’ for a chance to win a £1,500 development grant, generously funded by the National Lottery.
The event will be adjudicated by a distinguished panel, including local MP Liz Saville Roberts, author and singer Casi Wyn, and M-Sparc Director Pryderi Ap Rhisiart, who will also mentor the students in turning their proposals into actionable solutions.
Alec Young, the Yr Wyddfa Plastic Free Officer said:
“The COPA1 event adopts a sustainable approach to conference-hosting, emphasising the important mantras of refill, reuse, and recycle, as well as prioritising sustainable and plastic-free products throughout the day. Additionally, the conference will make use of and promote the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service, an environmentally friendly transportation method for visitors to the area.”
In the days leading up to COPA1, the Authority has joined forces with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Trash Free Trails, Plantlife, and the Snowdonia Society in a unique effort to remove decades of accumulated litter from the Trinity Gullies and mitigate further environmental harm.
On September 21st, an expert team of climbers will descend the face of Yr Wyddfa, assisted by licensed ecologist Robbie Blackhill Miles VPLS, to protect rare Arctic-Alpine species, such as Mossy Saxifrage, which is now growing amidst the litter. The collected debris will be surveyed and analysed the following day in a collaborative, cross-community volunteer effort aimed at preventing further microplastics from contaminating the local environment.
COPA1, following the Yr Wyddfa Clean Up, will focus on developing strategies to address the single-use plastic crisis, emphasising innovation, policy development, and creative public engagement. The goal is to significantly reduce litter in the area and inspire lasting environmental stewardship by the next generation.
By providing young people with a significant role in the Plastic Free Yr Wyddfa project, COPA1 aims to empower the climate ambassadors of tomorrow. The National Park Authority and Keep Wales Tidy are dedicated to establishing this unique platform to drive positive change in Eryri.
Notes to Editors:
For more information visit the Eryri National Park website.
For media enquiries contact Ioan Gwilym, The Authority’s Head of Communications on 01766 772253 / 07900267506 or gwilym@eryri.llyw.cymru
The National Park Authority would like to thank Bangor University, National Lottery Community Fund, Keep Wales Tidy and the Baron Hill Estate for their involvement with this project