An online initiative will give young people more of a stake in protecting Bermuda’s environment.

The Ministry of Home Affairs plans today to launch the scheme, called the Bermuda environmental action for youth engagement portal.

A government spokeswoman said: “This online community will be dedicated to making a real-world impact on environmental issues in Bermuda and building a community of passionate young people working towards a better tomorrow.”

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, believes that many young Bermudians will benefit from the initiative.

He said: “This portal, alongside other initiatives, will help draw attention to our oceans, create economic opportunities, improve living standards, and, perhaps most importantly, protect and preserve our environment for future generations.”

An online discussion about ocean conservation will coincide with the launch.

Hannah Horsfield, an educator at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, will moderate today’s event, which will feature marine activist and diver Holly Wakely, engineer Geoff Smith, as well as lawyer and advocate Aaron Crichlow.

The spokeswoman continued: “Join us to hear first-hand the personal experiences of our youth and panel participants as they share how they work to make a difference and protect our environment.

“This is an opportunity for individuals to learn and be inspired to go out and contribute in their own way.”

The public can tune into and participate in the discussion, which will begin at 4pm, via the Government’s Facebook, CITV or YouTube channels.

People can visit join.muuvment.com/bermuda/ to participate in the initiative, which is free to join