A record 280 young people applied for just 29 places in the Coastal Zone Management Unit’s environmental internship programme this year, reflecting growing interest in conservation and environmental careers, the department’s head said on Monday.

Coastal Zone Management Unit director Dr Leo Brewster made the disclosure during the closing ceremony for the 2026 Environmental Summer Internship Programme at the Savannah Hotel, Hastings.

Described as probably the longest and most competitive internship within the Ministry of Environment, the programme continues to provide an important pathway for young people interested in conservation and the environment, Dr Brewster said.