Regional Secretary for the Environment and climate Change present in the hoisting of the Green Flag Eco-School at Escola Básica António José de Ávila

March 14, 2023

regarding the Eco-School award for the 2021/2022 school year, granted to the school in the 15th edition of the Regional Meeting for Environmental Education, promoted by this Regional Government Department.

The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Horta, Carlos Morais, the President of the Executive Board of the Escola Básica António José de Ávila, Hildeberto Peixoto, and the Coordinator of the Eco-Schools Program, Alice Ferreira, as well as the entire school community, including the 190 students and 15 teachers involved in this project.

This is the 14th time that this educational establishment is awarded, and therefore I want to congratulate all students, teachers and other employees for this important achievement and the work they have done, hoping that the example of this school can be inspiring for many other schools”, emphasized the governor.

“This award is a very relevant distinction, which as bee in force in the Region since 1999 and which recognises the efforts and commitment of schools with the promotion of environmental sustainability and education for citizenship, aspects that are a priority for the Regional Government of the Azores”, stressed Alonso Miguel.

During the 15th edition of the Regional Meeting for Environmental Education, held between 1 and 3 March on Terceira island, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change delivered the Eco-School awards to 53 of the 60 schools enrolled in this Programme.

On the occasion, Alonso Miguel recognised “the quality work developed in this area by the school community of the nine islands. This work is decisive considering that it promotes the participation of children and young people in decision-making, thus involving then in the construction of a more sustainable school and community”, he considered.

Alonso Miguel also highlighted the School Environmental Awareness Activities Offer available every school year to all teaching establishments in the Region, stating that the main goal is to “train conscious, responsible, active and awake citizens for environmental challenges”, reinforcing the importance of transmitting knowledge and raising awareness in matters such as nature conservation, protection of ecosystems, environmental quality, management of water resources and land use planning, in a school environment.