The Regional Director for the Environment stated today that the 14th Regional Environmental Education Meeting and Eco-Schools Seminar (EREA) will take place on São Jorge Island from October 9 to 11 October under the theme "Environmental Education and Natural Heritage Conservation."
 
According to Hernâni Jorge, the event is aimed at “all those involved in environmental awareness raising and education in the Region, namely the coordinators of the Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes, teachers in general, environmental education technicians, non-governmental environmental organisations without excluding anyone interested. Indeed, the purpose of this initiative is to promote a broad sharing of ideas as well as the professional and personal enrichment of participants.”
 
“During the 14th EREA, techniques and tools will be provided for the organisation of actions within the school community with a view to raising awareness for the preservation of biodiversity and existing habitats in the Region. They are also intended to address specific scientific areas of environmental awareness through lectures, thematic workshops and a field trip,” added the Regional Director. The government official spoke in Horta at the presentation of the meeting promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Education and Culture, through the Regional Directorate for Education.
 
Further information about the programme and registrations may be obtained at https://erea2019.wixsite.com/erea2019.
 
On the occasion, the Regional Director also released the schedule of the School Park, a programme developed through the Island Natural Parks' educational services and the Azores Environmental Centres Network.
 
Hernâni Jorge stressed that this initiative features 232 action, "including, fir the first time, actions for university education” and the Azores Junior Nature Watch programme, as another of the novelties.
 
“LIFE projects coordinated by the Regional Directorate for the Environment (LIFE IP Azores Natura, LIFE Vidalia and LIFE Beetles) are part of this year's educational offer. They aim to involve the student community in planned conservation activities as well as to promote the importance of biodiversity and natural heritage management and conservation," added the government official.
 
According to the Regional Director, “the School Park programme brings together activities designed and dedicated to educational institutions on all islands, so as to enhance learning from preschool to vocational and university education, contributing to an effective 'green spirit' society."
 
"This is a free educational offer, whose schedule has already been released in all schools. Participation in these activities only requires prior appointment with the local educational services of Natural Parks and Environmental Centre," said the government official.
 
In turn, the Regional Director for Education highlighted the commitment of the regional educational system in the scope of citizenship and in the creation and promotion of environmental education, through different partnerships.
 
The importance of these intersectoral partnerships is “fundamental” for the success of ProSucesso - Azores for Education, an integrated programme for the promotion of school success, noted Rodrigo Reis.