In the context of the Regional Plan for Environmental Education and Awareness Raising (PRESAA), the Government of the Azores promotes the 11th Regional Meeting on Environmental Education and Eco-Schools (XI EREA-EE) on October 16-18. The meeting will be held simultaneously in Horta and Ponta Delgada, through videoconferencing.

This format aims to cover a larger number of participants and minimise the environmental footprint associated with the travel of participants.

Organised by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Environment, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment and AZORINA, the event is under the theme "Partners in action: contexts and environmental education practices in Azorean society." It aims to promote the sharing of experiences on Environmental Education.

This initiative involves the participation of several governmental entities, non-governmental organisation, local authorities and partners for the sustainable development of Natural Parks, among others.

Eco-Schools will be given special emphasis during the meeting, which will include 2013/2014 prize-delivery ceremony; it will be attended by the President of the European Blue Flag Association and the national coordinator of the programme.

The municipalities of São Roque and Lajes do Pico will also be distinguished with the ECOXXI Award that will be delivered during the 11th EREA-EE, as in accordance with the programme.