The "Route of the 20," which marks two decades of implementation of this programme in Portugal, began in January and involved, over the past five months, about seventy schools and all municipalities in the Region.
 
Promoted by the Regional Government and the European Blue Flag Association (ABAE), the initiative began on January 20 on S. Miguel Island, with the delivery ceremony of the Eco-Schools awards to the establishments distinguished in 2015.
 
The testimonies and contributions of students also travelled to the islands of Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Flores. The initiative was concluded on the island of Corvo, where students attending Mouzinho da Silveira Eco-School presented proposals to the town hall concerning the increase of sustainable mobility, which is the main theme of the "Route of the 20."
 
In this context, eco-schools were challenged to identify problems and present to the respective municipalities the improvement proposals for sustainable mobility in the perimeters of school establishments.
 
The creation of bike lanes and bike parks, the improvement of pavements, the installation of shelters at bus stops and the creation of promenades were some of the suggestions presented.
 
Eco-Schools are an international initiative that aims to encourage actions and recognise the quality work carried out by schools. It is the oldest of environmental education and sustainable development programme implemented in the Azores, through the protocol established between the Region and ABAE.
 
In the first edition, held in 1999/2000, only four Azorean schools received this distinction, but the implementation rate reached 31% in the academic year 2014/2015. This figure is more than twice the national average, which stood at 14%.
 
ABAE is a member of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It comprises various international entities that jointly promote awareness-raising and educational activities for sustainable development in over 60 countries.
 
In addition to Eco-Schools, the Blue Flag, Young Reports for the Environment, Green Key and ECOXXI (for municipalities) programmes are some of the initiatives developed by ABAE to promote environmental education and sustainable development.
 
All these programmes feature awards intended to distinguish good environmental practices, except for the Young Reporters for the Environment; the latter is a contest. They are coordinated and represented in the Azores by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Environment, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, which has seat in their national committees.
 
The implementation and promotion of these programmes are carried out with the support of the Regional Network of "Ecotecas" (Environmental Awareness Raising Centres) and Island Natural Parks.
 
The Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs, which is under the administration of the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology, is responsible for the regional coordination of the Blue Flag programme.