Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks World Environmental Education Day - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

On Monday, January 26, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marked World Environmental Education Day, emphasising the importance of environmental awareness and education as essential tools for building a more sustainable future.

According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, “environmental literacy is one of the key pillars of the mission set out for the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action. It seeks to raise awareness within the community about environmental challenges, foster a sense of belonging and individual responsibility, and ensure the protection and preservation of the Azores’ extraordinary natural heritage.”

Established in 1975, within the framework of the United Nations Conference on the Environment, World Environmental Education Day continues to be a fundamental milestone in strengthening the transformative role of education in preserving the planet, aligned with the goals of the 2030 sustainable development agenda.

Alonso Miguel pointed out that environmental education is a shared responsibility, crucial for building a more conscious, informed and responsible society, adding that "schools play a fundamental role in forming citizens who are prepared to exercise active, critical citizenship and who are committed to the future of the planet."

The government official emphasised that the Regional Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, "has been developing its action based on an integrated strategy of promotion, awareness-raising and environmental education. This area is a fundamental tool in responding to climate change challenges, promoting more sustainable behaviours and strengthening the resilience of communities."

"It is in this context that the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action promotes awareness-raising activities among the school community through the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE), which is held annually and aimed at all schools across the Region," he explained.

Alonso Miguel recalled that "OASAE for the 2025/26 school year includes a total of 65 activities aimed at all levels of education. They include interpretive trails, practical actions to control invasive species and plant native species, educational games, recreational -educational activities, activities developed by the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, the Biosphere Reserves and the LIFE projects, as well as visits to the Environmental Centres of the nine islands."

"This initiative offers a diverse range of activities covering various areas under the remit of the environmental department, with a focus on topics such as nature conservation, the natural and cultural heritage of the Azores, geodiversity, climate change, water resources, waste and the circular economy," he emphasised.

The Regional Secretary also pointed out that, in addition to OASAE, various initiatives are promoted associated with commemorative days and regional campaigns, involving partner entities and the general public, namely families, local communities and different civil society actors, such as World Environment Day, National Nature Conservation Day, Waste Week, Geodiversity Week and the "SOS Cagarro" campaign.

Alonso Miguel pointed out that, "since the implementation of OASAE in 2022, more than 3,500 activities have been organised, involving around 80,000 young people across all islands of the archipelago. This demonstrates the impact and success of the initiative in the environmental education of younger generations."

"The Azores Network of Environmental Interpretation Centres, consisting of 19 centres spread across the nine islands of the archipelago, plays a strategic role in promoting knowledge, awareness and responsible use of the Region’s natural heritage," acknowledged the Secretary for the Environment in the Azores. 

Alonso Miguel noted that "the mission of these centres is to raise awareness of protected areas, habitats and species of high ecological value, geosites and other elements of recognised environmental interest, reinforcing awareness of the importance of their preservation. In 2025, this network registered more than 420,000 visitors, a very interesting figure that highlights its significant impact on environmental education, bringing citizens closer to nature and the sustainable development of the Azorean territory."

The government official also recalled that the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action was once again the coordinating entity for the 16th Azores Waste Week, held under the 17th European Week for Waste Reduction, which took place between November 22 and 30, 2025.

Alonso Miguel pointed out that, throughout this week, 114 awareness-raising actions were promoted in the Azores, spread across all the islands of the archipelago: 20 in Pico, 23 in São Miguel, 12 in Terceira, 14 in Faial, 9 in Santa Maria, 10 in Graciosa, 9 in São Jorge, 12 in Flores and 5 in Corvo.

According to the government official, "these initiatives covered the five thematic areas of Waste Week, namely cleaning, reuse and preparation for reuse, prevention and reduction at source, waste sorting and recycling, including a focus area dedicated to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment" (WEEE).

Alonso Miguel also highlighted the strong regional mobilisation, noting that "143 entities participated in this edition, including public administration services, local authorities, private companies, waste management entities and operators, school establishments, environmental associations and non-governmental organisations, as well as several citizens."

For the Regional Secretary, these actions, carried out throughout the Region, have the main goal of raising awareness among the population about proper waste management as well as informing them about appropriate destinations to promote prevention and reduction at source, thus contributing to minimising waste production on each island.

Accordingly, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reiterates its commitment to an environmental policy based on knowledge, civic participation and sustainability, preparing present and forthcoming generations for environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in the Azores.