Marta Guerreiro says "Green Spirit" awards are another essential measure for promotion of citizenship in its environmental component
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed in Ponta Delgada that the Regional Government considers that the "Green Spirit" awards are "another essential tool for the promotion of citizenship in its environmental component." These awards will have as motto "Good examples are to follow ... And to be recognised!"
Marta Guerreiro spoke at the presentation of the awards, revealing that they will be delivered at a public ceremony to be held under the celebrations of the World Environment Day on July 5. The awards are primarily intended to "distinguish companies, institutions and personalities, from 2019, for good environmental practices, through environmental research, activism, volunteering or patronage." According to the government official, they will be "delivered annually in five categories."
"Any practice that follows a sustainable path must be identified, recognised and shared, whether by public and private entities or by citizens," stressed the Secretary for the Environment. In this regard, she defended that the "path towards recognition must prevail over the path of sanction. In fact, those who contribute to the preservation and dissemination of our unique environmental heritage must be praised by making this commitment, which must be felt as of all."
Marta Guerreiro pointed out that a major communication campaign will be held to disseminate the initiative during the month of September. Moreover, she added that the "period for submission of applications runs during the month of October." Applications must be submitted through "a digital form available on the Regional Government Portal."
The winner of each category is awarded a prize that intends to highlight the role of citizens as an important and determinant part of the sustainable development of the Azores.
The Regional Secretary also revealed that the applications will be analysed by a jury composed of five panels of jurors, one for each category. Each panel is composed of three members, who are personalities of recognised intellectual, technical, scientific or professional merit in the areas related to the respective categories.
The members of the jury are as follows: Rosalina Gabriel, José Virgílio Cruz and Paulo Barcelos in the Natural Resources and Environmental Quality category; Hélder Silva, Maria Teresa Tiago and Diogo Caetano in the Research and Development category; Fernando Lopes, Gabriela Queiroz and Carla Dâmaso in the Circular, Green and Blue Economy category; Ana Paula Marques, Paulo Simões and Ana Carvalho in the Education, Communication and Volunteering category; Gilberta Rocha, José Lourenço and Rui Coutinho in the Personality or Institution category.
"We have no doubt that they will be widely accepted by the Azorean populations like other programmes and projects we have been developing for the recognition of good environmental practices," Marta Guerreiro said, pointing out examples such as the "Eco Village" and "Miosótis Azores" projects.
The government official also highlighted the existence of the Portal designated as "Educating for the Environment and Sustainable Development" as well as the "Open Park" and "School Park" programmes in which Island Natural Parks play a key role in promoting environmentally sustainable practices."
Marta Guerreiro also highlighted the "growing participation of the Azorean population, not only in environmental awareness-raising actions but mainly in reporting of environmental occurrences through "On My Island" portal and the "SOS Environment" line, thus making each citizen a true watcher and defender of nature and environmental quality."
"As we verify this growing collective consciousness, we have recently approved a proposal for a Regional Legislative Decree amending the composition and functioning of the Regional Council for Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS). The changes will allow any Azorean citizen to follow up and participate in the activities developed by this advisory body, thus influencing decision-making concerning the environment and sustainable development by presenting communications at the plenary sessions held by CRADS. They can be made in person at the meetings or submitted to the Council," said Marta Guerreiro.