The environmental education programs promoted by the Municipality of Braga registered 21,311 participations in 2026, involving schools, social institutions, families, and users of river beaches. The assessment includes activities developed under the Blue Flag program, by the Association for the Blue Flag of Environment and Education (ABAAE).
The program covered different audiences and themes, such as biodiversity, river protection, waste separation, material reuse, organic farming, and forest valorization. The activities combined learning with practical participation, promoting more sustainable behaviors.
“"Environmental education is a commitment of the Municipality that we want to continue developing with schools and the community. These initiatives introduce our natural heritage and show how each person can contribute to preserving it. The more than 21,000 participations reinforce the importance of maintaining a diverse program close to the people."
Throughout the year, exhibitions, practical workshops, training sessions for teachers, and field trips dedicated to local biodiversity were held. At the river beaches, awareness and environmental volunteering initiatives took place. The program also included intergenerational meetings, bringing together children and seniors to share memories about the rivers and the historical uses of their banks.
Altino Bessa also highlighted the importance of networking, emphasizing that "working with schools and local partners is essential to continue environmental education. We want the knowledge acquired in these activities to translate into more conscious choices in the daily lives of Braga's residents".
The evaluation reports for the Blue Flag reveal favorable assessments for most initiatives. Contributions collected from participants also allow for adjusting the program to the needs of different audiences. The implementation of these programs was made possible through the collaboration of schools, parish councils, social institutions, and associations, extending environmental education to various spaces within the municipality and creating participation opportunities for multiple generations.
