Join Us in Belém: Explore Innovative Environmental Education Strategies Ahead of COP30

Itaipu Binacional is hosting the 28th Environmental Education Seminar in Belém (PR) on May 29 to June 2 at the Hangar – Amazon Convention Center. This event will gather experts, educators, and recyclers from the local community to discuss important environmental issues.

The seminar is part of the buildup to the 30th World Climate Conference (COP30) set for November in Belém. Itaipu is working with federal, state, and local governments to prepare for this event.

One key initiative is the Solid Waste Management and Environmental Education project, which aims to enhance Belém’s sustainability efforts leading up to COP30. Through this initiative, Itaipu, the Itaipu Parquetec, Fadesp, and the City of Belém are collaborating for a greener future. Professor Marcos Sorrentino from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change will take part in discussions.

At the seminar, the “Coleta Mais Belém” program will launch, aiming to improve waste collection in the city by partnering with several collectors’ cooperatives. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to environmental education, building on previous seminars where influential figures like indigenous leader Ailton Krenak spoke on the environmental crisis and cultural heritage.

The agreement outlines three seminars focused on sustainability and includes practical workshops on topics such as community gardening, biojewelry crafting, and upcycling cooking oil. Each workshop will host 20 participants, from teachers to community leaders.

The Solid Waste Management agreement operates in five areas that collectively enhance waste management and promote a circular economy. Key actions also involve supporting local waste pickers through equipment upgrades and legal assistance, ensuring their voices and livelihoods are strengthened within the sustainability framework.

There’s also a commitment to educational initiatives in schools, including workshops and a course titled “Sustainability in Pedagogical Practice” for teachers.

An exciting part of the project involves biodigesters. Thirty-two schools across Belém have adopted these systems to process organic waste, which produces fertilizer and biogas. This not only reduces the cost of cooking gas but also demonstrates sustainable waste management. Each biodigester can handle 10 kilograms of waste daily and generate biogas for about seven hours, cutting down carbon emissions significantly.

These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of environmental education. According to recent studies, almost 65% of Brazilians show interest in sustainability practices, highlighting a shift in public awareness. This initiative supports that trend, equipping communities to tackle environmental challenges effectively.

Enhancing Belém’s sustainability is not just an environmental responsibility; it’s a community-driven initiative that can inspire similar movements across Brazil and beyond.

For further information, visit Itaipu.

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