“Our children have a real chance to drive the processes so that we all live in a better and cleaner environment. I hope that it is through children and education from an early age that in the future, when we announce statistics on progress on environmental goals, the numbers will speak for some very good results that we have achieved” - this is how the Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Reneta Koleva addressed the participants in the event for the official launch of the “Ecoschools” Program, which took place today in the “Maxim” hall of the BTA.

She spoke highly of the goal set by the organizers of the global educational program – the “Blue Flag” as a partner to the “Foundation for Environmental Education” and “Devin” AD. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Education and Culture, encourages teachers and students together, in an interactive and interesting way, to exchange knowledge on how we can directly contribute to limiting human pressure on the environment by learning how to use water and energy wisely, and as well as on separate collection and recycling of waste.

Already 50 schools have expressed their desire to join the program, said the actress Gergana Stoyanova, who is part of the program team. They will have to complete seven steps to get an “eco-school” certificate. Those that successfully meet all requirements will be awarded with the Green Flag, an internationally recognized symbol of excellent environmental performance.

Deputy Minister Koleva emphasized how important the joint efforts by various organizations and institutions are to reach out to more young people with knowledge about environmental protection. She invited children and young people to join the annual student initiative “Green Olympics”, which is traditionally held with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Water. This year’s edition of the Olympics has already started and students can test their knowledge on the special online platform by November 4.

“If 20 years ago for us concepts like ‘green policies’, ‘circular economy’, ‘recycling’, ‘renewable energy sources’ sounded very distant and unapplicable, for our children they must become a way of life. Proper training and policies to this end are key to dealing with the challenges that we all face as a society,” Deputy Minister Koleva highlighted in conclusion.