In the Azores archipelago, teams from SPEA and the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies have joined forces to take a closer look at nocturnal biodiversity and the challenges posed by light pollution, in a wide-ranging initiative aimed at educating and raising awareness among people of all ages.
In educational establishments, a variety of captivating activities are taking place. The Environmental Education programme in the Azores offers not only enchanting tales, but also activities and lectures suitable for different age groups.
See the Environmental Education Programme
Schools on the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo are invited to actively participate and can request these activities via an online form or by emailing . Schools on the islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Terceira can contact the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policy by e-mailing or , indicating “Natura@Night Project – Environmental Education/School Name” in the subject line.
The initiative is not restricted to the school environment, as SPEA also wants to involve the private sector. In this way, Azorean businesses are called to action through the “Night with Life” Award, a prize that aims to recognise and reward exemplary outdoor lighting practices. SPEA emphasises the considerable savings in electricity costs that can result from adopting the practices suggested in the award’s regulations.
In a collective effort to raise awareness of the problem of Light Pollution, these initiatives promise to have a lasting impact on the archipelago.
