As part of the activities for the first day of the 2024/2025 school year, the Graciosa Environment and Climate Change Service was invited to participate in the ‘Seeds of Hope’ initiative held at the Escola Básica e Secundária da Graciosa.

This action, which is part of the School Environmental Awareness Activities Offer promoted by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, was part of the ‘Removal of Invasive Species – Planting of Endemic/Native Species’ activity promoted by the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project.

The activity also had the collaboration of the Graciosa Island Forestry Services, which provided on-site support and the endemic trees for planting. The aim was to sensitise students to the importance of trees on the planet and to highlight the importance of preserving and planting endemic species from the Azores. The students had the opportunity to plant endemic trees in their school garden. A total of 18 endemic trees were planted, including Azorean Picconia and Azorean Viburnum.

Two 6th grade classes, two 7th grade classes, three 8th grade classes and one PROFIJ class (Computer Operators) took part in this initiative, totalling 115 students, accompanied by 10 teachers.

This activity is yet another example of the importance of sensitising children to environmental preservation, promoting a more ecological awareness and direct involvement in the protection of ecosystems, preparing them for a more sustainable future. With the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union.