ClimACT project ends on a high

The University’s collaborative ClimACT project won a ‘Sustainable Energy Award’ at a prestigious ceremony in Brussels.

The victory came just days before the three-year, EU-funded project came to a close in June.

The EUSEW 2019 Awards acknowledge the crucial role of the private and public sector, NGOs, national and local authorities in working towards a climate-neutral Europe.

ClimACT, which sees Gibraltar collaborate with institutions and schools from France, Portugal and Spain won in the awards’ Youth Category.

The University of Gibraltar managed the project locally, underpinned by a partnership with both the Department of Education, and the Department of the Environment.

During its three-year lifespan, the ClimACT project has supported activities that encourage education for sustainable development across Gibraltar’s schools.

To mark the end of the project, the University hosted an ‘End of Project Seminar’ in June, which was attended by over thirty teachers.

The seminar celebrated ClimACT’s progress and certificates were presented to schools in recognition of their achievements, dedication and commitment towards embedding sustainable principles in schools’ ethos and curricula.

While ClimACT officially finished at the end of June, its legacy will continue.

Speaking of the future of the project, Amaia Fernandez, the University’s European and International Funding Officer said: “One of the biggest wins for the ClimACT project will be the legacy it leaves behind. Schools have embraced the activities and the local working party has set the pace for lasting changes across Gibraltar’s schools.”

“In the short term, two teachers from the working party have been selected to attend a high-level training on education for sustainable development in Helsinki in July. We also hope to keep this forum going by meeting regularly to exchange ideas and as a support network.”