There are nine Algarve projects, presented by citizens and Faro, Lagoa, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão and Portimão, candidates for “Join Gervásio” prize, an initiative by Sociedade Ponto Verde that aims to «distinguish what is best done within local communities and give visibility to good practices in the area of packaging recycling and the Circular Economy».
Projects from the Algarve were entered in the three categories of this competition: “Nearby Entities” (3); “Social Citizenship” (3) and “Parish Councils (3).
«Receipt of caps, separation and referral to the recycling center to pay for therapies and purchase of technical aid materials for individuals with disabilities and economic need; and the creation of unique and sustainable decorative pieces based on the reuse and recycling of paper, are some of the initiatives included in this group of projects», according to Sociedade Ponto Verde.
In this first edition, Sociedade Ponto Verde received a total of 173 applications, of which 60 belong to the “Social Citizenship” category (individuals), 58 to the “Parish Councils” category and 55 to the “Neighborhood Entities” category (associations and organizations).
With this application period over, the evaluation phase of all projects by ISCTE Executive Education now begins, which, while Knowledge Partner of the Prize, will select the group of 15 finalists from which the winners will be elected and the honorable mentions announced, after selection by the jury of “Jonta-te ao Gervásio”.
«The innovative character of the project, its economic, social and environmental impact on the local community, and the fact that it encourages the practice of packaging recycling are some of the criteria considered for awarding the prizes», explains the organization.
The winners of each category will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Lisbon at the end of January next year.
In the “Togethers of Parishes” category, the 1st place will receive an unprecedented sculpture by the artist Cristina Rodrigues, which is being created from thousands of packaging and leftover plastic, to be installed in the winning location. There will also be 9 honorable mentions.
As for the categories "Proximity Entities" and "Social Citizenship", a top 3 is foreseen with the attribution of monetary prizes that make up a total of 15 thousand euros, destined to new projects or to give continuity to the projects developed in this scope, in addition to honorable mentions, two in each category.
«The balance we make of this first edition of 'Junta-te ao Gervásio' is quite positive. We encourage the Portuguese to share their projects in the area of recycling, as long as they are carried out for the benefit of their communities, and what we see is that there is work done of great quality and with a remarkable commitment from the local living forces», says Ana Trigo Morais, CEO of Sociedade Ponto Verde.
«SPV thus continues the work of proximity that it has been establishing with communities throughout the national territory. We are now entering a new phase, with the task of selecting the winners being up to the jury. In addition to pecuniary prizes, we will offer an original work of art to the Parish Council that stands out the most in its category. It is an award that raises awareness of Recycling and the problem of ocean pollution, as it is made from several hundred plastic containers», concludes the same official.
The “Junta-te ao Gervásio” award is promoted by Sociedade Ponto Verde and has the support of APA – Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente and ANAFRE – Associação Nacional de Freguesias and with ISCTE Executive Education as a Knowledge Partner.
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