The projects “Water is Life, don't waste it”, in the “Environmental Awareness” category, and “Water and the Sea for Me”, in the “Social and Environmental Responsibility” category, both from the company Águas do Algarve, were the winners of two of the five awards at the Essência do Ambiente Awards.
The awards were presented last Friday, June 6, in the Vila Flor Palace Gardens, in Guimarães, distinguishing the projects that stood out most in Portugal for their innovation, positive environmental impact and commitment to sustainability.
This year, for the first time, the winners were chosen by the public, through online voting, involving thousands of participants from all over the country.
The Municipality of Lousada, the Municipality of Braga, Águas do Algarve and VITRUS Ambiente were the big winners in the five categories in the competition.
The initiative was promoted by Essência – Complete Communication and Essência do Ambiente, with the support of Pro.com.imagem and Vitrus Ambiente in this edition.
| Meet all the winners: |
| “ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS” CATEGORY – “Water is Life, don’t waste it” – Águas do Algarve With a strong call for changing behavior, this national campaign raised awareness among the population about the efficient use of water, warning about water scarcity and waste. Through impactful messages, real data and a broad presence in the media and public spaces, the project reinforces the urgency of preserving this vital resource. “SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY” CATEGORY – “Water and the Sea for Me” – Águas do Algarve More than just an awareness-raising initiative, this inclusive art competition invites institutions that work with the elderly and people with disabilities to reflect on the importance of water and the sea, promoting inclusion through creativity. With a focus on environmental education and artistic expression, this project reinforces the role of sustainability as a collective and intergenerational commitment. CATEGORY “ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION” – “BioSchool” – Municipality of Lousada Created at the end of 2017, the BioEscola program has been a benchmark in promoting environmental literacy in schools. With more than 2200 workshops and activities developed since its launch, it involves thousands of students, educators and families every year. In response to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, it reinvented itself with new digital tools, such as educational videos and accessible scientific content, becoming an example of resilience and innovation in environmental education. “GOOD PRACTICES” CATEGORY – “Camellias Urban Park – Laboratory for EMMAC” – Municipality of Braga This 2,5-hectare green space is not just an urban park: it is a true living laboratory for adapting to climate change. With permeable paving, native species, rainwater reuse systems and environmental education facilities, Parque das Camélias is a symbol of the environmental policy of the Municipality of Braga and a replicable model of sustainable urban regeneration. INSPIRATION TROPHY – VITRUS Ambiente In the year of its 15th anniversary, Vitrus Ambiente received the Inspiration Trophy, awarded directly by Essência do Ambiente. A tribute to the continuous work in favor of sustainability and the preparation of Guimarães to be the European Green Capital in 2026. |
