2. Conference Event COFAC Cooperativa de Formação e Animação Cultural CRL Portugal

As part of the “Climate change & STEM education in classrooms (2022-1-SE01-KA220-SCH-000088059)” project, the Portuguese Multiplier Event took place on June 20, 2024. This innovative initiative aims to integrate the STEAM educational approach, coding and robotics applications and digital tools to tackle the challenges of climate change.

This highly successful event was attended by 120 participants and stood out for its diverse program and the participation of renowned experts in the environmental field. The event began at 3:30 p.m. with a session in English entitled “Climate Change and Waste: Is there a connection?”, presented by Professor Cândida Rocha, Director of the Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering at Lusófona University. This session explored the interconnection between climate change and waste management, offering a comprehensive perspective on how these two areas are interconnected and how they can be approached in an integrated way to promote sustainability. A session in Portuguese on the “State of the art of bio-waste collection - testimonies and experiences” followed at 4pm, moderated by Carmen Lima, member of the Executive Board of CPADA - Portuguese Confederation of Environmental Defense Associations. This session was attended by various experts and leaders in the sector:

• Luís Capão, Chairman of the Board of Cascais Ambiente
• Nuno Soares, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tratolixo
• Carlos Rabaçal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Serviços Municipalizados de Setúbal and Setúbal City Councillor
• Maria José Sebastião, Head of Anaerobic Digestion and Composting at Amarsul - Valorização e Tratamento de Resíduos Sólidos S.A.
• Pedro Cardoso, Deputy Mayor of Cantanhede
• Ricardo Henriques, Head of Investments, Innovation, Studies and Projects at ERSUC - Resíduos Sólidos do Centro, S.A.

Participants shared their experiences and testimonies on the collection and management of bio-waste, highlighting best practices and the challenges faced in the sector. This event provided a platform for learning and exchanging knowledge, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and group work between teachers and experts in order to tackle climate change effectively and innovatively.

This event was part of the XIV National Meeting on Waste Management: Challenges, Solutions and Experiences.