During the month of October, the Arouca Geopark marked the EUBeachCleanUp – Coastal Cleanup Week, by promoting waste collection activities along waterways and their banks. This initiative involved students and teachers from the Arouca School Group (AEA), particularly those from the European Parliament Ambassador School project and the Science Workshop.

With the goal of reducing waste that threatens aquatic ecosystems and raising greater environmental awareness among young people, six classes from lower and upper secondary education took part in activities at Ribeiro de Gondim, the Marialva River, and the Arda River.

In total, around 100 kilograms of waste were collected, thanks to the commitment and dedication of students and teachers. The AGA – Arouca Geopark Association accompanied some of the activities organized by the AEA, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between schools, the community, and environmental organizations.

The initiative not only helped clean the rivers and banks of the territory but also raised young people’s awareness of ecosystem conservation and encouraged more sustainable behavior.