Malta win multiple awards at this year's YRE International Competition

Since 2007 Malta been part of the YRE programme and at this year’s International YRE Competition won many awards in different categories. So what is their recipe for success?

“Litter is a big issue in Malta and getting schools involved in such a topical theme is quite easy”

What does the YRE Competition mean to you as an organisation?

We focus more on YRE as a programme rather than a competition. We believe the work of everyone should be recognised and we encourage a team spirit atmosphere. We therefore label all competition entries as Participation, Commended, Finalists, Honourable Mentions and Winners - thus giving credit to all those who participate and produce good work. We invite everyone for the final ceremony and celebrate all together. 

How do you celebrate your winners?

We announce them during the Annual YRE Awards - usually the 5th or 6th June, and invite the Hon. Minister to present them. Media is always present, and we are on TV and newspapers most of the time.  We award them with trophies and cash vouchers when finances allow. Other incentives for winners include invitations to turtle releases (by NTM) and invitations to opportunities to go abroad when possible. 

With four winners in the Litter Less campaign categories how do you go about maintaining interest in covering litter issues?

Litter is a big issue in Malta - and getting schools involved in such a topical theme is quite easy. However they do get more motivated by the financial help we give them - and of course the funds make it possible to provide other incentives such as more visits, Missions and the aid from abroad. 

For the next two years, I would like to launch a common target for all participating schools (e.g. cigarette butts) and make more impact with the joint energy of all schools. Plans are still in the pipeline though.

YRE Is one of five programmes administrated by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Interview: Head of the French International School Cousteau Alain Delaune

The French International School Cousteau received a personal message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau!! for their Eco-Schools accreditation ceremony after becoming the first Eco-School in Canada.

“I see the Eco-Schools accreditation process as priceless, as it gives students a strong voice”

What impact did it have at the school to receive a personal letter from the Prime Minister?

 A wow effect among students! They could not believe that the Prime Minister would pay attention to what they had accomplished....we are a small school!

It was another way for them to realize that their accomplishments had some "value" in the adult world, and they were not only proud, but they felt really empowered.

 You are now the first accredited Eco-School in Canada – why did you decide to take up this challenge?

It is my first year at this school, I moved from Mexico a few months ago. While the school was in the process of hiring me, everyone talked a lot about "their" Eco-Schools project. I could feel that Eco-School was the most shared element of the school's life for the last two years. If memory serves, the initiative was started by the Scientific Attaché at the French Consulate in 2016. I think that this particular school community has had ecology and planet protection in its genes since the beginning, so moving forward with Eco-Schools was something natural.

 What have been the benefits for the school and the pupils?

More than the goals only, I see the Eco-Schools accreditation process as priceless, as it gives students a strong voice. It teaches them to structure their thoughts and plan actions accordingly. It teaches them to listen to each other, and to come to agreements. And, for a small international school like ours, it helps us foster internationally minded students: they realize that, despite their differences, they are part of one humanity by setting themselves shared goals that will impact the world, not only their community.

 How have you engaged the surrounding community?

 The flag ceremony was an opportunity to go public and invite the local community. Also, during the past two years, students were engaged in actions towards the community, of course.

 What are the schools ambitions for your next Green Flag?

To engage more with the surrounding community, to open our doors  and to develop more service learning opportunities.

 What advice would you give to other schools in Canada considering taking the Eco-Schools accreditation?

Dare to give students a voice in your school, dare to let them fail at times. And, have fun!

Eco-Schools Is one of five programmes administrated by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

FEE Storytelling and Social Media Manual

The FEE Storytelling and Social Media Manual is now ready and available on Podio and here.

FEE loves to tell a compelling story and find the human angle, so we can showcase the wonderful hands-on work that we do everyday across the world. We are all about creating a more sustainable society, and so this manual offers tips and guidance on how to gain press attention. With advice on how to write news stories and press releases, how to make smart videos, and how to maximise your social media platforms, we thought we would share this manual with everyone to give inspiration to all those who are also interested in creating a more sustainable world.

2018 FEE Annual Report

The Foundation for Environmental Education has just published its Annual Report for 2018. As always, the developments, achievements and impacts on both national and international level of all FEE programmes are displayed in our latest publication.

In 2018, we have grown across the world reinforcing our truly global presence, strengthened by its geographic, social and cultural diversity. Therefore, we would like to thank all people involved within our network: you are the heart of our organisation!

Check it out!

FEE Board of Directors visits Mexico

By Member of the Board - Nikos Petrou

This was the first meeting of the Board of Directors for 2019, and the first physical meeting after the constitution of the new Board since last year’s Riga General Assembly. It was held in Mexico in order to support our newly established member there, FFE Mexico. The meeting was attended by all Board members (with the exception of our President who had other pressing commitments).

While in Mexico we had the opportunity to verify the excellent quality and high standards of Blue Flag beaches and marinas, as well as Green Key hotels, through on site visits, and talk with hotel and beach managers and representatives of local and state and federal government, highlighting our support of the national operator.

Presenting the award for best GK hotel renovation at the annual meeting of the Grupo POSADAS, the largest hotel operator in Mexico.

We were all impressed by the drive and commitment of FEE Mexico CEO Joaquin Diaz and his staff, who have managed, in little over a year, to increase the numbers of beaches, marinas, hotels and schools participating in the programmes, including a notable 153 Green Key hotels. We were equally impressed by their excellent working relationship with local managers and administrators, and by the trust and respect shown by the latter towards FEE programmes.

Meeting of FEE BoD with Los Cabos mayor (speaking), representatives of federal and state Tourism Ministries, and representatives of local tourism industry.

The generous and warm hospitality extended by our hosts throughout the visit was certainly one of its highlights. For me, however, the most memorable moment was on the last, optional, day of the trip, when we visited a marine protected area in the Sea of Cortez established for the protection of the rare whale sharks. There we had the opportunity to witness sustainable management in practice, with strictly controlled ecotouristic activities benefiting the local community, generating funds for conservation and ensuring safety and survival of the whale sharks. A highly successful example, truly in the FEE spirit.

FEE Head Office helps clean up after Red Cross Sale

For the fourth year in a row, FEE Head Office staff donated half a day to help clean up after the annual Red Cross sale that takes place every December in Copenhagen.

“Every year, Danish companies give us their excess clothes and accessories instead of burning them, and we promise to sell these items only during our sale and not in our shops. Danes get a chance to buy expensive brands at very affordable prices and afterwards any remaining items are then sent abroad or recycled for fibers,” says Majken Rydstrøm Johansen from the Red Cross.

In just eight hours of sales over two days, Red Cross made a staggering amount of money for good causes. “This year we made 461,00 DKK (60,000 Euros) for our work in Denmark and for our operations worldwide,” adds Majken Rydstrøm Johansen.

“At FEE we believe in giving back, so that is why we choose every year to donate half a day out of our busy schedule to help with a worthy cause,” says CEO Daniel Schaffer.