The Verde Novo project sponsored by Petrobras through the Petrobras Socio-environmental program run by Copaíba, in addition to donating seedlings of native Atlantic Forest trees for the reforestation of properties in the region, also carries out environmental living activities. The Technical School of Amparo, João Belarmino, was one of the beneficiaries of the experience.

The school has been carrying out a project together with UNESCO to revitalize the old facilities and also to restore and enrich the green area of the property. One of the institution's teachers got in touch with Copaíba to learn more about Verde Novo and join forces by developing an environmental conservation area at the school and awareness-raising work with students. “Etec João Belarmino, Liceu, within its noble mission of training critical students capable of exercising citizenship, is currently developing a project in partnership with Verde Novo to revitalize its physical space, where the old building of the Lazareto” adds Cleusa, director of ETEC João Belarmino.

A group of students visited the NGO, learned about the production processes of native Atlantic Forest seedlings and experienced the planting of some seedlings in the Copaíba RPPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve). The school also received a visit from the environmental association team, where lectures were given to all classes and the planting of 200 seedlings by the students. “In all, 500 seedlings were planted under the supervision of the Verde Novo project. The students here at ETEC are interested, they need contact with nature and for them it is important to know that the school has a preservation area and they can be part of it” comments Renato, school teacher and responsible for organizing the planting.

The restoration coordinator of the Verde Novo project, Mayra Flores, also commented on the experience of carrying out activities at the school “The green area of ETEC is one of the few urban forest fragments in the municipality of Amparo. The forest restoration and revitalization of ETEC's buildings, in addition to the environmental and historical importance, is an opportunity for students to get closer to nature and follow the development of seedlings, making the area undergoing restoration a place of learning. All this movement that the project is providing brings life to the old school area. This partnership had the commitment of the board, teachers and students who were mobilized since the planting and now the maintenance of the area”.

The partnership continues! The project's restoration technicians will continue to carry out inspections in the area and guide the school in caring for the seedlings, and more environmental living activities will be carried out. Contact number (19) 9 99538382 or website www.copaiba.org.br/verdenovo and learn how to restore your property through Verde Novo or participate in environmental living activities with your school.