Water Efficiency Observatory Project – “One School, One Forest”

The presential activity consists of implementing a mini-forest in a school setting, following the Miyawaki planting method, as part of The project Water Efficiency Observatory – One School, One Forest.

The initiative will take place at EB 2,3 João da Rosa School and will adopt a participatory, collaborative, and experiential format, involving various local, regional, and national partners, as well as European Climate Pact Ambassadors, strengthening active citizenship and climate action aligned with European policies.

In the first phase, an area of approximately 100 m² will be developed, with the planting of around 300 native species (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants) at high density, promoting rapid growth, high survival rates, and ecological self-sufficiency.

In the second phase, parents and guardians of 7th-grade students will be invited to actively participate in expanding the project, contributing to the creation of an additional 100 m² of planted area. In total, the intervention will cover 200 m².

The main objectives of the activity are:

• To raise awareness of the impacts of climate change, with a particular focus on water scarcity and ecosystem resilience;
• To promote nature-based solutions as effective climate adaptation strategies;
• To enhance biodiversity and improve the school’s microclimate;
• To create a permanent outdoor classroom involving the entire school community, from preschool to 9th grade, integrated into curricular, citizenship, and sustainability activities.

This initiative aims to generate lasting educational, environmental, and community impact, positioning the school as an active hub for learning, participation, and local climate action.