The municipalities of Lezíria do Tejo and several partner institutions have committed to creating a regional observatory to monitor the implementation of municipal climate action plans and to assess environmental, social, and governance indicators.
The commitment is contained in the Green Days Lezíria 2030 Declaration, sent yesterday to Lusa, which aims to establish a common strategy to make the region “more sustainable, resilient, competitive and socially inclusive.”
According to the document, the declaration constitutes the starting point for the development of the Green Days Lezíria 2030 Action Plan and for the creation of a regional observatory dedicated to monitoring the objectives, targets and indicators defined for the territory.
The Green Days Observatory should carry out “regular analyses on the progress of municipalities with regard to their respective climate action plans” and monitor the region’s main environmental indicators.
The structure will also have the mission of raising awareness among the population about climate issues and promoting greater participation and support for the measures adopted by municipalities “in the domains of mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects.”
Among the foreseen objectives is also the promotion of collaboration among the municipalities of Lezíria do Tejo, “through the sharing of experiences, knowledge and resources, in order to strengthen municipal, individual and joint responses to climate change.”
The observatory should also collect and make available information about initiatives developed by the municipalities, identifying best practices for reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Organizing “workshops”, seminars and training sessions aimed at municipal technicians and policymakers is another of the functions attributed to the future structure, with the aim of improving the capacity to implement climate measures in the territory.
In the declaration, the municipalities and partner entities undertake “the commitment to implement the programs provided for in the municipal climate action plans”, encouraging the use of clean technologies and the adoption of sustainable practices in the public and private sectors.
The subscribing entities also advocate “the reduction of environmental impact and the increase of energy efficiency”, as well as “greater institutional cooperation for the sharing of knowledge and experiences in the areas of environmental and social sustainability”.
The strategy also foresees the holding of events, campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at involving the populations of Lezíria do Tejo in adopting more sustainable behaviours.
The municipalities intend to establish partnerships with non-governmental organizations, companies and teaching and research institutions, among other entities, to promote innovation and develop solutions for the region’s environmental and social challenges.
The document also states that progress achieved in the execution of the climate plans should be regularly evaluated, allowing adjustments to the measures whenever necessary, in order to ensure the achievement of the defined objectives.
The initiative aims to establish Lezíria do Tejo as a reference area in sustainability, innovation and quality of life, reconciling economic competitiveness with the protection of natural resources, social cohesion and the well-being of current and future generations.
The declaration was signed by the municipalities of Almeirim, Alpiarça, Azambuja, Benavente, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Coruche, Golegã, Rio Maior, Salvaterra de Magos and Santarém, which form the Intermunicipal Community of Lezíria do Tejo (CIMLT).
