After a tough year of preparation works carried out by VAK finally results were seen during the “National Forum of Environmental Education” on the 13th of September where the Eco-Schools programme was also officially launched in Latvia. The event gathered not only about 100 delegates from environmental and educational structures, schools, municipalities and NGO’s, but also distinguished guests, such as the Minister for Environment FEE was represented by the vicepresident Jan Erikssen and the international coordinators of Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment. The forum was opened by the Minister of Environment and Regional Development. Participants also received greetings from the President of state and the Head of the UN Delegation in Latvia. The event was a big step towards the future development of FEE programmes in Latvia. VAK already received interest from various schools to take part in the pilot project in the Renda Municipality. Following the opening of the Eco-Schools Programme, we have already received 5 more applications from new schools, and expect many more to be coming!

(September 2002)