Environmental Education Project Mobilizes Students with Sustainable Parade and Recyclable Art in Belém
Activity integrates mandatory subject of the state network and reinforces ecological awareness through creativity and cultural appreciation
The culmination of the Environmental Education project at the Pinto Marques State School, located in the Nazaré neighborhood of Belém, mobilized students, teachers, and guests this Thursday (9), with a program marked by art, culture, and sustainability. The action integrates the Environmental Education curricular component, implemented by the Government of Pará in the state education network since 2024, through the State Department of Education (Seduc).
Focusing on citizen formation and encouraging youth protagonism, the event featured a theatrical presentation of the Amazonian legend of Matinta Pereira, a themed parade with costumes made from recyclable materials, the creation of bio-jewelry, and artistic exhibitions that combined creativity and environmental awareness.
Fashion, recycling, and Amazonian identity
One of the highlights of the program was the “Fashion and Environment” parade, which brought together original proposals from the students, using elements such as PET bottles, plastic bags, paper, and eco-friendly paints. The clothes and accessories represented the diversity of the forest, waters, and Amazonian culture.
Student Hélido Oliveira, from the 8th grade, was part of the “Florescer” group and paraded in an outfit inspired by the Victoria Regia, a symbol of the region. “This project shows how we can change our way of thinking about the planet and learn to reuse what we have. Environmental education at school is very important because it helps to understand the damage our habits cause and how we can improve as people and citizens,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Ana Alice Teixeira, 14 years old, a 9th-grade student, highlighted the project's influence on her personal journey. “It was very good to participate; I learned more about indigenous culture and about reusing materials. I even think about pursuing a career in fashion, and this project inspired me a lot,” she shared.
The parade was judged by a panel of invited judges, including singer and songwriter Jotta C, actor and musician Vagner Mendes, singer Larissa Leite, and costume designer Jade Boulhosa, who graduated in Performing Arts and Costume from UFRJ.
Bio-jewelry and brands created by students
Another highlight of the culmination was the presentation of bio-jewelry developed by the students, who also created original names for their brands, such as “Bio-Paraense,” “Onça Joias,” “Semente do Pará,” “Natural Joias,” and “Medusa Marinha.”
Student Emanuelle Cristina Almeida, from the 7th grade, explained the creative process behind the project “Bio-jewelry Medusa Marinha.” “We cut the bottle into a round shape and used a lighter to make the edges, which resemble a jellyfish. It was very fun to participate; we learn and have fun at the same time. It’s cool to see that we can make art by reusing what would be trash,” she reported.
Collective construction and student protagonism
Art teacher Suelem Bastos, the idealizer and organizer of the parade, emphasized the collective involvement of the school community. “Every year I work with themes related to sustainability. This year, starting from the students' desire, we decided to do a parade. We discussed the impact of the fashion industry on the environment and showed that it is possible to create with awareness, reusing materials. It was a transformative experience,” she highlighted.
Environmental education as public policy
The culmination integrates the actions of the Environmental Education, Sustainability, and Climate Policy, established in 2023 by the Government of Pará. Since the first semester of 2024, Environmental Education has become a mandatory curricular component at all stages of education in the state network, with the possibility of adherence by municipal networks.
Pará is a pioneer in Brazil in implementing sustainability as a mandatory subject, reinforcing the commitment to forming a more conscious and engaged generation in environmental preservation and facing climate change.
