The St Joseph Schools in Paola and Blata l-Bajda have received the international Green Flag in recognition of their environmental standards and achievements.

Since the introduction of the Ecoschools project three years ago these are the first two schools to receive international certification. Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino was present when the Green Flag was raised at the Blata l-Bajda school.

There are 36 countries with schools flying the Green Flag worldwide. The EcoSchools project aims at mobilising and empowering students to adopt an active role in environmental decision-making and action in their school and community.

The project is coordinated by the Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry, the Education Ministry and Nature Trust.

Xummiemu, WasteServ’s mascot promoting the reduction and recycling of waste, is now also associated with EcoSchools.