Who has never heard of sustainable development? Today, it is a concept that cannot be ignored. Everyone is getting involved; businesses, individuals, political figures… The stakes are high: our planet! Being able to meet the needs of the current population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own, that’s sustainable development.
On this occasion, Nelly Olin launched a call for projects on January 17, 2006. Initiated by administrations, communities, businesses, schools, associations, or even individuals, the projects must meet two criteria to be selected: the action must be non-profit and promote the spread of sustainable development. The Regional Directorate for Industry, Research, and the Environment of PACA supervises the event and receives registrations through its website.
Even though there will be a ranking of the 100 most remarkable projects, Françoise Rouquette from the DRIRE stated that “this is by no means a competition. The reward will only be intellectual. It is about setting an example, participating in the mobilization for a good cause.”
Last year, 75 projects were registered in PACA for 1300 in France. The top 10 files from the region are forwarded to the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development to possibly be part of the Top 100.
The disparity of participants
Since 2002, small associations have been joining large brands or town halls during this environment week: EDF, Escota, France Télécom, Sodexo… The list is long.
And among these big names in the economy, there is “Aéria.” A small association of four people, activists for the planet.
François Lizé, also known as Paco, founded this association in 2005. His first action was thus planned for the third edition of the Sustainable Development Week. “Ozone in the Zone was a campaign to raise awareness about air protection. Three people distributed flyers to motorists on the main roads of Nice to direct them to my website, which provided practical advice for motorists on environmental protection.”
Unfortunately, the project did not have much impact and was not accredited. But François is not discouraged. He is ready for the fourth edition.
Meanwhile, “Paco” continues with ecological projects. “I have had a passion for the environment since I was a baby!” He participates in important debates concerning the city of Nice’s projects, he leads environmental workshops, and fights to sell recycled paper. “Because we need to offer alternatives to people. We should not just tell them that the planet is in danger. People must realize that they can change the course of things.”
And this is precisely the mission that Nelly Olin sets for this 4th Sustainable Development Week.
This year, 51 exemplary actions have been selected in the PACA region. A press conference will take place on Monday, May 22 at 3:30 PM at the DIREN in Aix-en-Provence to present the program for the week.
