As part of education for environmental protection, Christian Estrosi invited 300 students from schools in Nice to a presentation of educational kits. This was an opportunity to review the major projects of the metropolis for the Var plain.
We are also publishing, on the same subject, a statement from the Collective ‘OIN-Plaine du Var- for a citizen debate.’
The 300 students from 14 schools and colleges in the Var plain were invited to a rather special lesson this Friday. Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, and Eric Ciotti, President of the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes, presented their teachers with 300 educational kits, designed in partnership with the Regional Center for Educational Documentation (C.R.D.P), the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO), the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, and the Nice Academy. An enjoyable ensemble, composed of 11 posters presenting the key aspects of the valley’s development, which will illustrate the teachers’ remarks when major ecological issues are discussed in class.
Priority to ecological awareness
This event is part of education for environmental protection. Initiated by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, which has made it one of the priorities of its agenda 21, it aims to raise awareness among young generations about environment and sustainable development issues. The educational kits distributed this Friday are just one of the many actions implemented. Among others, there are conferences adapted for children at the environmental house (see box), the “Eco-student” passport, paper sorting in 161 school establishments in Nice, the 3rd edition of the environmental awards, the implementation of a school transport system, the Pédibus, and the introduction of organic food in school canteens. Meanwhile, the CRDP of the Nice academy will set up, by 2013, a didactic internet platform accessible on smartphones or digital tablets.
Development of 450 ha on the Var plain
Since the theme of this event was sustainable development, Christian Estrosi revisited the National Interest Operation (OIN) of the Var plain. This famed Eco-valley program plans, by 2025, to develop 450 hectares out of the 10,000 that make up the territory, for an amount of 2.5 billion euros. Thus, the poles of Grand Arénas, Nice Méridia, and the Baronne-Lingostière will develop, representing 1.3 million m² for businesses, housing, and shops. The Metropolis expects, through leverage, the creation of 30,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next fifteen years. The rest of the Var plain will become a territory for fauna and flora since a departmental natural park should be established there.
