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Who are we?
We are the Organización Pro Ambiente Sustentable (OPAS) Inc., a non-profit organization in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since 2005, we have been running programs and giving out awards aimed at educating people on sustainability and the protection of the environment, with the goal of turning Puerto Rico into a sustainable island. In addition to our programs, we also organize activities to educate, raise awareness and encourage change in the way we live within our community.
OUR MISSION
To contribute to the sustainable and economic development of the island through educational, entrepreneurship, and community engagement programs.
OUR VISION
To become the leading organization in the multisectoral, educational transformation through the creation of awareness toward economic, social, and sustainable development that will stand out the excellence of the Puerto Rican society.
Transparency
Our actions are clear, specific and auditable.
Excellence
We carry out all our initiatives, projects and programs whilst adhering to the highest standards.
OUR
VALUES
Verticality
We are unwavering in our beliefs and actions. We are guided by objectivity and will not bow to external pressures and influences.
Commitment
We are driven by our beliefs to work relentlessly to achieve our vision of a sustainable world.
Would you like to know the story behind
OUR LOGO?
"Inspired by Puerto Rico’s local flora and fauna, as well as its indigenous culture, I created this logo, which combines all three elements. The parrot represents the Puerto Rican Amazon with the leaf as a symbol for the El Yunque National Forest. The overall style of the logo hints at the petroglyphs of the Taíno.”
- Daijena Wang, our designer
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Humanity faces several challenges in order for all people to have the same opportunities for development and wellbeing. In accordance with the aims of the UN Millennium Development Goals agreement, 2015 saw the establishment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These goals consist of 17 objectives that stress the importance of collaboration between civil society and the both the public and private sectors. The success of these goals would mean a more equal and habitable world.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) give us a vision of our common future. They set us a challenge in which we could take part so that we can build a better future for all. Our programs, each of them varied and innovative, strive towards these 17 objectives.
OPAS and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), as their names suggest, work together towards SDG 4 – a quality education with particular focus on target 4.7. The five FEE programs are characterized by the same thing: offering their participants the chance to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to promote sustainable development and global citizenship, and to live sustainable lifestyles.
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In 2018, our programs worked towards achieving the SDGs in a variety of ways. One such example was the YRE competition, which called on international collaboration in accordance with SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action). Green Key’s good practice guide focused on SDG 12 to ensure “sustainable production and consumption habits”, while Eco-Schools concentrated on “Positive actions towards Sustainable Development Goals”, highlighting the value of global perspectives on the road towards sustainability through its specific school projects.
DID YOU KNOW?
Puerto Rico, our beloved island...
...is the only region in the Americas with certified Blue Flag beaches in its natural reserves.
...was the first Spanish-speaking country in Latin-America to run the "Young Reporters for the Environment" program.
...has more than 45 Eco-Schools, impacting the lives of 25,000 children and young people.