Environment

Sustainability

Creating a meaningful, impactful, and sustainable event is an objective of this Moot 2025!

Rooted in the principles of environmental stewardship and a deep connection to nature, the environment pillar aims to ensure that principles of environment and biodiversity protection are included in Moot 2025.

What are we doing

Main Camp & Natural Areas

Moot 2025 Main Camp is in Cortegaça, and is situated in a protected forest area and near Buçaquinho Environment Park!

That’s why we, as Moot participants and volunteers, shall be extra cautious and careful on how we use our space!

When the participants are at the main camp or in other natural areas within Portugal, there are key environmental measures that shall be respected.

These are part of the Moot Sustainability Strategy and shall be adhered to throughout the event:

Respect the Buçaquinho Park guidelines.
There will be Designated Areas to camp, walk, and hike. Respect the defined areas to minimize land and biodiversity impact.
Please Minimize Disturbances by keeping noise levels low after the designated hours. Please avoid using loud stereos and speakers, to minimize the disturbance of wildlife.
Protect Nature: don’t pick plants, move rocks, or damage natural or man-made structures during the event.
The use of chemicals should be avoided. Choose environmentally friendly products. In case chemicals are used, it will be forbidden to dispose of them on the soil or in water.
We will be skipping bonfires. We know how much bonfires are rooted in the scouting experience. However, open fires are not allowed in Portugal due to safety and environmental risks during summer.
If possible, use Eco-Gear by choosing light and low-impact camping and personal equipment.
Vehicle use will be limited by avoiding unnecessary motorized transportation to reduce emissions and habitat disruption.

By following these measures, we as Scouts participating in Moot 2025 will be contributing directly to achieving the following SDGs

Infrastructure & Logistics

From water use to energy consumption, every decision we make shapes the environmental footprint we leave behind! Below are key measures that are taken into consideration before, during, and after the event.

Water Conservation

Installing water-saving infrastructure (such as low-flow taps at the dishwashing areas).
Setting up marked refill stations to reduce plastic bottle use.
Instructive materials on mindful water usage.

Energy Efficiency

Choosing low-energy appliances and LED lighting

Waste Management

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact. Responsible waste management is a priority, and we count on the collaboration of all participants and volunteers to make this event more sustainable.

Find out below how you can contribute!

Good practices:

⁠ ⁠Use the recycling bins correctly.
⁠ ⁠Reduce the use of disposables — bring your own reusable cup and bottle.
⁠ ⁠Avoid food waste.
⁠ ⁠Respect the waste collection times and instructions.

How recycling works in Portugal

How to recycle in the Main Camp

Each team will receive a waste kit to separate their waste on site and should then deliver it to the ecocentre, where we will have facilities to separate the following types of waste:

⁠ ⁠General waste (non-recyclables)
⁠ ⁠Food waste
⁠ ⁠Plastic and metal packaging
⁠ ⁠Paper and cardboard packaging
⁠ ⁠Glass packaging
⁠ ⁠⁠Wood
⁠ ⁠Used cooking oils
⁠ ⁠Clothes and footwear
⁠ ⁠IT and tech equipment
⁠ ⁠Small appliances
⁠ ⁠⁠Batteries

Where is the ecocentre

The schedule for waste disposal at the ECOCENTRE for participants will be shared soon.

Small actions, multiplied by thousands of Scouts, lead to a massive global impact. Please cooperate with the Waste management policies of MOOT 2025!

Transports

Transportation is often the largest contributor to an event’s carbon footprint. Hence, some measures are suggested to reduce emissions before, during, and after the event, and we need every participant on board.

Whenever possible, priority was given to travelling via trains, buses, and shared rides over single-occupancy cars.
We encourage participants to use public transport or green shuttles to and from airports.
Reducing car rentals to the minimum number.
Enabling walking and cycling routes in collaboration with the Ovar municipality.

Paths

Paths are an integral part of the event and, thus, all participants are expected to follow the Moot sustainability principles during their Paths. A sustainability checklist was provided to the Paths team to ensure that sustainability criteria were included in preparing the 120 paths.

We encourage all participants to be proactive and take on their individual and collective responsibility in seeking to ensure the sustainability of their paths.

What can you do to reduce your footprint during the Paths?

Pack light and smart, only bring what you truly need. Lighter luggage, choose versatile clothing and multipurpose items.
Carry reusables with you like water bottles, utensils, and food containers to eliminate single-use plastics.
Practice the Leave No Trace within your Path by keeping all the waste until you can dispose of it correctly. Avoid littering and recycle.
Always respect nature by staying on the marked paths, avoid picking plants or feeding animals.
Support local producers and buy from local markets to support small business communities when possible.

Reduce food waste by taking only what you can finish and share the excess with other participants within your path.

Main Camp Activities

As part of our commitment to the SDGs, we are trying to integrate sustainability, inclusivity, and well-being into every aspect of the event experience. These measures aim to reduce environmental impact and ensure that every participant feels welcomed, valued, and engaged.

Here are some of the principles taken into consideration to plan the main camp activities:

Sustainable & Purposeful materials: we will all try to use materials that are produced sustainably and serve a clear purpose.

Reduce new purchases: we will all try to prioritize renting, borrowing or reusing materials to avoid unnecessary acquisitions.

Education for sustainability: there will be specific activities and zones that aim to promote environmental and sustainable learning.

Mental health & Well-Being: there will be activities that support the emotional and mental wellness of everyone and listening ears available.

Reuse & repurpose post-event: all materials that were used for the implementation of the project will be encouraged to be reused, repaired, or repurposed when possible after the event.

Ceremonies

Moot 2025 is committed to hosting a responsible, inclusive, and environmentally conscious event. These guidelines have been carefully developed to minimize environmental impact, promote accessibility, and protect natural surroundings.

Waste Sorting: Waste collection and separation systems will be available at all ceremonies.

Accessibility: When possible, sign language and translation services .

Fireworks: fireworks are not recommended at the main camp due to environmental sensitivity and fire risk.

Sustainable decorations: recommendations were made to ban the use of disposable or harmful materials like confetti and balloons.

What can you do as a participant

From the moment you start packing to the day you head back home, every step you take can help protect our planet. It’s also up to you to promote a more sustainable Moot!

Know that your small actions can create a big ripple. Here are several awesome things you and your contingent can do to reduce your impact before, during and after Moot:

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