Please introduce yourself.

My name is Catarina and I work as an environmental engineer for Inframoura, the urbanisation company in Vilamoura, in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal. I’ve been with the company for 13 years.

What’s the story behind your participation in the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR)?

We’ve wanted to take part in the EWWR as a coordinator for several years, but this year was the right time for us to join this great European initiative.

What is your favourite part about being an EWWR coordinator?

I really like the social element behind the campaign: the fact that I had the opportunity to meet new people locally thanks to the EWWR, It is impressive to see just how many people are passionate about the subject of waste prevention. It’s been a very positive experience overall.

What are some actions organized in your region that stand out to you?

All! This year we’re having a few, but good, actions that are being organised with a lot of enthusiasm.

How did this year’s campaign go?

It has exceeded expectations. Our original goal was to carry out our own action: a day-long seminar that will gather different types of actors working with or influencing waste management in our area. The fact that we had 10 other actions registered surpassed our expectations?

Anything else you’d like to add?

Ours was a team effort. My colleagues Alina Corney, Vânia Revez and Inês Reis (see photo above) were equally as instrumental to the organisation of the EWWR 2019 campaign in Vilamoura as I was.