EcoMobility

EcoMobility is a programme designed for students in the middle years of their high school education. Students form small teams to study transport-related environmental issues in their local communities and develop practical solutions.

The aim is to educate the students on the proper use of transportation in their area and the positive effects that can have on the environment. The groups are strongly encouraged to identify problems and develop solutions without the involvement of their parents or teachers. The resulting EcoMobility proposals are diverse and include highly localised solutions. One project that emerged provided for more orderly bicycle parking in the community. That helped keep footpaths clear of bicycles, enabling pedestrians to avoid stepping into adjacent roadways.

EcoMobility also helps to equip teachers with the skills and information they need to educate their students about environmental issues. The programme stimulates schools, public authorities and the students themselves to promote better conditions in urban areas through the development of sustainable transport solutions for their communities.

The ideas developed by the students are presented at an event hosted by the local municipal authority. Local winners are selected and go to a national championship where representatives of scientific societies, environmental organisations and governments are present. In Greece in 2007, the members of the four teams that earned the highest evaluation were invited to a summer camp sponsored by EcoCity. The winning team overall received a seven-day trip to Brussels.

Toyota Hellas, the Toyota distributor for Greece, has been a strong supporter of this programme since its inception in 2003. The company distributes information materials, provides advice from Toyota Hellas experts about environmental technologies and gives students access to their sites so they can take a firsthand look at Toyota’s Prius hybrid technology. In 2007 the programme was also rolled-out to Cyprus.