FOCA – Focus On Critical Action is a youth environmental protection association founded in 2018.

With the aim of contributing to the mitigation of environmental issues and adapting daily life to current needs, FOCA’s action plan is divided into three main areas: awareness, field activities, and support for research and development.

Climate action

Awareness is promoted through various initiatives, including workshops and activities in institutions such as schools, associations, and universities. Additionally, FOCA develops social media content to raise awareness among younger audiences and provide behavioral change proposals for a more sustainable daily life. Furthermore, several team-building activities have been conducted with companies from different sectors to highlight the importance of environmental issues and encourage real contributions to the ecosystem.

Regarding field activities, such as clean-ups (beach, river, or forest) and reforestation, this model fosters interaction with volunteers, demonstrating environmental issues in a practical way. These activities also help materialize the impact of the association’s work, with the support of over 500 volunteers, resulting in the removal of approximately 6 tons of waste from the ecosystem.

Finally, FOCA also supports research and the development of sustainable projects. Examples include:

• A partnership with Zouri Vegan Shoes, where plastic collected from beach clean-ups is sorted and processed to be transformed into footwear, integrating a circular economy model.
• A synergy with the Oceano Azul Foundation, allowing experience-sharing with other movements and contributing to nationwide efforts.
• Support for the MAELSTROM project, which aims to continuously remove marine litter from coastal ecosystems.

Testimony

FOCA – Focus On Critical Actions proudly joins the Porto Climate Pact, reinforcing its commitment to this crucial collective goal and to the sustainability of the Municipality.

Ana Rita Barros
President of FOCA – Focus On Critical Actions, 2023